All posts by z3u9t.icu

A £65 million striker would welcome joining Chelsea this summer, following the club's failed pursuit of RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko.

Chelsea miss out as Sesko pens new RB Leipzig contract

Enzo Maresca is after a new centre-forward this summer, and Chelsea were heavily involved in the race for Sesko to grant the Italian's wish.

£100,000-per-week Man Utd target has now agreed to join Chelsea

He’s shook hands on terms.

ByEmilio Galantini Jun 11, 2024

Fabrizio Romano says that the Blues, Arsenal and Man United all made proposals for the Slovenia international who bagged 18 goals in all competitions for Leipzig last season. His £55 million release clause was another enticing draw, as prolific goalscorers often come at a marquee premium.

“The first step has to be to inform RB Leipzig of his future at the club. Leipzig presented an important contract to Sesko to be the star of the squad with an improved salary and big money," said Romano on the Here we Go podcast last week (via football.london).

"He has to decide whether he wants to be the superstar of Leipzig for one more season or to leave in 2025. He has already said no to two big proposals for €30 million (£26 million) per season salary in Saudi Arabia, so he was not attracted by the possibility.

Appearances

42

Goals

18

Assists

2

Minutes per goal

115

Minutes played

2,057

“He has three proposals from the Premier League – Manchester United, Chelsea & Arsenal – these three clubs have already approached Sesko and presented their project. They want him so now it's basically on the player.”

Fast-forward to now, and Sesko has made his decision. As shared by Romano again, Sesko has chosen to remain at Leipzig and will put pen to paper on an improved new contract with the Bundesliga side.

It is now back to the drawing board for Chelsea transfer chiefs, who still aim to bring in a prolific new forward. Mauricio Pochettino was heavily reliant on the likes of Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson for his goalscoring output last season, with Maresca looking to finally bring in a talismanic new option who can lead the line.

Chelsea are targeting Girona and Ukraine star Artem Dovbyk as a Sesko alternative, but they've now added one of their former stars to their transfer shortlist as well.

Dominic Solanke shortlisted and would welcome Chelsea move

As per GiveMeSport, the player in question is Bournemouth striker Dominic Solanke – coming after he bagged 21 goals in all competitions last season.

Solanke would apparently welcome a return to Chelsea, and his contract includes a £65 million release clause which would allow Todd Boehly to bypass negotiations with Bournemouth.

The Englisman is one of many names they're considering, but Solanke has at least opened the door for Chelsea to approach him.

Celtic are interested in signing a player from a huge European club this summer, with Manuel Neuer an admirer of the reported target.

Celtic transfer news

The Hoops have been linked with various potential signings since completing the Scottish Premiership and Scottish Cup double this season, with Brendan Rodgers no doubt wanting to stave off the threat of Rangers as much as possible.

Paulo Bernardo impressed for Celtic on loan from Benfica in 2023/24, helping them secure trophy success, and he could make a return to the club on a permanent basis this summer. The 22-year-old is thought to be "keen" on the idea of coming back to Parkhead, with his current club also willing to sell him.

Meanwhile, Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips has been mentioned as a high-profile target, as the Englishman looks to rebuild his career after an underwhelming spell at the Etihad. Another loan spell has been mooted, but Rangers are also among the teams who are interested in snapping him up.

Bojan Miovski was one of the most impressive attacking players in the league this season, shining for Aberdeen and scoring 16 times in the competition, and he has been tipped to move to Celtic, too, being seen as a potential alternative to Adam Idah if he doesn't join permanently.

Celtic want £24,000-a-week player on loan

Joe Hart will need to be replaced after his retirement from football, and according to Bild [via Sport Witness], Celtic are interested in signing Bayern Munich goalkeeper Daniel Peretz on loan during the summer window.

The Scottish giants are far from alone in expressing a willingness to snap up the 23-year-old, however, with Premier League side Nottingham Forrest also mentioned in the report. The same applies to FC Copenhagen, Anderlecht, Real Betis and Villarreal, too, with all six clubs making initial enquiries.

