Category Uncategorized

Chelsea will be in the market come January to further their bid for silverware and could now be set to land a heavy discount on a target they have identified at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea set for defensive injury boost following Ornstein update

The Blues have been affected by their fair share of injury news lately, and their lack of depth in central defence was highlighted against Liverpool last weekend – a fixture that Trevoh Chalobah, Tosin Adarabioyo, Wesley Fofana and Levi Colwill missed due to various issues.

Josh Acheampong ended up starting in the pivotal victory over the Reds, though he had to be subbed off himself after picking up a knock during proceedings. David Ornstein doesn’t believe his misfortune is as serious as first feared.

He stated via The Athletic’s Youtube Channel, also offering an update on Benoit Badiashile:

Trevoh Chalobah, returning from suspension, will also be a boost for the Blues, who have an away Premier League clash against Nottingham Forest to contend with before quickfire home fixtures against Ajax and Sunderland.

Signing a defender is a major priority in January for Chelsea, and that has only been heightened by the fact that Colwill has torn his ACL, so there will be no shortage of rumours on that front between now and the window opening for business.

With that in mind, attention will soon turn to potential mid-season solutions, and the Blues may now have identified a centre-back who they feel can make an instant impact at Stamford Bridge, should a deal materialise.

Chelsea could land heavy Castello Lukeba discount

According to CaughtOffside, Chelsea could land a heavy discount in their attempts to sign RB Leipzig defender Castello Lukeba, who has a release clause of just over £78 million.

Nevertheless, this stipulation is believed to be largely symbolic, and Leipzig are ‘ready to accept’ a potential bid in and around the £52 million mark.

BlueCo ready second approach for "fantastic player" after rejected £61m Chelsea offer

The west Londoners have already had a bid knocked back.

ByEmilio Galantini Oct 10, 2025

Liverpool, Manchester United, Newcastle United and Real Madrid are also keen on the France Under-21 international, who has also registered one assist in seven matches across all competitions this season.

In light of their injury problems and frustration at relying on the likes of Wesley Fofana to be available, a discounted move for Lukeba, who’s been called a “very unique” defender, may be a way to solve fitness issues that have plagued Stamford Bridge this term.

Predominantly left-sided, Lukeba has won 26 duels already this term and carried the ball out successfully six times, per Fotmob, illustrating his suitability to Enzo Maresca’s high-octane style of play.

Now, it remains to be seen whether Chelsea can push a deal over the line amid serious interest from elsewhere in the French defender.

يعود ريال مدريد إلى ملعب “الأنفيلد” لخوض مباراة مساء يوم الثلاثاء في بطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا ضد خصمه فريق ليفربول، في إطار منافسات الموسم الحالي من مرحلة الدوري.

ويستضيف ملعب “الأنفيلد” مباراة ليفربول وريال مدريد في الجولة الرابعة من دوري أبطال أوروبا، مساء الغد، موسم 2025/26.

وتُعد تلك هي المرة الثانية على التوالي التي يواجه فيها ريال مدريد خصمه ليفربول على ملعب الأخير، في مرحلة الدوري من دوري أبطال أوروبا، بعدما تواجها الموسم الماضي.

وخسر ريال مدريد أمام ليفربول بهدفين دون رد، عن طريق أليكسيس ماك أليستر وكودي جاكبو، في شهر نوفمبر الماضي، في دوري أبطال أوروبا موسم 2024/25.

اقرأ أيضًا.. جرافنبيرخ: سنسأل لاعب ليفربول عن إيقاف مبابي.. والجمهور حُر في تعامله مع أرنولد

وذكرت صحيفة “آس” الإسبانية أن مباراة ليفربول وريال مدريد في إنجلترا لن تتكرر العام المقبل، حيث ينوي الاتحاد الأوروبي لكرة القدم إدخال قواعد جديد لتحسين المسابقة في ظل نظام دوري أبطال أوروبا المستحدث.

