All posts by h79snht.top

It feels as if things are finally starting to fall into place at Arsenal.

For example, Sporting Director Andrea Bertas has been able to secure new long-term contracts for Gabriel Magalhães and Myles Lewis-Skelly, but that’s not all.

He has also seemingly secured the services of Christian Norgaard, Martin Zubimendi and Kepa Arrizabalaga while also pursuing several exciting striker targets.

The forward who seems to be most heavily linked with a move to the club is Benjamin Sesko, and if recent reports are to be believed, Arsenal could be moving to sign someone who’d be a dream teammate for the Slovenian star.

Arsenal target Premier League superstar

Signing a new striker was always going to be an objective heading into this summer, as while Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz are talented and useful players, neither has ever been, nor is likely to become, prolific.

The list of centre-forwards supposedly targeted by the club includes the likes of Viktor Gyokeres, Ollie Watkins and Alexander Isak, but the goalscorer who has arguably been linked most with the club, and therefore feels like the most realistic to end up in North London, is Sesko.

The RB Leipzig star was a target for the Gunners as far back as last summer, and while the German outfit is still holding out for a sizable fee, recent reports suggest that the 22-year-old could make his way to the Emirates for around £70m this summer.

Transfer Focus

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

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It would be an exciting addition to Arteta’s squad and one made all the better by the capture of another target: Eberechi Eze.

Yes, according to a recent report from insider Hand of Arsenal, Arteta was involved in direct talks with the Crystal Palace star’s camp on Saturday.

Talks have not been held directly with the South London side, and although there’s no mention of a fee, it has been widely reported that the Englishman has a release clause worth around £68m in his current contract.

It wouldn’t be a cheap deal to get over the line, but given Eze’s ability and track record, it’s one worth pushing the boat out for, especially as he could be incredible alongside Sesko.

Why Eze would be a dream for Sekso

The first reason Sesko would love to play alongside Eze at Arsenal is incredibly straightforward: his output.

The Crystal Palace star has long been an effective player for the South London side, but in recent seasons, he’s really stepped it up when it comes to goals and assists, with this season being a particular high point for him.

For example, in just 43 appearances, totalling 3303 minutes, the “dangerous” playmaker, as dubbed by Oliver Glasner, was able to score 14 goals and provide 11 assists, which comes out to a brilliant average of a goal involvement every 1.72 games, or every 132.12 minutes, which for someone in a midtable side, is unreal.

Eze’s 24/25

Appearances

43

Minutes

3303′

Goals

14

Assists

11

Goal Involvements per Match

0.58

Minutes per Goal Involvement

132.12′

All Stats via Transfermarkt

Just imagine what the Leipzig gem could do with a player as effective as the Englishman playing behind him or off to his left; he’d surely see his own goal and assist tallies soar.

Moreover, he’s not just stat padding against the weakest teams or in meaningless games, as the 26-year-old opened the scoring in the semi-final of the FA Cup this season and then scored the winning goal in the final, demonstrating exactly why teammate Tyrick Mitchell thinks he’s “one of the best players in the Premier League”.

The second reason that the Slovenian would love the former QPR gem is that he’s not afraid to do the dirty work when needed.

For example, FBref ranks him in the top 5% of attacking midfielders or wingers in Europe’s top five leagues for passes blocked and in the top 11% for ball recoveries per 90, which could free up the former RB Salzburg star to focus all his attention on scoring goals.

Finally, the fact that the Greenwhich-born dynamo can play as a ten or off the left of a front three should help him get more minutes with the Leipzig star and, in turn, build up more chemistry and a better understanding with him.

Ultimately, while it would be a lot of money, Arsenal should do all they can to sign both Sesko and Eze this summer, as together, they could help Arteta and Co finally get over the line next season.

Related Better move than Norgaard: Arsenal agree personal terms to sign £17m phenom

The exciting prospect could develop into something special at Arsenal.

