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With no Premier League game this weekend, every Arsenal fan will have their eyes firmly on their Champions League semi-final against Paris Saint Germain next week.

However, while Mikel Arteta’s side have a real chance of doing something sensational on the continent, it would be impossible to describe their domestic form as anything other than disappointing.

The Gunners crashed out of the FA Cup and League Cup, and should Liverpool pick up even a point at home to Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, they’ll be crowned champions with four games to spare.

While injuries have certainly played their part, poor performances have been just as big of a problem, with club captain Martin Odegaard’s drop in form emblematic of the season overall.

The Norwegian international may well get back to his mercurial best next year, but if recent reports are to be believed, the club may have already identified someone who’d be an upgrade, someone who’s won comparisons to the incredible Jude Bellingham.

Arsenal transfer news

Before getting to the player in question, it’s worth looking at some of the other incredible names Arsenal have been linked with in recent weeks, such as Raphinha.

The Barcelona superstar would reportedly be available for about £86m in the summer, and while that is a lot, it could be a fee worth paying as he’s already scored 30 goals and provided 23 assists in 49 games this year.

A cheaper player touted for a £43m move to the Emirates in recent days has been Andrey Santos.

Transfer Focus

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

The Chelsea loanee is having a stellar campaign in France with Strasbourg, amassing 15 goal involvements in just 30 appearances from central and defensive midfield.

However, the most exciting name touted for a move to N5, and the one who could replace Odegaard is Désiré Doué.

Yes, according to reports from Spain, Arsenal are one of several Premier League sides interested in signing the Frenchman this summer.

Alongside the Gunners, the report has revealed that Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea are keen on the talent.

However, Paris Saint-Germain are not planning on selling the teenage sensation unless a monster offer of around £86m is made.

It looks like it could be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but given Doué’s immense ability and potential, it’s one worth fighting for, especially as he could be a dream Odegaard replacement and has been compared to Bellingham.

How Doué compares to Odegaard and Bellingham

So, the first thing to say is that while Doué has spent more time on the wings this season, he has still made nine appearances as an attacking midfielder this term and has even been described as a “true 10” by respected analyst Ben Mattinson.

With that out the way, it’s worth examining this comparison to Bellingham and where it comes from before looking at how he stacks up against Odegaard.

In this instance, it stems from FBref, which looks at players in similar positions across Europe’s top five leagues, the Champions League and Europa League then creates a list of the ten most comparable players for each one and, in this instance, has concluded that the Englishman is the number one most similar midfielder to the PSG gem.

Progressive Passes

7.19

7.29

Goals

0.35

0.34

Assists

0.35

0.30

Goals per Shot

0.12

0.14

Goals per Shot on Target

0.30

0.39

Carries

45.4

43.2

Aerial Duels Won %

43.8%

46.9%

The best way to see where this comparison has come from is to look at the underlying metrics in which the pair rank closely, including, but not limited to, progressive passes, goals, assists, goals per shot and shot on target, carries and more, all per 90.

So, with his apparent statistical similarities to the Real Madrid star, how does the Angers-born ace compare to the Gunners’ captain?

Well, from a pure output perspective, he comes out miles ahead.

For example, in 46 appearances, totalling just 2538 minutes, he’s scored 13 goals and provided 12 assists.

That means the “absolute genius,” as dubbed by Mattinson, is currently averaging a goal involvement every 1.84 games or every 101.52 minutes.

For his efforts this year, the Drammen-born star has scored just five goals and provided ten assists in 39 appearances, totalling 2982 minutes.

Therefore, the 26-year-old is averaging a goal involvement every 2.6 games or every 198.8 minutes, which is undeniably disappointing.

Ultimately, while he might cost a huge sum of money, Arsenal should do what they can to sign Doué this summer, as not only has he won comparisons to Bellingham, but he could be a younger, more exciting upgrade on Odegaard.

Arsenal in contact to sign mega Partey upgrade with a £1bn release clause

Thomas Partey could stay at Arsenal but they should seek a replacement.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Apr 24, 2025

That nagging sense of complacency was somewhat put to bed following Saturday’s thumping 5-1 win at home to Kilmarnock, with Champions-elect Celtic surging into a four-goal lead inside 25 minutes to nudge themselves even closer to a fourth successive Premiership title.

Such an emphatic result represented a perfect response following the shock defeat to bottom side St Johnstone a week earlier, with manager Brendan Rodgers having stated his players may now be “too comfortable”, amid a run of three defeats in six league games.

Even amid the weekend win at Parkhead, however, Rodgers’ point still stands, with the Northern Irishman suggesting that “change is needed”, having outlined his desire to “improve the team”.

The Hoops did notably move to bring Jota back to the club in January, albeit with that switch seeing Kyogo Furuhashi head to Stade Rennais in the opposite direction, with the Old Firm side still needing to strengthen, rather than merely seeking to plug the gaps.