Peretz would represent a strong addition for Celtic, not least because he has spent the past 12 months or so working next to one of the leading 'keepers in the history of the game in Neuer, having arrived from Maccabi Tel Aviv last summer.

In fact, the iconic German has shown his appreciation for his teammate, following an agreement to allow him to replace him in one Bundesliga game, in order to enjoy his only league minutes of the campaign: "That was agreed upfront. We agreed if the result allows it we’ll do it. Daniel gave the team so much over the entire season. He deserved to get the minutes today. We’re all happy Dani was on the pitch today."

Still only 23, Peretz is still growing in his role, but he could be an excellent replacement for Hart, potentially even moving to Parkhead on a permanent deal if he impresses on loan.

Celtic could repeat Joe Hart masterclass by signing £150k-p/w star

The Old Firm giants could well bolster their ranks with a high-profile signing this summer…

ByRobbie Walls Jun 2, 2024

The importance of nailing Hart's successor cannot be understated, and while the £24,000-a-week Israel international is less experienced and at a different point in his career, the fact that Bayern signed him and he is playing for his country suggests he is a standout option between the sticks.

Liverpool are now reportedly ready to accept a cut-price offer for one of their star men on one important condition in the January transfer window.

Salah accuses Liverpool of throwing him "under the bus"

To say it was a bad Saturday evening for Liverpool would be an understatement. Life was good at 2-0 up. The champions were in control. Cruising, in fact, before Ibrahima Konate’s needless challenge allowed Leeds United the climb back into the game before both sides battled out a dramatic 3-3 draw.

But the worst was yet to come. Mohamed Salah didn’t get on the pitch yet again, but he did get behind the mic after the game to unleash an explosive rant against Arne Slot and Liverpool.

"Annoying" Liverpool star showed why FSG have to sign Semenyo

Liverpool need to make a signing or two in the January transfer window.

ByAngus Sinclair 5 days ago

The Egyptian said: “That I’m sitting on the bench for 90 minutes! The third time on the bench, I think for the first time in my career. I’m very, very disappointed to be fair. I have done so much for this club down the years and especially last season.

“Now I’m sitting on the bench and I don’t know why. It seems like the club has thrown me under the bus. That is how I am feeling. I think it is very clear that someone wanted me to get all of the blame.

“I got a lot of promises in the summer and so far I am on the bench for three games so I can’t say they keep the promise. I said many times before that I had a good relationship with the manager and all of a sudden, we don’t have any relationship. I don’t know why, but it seems to me, how I see it, that someone doesn’t want me in the club.”

It’s a new low point in Liverpool’s shocking title defence and where they even go from here is anyone’s guess. It is, however, time to get ruthless it seems, with reports now suggesting that those at Anfield are ready to sell Konate following his disastrous form.

Liverpool ready to accept Konate offer

According to Football Insider, Liverpool are now ready to accept a £15m offer to sell Konate in January if they manage to find a replacement. The Frenchman has played himself out of a Real Madrid move this season, but is still on course to become a free agent when his contract expires in the summer.

After he gave away a penalty to allow Leeds back into Saturday’s game, Slot admitted that Konate has been at the scene of the crime too often this season.

A player who Virgil van Dijk dubbed “fantastic” last year, Konate has now become Liverpool’s biggest liability. With just over six months remaining on his current deal, it remains to be seen whether he puts pen to paper on fresh terms.

Liverpool hold talks to sign Semenyo upgrade who will be a "£100m +" player

Chelsea have now moved ahead of Arsenal in the race to sign Marseille striker Robinio Vaz, having opened talks, and a January offer is now being explored.

The Blues’ interest in signing a new striker perhaps stems from the slow start Liam Delap has made to life at Stamford Bridge, most recently failing to find the back of the net in the 2-0 victory at Burnley, before being replaced by Malo Gusto in the second half.