وأوضحت أن إحدى تلك القواعد، التي ستدخل حيز التنفيذ العام المقبل، هو منع لعب ثلاث مباريات متتالية في مرحلة الدوري على نفس الملعب، مما يعني عدم إمكانية استضافة “الأنفيلد” لمباراة ليفربول وريال مدريد الموسم القادم، حال وقوعهما سويًا حسب القرعة.

وستنطبق تلك القاعدة على جميع الفرق التي تلتقي في نفس الملعب لعامين متتاليين في مرحلة الدوري، ولكنها لن تنطبق على مراحل خروج المغلوب، لذلك إذا التقى ريال مدريد وليفربول في هذه المرحلة، فقد يلعبان مجددًا على ملعب “الأنفيلد”.

وأشارت إلى أن يويفا يجري تدريجيًا تعديلات على نظام دوري أبطال أوروبا الجديد، ومع مشاركة هذا العدد الكبير من الفرق، لا يريد أن يرى المشجعون الفريق نفسه يلعب على أرضه لأكثر من عامين متتاليين.

Aston Villa boss Unai Emery has challenged his side to back up their first win of the season with consistency after a 1-0 Europa League victory over Bologna.

Villa scored their first goal at home this season after 12 minutes when John McGinn fired into the bottom right corner from outside the area. Ollie Watkins had a second-half penalty saved by Lukasz Skorupski as he failed to open his account for the campaign.

Villa goalkeeper Marco Bizot was busy in the second half as Bologna piled on the pressure and he scrambled across his goal to keep out Martin Vitik’s header in stoppage time to ensure the hosts clung on to all three points. Emery says his side now have something to build on heading into Sunday’s Premier League match with Fulham.

He told TNT Sports: “At home I felt always here, in three years since I arrived, strong and confident. Creating and building a great atmosphere with energy with the players and supporters and today I felt it again.

“Bologna played well, they demanded us a lot, but then we adapted and tried to dominate and I think we deserved the win. Today we won and it is important we have to try and keep consistent on Sunday. Different match and rival, but a lot of things tactically we have to keep on building.

“Today this win will help us to try and continue working and being positive, but each match coming is a challenge, to fight to try and prepare as best as possible, be demanding with the players. This year I am excited, positive and motivated about the Europa League, but I know how difficult it is to win.”

Watkins struggles again as Villa Park gets tense

Watkins came off the bench in the 58th minute and looked lively, but his goal drought extended to seven games with the penalty miss. Emery is confident the forward will return to form, though. He added: “He worked today like he is (confident) and this is the first step to recover confidence.

“Then he had a penalty and he created chances as well, but the most important is to recover confidence and do your tasks like he did today. Today was the first step and he did fantastic.”

Defender Ezri Konsa admits the Villa Park crowd have been “tricky” to deal with following a tough start to the season but wants to use Thursday’s win as a starting point for their season. He said:

Journalist reveals how Monchi leaving will impact Emery's Aston Villa future

A journalist has explained how the recent off-field issues at Villa could affect Unai Emery.

ByDominic Lund Sep 25, 2025

Manchester United secured a stunning victory an Anfield to condemn Liverpool to an unbelievable fourth consecutive defeat as the visitors won a pulsating derby 2-1. There was controversy just seconds into the match after Bryan Mbeumo fired the visitors in front, despite a head injury to Alexis Mac Allister in the build-up. Cody Gakpo equalised for Arne Slot’s side, but Harry Maguire’s header in the 84th minute sealed a memorable win for United.

Amorim’s side made a flying start to the match, taking a dramatic lead in the second minute as United broke quickly upfield and Mbeumo fired low past Giorgio Marmadashvili. Liverpool midfielder Mac Allister took a blow to the head in the build-up, but referee Michael Oliver didn’t spot it, leaving the home fans furious. 

The visitors were the better side in the opening half with both Mason Mount and Bruno Fernandes missing gilt-edged chances to extend United’s lead, and as the game progressed it seemed Amorim’s team were likely to edge further in front. But Slot rang the changes on the hour and it was one of the substitutes, Federico Chiesa, who teed up Gakpo to fire home from close range and level the match. 