Thankfully, as far as Rodgers is concerned, it would appear that work is already being done on bringing in fresh faces ahead of next season, with rumours rife regarding the Glasgow side’s interest in Million Manhoef.

Why Celtic are targeting Million Manhoef

As reported in recent days, the Hoops appear to be among the clubs interested in signing the Stoke City sensation this summer, with the 23-year-old having dazzled across the last year or so in the EFL.

The suggestion is that Rodgers has set his sights on signing the winger amid the need for increased depth in the attacking ranks, with Honduran forward Luis Palma set to depart permanently at the end of the season, following his current loan stint at Olympiakos.

It was not revealed how much the Dutchman would cost this summer, albeit with Celtic likely hoping to strike a deal for close to the £3m fee that Stoke paid to snap Manhoef up from Vitesse Arnhem back in February 2024.

The Netherlands U21 international has made his way onto Rodgers’ radar amid his sparkling displays for a struggling side of late, with the right winger registering ten goals and assists for the Championship side in all competitions this season.

With 15 goal involvements in total for the Potters in 49 outings – after previously racking up 30 in 88 games in Holland – the in-demand forward has that golden touch in the final third, with the hope being that he can kick on again should he move to Glasgow.

There will also be optimism that Manhoef can follow in the footsteps of another exciting, left-footed winger who has since dazzled in green and white.

Celtic have struck gold on 'breathtaking' star

Whether it has been the lack of competition at the summit, or their cruel exit from the Champions League, it’s fair to say that Celtic have somewhat stepped off the gas in recent weeks, amid those defeats to Hibernian, Rangers and the Saints.

Market Movers

Football FanCast’s Market Movers series explores the changing landscape of the modern transfer market. How much is your club’s star player or biggest flop worth today?

Among those who have looked particularly off the boil in 2025, in general, is Nicolas Kuhn, with the 25-year-old – who did score in the second-leg clash with Bayern Munich – having failed to find the back of the net in the league since early February.

Such a drop-off is certainly a reason for concern – with Chris Sutton pinpointing the German’s ‘attitude’ as a potential problem – although it shouldn’t overshadow what has largely been a stunning campaign for the wing wizard, amid his return of 36 goals and assists in just 45 games in all competitions.

Who can forget his stunning brace against RB Leipzig, or that finish on the break against Bayern? Yes, his form has slumped of late, but at his best, the former Rapid Vienna star truly is “breathtaking”, in the words of pundit Marvin Bartley.

Regardless of his impact in recent months, it still appears that Rodgers and co struck a bargain by managing to land Kuhn from his former employers for just £3m during the 2024 winter window, with reports already linking him with a £25m exit to the Premier League.

Games (starts)

28 (21)

31

Goals

10

5

Assists

8

4

Big chances created

10

10

Big chances missed

9

9

Key passes*

1.7

1.6

Pass accuracy*

76%

79%

Successful dribbles*

1.9

1.5

Possession lost*

11.3

13.4

That would represent a mammoth profit on a player who had actually only recorded seven goals and ten assists in 51 games during his time in Vienna, thus boasting a similar record to what Manhoef has achieved at Stoke.

Hopefully, if the Dutchman does link up with Rodgers this summer he can emulate the success of Kuhn on the flanks, although at present, it is clear to see who the superior talent is. Indeed, as per Transfermarkt, Kuhn is now deemed to be worth around €12m (£10m), while the Stoke star, by contrast, is currently worth just €3.5m (£2.5m).

As Rodgers has shown with the German to date, however, he could just be the perfect coach to nurture Manhoef and turn him into yet another exciting, young attacking talent for the Hoops.

The next Liel Abada: Celtic plotting exciting move for £3m star

Celtic are reportedly interested in signing a star who could be Liel Abada 2.0 fo the club.

1 ByDan Emery Apr 14, 2025

Manchester United will, unsurprisingly, be focused on potential incomings this summer, albeit with manager Ruben Amorim having already confirmed that the club will need to sell to buy, amid their concerning financial situation.

Talk has already been rife in recent months regarding the futures of both Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho – following January interest from rivals Chelsea – while there have also been suggestions that LaLiga giants, Real Madrid, are plotting a £90m offer for Bruno Fernandes.

The Portuguese playmaker – who revealed he turned down an “offer” to leave last summer – has warranted those admiring glances following what’s been another fine campaign on an individual basis, with the United skipper leading the way at Old Trafford for both goals and assists in 2024/25 to date.

Those rumours have, however, subsequently been put to bed by Amorim, with the 40-year-old outling that his compatriot is “not going anywhere”, particularly with his current deal not set to expire until 2027, plus the option of a further 12 months.

In truth, the Red Devils simply can’t afford to be without their captain and their talisman, with the former Sporting CP hero representing a real outlier with regard to the club’s recruitment over the last decade.