Posts ByJack Salveson Holmes Jun 30, 2025

In-form batter absent with appendicitis as 14 wickets fall on green-tinged Oval pitch

ECB Reporters Network01-Jul-2024

Paul Walter was in the runs for Essex, but couldn’t prevent a sizeable deficit•Getty Images

Fourteen wickets fell on an attritional day two at the Kia Oval as Surrey edged themselves ahead against Essex in a top-of-the-table contest that could have a significant bearing on the destination of this year’s Vitality County Championship title.Division One leaders Surrey, resuming on 248 for eight, at least made sure of a batting bonus point before being bowled out for 262 but second-placed Essex, missing an ill Jordan Cox, were then dismissed for 180 in their own first innings.And, on a well-grassed pitch giving assistance to the quicker bowlers, Surrey then struggled to 44 for three in their second innings but still took their overall lead to an already handy 126.Only Paul Walter, who top-scored with 64, and Matt Critchley, with a determined 48, held up the Surrey seam attack for any length of time – but Jamie Porter, Shane Snater and Eathan Bosch all struck new-ball blows for Essex before bad light lopped 27 overs from the day’s allocation.Cox’s absence was particularly unfortunate for Essex, with the in-form 23-year-old – who has scored 763 championship runs at an average of 69.36 this season – reportedly needing to have an appendix operation after leaving the field yesterday feeling unwell.Dan Worrall and Jordan Clark took 3 for 40 and 3 for 33 respectively for Surrey, with Worrall chiefly responsible for Essex’s initial slide to 113 for five. Clark followed up his crucial early strike to remove former South Africa Test captain Dean Elgar for a 19-ball duck by later ending Walter’s combative 64 and finishing off the innings by having Bosch caught at mid on for 12.Walter, who struck Clark for six and also hit eight fours – several of them booming off drives – was eventually eighth out when he miscued a hook to deep square leg.Essex began badly with Nick Browne edging Worrall to third slip on 12 and fellow opener Elgar following in the next over when Jamie Smith held on again in the same position as the probing Clark found reward for his sustained accuracy with the new ball.Tom Westley made 11 before losing his off stump to a magnificent ball from James Taylor but Critchley and Walter then added 52 either side of lunch, with Critchley hooking Tom Lawes for six to go to 32.Worrall returned to remove Critchley with an outswinger prodded to second slip, and Worrall struck again when Michael Pepper (1) slashed straight to square cover.Simon Harmer offered some lower order resistance, pulling Taylor for four and then on-driving him next ball for another boundary, but on 16 was pinned leg-before by the same bowler.And Lawes, in his first appearance for two months due to a heel injury, looked more dangerous in his second spell and had Snater caught by Taylor at long leg for six.Tea was taken immediately after Clark wrapped up the Essex innings but Surrey then lost both openers in quick succession as Dom Sibley was bowled off stump for 11 by an absolute beauty from Porter and Rory Burns edged Snater to second slip to go for eight.Bad light first forced the players off at 5.09pm, with Surrey on 36 for two, and on a resumption at 5.37pm Dan Lawrence was adjudged lbw for 10 to Bosch, playing no stroke to one angled back into him.But only two overs were possible in this mini-session before more bad light drove the players off again at 5.51pm, umpires Peter Hartley and Graham Lloyd then waiting patiently for more than an hour until the light improved enough for a final four overs to be bowled from 7.02pm.At stumps at 7.17pm Smith had moved on to 11 not out, with Ben Foakes unbeaten on four and having already taken a blow on his right hand from a Porter lifter.

تحدث حسام حسن، المدير الفني لمنتخب مصر، عن الفوز على إثيوبيا بهدفين نظيفين، ضمن التصفيات المؤهلة إلى كأس العالم 2026.

وقال حسام حسن عبر المؤتمر الصحفي عقب اللقاء: “مباراة بوركينا فاسو لن تكون سهلة على الإطلاق، فقد فعلوا كل شيء، حتى أن رئيس دولتهم تدخل من أجل إقامة مباراة مصر على ملعبهم، لكننا على قدر التحدي”.

وواصل: “منتخب إثيوبيا يمتلك خبرة وإمكانيات، لكننا عملنا فنيًا أمامهم بشكل جيد، منتخب إثيوبيا منظم، ونحن أهدرنا عددًا كبيرًا من الفرص إلى جانب الهدفين المسجلين”.

طالع.. محمود صابر: حسام حسن وضع شرطًا لي للمشاركة مع منتخب مصر

وأكمل: “لو أي نادٍ يلعب مباراة ويفتقد لاعبًا مهمًا، تحدث أزمة كبيرة، نحن فقدنا محمد عبد المنعم، وربيعة لم يشارك سوى في مباراة واحدة مع العين، وكانت لدي مشكلة في خط الدفاع”.

