Chelsea’s transfer strategy over the last few years has certainly caught the eye, with the hierarchy splashing a fortune on players to improve the first-team squad.

However, their investments have also seen them spending money on youngsters for the future, handing Enzo Maresca a huge pool of talent to select from.

The Italian has done an admirable job to date, with the Blues currently sitting in fourth spot in the Premier League, looking to secure a place in the Champions League for next season.

Whilst there are still nine league outings to go, one eye will undoubtedly be kept on the summer transfer window, with the manager having another opportunity to make his mark on the squad.

However, one player who’s out on loan could be set for a move away from Stamford Bridge if the manager doesn’t satisfy his agent’s expectations after his impressive loan stint.

The Chelsea star who could leave this summer

According to Calciomercato, Chelsea sensation Andrey Santos could depart the club this summer despite the club wanting to keep hold of the Brazilian star, who’s impressed out on loan.

The 20-year-old has made 25 appearances on loan at Strasbourg in Ligue 1, scoring nine times and registering one assist – even taking the captain’s armband recently.

However, he could leave the club, with the report stating Bayern Munich and PSG are both interested in a move for the youngster, who’s valued at around £35m.

The report claims that a ‘plan b’ has been formed by his agent, to move him away from the Blues if he’s not part of the first team picture ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

Whilst it would yield a hefty profit after paying just £13m in January 2023, he is certainly a talent who is a star for the future – with Maresca needing to give him time to make his mark in England.

Why it would be a mistake to sell Santos this summer

At the age of just 20, Santos has bags of time to fulfil his potential, but he’s already shown a glimpse of his talent during his temporary stint in France this season.

He would face a huge task to break into the first-team starting eleven given the likes of Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernández are already ahead of him in the pecking order.

However, when delving into his figures out on loan, he’s managed to match or better the aforementioned pair in numerous key areas, showcasing the talent he possesses despite his tender age.

Games played

25

29

27

Goals & assists

10

3

9

Shot-on-target accuracy

41%

21%

36%

Pass accuracy

89%

89%

81%

Tackles won

2.4

1.8

1.1

Blocks made

1.5

1.4

1.3

Aerials won

1.1

0.9

0.5

Santos, who’s previously been labelled “elite” by journalist Fraser Fletcher, has registered more combined goals and assists than the pair, whilst putting more of his efforts on target – showcasing the threat he poses in attacking areas.

The Brazilian has also achieved a higher pass completion rate, along with more aerials won, offering an all-round box-to-box option for Maresca.

Such a role will require defensive quality, something which the youngster had in abundance – winning 2.4 tackles per 90, along with 1.5 blocks, with both of those tallies higher than Caicedo and Fernandez.

Given the aforementioned pair cost the Blues upwards of £100m each, it’s hugely impressive that Santos has already managed to outperform the pair, highlighting the talent he possesses.

Offloading him this summer would be a huge mistake by Maresca, with the midfielder having the star quality to cement his place as a regular starter at the Bridge – with his £13m fee certainly looking to be a bargain in years to come.

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It is fair to say that Manchester United have lacked a clinical and consistent number nine to lead the line at Old Trafford for a number of years now.

Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee, the two senior centre-forward options available to Ruben Amorim, have combined for just five goals in the Premier League so far this season.

No Manchester United player has hit double figures for goals in the top-flight, with Bruno Fernandes leading the way on seven, and only three players have scored more than three times.

In fact, the last time a player scored more than ten goals in a Premier League season for the Red Devils was when Marcus Rashford found the back of the net 17 times in the 2022/23 campaign.

Manchester United are reportedly looking to address the situation when the summer transfer window opens for business later this year, as they have been linked with an interest in a player from one of their Premier League rivals.

Manchester United eyeing Premier League striker

French outlet L’Equipe, as relayed by the Mirror, reported earlier this month that the Red Devils are interested in a deal to sign Jean-Philippe Mateta from Crystal Palace.

The report claimed that talks have already been held between United and the player’s representatives to explore a potential move to Old Trafford for the French centre-forward at the end of the season.