Anfield suddenly came to life as home fans sensed an unlikely victory, but it was United who scored again to stun the crowd as Maguire headed Fernandes’ cross back across goal to seal the points and United’s first win on this ground since back in January 2016.

GOAL rates Liverpool players from Anfield…

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Goalkeeper & Defence

  Giorgi Mamardashvili (5/10): 

  Playing just his second Premier League game for the Reds as Alisson remains injured and was stunned early on after Mbeumo struck the ball fiercely low past him for the opener. Was little he could do for Maguire's goal either. 

  Conor Bradley (6/10): 

  Impressed during the international break with Northern Ireland and was kept busy all afternoon by Dalot and Mount, but barely put a foot wrong. Was taken off in the 62nd minute. 

  Ibrahima Konate (6/10):

  Back in the starting line-up after recovering from injury and played Mbeumo onside for the opening goal. Was reasonably sound for the vast majority of the game. 

  Virgil van Dijk (5/10): 

  Ahead of the match, the Liverpool captain spoke about how it was ‘pretty clear’ his team needed to improve, but was partially at fault for the opener after failing to spot the run of Mbeumo in behind him.

  Milos Kerkez (5/10):

  An ever-present for the Reds so far this season, at the expense of Robertson, but endured a torrid first-half. Amad ran him ragged and looked very uncomfortable at times. 

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Midfield

  Ryan Gravenberch (6/10): 

  Has been one of Slot’s standout performers this season and, while he played positively throughout, he failed to make a major impact and took a hefty blow on his ankle before being subbed on the hour. 

  Alexis Mac Allister (6/10):

  Took a hefty whack to the head just moments into the match and played the rest of the game wearing a protective covering. Covered plenty of ground, but was quiet by his standards and was subbed in the 60th minute. 

  Dominik Szoboszlai (6/10):

  Has been one of Liverpool's standout performers this season and, while he showed good attacking intent, was below-par. Moved into full-back position when Bradley was hooked on the hour mark.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Attack

  Mohamed Salah (5/10): 

  Wasted a golden opportunity, but snatched at the ball and fired wide from eight yards out in the 65th minute. Was a surprisingly quiet afternoon for the Reds talisman who normally thrives in these matches. 

  Cody Gakpo (7/10): 

  Recently admitted to feeling more at home at Liverpool than playing for his native Netherlands, and you can see why. Turned home Chiesa's cross from a couple of yards out and could have had a sackful more as he hit the post three times throughout the match. One of Liverpool's better performers. 

  Alexander Isak (4/10): 

  Will be hugely disappointed with his performance. Seemed nervous throughout and failed to show enough composure when half-chances came his way. Still not showing the quality which convinced Liverpool to invest so heavily in him. Was subbed in the 72nd minute, and there's work for Slot to do to get the best out of him. 

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Subs & Manager

  Florian Wirtz (5/10):

  A few neat touches, but no impact. Wasn't on the pitch long enough to shoulder any blame for the defeat and will be looking the the forthcoming matches to be given more time from Slot.  

  Curtis Jones (5/10):

  Not enough time to make an impact in midfield after being brought on as Sot made wholesale changes on the hour mark. 

  Hugo Ekitike (6/10):

  Was a real live wire from the moment he came on the pitch. Had a few long-range efforts blocked, but without any luck. 

  Federico Chiesa (6/10):

  Was finally given his chance with 20 minutes remaining and repaid the manager's faith by setting up Liverpool's equaliser. 

  Jeremie Frimpong (6/10):

  Did brilliantly down the wing to set up a chance for Gakpo, but the header sailed over the bar. 

  Arne Slot (5/10):

  The Liverpool boss has more questions than answers as he watched his side struggle all afternoon. Key players, particularly new signings, just aren't at the races. It's his job to find those answers, and find them soon. Four defeats in a row is unacceptable. 