واستمر: “مروان عطية حصل على إنذارين، وجاء أيضًا من إصابة، لكنه سيكون متاحًا في المباراة المقبلة، لأنه لاعب مهم جدًا بالنسبة لي”.

وأضاف: “لدينا عناصر جديدة مثل عمرو الجزار، مهند لاشين، أحمد عيد، محمود صابر، وخالد صبحي، ورغم حداثة عهدهم بمنتخب مصر إلا أنني أثق فيهم كثيرًا، وطالما أننا أضعنا العديد من الفرص فهذا يعني أننا كنا جيدين”.

واسترسل: “هل أغير طريقة لعبي أمام بوركينا فاسو؟ أنا لا أخاف، لكن المدرب يجب أن يكون جريئًا، وأنا غير قلق من مباراة بوركينا، وما يسعدني أن محمد صلاح بات قريبًا من أن يصبح الهداف التاريخي للمنتخب”.

وبشأن إمام عاشور، قال: “لم يتعاف بنسبة ١٠٠٪ وإن شاء الله يكون معنا في المعسكر المقبل”.

وأتم: “عندما تألق محمد شحاتة مع الزمالك الجميع قالوا لابد أن ينضم للمنتخب، لكنه متواجد بشكل دائم لكن الناس (بتنسى)”.

Nottingham Forest have a huge season in 2025/26 ahead of them. After being in contention for a Champions League spot for much of the campaign, Nuno Espirito Santo’s side could only qualify for the UEFA Conference League, although that is still a fantastic achievement.

Their good performances have drawn interest in their players from other clubs in the Premier League. One of those sides is Newcastle United, who are targeting a move for Anthony Elanga.

The East Midlands outfit currently values the Sweden international at £50m, showing just how important he is to the club and their exciting project.

If Elanga does depart the City Ground this summer, they will need to sign a replacement. Reports suggest they may already have someone lined up.

Nottingham Forest's potential Elanga replacement

Sorting an Elanga replacement this summer is something Forest simply must get right. The Swedish forward is a versatile player, so if he does leave, Nuno must surely go and sign a player in a similar mould.

Well, perhaps the man who could replace Elanga is Juventus star Timothy Weah. According to a recent report from Gianluca Di Marzio, the City Ground side ‘are interested in’ signing Weah this summer. The report suggests that the ‘clubs have already started contact and the negotiations are in full swing’ to agree a deal.

At this stage, personal terms with the USA international do not seem to have been completed. However, a fee is becoming more clear, with the Italian giants seemingly wanting just £12m for Weah this summer, which seems like an excellent value for money deal.

Why Weah would be a good replacement for Elanga

It was a really impressive campaign on a personal level for Weah, in what proved to be a turbulent season at times for the Old Lady. He became an important player and helped Juve to qualify for the Champions League, finishing fourth.

Across all competitions in the 2024/25 season, Weah, who is the son of former Ballon d’Or winner George, played 43 games, including one in the ongoing Club World Cup. In that time, he scored six goals and assisted a further five, with eight of those goal involvements coming in Serie A.

One of the words that springs to mind when discussing Weah is versatility, with Dougie Critchley describing him as “one of the most versatile players in world football”. He is incredibly flexible, able to play as a winger on either side, a full-back on either side and as a centre-forward.

This offers his manager, who could well be Nuno next season, extreme tactical flexibility, both during a game, should he wish to make tweaks, or before a game. Having a player who can play in multiple positions is certainly useful for any manager.

Indeed, that can be said about Elanga, too. The 23-year-old can also play on either flank, operating on the right wing most often last season. Like Weah, he can feature as a centre-forward, too, doing so seven times in 2024/25.

Stepping up and replacing the Forest number 21 will not be easy for Weah, though. Last season in Garbaldi Red, Elanga scored six Premier League goals and assisted 11, playing all 38 games. That included a sensational strike against former side Manchester United.

The underlying numbers via FBref for both players stack up well against each other. For example, Weah averaged 3.08 progressive passes per 90 minutes for Juve, compared to Elanga’s 2.27 each game for Forest, rubberstamping their creative threat in the final third.