It also revealed that the Eagles are poised to demand a fee of £40m for the former Mainz marksman this summer, and it remains to be seen whether or not Manchester United are prepared to pay that much for the Palace sensation.

The Mirror added that Amorim’s dream recruit for the upcoming summer transfer window would be Sporting star Viktor Gyokeres, whom he managed during his time in Portugal, but that the player’s £80m release clause is deemed to be too rich for the club to afford due to their debt in excess of £1billion.

This means that, at half the price, Mateta could emerge as a cost-effective addition for the Portuguese head coach to bolster his attacking options for the 2025/26 campaign and beyond.

His form for Crystal Palace since the start of last season, at least, suggests that he could come in and offer more than Hojlund and Zirkzee have provided the team in front of goal in the Premier League for the Red Devils, who have been severely lacking in the striker department.

Why Man Utd should sign Jean-Philippe Mateta

At £40m, Mateta could be viewed as a bargain signing for the club when you consider that a £72m deal was agreed with Atalanta for Hojlund and the Reds paid £36.5m to land Zirkzee from Bologna.

United, therefore, paid in excess of £100m to create their current strikeforce and have, so far, received five goals from them combined in the Premier League, which does not feel like value for money.

Mateta, meanwhile, has hit double figures for goals in the top-flight in each of the last two seasons and could arrive to provide Amorim with a reliable presence in the number nine position next term.

Appearances

35

27

xG

10.94

11.26

Shots on target per 90

1.1

0.9

Goals

16

12

Goals per 90

0.6

0.5

Big chances created

5

7

Key passes

32

26

Assists

5

2

As you can see in the table above, the £40m-rated star has been incredibly productive at the top end of the pitch for the Eagles, with 28 goals and 12 ‘big chances’ created in the league since the start of last season.

These statistics also show that Mateta is clinical with the chances that come his way in the Premier League, as it has only taken 22.20 xG for him to score 28 times.

As you can see in the clips above, Mateta has the ability to score a variety of goals, whether that be with his head, his right foot, his left foot, from close range, by chipping the goalkeeper, or by driving forward past defenders to score.

Manchester United, however, once had their own version of the Palace star in the form of Romelu Lukaku, who they sold to Inter for £73m in the summer of 2019.

Why Lukaku was Manchester United's own Mateta

Firstly, both players offer a physical presence in the centre-forward position, as Mateta stands at a colossal 6 foot 4 and Lukaku is just one inch shorter at 6 foot 3, which means that they can both hold their own against strong central defenders.

Where Are They Now

Secondly, they are both clinical finishers who do not need too many opportunities to find the back of the net.

Throughout his career at club level, the Belgium international has scored 169 goals from an xG of 160.98, which speaks to his ability to consistently tuck away his chances.

Lukaku scored 16 goals in 34 Premier League matches in his debut season at Old Trafford in the 2017/18 campaign and if you compare his form that term to Mateta’s form for Palace last term there are a lot of similarities.

As you can see in the chart above, aside from the defensive side of the game, both players excel in similar areas when they are at the top of their game, albeit the Belgian star was more effective in front of goal in that particular campaign.

Sky Sports reported at the time of his departure in 2019 that he was keen to move on from Old Trafford because he was unhappy that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer came in and dropped him from the team in the previous season, when he managed 12 goals in 32 league outings.

Lukaku, who was described as “physically devastating” by Udinese goalkeeper Juan Musso, then went on to score 64 goals in all competitions for Inter in the next two seasons combined.

He has played for Chelsea, Inter again, Roma, and Napoli since then, only failing to score ten league goals in a season once, and has scored ten times in 26 Serie A matches for Napoli so far this term.

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In all, he’s found the net 124 times since leaving, with the 31-year-old forward consistently proving his ability as a powerful, goalscoring, number nine – at United and elsewhere. As a result, they may rue their decision to sell him in 2019, as they have failed to adequately replace him in the past six years.

They already had their own version of Mateta and may now have to shell out another £40m, on top of the £100m+ that they paid for Hojlund and Zirkzee, in an attempt to finally replace the goals that Lukaku almost guaranteed when he played.