Barcelona legend Xavi has explained why Lamine Yamal was beaten to the 2025 Ballon d’Or by Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembele. One exciting forward that used to grace the books at Camp Nou pipped one that is starring in the present to the title of best player on the planet. Dembele fended off the challenge of teenage wonderkid Yamal to collect the first Golden Ball of his career.

• Can Yamal match Messi in the Ballon d'Or stakes?

  Yamal is expected to go on and claim plenty in the future, with it being suggested that he could match or eclipse the efforts of fellow La Masia academy graduate Lionel Messi – who has eight Ballons d’Or to his name and is widely considered to be the greatest player ever to lace up a pair of boots.

  Time is on Yamal’s side when it comes to achieving such feats, as he is just 18 years of age. He has signed a lucrative new contract at Barcelona and inherited the iconic No.10 shirt that Messi once filled with such distinction. He is already considered to form part of the global elite, with that standing being highlighted in his runner-up finish behind Dembele.

Advertisement

• Getty Images
  

  Why Dembele beat Yamal to Golden Ball in 2025

  Former Barca player and manager Xavi believes there were a number of contenders to land the Golden Ball in 2025, with Dembele ultimately emerging as a deserving winner. The ex-Spain international told when asked about Yamal missing out: “This time, collective titles weighed more heavily. For me, of course, he deserved it. So did Vitinha, [Mohamed] Salah, Pedri, and Raphinha… many players deserved it. But in the end, titles count more. Lamine will win it, I’m convinced – but when his team wins the Champions League or a World Cup.”

  Xavi was the man to hand Yamal his senior debut for Barcelona at 15 years of age. He had been knocking on the door prior to that, with it impossible to limit such potential. The youngster has come a long way in a short space of time, with La Liga and European Championship titles being added to his CV.

• Xavi explains why Yamal was destined for greatness

  Xavi added on helping to put the hottest of prospects on the path to potential greatness: “I feel very proud of what Lamine is doing and of having given him the chance to make his debut. I saw him as very prepared despite being 15. He was very confident, very capable, making a difference in training. He wasn’t afraid of anything. From the very first day, he stood out. For me, he’s one of the chosen ones and can define an era in world football. He has no complexes, no fear whatsoever.”

  Barca always expected Yamal to reach the very top of the game, despite being a rough diamond in need of some polishing. Xavi remains convinced that the teenager will win a Golden Ball at some stage.

  He added when asked if that standing was clear from day one: “Yes, without a doubt. We said it among the staff – we said he was Ballon d’Or material. Watching him train, you could already see something different. You immediately realised he was one of the chosen ones.”

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images
  

  Yamal injury: How long teenage wonderkid will be out for

  Yamal is being forced to take in another enforced spell on the sidelines at present. He picked up a groin injury while on international duty in September and, after taking a period of rest, aggravated that when returning to action against Real Sociedad. He will play no part for his country in their upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Georgia and Bulgaria.

  It has been claimed that Yamal will be out for “two or three weeks”, with Barca needing to nurse him back to full health. A break in domestic competition will aid that cause, with the reigning La Liga champions playing host to Catalan neighbours Girona on October 18 – with others, such as on-loan Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford, needing to step up in Yamal’s absence.

Arsenal could still make one more major signing before the transfer deadline on September 1, with sporting director Andrea Berta potentially capable of reinforcing another key area depending on outgoings.

Premium Arsenal Experiences

Secure your matchday experience with Seat Unique.

See at Seat Unique

Mikel Arteta led his Premier League title hopefuls to a solid 1-0 win away to Man United on Sunday, and despite not pulling up trees with their overall display, Arsenal withstood a barrage of pressure to come away with a clean sheet after robust defending.

There were positive takeaways from their first league outing of the campaign, namely how they put aside a determined United on away soil, who themselves are looking to rebuild under one of Europe’s most exciting young managers in Ruben Amorim.

Away from the pitch, Berta could still sign another left-winger, if Leandro Trossard leaves the Emirates Stadium.