While there have been promising signs from recent arrivals such as Noussair Mazraoui, not since Fernandes has a marquee signing truly hit the ground running in a United shirt – perhaps that could be set to change…

Latest on Man Utd's transfer interest

The arrival of Amorim and the change to a 3-4-3 has ensured that specialised targets will need to be considered this summer, albeit with CEO Omar Berrada having only recently outlined that the club will look to acquire versatile players who can play in “multiple positions”, amid the potential of a possible change in the dugout later down the line.

While that approach may be sensible considering the Red Devils have too often been led by the manager on the transfer front – as indicated by Erik ten Hag’s raft of Eredivisie or Dutch signings above – the Old Trafford hierarchy do still need to ensure that Amorim is handed the appropriate tools to fit his preferred system.

With that in mind, reports in Spain have suggested that United are among the clubs who are interested in prizing Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace, with the England international currently operating in Oliver Glasner’s own 3-4-3 set-up.

Transfer Focus

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

The suggestion is that INEOS are preparing to make an offer to land the 26-year-old ahead of next season, with the Eagles set to accept nothing less than his reported £60m release clause.

The former Queens Park Rangers starlet – who moved to Selhurst Park on a £20m deal in the summer of 2020 – is also reportedly the subject of interest from Premier League rivals Arsenal and Liverpool, with United thus facing a real fight if they are to land his signature.

Should Berrada and co move to the front of the queue, however, landing this ready-made, proven Premier League sensation could represent the club’s best move since acquiring Fernandes back in January 2020.

Man Utd could be eyeing their best signing since Fernandes

Having been linked with a move to Manchester City in the summer of 2019, Fernandes eventually made his way to England less than six months later, with the Red Devils forking out an initial fee of around £46m.

From a Man of the Match performance against Wolverhampton Wanderers on debut, the Portugal star simply hasn’t looked back, registering 95 goals and 82 assists in 278 games in all competitions.

What has been a particular feature of the £300k-per-week star’s game, excluding his creativity and availability, is also his willingness to slot into a variety of roles, having lined up as a deep-lying midfielder, a number ten or even on the flanks in recent years.

Those traits are no doubt shared by Eze, with the one-time Wycombe Wanderers loanee comfortable in either of the two number ten berths in Glasner’s system, as well as part of the midfield two. Equally, on international duty, the in-demand playmaker scored for the Three Lions against Latvia, having been introduced off the left flank.

Described as a “frightening” talent by teammate Joel Ward, at 26 – just a year older than Fernandes was when he moved to Old Trafford – Eze could well be entering his prime years, having stayed put in south London despite persistent speculation regarding an exit in recent times.

As previously stated, his proven quality in the Premier League should ensure he is able to slot straight into Amorim’s ranks and make an immediate impact, in a similar mould to Fernandes, having registered 58 goals and assists in 156 games for Palace to date.

In 2024/25, meanwhile, Eze boasts six goals and nine assists in all competitions, with that tally including a return of two goals and six assists in the top flight to date for Glasner’s in-form outfit.

Games

25

Goals

2

Assists

6

Big chances created

9

Big chances missed

7

Key passes*

2.0

Touches*

52.4

Pass accuracy*

82%

Successful dribbles*

2.1

Possession lost*

14.5

Those numbers may not be too eye-catching, yet dig a little deeper, and it is easy to see the Englishman’s quality, as outlined by the fact that he ranks in the top 14% among his Premier League peers for successful take-ons, as well as in the top 12% for shot-creating actions per 90.

That dribbling prowess was on show in last week’s FA Cup win over Fulham as Eze weaved his way past a sea of defenders before curling home a stunning effort into the far corner, having also teed up teammate Ismaila Sarr following a delightful jinking run down the left wing.

Previously described as a “Champions League player” by BBC pundit Danny Murphy, the £100k-per-week genius is – as Fernandes was five years ago – ready to make that next step. United should welcome him in with open arms…

Lukaku 2.0: Man Utd holding talks over signing £40m "wrecking ball"

Man Utd are on the hunt for a new striker this summer…

ByRobbie Walls Apr 2, 2025

With Europa League action looming, there is still time left for Rangers to save their season, with the Old Firm side hoping to emulate – and better – their European heroics in 2022 by reaching the competition’s showpiece in May.

In essence, the upcoming tie against Athletic Bilbao represents all that is left to play for at Ibrox for the remainder of the campaign, with the Light Blues having tumbled out of title contention in the Premiership.

Frustratingly for interim boss Barry Ferguson, his side have failed to build on the recent dramatic derby triumph, with Saturday seeing the Glasgow giants slip to a fifth successive defeat on home soil Hibernian.

That 2-0 loss – which was followed by a shock 1-0 defeat for Celtic away at bottom side St Johnstone – has only served to epitomise what has been a miserable domestic campaign at Ibrox, with the gap now at 13 points between the division’s top two.

Such woes have perhaps not been helped by the uncertainty surrounding the permanent manager role and the impending 49ers takeover, with it set to represent a real summer of change for the Gers in all departments.