Weah and Elanga key stats compared

Stat (per 90)

Weah

Elanga

Goals per shot

0.24

0.14

Key passes

1.04

1.8

Progressive passes

3.08

2.27

Tackles and interceptions

2.75

0.9

Progressive carries

2.47

3.67

Stats from FBref

There is no doubt that losing Elanga would be a huge blow for Forest. However, signing Weah, an even more versatile attacker who still manages good output, would be a superb way to replace their talismanic attacker.

He would be cost-efficient and offer Nuno tactical flexibility and quality in the final third. This seems like an excellent move for Forest this summer.

Related Hudson-Odoi upgrade: Nottingham Forest ramp up move for "ruthless" star

Nottingham Forest eye a move for a Championship winger who could be an upgrade on what they have.

Posts ByRoss Kilvington Jun 21, 2025

Middlesex had an unlikely chase of 80 in six overs after Essex reached 129 for 4 in the 13th

ECB Reporters Network13-Jun-2024

Jordan Cox was 31 not out from 19 when the rain curtailed Essex’s innings•Getty Images

Essex Eagles claimed their third successive Vitality Blast victory after overcoming Middlesex by 16 runs in their heavily rain-affected South Group game at Lord’s.The visitors reached 129 for 4 after 12.4 overs, with Jordan Cox unbeaten on 31 from 19 balls when a heavy downpour enveloped the ground.Middlesex’s target was revised to 143 from 12 overs – and subsequently 80 from six after another rain stoppage, but that unlikely equation proved beyond their reach.Despite a valiant effort by Max Holden, who hammered an undefeated 41 from 24, the home side fell short on 63 for two.After an initial 25-minute delay due to earlier showers, Adam Rossington immediately set about Middlesex’s bowling in the powerplay with two sizzling cover boundaries off Tom Helm.Rossington bludgeoned his way to 20 before slicing Noah Cornwell into the hands of deep third and the young left-armer, who took 2 for 29, also castled Michael Pepper (23 from 12), swinging across the line.Dean Elgar (28 from 17) was next to depart, with Luke Hollman taking a skier off his own bowling, but Cox looked assured straight away, dispatching his first ball for four with a classy straight drive.Although Ryan Higgins bowled Walter around his legs, pinpoint placement brought Cox successive boundaries off Blake Cullen and he also launched Hollman into the grandstand before rain returned, resulting in a delay of more than an hour.When the pitch covers were eventually removed, Holden and Stephen Eskinazi had barely taken guard when another heavy shower descended and the players left the field without a ball being bowled.The equation morphed into 80 from six overs when the game’s final instalment began and Eskinazi did his best to sustain Middlesex’s pursuit, hitting successive Shane Snater balls for four and six.However, Walter effectively settled the contest by capturing the wickets of Eskinazi and Higgins during his first over, which went for just four runs – and, although Holden kept the battle going, it was not enough.

Each side topped their regional qualifiers with six wins from six. The top of Group B is now at stake

Andrew Miller05-Jun-20244:18

Finch: Scotland will be confident after impressing against England

Match detailsNamibia vs Scotland
Bridgetown, 8pm localBig picture: Opportunity knocks after washoutThe magic number would appear to be 109, to judge by the two very contrasting clashes that have so far taken place in Group B of the T20 World Cup 2024.In Barbados on Sunday evening, Namibia grunted and ground their way to two precious points thanks to David Wiese’s heroics in the Super Over, having only just managed to match Oman’s all-out total of 109 off the very last ball of their original 20 overs.And then two days later, on the same surface at Bridgetown (albeit a less slow and sticky version to judge by the fluency of Scotland’s openers) George Munsey and Michael Jones dispatched England’s bowlers for 90 runs in ten overs either side of a two-hour rain delay … which, by the time DLS had worked its magic, meant England would have needed a target of, yes, 109 had the weather not closed back in to ruin the afternoon’s entertainment.And so it’s back to Bridgetown we go for two teams that have been on a significant roll since the end of their respective campaigns at the last T20 World Cup in 2022. Last year, both Namibia and Scotland topped their regional qualifiers, in Africa and Europe respectively, with six wins out of six, against such less-vaunted opponents as Italy and Tanzania. Now, however, they go head-to-head with rather more than trans-continental bragging rights to play for.England’s habitual discomfort against European opponents has seen to that. Irrespective of whether Tuesday’s washout was an opportunity won or lost for Scotland, the fact that Group B’s top seeds fell short of their anticipated two points means the door is ajar for a notable upset, particularly if Australia can inflict further damage on England’s standing in Saturday’s heavyweight clash.David Wiese and Ruben Trumpelmann are key performers for Namibia•ICC/Getty Images