Trossard, who’s entered the final 12 months of his deal, is apparently more likely than not to depart amid interest from the likes of Aston Villa and Brentford, with Berta looking to potentially sell now rather than lose the Belgian for nothing next year.

If Trossard does depart, it would free up space for Arsenal to move for that other wide player (Ben Jacobs), and reports suggest that they’re still firmly in the running for Real Madrid forward Rodrygo.

The Brazil international is attracting serious interest from Man City as a replacement for Savinho, amid his talks to join Tottenham, but Arsenal are believed to maintain their own interest in Rodrygo amid his uncertain Bernabeu future.

According to TBR Football and journalist Graeme Bailey, though, Real squad members have made their stance on him potentially joining Arteta’s side crystal clear behind-the-scenes.

Real Madrid players urge Rodrygo not to join Arsenal

As per their information, a number of Los Blancos stars, including the likes of Kylian Mbappé, have stepped in to urge Xabi Alonso and Real’s hierarchy not to green-light Rodrygo’s exit.

However, unfortunately for them, the consensus as things stand is apparently that Rodrygo is heading towards the exit door, regardless of his teammates urging him not to join Arsenal.

The 24-year-old racked up 14 goals and 11 assists in all competitions last season, but Fabrizio Romano has suggested that Rodrygo will likely cost around £86 million, so it’ll perhaps take a few key sales before Arsenal muster up the cash for such a mega-money transfer.

Readers like you help support FootballFanCast. When you make a purchase using links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Read More.

يواصل منتخب مصر الأول لكرة القدم استعداداته المكثّفة لمواجهة غينيا بيساو في الجولة الختامية من التصفيات الإفريقية المؤهلة لكأس العالم 2026، حيث يقود المدير الفني حسام حسن التدريبات بجدية عالية على ملعب استاد القاهرة الدولي.

وكان المنتخب الوطني قد ضمن التأهل رسميًا إلى نهائيات المونديال بعد فوزه على جيبوتي بثلاثة أهداف دون رد في الجولة التاسعة، ليحسم صدارة مجموعته قبل جولة واحدة من النهاية.

وكشف مصدر مطلع لموقع بطولات أن الجهاز الفني للمنتخب يدرس إمكانية منح الفرصة للحارسين مصطفى شوبير ومحمد صبحي خلال لقاء غينيا بيساو، بحيث يشارك كل منهما في شوط واحد، مع الاتجاه إلى إراحة محمد الشناوي في هذه المواجهة.

طالع أيضًا | خاص | حسام حسن يُدرب لاعبي منتخب مصر على سلاح جديد قبل مواجهة غينيا بيساو

ويحتل منتخب مصر صدارة المجموعة برصيد 23 نقطة، متقدمًا بخمس نقاط عن بوركينا فاسو صاحبة المركز الثاني بـ 18 نقطة.

ويستضيف استاد القاهرة الدولي مساء الأحد المقبل المواجهة الأخيرة في مشوار التصفيات، والتي يسعى خلالها حسام حسن إلى إنهاء المشوار بالعلامة الكاملة وتأكيد جاهزية الفراعنة قبل انطلاق المونديال.

After a long summer, Arsenal finally kickstart their fourth attempt at winning the Premier League tomorrow afternoon.

It feels like it could be the competitive title race for some time, but thanks to their summer business, Mikel Arteta’s side feel well-placed to attack it head-on.

Sporting Director Andrea Berta and his team have overseen six first-team additions so far, with the most significant undoubtedly being Viktor Gyokeres, and if that wasn’t enough, they are still being linked with a move for the sensational Eberechi Eze.

However, if Arsenal really want to make a splash and complete a signing that’d be better than the Swede and Englishman, they should go back in for a player they were linked with earlier this summer.

Why Gyokeres and Eze could be game-changers

While there are always a multitude of motivations behind every transfer, it’s not hard to work out why Arsenal decided to splash £63.5m on Gyokeres this summer: goals.