Indeed, Saturday’s setback showcased once again why the playing squad is also in need of major surgery…

Rangers' worst performers vs Hibs

First and foremost, it proved to be another frustrating day for the polarising Cyriel Dessers in attack, with the experienced striker looking back to his former self with a profligate display against the Edinburgh side.

The Nigerian striker – who notably scored in the first-leg win over Fenerbahce – had scored four across his last four league games heading into the weekend clash, although went on to squander two big chances as the hosts failed to make the breakthrough.

The £27k-per-week striker notably saw his effort denied from the angle after being teed up by skipper, James Tavernier, before then lashing over the bar following a clever, threaded pass from Hamza Igamane.

Minutes played

88

Touches

24

Shots on target

1

Shots off target

2

Big chances missed

2

Pass accuracy

85%

Key passes

0

Ground duels won

3/6

Aerial duels won

0

Possession lost

5x

Offsides

3

Stats via Sofascore

Aside from that moment of quality, meanwhile, it proved to be a ‘completely anonymous performance’ from young Igamane – as per The Scotsman’s Mark Atkinson, with the Old Firm hero notably squandering possession on 20 occasions from just 54 touches, as per Sofascore.

Elsewhere, it was also a grim outing for the members of Ferguson’s backline, with promising full-back, Jefte, having looked off the boil down the left, having failed to complete any of his five attempted crosses, while also losing the ball 18 times in a desperate bid to create for his side.

The Brazilian – and his defensive colleagues – were almost comically undone for the game’s clincher as Martin Boyle was afforded acres of space to run into, with the Australian star duly converting through the legs of Jack Butland, epitomising what was another rough afternoon for the Gers’ number one.

The Rangers star who now needs to be sold

With Dessers failing to fire at one end, Ferguson and co weren’t helped by the woes of the Englishman at the other end, with Butland failing to keep out Dylan Levitt’s deflected strike as the Easter Road side surged into the lead.

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In isolation, that mistake from the £25k-per-week stopper could be accepted, although the ex-Crystal Palace man has now produced a string of gaffes that have proved costly for his side in recent months.

The 32-year-old had initially looked like a real coup following his free transfer arrival back in the summer of 2023, having ended that debut season as something of a shining light for the Gers, after keeping 18 clean sheets and conceding just 32 goals in the league.

Such inspired form even led to calls for Butland to be selected in England’s Euro 2024 squad, with Rangers icon Graeme Souness among those tipping the experienced ‘keeper to be on the plane to Germany:

Unfortunately for Butland, that call never came, with it now looking increasingly unlikely that international recognition will come his way any time soon, with Saturday’s mistake just the latest in a catalogue of errors in 2025.

Journalist Josh Bunting notably stated back in late December, following the 2-2 draw with Motherwell, that Butland was in a “real rut of form”, having begun to look “so shaky with each passing game”.

Indeed, the one-time Manchester United loanee proceeded to punch the ball into his own net against his former side in the 2-1 loss at Old Trafford, while more recently, he could only spill the ball straight into the path of Dundee striker, Simon Murray, in that 4-3 thriller.

Of course, Butland did enjoy the highs of his penalty shoot-out heroics against Fenerbahce, although considering his status among the club’s highest earner – and the fact that he was signed on a free – the 49ers regime may deem it wise to try and cash in on the 2023 arrival this summer in order to secure a profit.

Yes, perhaps he is merely a victim of the wider issues that are currently impacting Rangers, although at a time when no one should be safe from the axe, Butland may find himself nudged toward the exit door.

Ferguson must finally drop Rangers flop who was worse than Diomande

Rangers must finally drop the flop who was even worse than Mohamed Diomande.

1 ByDan Emery Apr 6, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly setting aside over £100 million to sign a Brazil international and his teammate this summer, amid criticism surrounding Spurs and chairman Daniel Levy’s transfer policy.

Levy defends Tottenham spending amid ENIC protests

Earlier this week, the Lilywhites released their latest set of financial results.

Levy "working hard" to appoint 52-year-old with Tottenham talks held

The Spurs chairman has been negotiating.

ByEmilio Galantini Apr 1, 2025

The club announced a four per cent drop in revenue overall, with matchday income falling to £106 million and UEFA prize money down from £56 million to just over £1 million, due to their lack of European participation last season (Standard Sport).

Chelsea (away)

April 3rd

Southampton (home)

April 6th

Wolves (away)

April 13th

Nottingham Forest (home)

April 21st

Liverpool (away)

April 27th

Following these numbers released from Tottenham’s last financial year, amid fierce criticism surrounding the club’s transfer policy, Levy has moved to defend the north Londoners’ squad investment.

“Since opening our new stadium in April 2019, we have invested over £700 million net in player acquisitions,” said Levy in an official statement.