Nathan Lyon has been diagnosed with a “significant” calf strain after he limped off the field during the final session of the second day at Lord’s leaving him highly doubtful to feature again in the series.Running in from the boundary to field a ball in the 37th over, Lyon pulled up and was immediately in pain. He hobbled to the edge of the field where the physio began to assess him then had to be helped around the rope to the pavilion.He was assessed overnight and arrived at the ground on crutches on Friday. It’s understood he may bat later in the game if required although runners are no longer allowed in international cricket.”He will require a period of rehabilitation after this match is concluded,” a CA spokesperson said. “A decision regarding his availability for the remainder of the series will be made at the conclusion of the game.”It is a cruel twist for Lyon who is playing his 100th consecutive Test – the first specialist bowler to reach the milestone – and was lauded before the match for his durability in having played unbroken since midway through the 2013 Ashes.Lyon had already shaped as a significant figure in this match – as he was at Edgbaston – having removed Zak Crawley to break an opening stand of 91, drawing him down the pitch for a stumping that was expertly completed by Alex Carey.Ben Duckett, who led England’s batting effort on the second day, expected Lyon to play a key role and questioned the impact his absence would have on the rest of the attack after the quicks opted for a short-ball approach.”It’s a huge shame and I really hope it’s not too bad for him,” he said. “You never want to see anyone go down with an injury. We all wish him the best. He was going to play a massive part in that fourth innings, he’s such a good bowler. It will be interesting to see how they go about it.”If they keep going bumpers with all four bowlers, I think they’ll be quite tired by the end of it, especially with back to back Tests. Travis [Head] bowled all right tonight, so he maybe he will bowl a bit.”Lyon’s absence leaves Australia having to rely on Steven Smith, Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne for any spin required.It is the second time in consecutive Lord’s Tests Australia have suffered a major blow after Smith was concussed in 2019. On that occasion he was able to replaced under the protocols by Labuschagne, but this time the team will have make do.Looking further head into the series it will bring Todd Murphy, the 22-year-old offspinner, into the frame for when the series reaches Headingley. Murphy took seven wickets on his debut against India in Nagpur earlier this year and claimed Virat Kohli four times in the four matches.”He [Murphy] has been bowling beautifully in the nets and bowled really well in India when he got his opportunity as well,” Smith said. “I’d be confident if he came in he’d do a terrific job for us, but fingers crossed Nathan’s all right.”Legspinner Mitchell Swepson is now also in the UK having recently signed to play the County Championship for Glamorgan.

N'Golo Kante is reportedly in talks over leaving Saudi Pro League champions Al-Ittihad for an arch rival ahead of the Club World Cup.

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Kante wins Saudi league with Al-IttihadIn talks over Club World Cup transferCould join an arch rival this summerFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

The Athletic states that fellow Saudi side Al-Hilal are in talks with Kante over securing a short loan deal for this summer's Club World Cup. The report adds that an agreement has not yet been reached but there is optimism a deal can be struck for the midfielder, whose contract at Al-Ittihad runs until 2026.

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Al-Ittihad pipped Al-Hilal to the Saudi Pro League title this season but the latter will go to this summer's Club World Cup as they qualified as the winners of the 2021 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Champions League. If Kante, 34, did join on loan, he would likely be back at Al-Ittihad for the 2025/26 campaign.

DID YOU KNOW?

France international Kante joined Al-Ittihad on a free transfer from Chelsea in July 2023, and since then he has played 81 times for them – while winning the league title and King's Cup along the way.

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If Kante does join Al-Hilal, he won't have long to get bedded in as they begin their Club World Cup campaign against Real Madrid on June 18, before facing Red Bull Salzburg and Pachuca on June 22 and 26, respectively.

أعلن مجلس إدارة نادي الزمالك برئاسة حسين لبيب، رسميًا، اليوم الجمعة، عن التعاقد مع مدير فني جديد لقيادة الفريق الأول لكرة القدم في الفترة القادمة.

وكان مجلس إدارة الزمالك قد أعلن سابقًا رحيل الجهاز الفني للفريق بالكامل، بقيادة أيمن الرمادي، بشكل رسمي.