Michael Owen was critical of some aspects of the striker’s performance too, saying: “I do think in this situation he needs to be a little bit more unselfish, he probably could have passed it a couple of times.

“If he plays this ball in [to Pedro Neto] and makes a run to take the defender away, he will leave Neto with a one-on-one in this area. I think he’s got to do that instead of being a bit selfish and thinking he’s going to score a goal on his own. He takes a pot-shot from 25 yards and it’s not great.”

Ultimately, Enzo Maresca’s side prevailed regardless, but it was another poor performance from the 22-year-old, who is still yet to open his account since moving to west London, and a new centre-forward is being targeted for the January transfer window.

Chelsea make contact to sign Robinio Vaz

According to a report from Caught Offside, Chelsea have now opened talks over a deal for Marseille striker Vaz, having made contact with both the French club and the 18-year-old’s representatives ahead of a potential January move.

The Blues are exploring the possibility of making a formal bid for the youngster this winter, and they have moved ahead of London rivals Arsenal in the race for his signature, with the Gunners taking a more patient approach.

A deal would be relatively affordable, with the Ligue 1 side looking to hold out for €20m – €30m (£18m – £26m), but they are in no rush to cash-in, having already knocked back an offer from an unnamed European club.

The Frenchman has been a breakout star for Marseille this season, managing to become a first-team regular, having only missed one Ligue 1 game, and he has weighed in with four goals and two assists in 12 outings.

Scout Ben Mattinson also clearly believes the starlet has a lot of potential, having singled him out for high praise when giving an overview of his key strengths on X back in February.

Vaz could be a future star, but with a Premier League title push potentially on the cards, Chelsea could do with bringing in a striker with a little more experience in January, rather than yet another youngster.

Enzo Maresca now driving Chelsea move for £79m Premier League star Enzo Maresca now driving Chelsea move for "incredible" £79m Premier League star

The Italian is looking to sign a new defender, who is viewed as an ideal fit for his system.

ByDominic Lund Nov 23, 2025

Mike Dean has recently opened up on what it was like to referee Arsenal during his 22 years as a Premier League official, and suggested legendary manager Arsene Wenger wasn’t his biggest fan.

As with most referees, Dean is a divisive figure, but he is one of the Premier League’s most talked about referees, not least because of some of his bizarre antics on the field.

Although officials are much-maligned, it is an impossible job to keep every player and manager happy, with the 57-year-old recently revealing that Craig Bellamy was the toughest player to referee, despite being fine to deal with off the pitch.

Speaking to Jamie Carragher and Wayne Rooney on the latest edition of The Overlap Fan Debate, the former referee also named which manager he found it difficult to get along with, revealing the feeling was very much mutual…

Mike Dean names Arsene Wenger as "hardest" manager to deal with

The Tranmere Rovers supporter revealed he was told by people who used to work at Arsenal that Wenger would effectively write off games when Dean was in charge, believing the Gunners had “no chance”.

Clarifying why Arsene Wenger was tough to deal with, he said: “I never got on with Arsene Wenger, and that was just, I don’t know what it was, whether it was every time I reffed them they lost, I don’t know, but I just couldn’t get on with him.”

Every referee in the 2025/26 Premier League ranked

In 2009, the Arsenal legend was also sent to the stands by Dean in the dying embers of a 2-1 defeat against Manchester United back in 2009, having been seen kicking a water bottle in frustration.

Dean has previously shared details of a particularly ferocious run-in they had after the Gunners drew 1-1 against West Bromwich Albion back in 2017, saying: “He was very aggressive leaning towards me, pointing aggressively at me saying: ‘You’re not honest’ on numerous occasions.

“I replied: ‘So you’re calling me a cheat.’ He replied: ‘I maintain what I say, you’re not honest.

“He then said: ‘You’ve done this to us many times before, you’re supposed to be professional, you’re a disgrace.’ He was then ushered out of the room by the West Brom safety officer.”