“Recruitment remains a key focus, and we must ensure that we make smart purchases within our financial means. We cannot spend what we do not have, and we will not compromise the financial stability of this club – indeed, our off-pitch revenues have significantly supplemented the lower football revenues this year, testament to our diversified income strategy.”

Ange Postecoglou is under mounting pressure in the dugout after a dismal 2024/2025 season, with reports heavily linking Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola with the potential Spurs job.

Levy also commented on the team’s league position, urging supporters to get behind the side ahead of a crucial next few weeks.

“We currently find ourselves in 14th position in the Premier League, navigating what has been a highly challenging season on the pitch,” said Levy.

“We are, however, in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Europa League. Winning this competition would see welcome silverware and mean qualification for the UEFA Champions League. We must do everything we can to support the team in these final key stages.”

“I want to thank everyone who supports us through good times and bad. We are resilient and passionate about our Club. We shall aim to finish this season as strongly as we can and continue to build for success on the pitch.”

Tottenham plan to spend over £100m on Matheus Cunha and Joao Gomes

Interestingly, despite Levy’s caution when it comes to spending, a new report has now claimed Spurs are ready to seriously invest in the signings of Wolves duo Matheus Cunha and Joao Gomes.

CaughtOffside write that Tottenham are planning to spend over £100m on Gomes and Cunha, which would surely be a huge chunk of their transfer budget.

Postecoglou’s side pose a serious threat to Arsenal’s pursuit of Cunha as a result, with the Brazil internationals firmly on technical director Johan Lange’s radar heading into this summer window.

Cunha has starred for Wolves in a variety of attacking roles this term, scoring 15 goals and racking up four assists, and his contract will include a tantalising £62.5 million release clause.

Gomes, meanwhile, is a mainstay under Vitor Pereira. The 24-year-old has started 27 out of 29 Premier League matches for Wolves this term, averaging a very impressive 3.1 tackles per 90 at Molineux in that time (WhoScored).

Liverpool are in a dire rut of form at the moment and the pressure only ramped up on Arne Slot following their 3-3 draw with Leeds United on Saturday evening.

As if Slot didn’t think things could get any worse, what hasn’t helped is Mohamed Salah’s remarkable interview after the game.

The Egyptian has been on the substitutes bench for the last three games and according to reports, will not travel to Milan when the Reds face Inter in the Champions League this week.

What Mo Salah has said about his Liverpool future

Salah was in conversation with reporters after Liverpool’s dismal draw with Leeds at the weekend and it’s safe to say he did not cover Slot and Co in glory.

“‘I’m very disappointed, Salah began. “I’ve done so much for this club – everyone can see that – over years, especially last season, sitting on the bench I don’t know why. It seems like the club has thrown me under the bus. That’s how I feel it.”

The Liverpool great continued: “It’s very clear that someone wants me to get all the blame. Club promised me a lot in summer. So far I I’m on bench three games, so can’t say they have kept those promises.

“I say many times I had a good relationship with the manager and all of a sudden we don’t have any relationship, I don’t know why. It seems like someone does not want me in the club.

“But again this club, I always support it. my kids will always support it. I love the club so much and I will always do. I called my mum yesterday because I knew I wasn’t going to start and told my mum and dad to the Brighton game [next Saturday].”

How Salah trained on Monday

Salah smiled and chatted with his teammates on Monday as he attended the club’s first training session since his outburst over the weekend.

He arrived on the training pitch in conversation with French striker Hugo Ekitike. Salah listened as Slot addressed the squad and then took part in a series of warm-up and passing drills, interacting with the likes of Curtis Jones, Virgil van Dijk and Dominik Szoboszlai.

The session was overseen by Slot who is really up against it now. Who the Liverpool board decide to side with, Salah or the Dutchman, will be very interesting.

It’s remarkable just how quickly the pendulum can swing at Manchester United.

From the optimism of a five-game unbeaten run, including three successive wins in October, the Red Devils can now be viewed through the lens of three games without a win, following Monday’s dismal defeat to Everton.

Results like that are perhaps to be expected for a side still enduring a hangover from last season’s 15th-place Premier League finish, although with AFCON looming, Ruben Amorim and co can’t afford to keep slipping up.

Sunday’s clash with Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park thus provides a perfect opportunity for the Old Trafford side to bounce back, albeit with Amorim’s options again set to be somewhat limited.

Latest Man Utd team news

To borrow the old cliché, Selhurst Park has not been a happy hunting ground for United in recent times, having last tasted victory in south London back in July 2020.

Home or way, in truth, the Eagles have provided a stern test for the Manchester side, with United failing to win any of the last four meetings between the two teams, a run that includes the infamous 4-0 thrashing in May 2024, and the subsequent criticism of Casemiro from Jamie Carragher.

Hopes of ending that recent run will have been dented by the news that Matheus Cunha will once again be absent, with the Brazilian having missed the loss to the Toffees after sustaining a head knock in training.