وتقرر تعيين البلجيكي يانيك فيريرا، مديرًا فنيًا للفريق، وذلك بعد مفاضلة بين عدد من المدربين لاختيار المدير الفني الجديد بالتنسيق بين المدير الرياضي ومجلس الإدارة.

طالع أيضًا.. رئيس الاتحاد المغربي: لا نحلم بالفوز بـ كأس أمم إفريقيا القادمة.. ونسعى لطموحات مشروعة

ووقع جون إدوارد المدير الرياضي لنادي الزمالك العقود مع يانيك فيريرا المدير الفني الجديد لمدة موسم واحد.

ومن المقرر أن يتقاضى يانيك فيريرا، 50 ألف دولار شهريًا هو وجهازه المعاون حسبما أعلن حازم إمام عضو لجنة التخطيط السابق بنادي الزمالك.

يذكر أن أيمن الرمادي تولى تدريب الزمالك بشكل مؤقت، عقب رحيل البرتغالي جوزيه بيسيرو، بعد خروج الفارس الأبيض من بطولة الكونفدرالية.

MatériaMais Notícias

Vítor Pereira confirmou a reunião que teve com membros da Gaviões da Fiel antes da vitória por 4 a 1 sobre o Atlético-GO, pelo jogo de volta das quartas de final da Copa do Brasil.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasCorinthiansApós classificação na Copa do Brasil, Vítor Pereira esclarece ambiente do Corinthians e valoriza o elencoCorinthians18/08/2022CorinthiansFim do tabu! Corinthians vence o Atlético-GO na Arena pela primeira vez na históriaCorinthians18/08/2022CorinthiansCom classificação à semifinal, Corinthians chega a quase R$ 15 mi em premiações na Copa do BrasilCorinthians17/08/2022

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O treinador revelou que a conversa aconteceu muito por conta da declaração que ele deu após o Dérbi, onde também colocou que foi mal interpretado, mas pediu desculpas.

VP ainda disse que situações como essa ocorreram com eles em outros clubes, de países diferentes, e que isso é natural, principalmente com torcidas que vivem o time, como a corintiana.

– A conversa que tivemos já aconteceu em outros países. Quando uma torcida como a nossa se entrega com paixão e se entrega do primeiro ao último minuto, tem que ter abertura e eu tenho que conversar quando for solicitado. A abertura da nossa conversa foi com base nas declarações que dei da última vez. Sou uma pessoa emocional, honesta e direta no que sinto, aquilo que sinto é o que eu digo, fui um pouco impulsivo, fui reativo, reage um pouco sem paciência, frustrado com o resultado do jogo, mas reagi do ponto de vista pessoal – disse Vítor em entrevista coletiva após o triunfo sobre o Dragão.

– E fui mal interpretado, porque as pessoas confundem arrogância com orgulho, orgulhoso eu sou pelo que eu construí, que construí ao pulso, sei porque vim do nada e construí do nada, Não vim ao Corinthians por dinheiro, porque se viesse iria para um lugar qualquer, onde paga melhor, e tenho vários convites para me dar mais dinheiro, mas estou na fase da vida, da minha carreira… vim para o Corinthians com paixão, identificado pela paixão da torcida. Pessoas interpretaram de outra forma. Estarei de corpo e alma pelo que eu me comprometi com o Corinthians, até o compromisso acabar, com muito respeito às pessoas que vivem na dificuldade, porque vim da dificuldade e construí a minha vida nisso, com orgulho e não com arrogância, detesto arrogância. Se ofendi alguma pessoa de bem eu peço desculpas – acrescentou.

+ Confira a tabela da Copa do Brasil e simule os próximos jogos

RENOVAÇÃO?

Outro bastidor revelado por Vítor Pereira durante a entrevista coletiva pós-jogo contra o Atlético-GO foi uma conversa com o presidente corintiano Duílio Monteiro Alves logo após a derrota no Dérbi, do último sábado (13), para que o treinador renovasse o seu vínculo com o Timão

Querido pela linha de frente que cuida do futebol do Timão, Vítor tem contrato com o clube alvinegro até dezembro deste ano.