The Gunners have needed a new goalscoring centre-forward for some time now, and when it comes to putting the ball in the back of the net, it’s hard to think of many players as good as the Swede.

For example, in just 52 appearances last season, the Stockholm-born “powerhouse,” as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, scored a staggering 54 goals and provided 13 assists to boot.

In other words, the 27-year-old international averaged 1.28 goal involvements every game, or one every 63.40 minutes, which is frankly ridiculous.

When it comes to their interest in Eze, there is perhaps a little more to it.

For example, on top of his brilliant haul of 25 goal involvements in 43 games for Crystal Palace last season, the former QPR gem can play as a traditional number ten or fill in on the left, which is an area of concern for the Gunners.

Moreover, he is Premier League-proven and proved he has what it takes to step up in the biggest games last season during the Eagles’ incredible FA Cup triumph.

In short, Gyokeres is a brilliant signing, and Eze would be as well, although if Arsenal want to make an even better purchase than both, they should go out and get someone they were linked with earlier this summer: Bradley Barcola.

Why Barcola would be a better signing than Gyokeres & Eze

While the reports touting Barcola for a move to Arsenal seem to have disappeared in recent weeks, he was briefly linked with the club back in June, and since then, stories have claimed that Paris Saint-Germain value him at around £87m.

So then, if Berta were to go out and get the young Frenchman, why would he be a better signing than Gyokeres and Eze?

Well, the first argument comes down to this output, as even though he plays on the wing, the Lyon-born superstar, whom Mattinson has dubbed “one of the best LWs in Europe,” scored 21 goals and provided 21 assists in 64 appearances, totalling 3927 minutes, last season.

Barcola in 24/25

Appearances

64

Minutes

3927′

Goals

21

Assists

21

Goal Involvements per Match

0.65

Minutes per Goal Involvement

93.5′

All Stats via Transfermarkt

That works out to a sublime average of a goal involvement every 1.52 games, or every 93.5 minutes, which trumps the Palace star’s average of one every 1.72 games, or every 132.12 minutes.

Now, you might be thinking that the Frenchman’s numbers still pale in comparison to the Swede’s, and while that is correct, you have to take into account the competitions they play in, as, according to Opta Analyst, the Portuguese league is only the eighth toughest in the world. At the same time, Ligue 1 makes it into the top five.

The second reason the “world-class” PSG gem, as dubbed by journalist Dougie Critchley, would be a better signing is down to what he team needs, as while a new striker was important, Kai Havertz was on 15 goals before his injury last season.

In contrast, neither Gabriel Martinelli nor Leandro Trossard have impressed off the left for some time now, making it a real weak point in the side.

Finally, and this is important when it comes to squad building and future success, the Champions League winner is still just 22 years old. In contrast, the other two are both 27, meaning they will likely start becoming less effective in three to four years, compared to eight or nine.

Ultimately, Gyokeres is an excellent signing, and Eze would be as well, but from his output to his position and age, we can’t help thinking Barcola would be the best addition of the lot.

Related Best signing since Rice: Big-money target "in favour" of moving to Arsenal

The international entertainer could be a game-changer for Arsenal and Mikel Arteta.

Posts ByJack Salveson Holmes Aug 14, 2025

استقرت قناة أون سبورت، الناقل الرسمي لمباراة الأهلي والزمالك، ضمن منافسات مسابقة الدوري المصري، على معلقي اللقاء.

ومن المقرر أن يلتقي الأهلي مع الزمالك، ضمن منافسات الجولة التاسعة من مسابقة الدوري المصري الممتاز، على ملعب استاد القاهرة.

وتنطلق المباراة في تمام الثامنة مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة والسعودية والتاسعة مساءً بتوقيت الإمارات العربية المتحدة.

طالع.. بعد ظهوره في المران.. موقف زيزو النهائي من مباراة الأهلي والزمالك في الدوري

وقبل المباراة يتصدر الزمالك جدول ترتيب مسابقة الدوري المصري الممتاز برصيد 17 نقطة، بينما الأهلي في المركز السابع برصيد 12 نقطة.