That is a particular blow considering that fellow summer signing Benjamin Sesko is also still set to be missing until mid-December, with the £74m Slovenian having been sidelined since hobbling off in the 2-2 draw at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Amorim doesn’t even have his makeshift marksman, Harry Maguire, to call upon either, with the 32-year-old also not set to be involved on Sunday due to injury.

Thankfully, the sight of Lisandro Martinez back on the bench last time out will spark hope that the Argentine cult hero can be involved again sooner rather than later, although it is likely that the 27-year-old will be eased back into the action gradually.

There is an intrigue at potentially seeing the ex-Ajax man deployed at left centre-back, with Luke Shaw at left wing-back, although in the meantime, Amorim might have a wildcard solution down that left flank.

Man Utd's new Evra could start at Palace

That Shaw-Martinez combination could be the answer later down the line, with Amorim certainly in need of genuine competition or an upgrade on Patrick Dorgu at wing-back, with the Dane again struggling against the Toffees.

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The former Lecce starlet notably flashed an effort wide at the backpost, prior to being hooked on the hour mark, having failed to provide a single successful cross, while losing possession 11 times from just 40 touches, as per Sofascore.

Whether the 21-year-old has been parachuted in too soon or not, he doesn’t look like the answer right now, with Amorim himself admitting that “you can feel the anxiety every time Patrick touches the ball”.

Equally, the decision to deploy a right-footed Diogo Dalot on that flank continues to leave supporters scratching their heads.

With that in mind, Amorim could surely do worse than hand a chance to the previously exiled Tyrell Malacia, with the forgotten Dutchman having been brought in from the cold in recent months.

Previously – and perhaps unfairly – included in United’s summer ‘bomb squad’, the injury-hit full-back might be a wildcard option, representing one of few genuine options on the left wing.

Games (starts)

22 (14)

Goals

0

Assists

0

Big chances created

1

Pass accuracy

87%

Tackles

2.1

Interceptions

1.1

Dribbled past

0.5

Total duels won

50%

Part of the matchday squad in two of the last four games, including against Everton, albeit while yet to make an appearance this season, Malacia hasn’t featured for United since January, having made only eight appearances in the first half of 2024/25 following his belated return from injury.

A 17-month horror stint on the sidelines had come after an initially positive start to life at United back in his debut 2022/23 campaign, with the ex-Feyenoord man having usurped Shaw at left-back following the debacle at Brentford.

The diminutive talent was even likened to a legendary figure of United’s past in the form of Patrice Evra, with Rio Ferdinand making that comparison in August 2022:

So cruelly ravaged by injury since then, the 26-year-old – to his credit – has fought his way back into contention, even after looking off the pace following his eventual return last November, with Amorim stating that it is hard for him as he is “not so offensive”.

After six months at PSV Eindhoven, and a summer exile, Malacia is now back in favour, with Amorim seemingly offering a route back into the side late last month:

Of course, those concerns over his attacking quality might still ring true, having yet to score or assist for the club, yet at a time when Dorgu is struggling, Malacia might well be able to provide a sense of balance off the left.

It would be a bold call to thrust the nine-cap Netherlands international into the mix against Palace’s Daniel Munoz, but Amorim needs to find a solution – the diminutive full-back might just be it.

Best January deal since Bruno: INEOS make PL "warrior" Man Utd's top target

Manchester United have a new top target ahead of the January transfer window.

ByEthan Lamb Nov 29, 2025

Nottingham Forest head coach Sean Dyche arrived at the City Ground to replace Ange Postecoglou in October and has enjoyed a fairly strong start to life in the Midlands.

The English tactician has won three of his six matches and kept three clean sheets, most recently masterminding the incredible 3-0 win over Liverpool at Anfield in the Premier League.

Unfortunately, though, the player Dyche knows the most within the Forest squad, Chris Wood, has been unavailable for selection due to a knee injury.

The latest news on Chris Wood's injury

The New Zealand international suffered a knee injury in October that has kept him out of action for over a month, and he is yet to feature under Dyche for the Tricky Trees.

Prior to the Liverpool win, Dyche said: “It is just a settling period (for Wood), it is nothing too serious, it is a grumbling knee. It is serious enough to stop him from loading it; from loading in daily training, but it is settling down.”

This means that it is a case of wait and see for the experienced frontman before he can return to training and Premier League action, after he scored a staggering 20 goals in the top-flight for Forest last term.

The former Burnley man only scored two goals from 2.77 xG in the first eight matches of the current Premier League season, though, per Sofascore, and it will be interesting to see if Dyche can get him back to his best.

Meanwhile, Forest are reportedly eyeing up a January transfer window swoop for Porto centre-forward Samu Aghehowa, who could be the manager’s new version of Wood.

Why Samu could be Dyche's new Wood for Nottingham Forest

The current Tricky Trees striker turns 34 next month and there is no guarantee that he will come back from this knee injury to deliver goals on a consistent basis, which may be why a new striker is on the agenda for January.