Ele valorizou a relação que tem com a direção corintiana e disse que, através deste clima amistoso, conversará apenas até o fim da temporada. Ele não cogita sair antes do período, justamente porque assumiu o compromisso com o Corinthians.

– Eu primeiro vou confessar algo: o presidente não disse isso hoje ao jornalista, Ele (Duílio) me disse (que gostaria de renovar o contrato) depois da derrota do Palmeiras. Ele disse: ‘se quiser renovar o contrato, renova hoje’. O tal equilíbrio que existe em um ambiente, equilibrado e de apoio, de passar quatro dias de uma derrota que custou muito. As coisas estão alinhadas. O presidente não disse isso depois de uma vitória, mas depois de uma derrota, isso tem que ter mérito -revelou Vítor Pereira.

– Eu disse, quando cheguei, que esperaria o final da temporada, e quando chegar o final conversaria como amigos. Eu sinto amizade com eles, com essa gente, sinto que estou em um ambiente familiar que me trata bem. Vamos sentar e entender os pontos de vista do clube, os meus e da minha família porque não estou nessa vida sozinho, e depois ver o que é – concluiu.

Vindo de dois resultados negativos, eliminação para o Flamengo na Libertadores e derrota no clássico contra o Palmeiras, que distanciou o Timão da liderança do Campeonato Brasileiro, o trabalho de Vítor Pereira chegou a ser questionado por alguns membros do conselho corintiano e torcedores do clube.

Ainda assim, o profissional sempre esteve prestigiado com o departamento de futebol, que o vê como o cara certo para levar a equipe alvinegra.

Ivan Toney wants to see Cristiano Ronaldo remain in the Saudi Pro League so that he can avenge a “disappointing” Golden Boot defeat.

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• CR7 claimed another top scorer prize in 2024-25
• Toney finished second on that chart
• Ronaldo being linked with teams around the world

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• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Questions are being asked of whether five-time Ballon d’Or winner CR7 will take on a new challenge this summer. His record-breaking contract at Al-Nassr continues to run down, with free agency now beckoning.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  At 40 years of age, Ronaldo has continued to maintain remarkable individual standards in the Middle East. While collective honours have been hard to come by, he hit another 25 league goals in 2024-25 to claim a second top scorer prize in Saudi Arabia.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Ex-Brentford striker Toney managed 23 for Al-Ahli, as he savoured AFC Champions League glory, and would like a second shot at Ronaldo next season after securing himself a return to the England fold under new Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel.

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  WHAT IVAN TONEY SAID

  Toney has told of missing out on a Golden Boot: "It's disappointing not to beat Ronaldo, but hopefully next season. I always think positive. Because if you think negative, then the negative things are going to happen.

  "If you're playing well, if you're scoring, there's only one decision. The manager's [Tuchel] seen that hence why he's brought me back. I'm a player that plays in Saudi. If that's a problem to people, then so be it, but I'm a Saudi player now and I just have to focus on playing football."

Australia will need to confirm a 15-player squad to face India by Sunday

Andrew McGlashan24-May-20231:20

Moody: Warner stayed on course despite the noise around him

Michael Neser could yet bolt into Australia’s World Test Championship squad with Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Marsh facing tight timeframes to be available for the showdown against India.Hazlewood (side) and Marsh (adductor) came home early from the IPL with minor niggles and though both have since returned to bowling, and there remains confidence they’ll be ready for the Ashes, the clash with India at The Oval on June 7 may come too soon.Australia will effectively need to make a call by Sunday (May 28) when their 15-player squad for the final has to be submitted under the ICC rules for the final. Those traveling from outside the UK arrive on Saturday.Related