In the meantime, all that matters is victory here and now. If Scotland can grab the extra point that eluded them last time out, then maintain their 100% record in T20Is against Oman when they meet in Antigua in Sunday, then they will go into their final group game against Australia next week with qualification in their own hands. It’s a lot of “ifs” at this stage, of course. But one fewer than they needed at the start of their campaign.As for Namibia, a three-point gap at the top of Group B beckons if they can make it two wins from two – and if they need any extra incentive, they need only rewind to their last T20 World Cup campaign two years ago, when qualification for the main event beckoned after their impressive victory over Sri Lanka in their opening fixture, only for the Netherlands and UAE to rip their dream away. They’ll be doubly keen to ensure this latest strong start doesn’t go to waste.Form guideNamibia TWWLL
Scotland LWLWWIn the spotlight: Munsey and TrumpelmannIn an innings of two halves on Tuesday, Jones made the running for Scotland prior to the rain-break, including with what looked set to be the moment of the day – a violent pick-up off Chris Jordan that smashed a solar panel on the roof at midwicket. But then, in the 22-ball resumption, it was all about George Munsey, who clobbered 23 from his remaining 12 balls, including a stunning switch-hit six that a left-handed KP could scarcely have timed any better. Namibia, however, know from recent experience that that shot is a Munsey trademark – at Kirtipur in February 2023, he unfurled a similar stroke for four to bring up his maiden ODI hundred, and seal a stunning ten-wicket win with a massive 167 balls to spare. In 2017, he scored his only first-class hundred against the same opponents, in the Intercontinental Cup in Ayr.Left-hander George Munsey hit Adil Rashid for a right-handed six earlier in the tournament•Getty Images

Munsey, however, will remember all too well what happened the last time he encountered the left-arm swing of Ruben Trumpelmannat a T20 World Cup. Facing up to the first ball of the match, in Abu Dhabi in 2021, Munsey climbed into a cut but misjudged the width, and hacked the ball onto his own stumps. Three balls later, Scotland were 2 for 3, as Calum McLeod and Richie Berrington were blasted from the crease with an aplomb to rival Mitchell Starc. And auspiciously for Namibia, Trumpelmann has started this latest tournament with similar devastation. Two balls versus Oman, two wickets in the bag, as both Kashyap Prajapati and Aqib Ilyas fell to savage, stump-seeking lbws.Pitch and conditions: The good news is that the weather in Barbados seems significantly better than it has been for the first week of the tournament. Only a small chance of rain is anticipated for each day until Sunday.Team newsNamibia endured a scare in their opener against Oman but came through in the end. An unchanged team could be in the offing.Namibia (probable): 1 Michael van Lingen, 2 Nikolaas Davin, 3 Jan Frylinck, 4 Gerhard Erasmus (capt), 5 JJ Smit, 6 David Wiese, 7 Zane Green (wk), 8 Malan Kruger, 9 Ruben Trumpelmann, 10 Bernard Scholtz, 11 Tangeni LungameniPrecisely two Scotland players got to sample the atmosphere of a Caribbean World Cup on Tuesday, but the confidence that Munsey and Jones will have telegraphed through their unbroken stand should not be underestimated. There’s no reason to think there’ll be any tweaks to the line-up that was trusted for their opening outing.Scotland (probable): 1 George Munsey, 2 Michael Jones, 3 Brandon McMullen, 4 Richie Berrington (capt), 5 Matt Cross (wk), 6 Michael Leask, 7 Chris Greaves, 8 Mark Watt, 9 Brad Wheal, 10 Chris Sole, 11 Brad CurrieStats that matter Namibia are playing in their third consecutive T20 World Cup, after qualifying for the 2021 and 2022 events. They have won five of their 12 matches to date, including the recent Super Over victory against Oman. Namibia have beaten Scotland in each of their three previous T20Is, including their only previous clash at a World Cup – a four-wicket win at Abu Dhabi in 2021. Since then, however, Scotland have won five of the six ODIs that the two teams have ever contested – including the aforementioned Munsey masterclass in February 2023.Quotes”Every game at a World Cup is a big game regardless of who the opposition is, so nothing changes in terms of process and preparation. We might not have as big a crowd watching us, but we still know it’s just as big a game and we need to win to really compete here.”
Brad Wheal, Scotland’s seamer, is braced for an important showdown.“The associates are ready. They want to play. They’re raring to go.”