While they didn’t see eye-to-eye prior to the 76-year-old leaving Arsenal in 2018, it appears they have since managed to put their differences behind them, with Dean saying: “Since he has finished football I have seen him and he has been great. Cross the white line and everyone is different, like referees. We are normal people.”

Every referee in the 2025/26 Premier League ranked

Who is the top official in England right now?

ByCharlie Smith Nov 8, 2025

There’s a lot to like about Manchester United at the moment. Of course, many more improvements are needed before Ruben Amorim’s project hits the desired level, but recent results and, perhaps more importantly, performances, suggest a page may have been turned.

Amorim has stuck to his guns in the Old Trafford hot seat and received more than a measure of criticism and question marks in return. But are the signs of vindication just about appearing for the thought-filled tactician?

A summer well spent has seen first-team outliers cast away and upgrades in the form of Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha arrive and work their stuff under the Theatre’s lights.

Benjamin Sesko is a talented striker, but the jury remains out in regard to his potential as the leading man for many years to come.

What Sesko has to prove at Man Utd

Sesko joined Man United from RB Leipzig for a £74m fee this summer, ending a protracted search for a new striker.

So far, the 23-year-old has only scored two goals and provided one assist across 11 matches, but his link-up play and presence in the area offer much promise.

Podcast host Adam Joseph noted that the Slovenian “needed a better touch” during Saturday’s hair-raising draw to Forest, unable to capitalise on the wizardry of Mbeumo. But this will come.

Mbeumo and Cunha, after all, are seasoned Premier League stars, whereas Sesko is only a few months into his career in English football and younger besides.

Bryan Mbeumo

11

5

Casemiro

9

3

Bruno Fernandes

11

2

Benjamin Sesko

11

2

Harry Maguire

8

2

We know he can score goals. But Man United’s finest strikers in modern times have proved they have many more strings to their bow.

Take Robin Van Persie. The iconic centre-forward was hailed by Sir Alex Ferguson for his “sensational” shooting and for having “an impact as big as anyone” at Old Trafford after joining from Arsenal for £24m in 2012.

His movement and intelligence in the final third set him apart from the masses, and Sesko, tall and well-built, could emulate the Dutchman in that regard.

But there might actually be an up-and-coming Carrington talent with more potential than the summer recruit.

Man Utd's biggest striker talent since RVP

Last week, Amorim acknowledged JJ Gabriel publicly and confirmed he has been paying attention to the 15-year-old forward’s progress, even handing him an opportunity to train with the first team.

Hailed for his “exceptional skillset” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, “combining flair and confidence on the ball”, Gabriel hasn’t yet developed positionally, capable both on the left and in a central striking berth, but there’s so much to like and he could even make his debut in the not-too-distant future.

Already a regular for the U18s, Gabriel has shattered expectations with his prodigious technical ability and fleet-footed work on the ball. He’s too good for the youngsters around him, and journalist Nathan Salt confirmed that “one insider thinks ‘he’s already better than Premier League players'”.

Correspondent Steven Railston has even suggested that Gabriel “the best talent United’s academy has ever seen”.

Sometimes, you can just tell. Gabriel is a one-of-a-kind dribbler and is the top goalscorer in the U18 Premier League this season, with seven goals (and one assist) from just eight matches. Darren Fletcher has predominantly used him centrally, despite being schooled out wide, but the prolific potential of this young star suggests this might be a wise call.

Though he’s not physically developed, nor has he tried his hand on the senior stage, Gabriel has so much potential, and there’s no question that his ceiling reaches higher than Sesko’s.

Could the teenager turn out to be United’s best since Van Persie? It is far too early to tell, but the signs so far are more than promising, to be sure.

Man Utd's "anonymous" flop is rapidly becoming a bigger problem than Dalot

Ruben Amorim has a job on his hands to put one Manchester United player on the right track.

ByEthan Lamb Nov 3, 2025

Eddie Howe’s changes for Newcastle United’s mid-week tie versus Tottenham Hotspur in the EFL Cup didn’t disrupt the Magpies’ winning streak one bit.