ويبحث الزمالك، عن حسم لقاء القمة ومصالحة جماهيرة بعد السقوط في فخ التعادل الإيجابي أمام الجونة في الجولة الماضية.

بينما يأمل الأهلي في مواصلة نغمة انتصاراته في الدوري، بعد الفوز على حرس الحدود في الجولة الماضية بثلاثية مقابل هدفين. معلق مباراة الأهلي والزمالك في الدوري

أسندت قناة أون سبورت تعليق مباراة الأهلي والزمالك إلي الثنائي بلال علام وأيمن الكاشف عبر قناة أون سبورت 1.

بينما يعلق عبر قناة أون سبورت 2: مؤمن حسن.

It’s been a hectic couple of weeks for Arsenal.

After watching their Premier League rivals make signing after signing, the Gunners are finally starting to make a splash in the transfer window.

For example, after months of speculation, Martin Zubimendi was finally announced yesterday morning, and then, if that wasn’t enough, a deluge of reports suggesting a deal for Viktor Gyokeres is close also emerged.

Moreover, the Gunners are now getting close to securing the services of a Premier League star, someone who’d be a far better signing than Noni Madueke.

Arsenal looking at signing another Premier League star

While most of the links to players this summer, and the two signings already confirmed, have been met with positivity from the general fan base, the same can’t be said for links to Madueke.

Transfer Focus

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

It was revealed late last week that the Gunners had already reached an agreement on personal terms with the Chelsea player.

There is no denying that the winger is talented, but he’s hardly blown anyone away in West London, and at a potential price tag of £50m, it’s easy to understand why many fans might look at him as a misuse of funds.

Fortunately, the North Londoners are also reportedly closing in on a deal for another Premier League star, someone who’d be a far better signing than Madueke: Eberechi Eze.

At least that is according to David Ornstein, who, on a recent episode of The Athletic’s podcast, reaffirmed reports that Arsenal are highly interested in signing the Crystal Palace star this summer.

Ornstein reveals that he is now one of the club’s top target and is now seriously high in their consideration this summer. Moreover, he revealed that “they’ve held some conversations” with the player’s camp, and that they would like to sign him for under his release clause of £68m.

However, the Eagles are understandably keen on receiving the full fee to sell their talismanic attacker this summer.

It could be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but given Eze’s ability, it’s one Arsenal should fight for, especially as he’d be a far better signing than Madueke.

Why Eze would be a far better signing than Madueke

Okay, so the first thing to say is that, yes, Eze and Madueke do operate in different areas of the pitch, but that doesn’t take away from the fact that the former would be a far better signing than the latter.

The first reason is down to their respective output, as in 43 appearances last season, totalling 3303 minutes, the Palace ace scored 14 goals and provided 11 assists.

That means he averaged a goal involvement every 1.72 games, or every 132.12 minutes, and, on top of that, he scored important goals, such as the winner in the FA Cup.

In contrast, the Chelsea ace racked up a tally of 11 goals and five assists in 45 games, totalling 2625 minutes, which comes out to a far less impressive average of a goal involvement every 2.81 games, or every 164.06 minutes.

The second reason the Eagles’ “superstar,” as dubbed by respected analyst Ben Mattinson, would be a better signing is their underlying numbers.

For example, when we take a look under the hood, the former QPR gem comes out on top in practically every relevant metric, such as non-penalty goals plus assists, key passes and successful take-ons.

These statistics demonstrate that, in addition to scoring goals, the 27-year-old is a brilliant creator and someone who can generate chances through his passing and carrying abilities.​​​​​

Ultimately, if Arsenal can only afford to sign one other attacking star from the Premier League this summer, then they have to go with Eze, as he’s simply better than Madueke in every meaningful way.

Talks open: Arsenal submit offer to sign "standout" 17 y/o after Zubimendi

The midfielder is the Gunners’ second summer signing.

By
Tom Cunningham

Jul 7, 2025