West Bromwich Albion’s action-packed summer has been full of change so far.

Obviously, the first notable change occurred in the dug-out when Ryan Mason was finally unveiled as Tony Mowbray’s late successor, but more alterations have taken place since.

Centre-back titan Semi Ajayi has exited the Hawthorns for Hull City, on top of Grady Diangana reportedly looking as though he’s heading to Valencia in Spain.

Mason could instantly soften the blow of Ajayi departing the West Midlands by securing the signature of Nat Phillips, with reports now suggesting that the Liverpool colossus will move to West Brom permanently this summer.

Unfortunately, this is unlikely to be the only major loss Mason will have to stomach as the enthralling transfer window chugs along, with rumours already coming back to the surface that first-team star Tom Fellows might also be off.

Fellows' future at West Brom

It did feel as if it was going to be inevitable that any interest in Fellows would be reignited, with the England U21 international very firmly back on the radar of David Moyes’ Everton, as per a report by TEAMtalk last week.

The exciting attacker is just fresh off a breakout Championship season that saw him collect a jaw-dropping 14 assists in league action, on top of also powering home four strikes for his failed playoff-chasing outfit.

Therefore, it’s not a shock to see the Toffees chasing him, with Mason desperate to keep hold of him as he aims to guide the Baggies to promotion, especially as Josh Maja – who linked up with Fellows to devastating effect last season – edges closer to being back from injury.

But, Fellows might well feel he’s ready for the step-up to the Premier League now, as a reported price-tag of £10m begins to be circulated.

Whilst bolstering their centre-back numbers was a top priority in the wake of Ajayi upping and leaving, adding in more dynamic, creative attackers will be seen as more paramount if Fellows does exit.

West Brom's ideal Fellow replacement

According to a report by the Express and Star, West Brom could soon swoop in for AFC Bournemouth ace David Brooks on a loan basis, with Mason and Co just one of several Championship clubs keeping close tabs on the Welshman’s situation at the Cherries.

Transfer Focus

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

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He might well come in, therefore, and be a necessary short-term option for the Baggies to get over their homegrown product’s departure.

Indeed, the 27-year-old’s last electric loan spell away from Bournemouth down in the EFL resulted in Southampton clinching promotion at the close of the 2023/24 season.

Fellows might well even attempt to follow in Brooks’ footsteps if a Premier League switch soon opens up for him, with the 27-year-old – away from firing home two strikes for the Saints during that campaign – first getting to grips with the senior game in the Championship with Sheffield United.

Rising through the ranks with the Blades, he scored three goals and supplied eight assists in South Yorkshire.

As a result, a bumper £11.5m to the South Coast occurred, and whilst he does have a healthy 11 goals and six assists next to his name too in the luxuries of the Premier League, it’s his productive numbers in the second tier overall that will be solely catching Mason’s eye.

Brooks’ Championship numbers by season

Season

Games

Goals

Assists

23/24

17

2

5

21/22

7

1

0

20/21

32

5

6

17/18

30

3

5

Sourced by Transfermarkt

In total, Brooks has a sterling collection of 11 goals and 16 assists at the challenging level, with that assist haul particularly eye-catching as West Brom aim to effectively replace Fellows’ creative flair.

Hailed as “sublime” by Eddie Howe during his early Bournemouth days, this is a signing that will be seen as a statement to the rest of the Championship.

Throw Phillips into the mix and West Brom might well be deemed as serious promotion candidates, irrespective of high-profile exits souring the mood.

Related West Brom could sign a "fabulous" Diangana replacement who's an EFL veteran

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Posts ByKelan Sarson Jun 20, 2025

The transfer window has swung back open, and Arsenal need to get to work.

Mikel Arteta’s side may have once again finished the season as the second-best team in the Premier League this year, but as things stand, they are getting left behind by their rivals in the market.

For example, Liverpool have secured the services of Florian Wirtz, Manchester City have signed Rayan Cherki and a host of other talents, and now Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur look ready to battle it out for Bryan Mbeumo.