Instead, some of the reserves that were thrust into the first-team spotlight for the occasion shone to collect Newcastle’s third straight victory in all competitions, as Aaron Ramsdale proudly kept a clean sheet in place of regular shot-stopper Nick Pope.

Alongside Ramsdale, Joe Willock also picked up an assist to steer the Toon to a 2-0 success to respond to some of his St James’ Park critics, with Fabian Schar – who had been frozen out of Howe’s first team picture in the Premier League as of late – also chipping in with a goal himself.

In the past, Newcastle also would have fallen back on Callum Wilson for ties such as these, with Wilson once a trusty second-in-command figure on Tyneside in the attacking areas, before his career up North began to unravel.

Wilson's goalscoring heroics at Newcastle

Before Wilson was allowed to leave the building this summer, he was viewed as a dependable source of goals in tricky moments.

The 33-year-old striker – who will potentially face off against his old club on Sunday, having signed for West Ham United – managed to bag a high 49 goals for the Magpies from 130 games, despite finding his minutes were depleting after Alexander Isak’s earth-shuddering move to England in 2022.

Amazingly, nine of those league strikes would be put away during the 2022/23 campaign by the top-flight veteran, even as he started just nine Premier League games all season long.

In the end, however, recurring injury issues would be the former AFC Bournemouth attacker’s undoing, with 29 games missed through injury during his final season on Tyneside souring his long-standing affiliation with the club.

Still, Wilson will surely be remembered fondly for his regular heroics from off the bench, with one of his Toon coaches in Graeme Jones, hailing him as “the best matchday finisher” he has worked alongside.

Unfortunately, though, time creeps up on us all.

But, Howe could have his next iteration of Wilson in his star-studded Newcastle camp right now, as the star in question also holds a standout record when being unleashed into games from off the bench.

Howe's new Callum Wilson

The obvious figure who could be considered Howe’s next Wilson is Nick Woltemade, with the towering 6-foot-6 German a similar menace in front of goal.

At the height of his St James’ Park powers, the 33-year-old very rarely needed a second invitation to power home a fierce effort, with the former Stuttgart man very much operating in the same manner right now as a potent marksman.

So far, Woltemade can boast a Premier League goal every 120 minutes, with four strikes finding the back of the net from the lethal goalscoring machine from a mere average of just 28.5 touches per contest.

But, as much as he shares the same instinctive style in front of goal as Wilson, he is leading the line for the Toon week in week out now in the absence of the aforementioned Isak, instead of operating in the shadows.

Games played

14

Minutes played

582 mins

Goals scored

3

Assists

1

Games missed through injury

7

If you want an example of a talent who often has to make do with scraps off the bench, sometimes owing to injury difficulties, and who still picks up a goal and an assist here and there, Harvey Barnes might well be your better bet when looking at his Newcastle numbers from this campaign in isolation.

All four of the ex-Leicester City man’s goals and assists this campaign have come about when he’s been gifted late cameos, with two whirlwind strikes recently falling into his lap in the Champions League against Benfica – from just 27 minutes of action – very much backing up previous comments that the one-time England international is a “menace” in attacking areas by journalist Mikey Stafford.

17 goals have now come his way from 77 Newcastle appearances, which is a mightily impressive record when you delve into the facts further that he has missed 38 games in total through injury on Tyneside, since leaving the King Power Stadium behind.

But, when he is fit, Howe knows he can count on him to bail his team out of some tense moments, as a new Wilson-like presence is unearthed.

Woltemade, it must be said, is undoubtedly emerging as Howe’s new attacking figurehead, but Barnes is more than a quality weapon in reserve.

He'd surpass Tonali: Newcastle rivalling Real Madrid for £120m "powerhouse"

Newcastle are in the process of succession planning in the middle of the park.

ByAngus Sinclair Oct 31, 2025

Celtic had to compete against Dundee in the Scottish Premiership on Sunday without Daizen Maeda, as the forward missed out on the match through injury.