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Hazlewood is the more significant of the two names and CA said earlier in the week that scans on his return to Australia had shown no damage to the side. However, with six Tests in less than two months there would be a risk of pushing him too soon.”We knew when he went to the IPL that everything would have to go perfectly on the back of the Achilles setback in India and this stage everything is good,” Australia coach Andrew McDonald told . “But it will have to go perfect for him to be part of that World Test Championship final and available.””We feel it’s almost like a home summer. We usually pick four quicks and travel around and add players when we need. We’ve got Michael and Sean [Abbott] over there and feel they can be added in at any time depending on if new information comes to us.”Neser, who picked up his impressive Sheffield Shield form in his county stint with Glamorgan, where he has scored 311 runs and taken 19 wickets, would provide cover for both players although Abbott brings a similar all-round package.Michael Neser currently has two Test caps•Getty ImagesBoth Neser and Abbott will join the Australia squad when they reach London late next week and begin training following a bonding camp in the northwest of England.Neser’s omission from the original squad was the most debated call, but he and Abbott have had the benefit of playing competitive cricket in recent weeks. McDonald said that Neser’s continued excellence did not surprise him and, perhaps significantly, made mention of his batting returns which have seen him average 38.66 since the start of the last Australia season.”He’s really pressing to be genuine allrounder, probably not a top six allrounder, but definitely a No. 7 or 8,” McDonald said.Overall, however, and particularly with a view to the first Ashes Test on June 16, Australia have fewer injury concerns than England who have lost Jofra Archer, face a nervous wait on James Anderson and are uncertain how much captain Ben Stokes will be able to bowl. They did, however, get a boost with a positive update on Ollie Robinson.”You don’t know how much to read into the information coming out around the injuries, how significant they are, but there is no doubt that they’ll be having more conversations around where their injury list is at than we are,” McDonald said. “It’s always nice when you haven’t got those moving parts and it’s quite settled going in.”Cameron Green’s format switchCameron Green will face increasing demand on his time•BCCIIn terms of allrounders, the key name for Australia remains Cameron Green. He lit up the IPL earlier this week with a maiden T20 century to carry Mumbai Indians into the playoffs which meant his stay at the tournament is extended.McDonald acknowledged the quick turnaround between formats will be a test for Green. He found it tricky last season after the T20 World Cup, although in that case had had precious little batting time, and there were already signs he was adapting when he returned from his injury layoff during the Test series in India.”The thing for me he’s adaptable, he’s a man for all conditions, he’s always engaged in the game whether with bat, ball and in the field…he’s high-end talent and is showing the world what he’s got,” McDonald said. “The challenge for Cam now is as he starts to become a three-format player is how he focuses [on] that, shifts between formats, and he’s going to have another challenge in front of him going deep into the IPL finals to get ready for the World Test Championship match. So that will be a challenge for him, but he’s a fast learner and every hurdle he’s got over so far.”Glancing into the not-too-distant future, managing Green across three formats will become one of McDonald’s key challenges.”We’ve declared our hand with his entry into T20 cricket last year and now what’s done in the IPL would suggest he’s tracking to be a three-format player for us. Then it’s finding the balance within all of that,” he said. “You can’t be everything to everyone and they’ll be some series where he needs to be managed like all the other players when they play three formats. The demand’s going to go up then clearly there’s other leagues that will want access to him at certain times. It’s going to be a bit of a juggling act but he’s got a good head on his shoulders and we’ll be able to work with him.”

Ask Mikel Arteta who he’d most like to bring to Arsenal in the summer and it’s likely he’d suggest Alexander Isak.

The Gunners need to sign a forward and in the Newcastle striker, they’d be acquiring one of the game’s elite.

He has been devastating for the Toon this campaign, notably scoring 23 goals in 33 games at club level on his way to winning the Carabao Cup.

But, the big question on everyone’s lips is, will he move? The Swede certainly isn’t short of suitors, with the likes of Liverpool and Chelsea also allegedly interested.

Yet, prising him away from St James’ Park will prove difficult, not least because he’s Newcastle’s most important player but also because they’ve reportedly slapped a £150m asking price on his head.

That makes a deal extremely unlikely, so who and where could Arsenal turn to next?

Well, according to David Ornstein on Sunday, Sporting’s Viktor Gyokeres is someone they have ‘strong interest’ in. However, we’ve come up with three alternatives, which include a mixture of internal and external solutions.