Like Wood, who is 6 foot 3, Samu is a physically imposing centre-forward who stands at 6 foot 4 and has the strength and size to compete with Premier League defenders to be the kind of focal point that Dyche wants his number nine to be.

Journalist Zach Lowy once claimed that the Porto marksman can be “one of the best STs in Europe” and his form in Portugal suggests that he is now living up to that praise.

The Spain international scored six goals in nine Europa League matches in the 2024/25 campaign, per Sofascore, whilst his form in the Portuguese top-flight has been phenomenal.

Appearances

30

10

xG

14.07

4.98

Goals

19

6

Minutes per goal

119

105

Assists

3

1

Aerial duel success rate

51%

60%

As you can see in the table above, Samu has provided a consistent and clinical threat in the final third for Porto in the Liga Portugal since the start of last season, whilst also winning the majority of his aerial contests in that time.

These statistics suggest that the 21-year-old centre-forward would be the perfect signing for Dyche as his next version of Chris Wood, because he has the physique, the finishing skills, and the aerial ability to be a complete number nine for the Forest boss.

The Spaniard would also have Wood at the club as an experienced mentor for him to continue his development, as the ex-Burnley ace is 12 years his senior and could be an excellent role model to help with his transition to English football.

Therefore, Forest should push hard to get a deal done for the Porto sensation because he could be an excellent addition to the squad as Wood’s natural successor under Dyche.

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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta could now lose a “very important” member of his Gunners squad in January as his side battle for the Premier League title.

The Gunners have suffered various injury problems of late, with Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz, Martin Odegaard, Noni Madueke and Viktor Gyokeres all racing to be fit for the North London derby on November 23, but Gabriel Jesus will have to wait longer for his first game back despite returning to training last week.

This has left Arsenal very short of attacking options in the final third, but somehow, they’ve still managed to climb four points clear at the top of the table after a very impressive unbeaten run which stretches all the way back to September.

Arteta’s side even went eight straight games without conceding a single goal in all competitions before Dan Ballard ended the run in a 2-2 draw with Sunderland last weekend.

However, the fact remains — Arsenal are yet to taste defeat at all since their 1-0 loss to Liverpool at Anfield in August.

Arsenal 3-0 Nottingham Forest

Athletic Bilbao 0-2 Arsenal

Arsenal 1-1 Man City

Port Vale 0-2 Arsenal

Newcastle 1-2 Arsenal

Arsenal 2-0 Olympiacos

Arsenal 2-0 West Ham

Fulham 0-1 Arsenal

Arsenal 4-0 Atletico Madrid

Arsenal 1-0 Crystal Palace

Arsenal 2-0 Brighton

Burnley 0-2 Arsenal

Slavia Prague 0-3 Arsenal

Sunderland 2-2 Arsenal

It is also important to remember that Sunderland are no pushovers, having made the best start of any newly-promoted side since Hull City in 2008/2009.

Regis Le Bris’ men remain unbeaten at their Stadium of Light fortress, and depending on if you’re ‘glass half full’ or ‘glass half empty’ kind of person, you could see the draw up north as a point gained rather than two points lost. Of course, the manner of Arsenal’s draw, having conceded a last-gasp equaliser via Brian Brobbey’s acrobatic effort, means it will feel more like the latter to most.

In any case, with Gyokeres, Havertz, Martinelli and Madueke all pushing to be back for their crucial clash against Tottenham, things are still looking very rosy at the Emirates Stadium.

Their outstanding defence has put them in excellent stead to go on and win a first Premier League title in 22 years, with full-backs Jurrien Timber and Riccardo Calafiori standing out as two of Arsenal’s players of the season thus far.

So much so, that there’s been little room for Hale End academy sensation Myles Lewis-Skelly in the starting eleven.

Myles Lewis-Skelly could now leave Arsenal in January

The 19-year-old, who enjoyed a sensational breakthrough campaign at Arsenal last term, has just put pen to paper on a five-year contract — but it is now believed he could yet to depart the club in January due to a lack of game time.

That is according to Sky Sports reporter Rob Dorsett, who shared what England boss Thomas Tuchel told Lewis-Skelly after omitting him from the latest England squad.

Dorsett goes on to explain that, while Arteta’s side don’t want to sell and expect him to get more minutes, not to mention the fact he’s just signed an extension, the “reality” is that Lewis-Skelly is probably Arsenal’s third-choice left-back behind Calafiori and Piero Hincapie.

He also explains, if Arsenal were to consider selling yet another academy graduate, 100 per cent of his transfer fee would go down as pure profit in the eyes of PSR — making the prospect of his exit fairly appealing in the long-term.

Dorsett also says that Arteta views him as a “very important” member of the team despite his lack of match action, but insists Lewis-Skelly is “one to watch” in January and a “big offer” could get Andrea Berta thinking twice.