Fortunately, recent reports suggest that the Gunners may well be fighting to sign a dynamic winger of their own, someone who could be their answer to Mbeumo next season.

Arsenal's winger search

With Arsenal producing the best defence in the league for the second year running, it’s no surprise that almost all transfer rumours around the club have been focused on strikers and wingers.

Transfer Focus

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

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Regarding the latter, the North Londoners have already been linked with Real Madrid’s sensational Rodrygo for £84m and Nottingham Forest’s Anthony Elanga for closer to £60m.

However, as things stand anyway, neither of those players feel like they are likely to move anytime soon, which can’t be said for Nico Williams.

Yes, according to a recent report from Spanish newspaper Sport, as relayed by Sport Witness, Arsenal remain intensely interested in the Athletic Bilbao star.

In fact, in an exciting development, the report claims that the Gunners ‘are bidding hard’ for the young Spaniard and that they are offering him a net salary of €9m a year, which comes out to around £7.67m and is more than either Bilbao or Barcelona can afford to offer.

Moreover, the story reaffirms prior reports that the club are willing to activate the winger’s €62m release clause, which converts to around £53m.

It’s going to be an incredibly costly and likely quite a complicated transfer to get over the line, but given Williams’ ability and potential, it’s one worth fighting for, especially as he’d be the perfect answer to whoever signs Mbeumo.

Why Williams would be a perfect answer to Mbeumo

Now, while Mbeumo is an undeniably talented winger and was one of the best attackers in the Premier League this season, there are a number of reasons why Williams would be a great answer for Arsenal.

The first and arguably most significant reason relates to the Spaniard’s underlying numbers from the last two campaigns, as when we compare them to the Bees ace, it becomes very clear that his ceiling is far higher.

Moreover, while the former Troyes ace does do better in some metrics, like progressive passes and aerial duels won per 90, he comes out a distant second in almost every other area and by quite some distance.

Williams vs Mbeumo

Statistics per 90

Williams

Mbeumo

Non-Penalty Goals + Assists

0.65

0.55

Progressive Passes

2.97

3.84

Progressive Passes Received

11.5

9.15

Progressive Carries

5.70

3.42

Shots

2.58

2.15

Shots on Target

0.95

0.86

Passing Accuracy

71.2%

66.4

Key Passes

2.01

1.71

Passes into the Penalty Area

1.72

1.59

Crosses into the Penalty Area

0.62

0.39

Shot-Creating Actions

5.05

3.79

Goal-Creating Actions

0.73

0.50

Tackles

1.09

1.07

Successful Take-Ons

3.33

1.31

Ball Recoveries

4.71

4.17

Aerial Duels Won

0.38

0.95

All Stats via FBref for the 23/24 & 24/25 Seasons

For example, the dynamic “level-raiser,” as dubbed by respected analyst Ben Mattinson, does far better in crucial metrics such as non-penalty goals plus assists, progressive carries, successful take-ons, shots and shots on target, key passes, shot and goal-creating actions and many, many more, all per 90.

Now, if the two wingers were the same age, then we’d still suggest that the Pamplona-born international would be the better signing, but given the fact he is three years younger than the Avallon-born ace, then there is no telling how much the gap will grow in a few years time.

Finally, on top of all of that, the 28-capped international has also proven he can perform in the most high-pressure moments, as he was the one who opened the scoring for Spain in last summer’s European Championship final.

Ultimately, Mbeumo is a great player and will likely do well wherever he ends up, but Williams looks to be the superior winger and, therefore, a perfect answer for Arsenal.

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Posts ByJack Salveson Holmes Jun 16, 2025

Everton are interested in signing another Liverpool player alongside Ben Doak in the summer transfer window, according to a fresh update.

Doak heads list of Everton winger targets

The Blues are reportedly interested in making a shock move for Reds winger Doak before next season gets underway, in a transfer that would cause plenty of controversy.

An update from Sky Sports suggested that Everton are one of the clubs who are interested in acquiring the services of the 19-year-old this summer, with the Scot seen as an attacking player with a big future in the game, spending the 2024/25 season on loan at Championship side Middlesbrough.

Liverpool have a big decision to make with Doak, with the young Scotland international someone who could potentially be an eventual successor to Mohamed Salah on the right wing, but also not quite mature enough to fully make the grade at Anfield just yet.