1 The big-money signing Benjamin Sesko

If Arsenal are fruitless in their efforts to bring Isak or Gyokeres to the Emirates Stadium then it’s likely they’ll go back in for Slovenian powerhouse Benjamin Sesko.

Arteta’s side were linked with a move for the RB Leipzig forward last summer but he decided to stay put in Germany, signing a new contract in the process.

Another year of development in the Bundesliga has proven to be exactly the right decision for the 21-year-old, finding the net on 17 occasions in 36 outings. It’s not a jaw-dropping total but given his age it’s a promising tally.

Sesko would give Arsenal a particularly unique profile. Hailed by scout Jacek Kulig as “the new Erling Haaland”, the young striker has a tall frame, standing at 6 foot 5, but he’s also quick and capable of running in behind.

That’s an attribute the central striker at Arsenal hasn’t had for a long time.

Isak vs Sesko in 24/25

Stats (per 90 mins)

Isak

Sesko

Goals

0.83

0.48

Assists

0.22

0.24

Progressive carries

2.81

1.68

Progressive passes

2.68

1.78

Key passes

1.54

0.72

Pass completion %

74%

67%

Shot-creating actions

3.29

1.83

Aerials won

0.83

2.69

Aerials won %

32%

58%

Stats via FBref.

Supporters at the Emirates will be hoping and dreaming that a shiny new forward arrives in the summer but if they don’t, there are some internal solutions.

2 The change in position Gabriel Martinelli

Arteta has been no stranger to trying something new in attack with Kai Havertz initially signed as a midfielder before becoming the focal point of the attack.

With the German out injured, it’s been down to Mikel Merino to fill the void. It’s a position he’d never played in until that 2-0 win over Leicester in February, where the Spaniard came from the bench to score both goals.

Merino has scored two more since then but he’s simply not the long-term answer.

Perhaps the final few weeks of the season will give Arteta the license to field Gabriel Martinelli in that role instead.

The Brazilian is a winger by trade but has actually played as a striker on 16 occasions in his career, scoring nine goals. He most notably starred in that role during the 2019/20 season where Unai Emery was keen to select him in a central position.

His first start for the north Londoners actually came as a striker in a 5-0 win over Nottingham Forest where he scored twice. For those who doubt whether he’d be able to handle the physicality, a leaner and much younger Martinelli scored via his head in that game.

He won’t possess the same ability to hold the ball up as Havertz does but he’d certainly be more productive in behind, with talkSPORT pundit Gabby Agbonlahor previously outlining what would make him such an eye-catching candidate for the role of a centre forward.

Well, if that prophecy comes true, it may just save the club millions on someone like Isak or Sesko.

If Arteta doesn’t fancy the £46m-rated attacker then he could always turn towards Hale End.

3 The Hale End solution Ethan Nwaneri

Another option for Arteta next season could be to utilise man of the moment, Ethan Nwaneri, in a more central role.

The manager has been careful with the teenager’s development this season but it’s been hard to keep him out of the limelight.

Handed his first-team debut as a 15-year-old, making him the youngest player in Premier League history, he’s certainly lived up to the hype. Now 18 years of age, the attacker is a regular part of the match day squad and has found himself to be a consistent starter amid Bukayo Saka’s lengthy hamstring injury.

In the process, Nwaneri has scored eight times this season, including twice in the Champions League and has proven himself to be a menace on the flanks.

That said, the teenager’s most natural position is in the middle. He’s an attacking midfielder by trade but has actually played as a centre-forward on eight occasions for Arsenal U18s.

In doing so, the wonderkid has scored ten times, notably bagging five goals in one game versus Crewe in the FA Youth Cup in 2023. He’s also featured as a striker for England’s youth sides five times, scoring five goals and registering two assists.

Since then, Nwaneri has certainly come on leaps and bounds and could play in a multitude of different positions for Arteta if he so wishes.

In the words of data analyst Ben Mattinson, the youngster’s “finishing is quality” and he is a “true goal-scorer”. That certainly sounds like a lovely recipe for success right there.