The English sensation had battled his way into Tuchel’s plans thanks to his stellar upward trajectory at Arsenal. However, the form of Calafiori and arrival of Hincapie means he is no longer a Premier League first choice, and with the World Cup looming, Lewis-Skelly could have a key decision to make.

The good times keep rolling on for Arsenal this season.

Mikel Arteta’s side continued their winning run against Burnley on the weekend and remain seven points clear of Liverpool atop the Premier League.

It was another convincing performance from the North Londoners, and one in which Declan Rice once again proved that he is one of, if not the best, midfielders in the league.

However, the former West Ham United captain was not the only standout performer, as another of Arteta’s men continued the Ballon d’Or-level campaign he’s having this year.

Rice's sensational season

When Arsenal spent a club-record £105m on Rice in the summer of 2023, there was an awful lot of pressure on the Englishman.

Everyone knew that he was a sensational footballer at the time, but it’s a rare thing for someone to justify being worth more than £100m.

Fortunately for Arteta and Co, he has achieved that and more over the last two and a bit years, first shining as an out-and-out six and then transitioning more into a marauding eight.

His first two campaigns in North London were brilliant, with him producing 17 goal involvements in the first and 19 in the second, but this year, he has taken another massive step forward.

With Martin Zubimendi now in the side, Arteta has once again modified the 26-year-old’s role in the team, with him telling the press on international duty that the manager has “adjusted my position at Arsenal a bit this year to give me a bit more freedom to drop deeper but to also get in the box when I can.”

This has seen the “world-class” international, as dubbed by journalist Tom Marshall-Bailey, spend more time in the middle of the park breaking up opposition attacks, but also then bursting forward to help create opportunities for the team.

For example, according to FBref, he ranks in the top 13% of midfielders in the league for touches in the middle third, and also in the top 1% for progressive carries, the top 4% for expected assists, and more per 90.

Progressive Carries

2.80

Top 1%

Inswinging Corner Kicks

2.69

Top 1%

Total Passing Distance

1104.63

Top 4%

xA: Expected Assists

0.22

Top 4%

Dead-ball Passes

7.84

Top 4%

Crosses

5.82

Top 4%

Corner Kicks

4.03

Top 4%

Total Carrying Distance

304.48

Top 4%

Progressive Carrying Distance

143.28

Top 4%

Carries into Final Third

2.57

Top 4%

Shots from Free Kicks

0.22

Top 6%

Passes Completed

61.34

Top 6%

Passes Attempted

72.54

Top 6%

Progressive Passing Distance

281.08

Top 6%

SCA (Dead-ball Pass)

1.23

Top 6%

GCA (Dead-ball Pass)

0.22

Top 6%

Touches

80.93

Top 6%

Touches (Att 3rd)

22.28

Top 6%

% of Aerials Won

68.4%

Top 7%

Passes Completed (Long)

5.93

Top 8%

Live-ball Passes

64.48

Top 8%

Switches

0.67

Top 8%

Carries

48.69

Top 8%

In other words, the Gunners’ monstrous number 41 is, in the words of Ashley Williams, an utterly “complete midfielder.”

Finally, on top of everything he does during open play, Rice has a shout for being the best setpiece specialist in the world, as whether it’s a corner or a free kick, he can and will drop the ball exactly where his teammates want it – just as he did against Burnley.

With all that said, there is another Arsenal star who is performing at a Ballon d’Or level this season.

The Arsenal star at a world-class level

With Arsenal doing so well this season, there are several players who could be described as playing at a Ballon d’Or level.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

For example, Zubimendi has hit the ground running, Jurrien Timber has been sensational in attack and defence, and Riccardo Calafiori is a joy to watch.

However, when it comes to picking Arsenal’s best player so far this year, it’s impossible to look past Gabriel Magalhães.

The Brazilian has almost entirely rid his game of the mistakes that led to some questioning him in the past, and has instead become one of the most reliable defenders in the league.

Whether the ball is in the air or on the ground, the former LOSC Lille ace always seems to know how to deal with it, and perhaps the most complimentary thing you can say about him is that William Saliba looks that little bit less assured without him in the backline.

Moreover, the 6 foot 3 “colossus,” as dubbed by Adam Keys, has made the Gunners a far more physically imposing team, as few, if any, opposition players can cope with his physicality.

So far this season, he has made 15 appearances for the North Londoners, 13 of which have been starts, playing a massive role in the side, conceding just three goals and standing a chance of beating Chelsea’s record of conceding just 15 in a league campaign.

Finally, it’s not just his defensive brilliance that makes the Brazilian a world-class talent, but also his offensive prowess.

For example, his assist for Viktor Gyokeres means no other defender in the Premier League has been involved in more goals than him since his arrival in 2020.

Moreover, just this season alone, the 27-year-old has been able to score twice and provide three assists, which would be a great return for a top-quality ten, let alone a centre-back.

Ultimately, due to his outstanding defending and exceptional attacking qualities, it has become increasingly clear that Gabriel is currently performing at a Ballon d’Or level this season.

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