From an Everton perspective, the idea of the teenager heading to Bramley Moore Dock is certainly exciting, not only because they would be signing a great young talent, but also due to them snapping up a player from their nearest and biggest rivals. Now, another Reds player is also reportedly wanted by the Blues.

Everton keeping tabs on Gomez's situation

According to a new claim from Empire of the Kop, Everton are “keeping close tabs” on Liverpool defender Joe Gomez, as they eye a summer move for him alongside Doak. The Blues are one of eight Premier League teams who are believed to be in the mix to snap him up, including Newcastle United, Aston Villa and Leeds United.

The £85,000-a-week Gomez could be a really shrewd addition by Everton in the summer, although as is the case with Doak, it remains to be seen if Liverpool will be hesitant to sell to them.

The 28-year-old is now the Reds’ longest-serving current player, winning two Premier League titles and always proving to be an excellent squad player, with Jurgen Klopp a huge admirer.

“He is a lifesaver, to be honest, that he was here, that he could play. People forget how important Joey was in the best years we had. I don’t know how many games he played in the year when we became champions and how many games he played when we won the Champions League – a lot and rightly so because he’s a top-class player.”

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Posts ByHenry Jackson Jun 2, 2025

Gomez may like the idea of being a regular for Everton, having had to accept being behind Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate in the centre-back pecking order, and he also wouldn’t have to up sticks and move away.

Joe Gomez’s trophy wins at Liverpool

Season

Premier League

2024/25

Premier League

2019/20

Champions League

2018/19

FA Cup

2021/22

EFL Cup

2023/24

EFL Cup

2021/22

Club World Cup

2019/20

UEFA Super Cup

2019/20

Community Shield

2022/23

That said, the England international may not want to risk tarnishing his Liverpool legacy by making a controversial switch, so a move elsewhere, or staying put at Anfield, feels more likely.

Celtic will enjoy a hard-earned summer break after a long season and are already in discussions over bringing a renowned star to Parkhead on a permanent basis.

Celtic end the season with defeat in the Scottish Cup final

Years of success at Hampden led many to believe that Celtic’s Scottish Cup final clash against Aberdeen was only going to go one way, but the Dons seized their opportunity to claim glory at the national stadium under Jimmy Thelin.

Two trophies, tangible success in the Champions League and coming a whisker away from winning a domestic treble is a good season by any stretch for the Hoops. Still, Brendan Rodgers will wonder what might’ve been if his side took their chances on Saturday afternoon.

One thing is for certain, Celtic will be active on the transfer front once the window opens. The Irishman confirmed his intent to bring in fresh blood after their Scottish Cup final defeat, insisting there is plenty of work to be done over the next few months.

He stated: “It’s no different to any summer. I think the result today doesn’t change anything, I spoke during the week and before the game. It doesn’t change anything.

“We know we need to strengthen areas on the field and see how the summer goes. I think for us, we want to strengthen. That’s what you aim to do every summer.”

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Posts ByHenry Jackson May 24, 2025

Giorgos Giakoumakis has claimed he would love a move back to Celtic, though it remains to be seen whether the Scottish Premiership champions will take the Greece international up on his enthusiastic suggestion.

Either way, movement is set to occur and discussions have taken place between the club and a star who could sign a permanent deal at Parkhead.

Celtic hold talks over permanent Jeffrey Schlupp deal

According to Sky Sports, Celtic have held discussions with Jeffrey Schlupp over a permanent move now that his loan deal is at an end at Parkhead.

The £60,000-per-week earner is set to be available on a free transfer and when his Crystal Palace contract expires, though there is yet to be any indication of whether an extended stay in Glasgow could be on the cards.

Jeffrey Schlupp at Celtic – has his loan spell been a positive one?

Appearances

18

Goals

1

Assists

1

Trophies

Scottish Premiership winner

Labelled “fantastic” by Oliver Glasner, the 32-year-old has become a useful rotation option alongside Greg Taylor at left-back, but his current wages may prove to be a stumbling block given his likely status as deputy to Kieran Tierney next term.

Reports state that if neither Schlupp nor Taylor agree to stick around, the Bhoys will venture into the market to provide further competition in that area of the field.

There is clearly a desire from Celtic to tie up the experienced campaigner on a permanent basis. However, his age would make him a stop-gap signing rather than a long-term solution at left-back.