Nwaneri as a striker: Arsenal U18s

Opposition/year

Goals

Assists

vs Reading 2021

1

0

vs Spurs 2022

1

1

vs Norwich 2022

1

1

vs Spurs 2023

0

0

vs Villa 2023

2

0

vs Man City 2023

0

0

vs West Ham 2023

0

0

vs Crewe 2023

5

0

Stats via Transfermarkt.

Isak will certainly be the number one pick for Arsenal but there is evidence here that incoming sporting director Andrea Berta need not panic if a move can’t be done.

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Chelsea have made some questionable additions since Todd Boehly bought the club back in May 2022, wasting a whole heap of money on players not up to the level required of the Premier League.

Mykhailo Mudryk cost the Blues £88.5m back in January 2023, with high expectations of providing added quality to the frontline of the first-team squad.

However, fast-forward two years, the Ukrainian international has only scored 10 times and hasn’t featured since December after his provisional suspension for testing positive for a banned substance.

It’s safe to say the club won’t be able to command a fee anywhere near close to what they forked out for his signature, needing to bear such dealings in mind going forward.

Mudryk is only one player in a long list of signings made during the American’s tenure at the club who have failed to deliver, with numerous still currently on the books at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea’s worst signings of the Boehly era

Goalkeeper Robert Sanchez remains a player who continues to divide opinions amongst the fanbase, producing inconsistent displays which have often cost the Blues key points.

The Spaniard ultimately cost them a chance of claiming at least a point against Manchester City after coming off his line and being beaten by Erling Haaland, who managed to clip the ball over him into the back of the net.

Christopher Nkunku is another player who’s been unable to produce the goods on a consistent basis, registering just three Premier League goals in his 24 appearances to date.

After such a poor return, it would be a surprise to no one if he were to depart in the summer, looking to cut their losses after paying £52m for his signature from RB Leipzig back in the summer of 2023.

Any transfer would leave a desperate need for a new attacker, something which boss Enzo Maresca has desperately desired since his appointment – potentially going back in for a target they’ve previously monitored.

The former Chelsea ace who’s been like Isak since leaving

Alexander Isak was a player on Chelsea’s radar in the summer, but Newcastle United demanded a fee of over £100m for his services – which would’ve made him the third player to join the Blues for such a figure since Boehly’s arrival.

The Swede’s tally of 22 goals in all competitions will only have further increased his market value, potentially pricing Maresca’s side out of any move for him at the end of the season.

Regardless of whether Isak arrives in the summer, another attacking talent is needed in forward areas to help Maresca in his quest to take the club back to their former glory – but it’s important they don’t conduct a repeat of one signing.

Former striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang matched Nkunku in failing to deliver during his short period at the Bridge, making just 21 appearances and scoring just three times before leaving on a free transfer in the summer of 2023 to join Marseille.

Since his departure, the Gabonese international has found his goalscoring form, notching 43 goals in the last two seasons, leading to FBref ranking him as a similar player to £100m target Isak.

When comparing his stats to Newcastle’s talisman in 2024/25, the now 35-year-old has managed to match or better him in numerous key areas – albeit doing so in a lower quality division, currently plying his trade in Saudi Arabia.

How Aubameyang compares to Isak in 2024/25
Statistics (per 90)	Aubameyang	Isak
Games played	22	25
Goals & assists	13	24
Shot-on-target accuracy	49%	46%
Shots on target	1.6	1.3
Pass accuracy	75%	74%
Take-on success	56%	47%
Fouls won	0.8	0.4
Stats vis FBref

The former Arsenal star, who was dubbed “horrific” during his time at the Blues by Aaron Catterson-Reid, has registered slightly fewer combined goals and assists, but has managed to achieve a higher shot-on-target rate – showcasing his clinical edge.

He’s also completed more of his attempted passes and completed more take-ons, providing an all-round option at the top of the pitch with the skillset he possesses.

There’s no denying that Aubameyang failed to produce his quality during his short stint in West London, with his transfer needing to be a stark reminder going into the transfer market this summer.

However, his goalscoring record is there for all to see, recapturing his best form away from the Blues, with his dismal spell at Chelsea now appearing as a small blip in his successful career.

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