Prior to the game, Brendan Rodgers confirmed the attacker’s absence: “Daizen Maeda will be out. He felt his hamstring a little bit towards the end of the last game against Motherwell. He went away internationally to see if it would get better, but he obviously didn’t play when he was away.

“So, he will miss this weekend, and we’ll assess it after that.”

The last line from the Celtic head coach means that it remains to be seen when the Japan international will be back and available for selection, with his availability for Thursday’s clash with Sturm Graz in doubt.

Maeda won the Premiership Player of the Year award in the 2024/25 campaign with a return of 16 goals and ten assists in 34 appearances in the division, per Sofascore, which is why his absence has been keenly felt.

Rodgers opted to go with Hyun-jun Yang in his place on the right wing for the clash with Dundee on Sunday, and it was not a call that paid off for the manager.

Why Hyun-jun Yang should be dropped by Celtic

The South Korea international, who held talks over a move to Birmingham near the end of the summer transfer window, started the match on the right flank, with Kelechi Iheanacho through the middle and Sebastian Tounekti on the left.

It only took 45 minutes for Rodgers to decide to withdraw him from the match, as the forward was hauled off at the break after a dismal opening half that saw the Hoops 1-0 down to Dundee.

Yang was incredibly ineffective in the first half. The winger, per Sofascore, missed a ‘big chance’ with his only shot and did not create any ‘big chances’ for his teammates.

Minutes

45

45

Shots

1

1

Big chances missed

1

1

Key passes

1

0

Big chances created

0

0

Dribbles completed

0/0

0/0

Unfortunately, as you can see in the table above, the player who came on in his place also failed to make an impact in the second half, as James Forrest produced a similarly dismal performance in the final third.

The lack of quality shown on the right wing from both players is a huge concern, given that it remains to be seen how long Maeda will be out of action for with his hamstring injury.

Yang’s only goal of the season so far came against Championship side Partick Thistle in the League Cup last month, as he has failed to provide a goal or an assist in seven outings in the Premiership and European competitions, per Sofascore.

This is why Rodgers should brutally ditch him from the starting line-up ahead of Thursday’s clash with Sturm Graz, as he has not done enough with the opportunities that he has been given.

Chalkboard

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

As Forrest also flopped against Dundee, and has not registered a single goal or assist this season, the Celtic head coach needs to get creative to solve the blow of losing Maeda to injury.

One inventive move that Rodgers could pull off would be to move Tounekti, who created four chances against Dundee, over to the right flank to occupy that space, with Marcelo Saracchi unleashed in a new role on the left wing.

Why Celtic should unleash Marcelo Saracchi in a new role

Tounekti’s 2.5 key passes per game in the Premiership, per Sofascore, show that he can provide quality and creativity in a wide position for the Hoops, which is why he should keep his place in the XI.

The Tunisia international could move over to the right wing, as Maeda did after playing on the left wing last season, to provide a threat in the final third on that side.

That would then allow Saracchi, who has played left-back for Celtic so far, to advance further forward into a left wing position, with Kieran Tierney behind him.

The Uruguay international, who was described as “very quick” by South American football expert Tim Vickery, has played 62 matches as a left midfielder in his career, per Transfermarkt, and provided nine assists in those games.

Saracchi has already shown Celtic supporters that he can offer quality at the top end of the pitch from a wide position, with his fantastic assist for Maeda against Kilmarnock last month.

The 27-year-old left-back’s attacking output across his four appearances in the Premiership for the Hoops since his move on loan from Boca Junior suggest that he could thrive in a left wing position as an emergency option on Thursday.

Shots

1.17

Top 24%

xA

0.30

Top 7%

Assists

0.39

Top 1%

Chances created

1.57

Top 20%

Successful crosses

2.35

Top 1%

Cross accuracy

40%

Top 10%

As you can see in the table above, the left-footed star has excelled as a creative force for the Scottish giants in his limited minutes on the pitch this season, particularly as a crosser from the left flank.

Meanwhile, Forrest has created 0.23 xA per 90 and Yang has created 0.12 xA per 90 in the Premiership, per FotMob, which shows that Saracchi has offered more quality than Celtic’s right wing options, whilst playing at left-back.

This suggests that Rodgers would improve the creativity within his side if he moves Tounekti, who is a proven creative force, over to the right to unleash Saracchi in a brand-new role that he has yet to play for the Hoops.

It is now down to the manager to make the bold call to drop Yang and opt for Saracchi on the wing over bringing Forrest into the starting XI next time out.

Celtic already have rarely-seen "game winner" who's better than Bobby Clark

Celtic have a midfielder in their squad who is a better option than potential signing Bobby Clark.

ByDan Emery Oct 17, 2025

Newcastle United are set to make a massive move to sign a new forward in 2025, according to a former Premier League scout.

Newcastle keen for additions

It was a tough summer for Eddie Howe and Newcastle United, and that has translated into a difficult start to the 2024/25 campaign too.

A 3-3 draw against Liverpool in their most recent outing was one of their best performances of a season that has otherwise been inconsistent, with the Magpies having managed just a point more than Manchester United at this point, though the congested nature of the league means that they remain just three points outside the top five.

With a favourable run of fixtures ahead, they will be hoping that they can finally string together a run of form to push back towards the top of the Premier League, but there is concern that they will struggle to strengthen in January amid financial fair play concerns and hefty prices.

Brentford (Away)

Leicester City (Home)

Ipswich Town (Away)

Aston Villa (Home)

Manchester United (Away)

Howe’s demands have been clear since the summer, with the Newcastle boss wanting at least another centre-back and a right-winger added to his side. So far this season, Anthony Gordon has been asked to play on the right flank this season, while Dan Burn has been repurposed in central defence, but neither are long-term solutions at St James’ Park.

There is a hope that the club can move Miguel Almiron on to raise some funds, and now they have been tipped to secure a massive deal in the summer.

Newcastle want to make statement signing

That is according to former Manchester United scout Mick Brown, who has claimed that the Magpies are looking to complete a summer deal to sign Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford.

The Bees attacker enjoyed an excellent start to the season under Thomas Frank, with eight goals to his name, leading to the Brentford boss labelling him a “top” player.

“For me, he’s a top player. I’m convinced one day he will play for a bigger club; I will definitely buy him if I was at a bigger club”, Frank explained.

Now, it is Newcastle that want to secure the Cameroon international, who they believe could be the perfect upgrade on the right-side of attack in the wake of a potential Almiron departure.

According to Brown, Mbeumo is “definitely their top target for the position”, but that it would “take a huge fee” to get him out of the G-Tech Stadium.

Newcastle join Man Utd and Chelsea in race for "sensational" rising star

The 24-year-old is attracting plenty of interest from the Premier League…

ByBarney Lane Dec 5, 2024

“It won’t happen in January, I’m fairly certain of that, because Newcastle are restricted in what they’ll be able to spend”, he added, pointing to a summer deal being far more likely.

Brentford are not prepared to let Mbeumo leave in January unless a massive offer is tabled for him, something that Newcastle may struggle with midseason. However, the forward has just 18 months left to run on his £45,000 a week deal in London as things stand, and the summer could be the last time for the Bees to land a serious fee for the talent.

His potential summer arrival could finally provide Howe with balance in attack, and allow Gordon to return to his favoured left-wing position while providing a massive upgrade on Almiron for the Magpies.

Arsenal are top of the Premier League table, although it doesn’t really feel like that.

On Saturday, the Gunners swatted aside West Ham 2-0 at home, with Declan Rice breaking the deadlock against his former side, before Bukayo Saka converted a second-half penalty, as the Hammers rarely threatened, underlined by the fact they failed to muster a single shot on target.

Nevertheless, the atmosphere at Emirates Stadium was generally rather flat, possibly due to the rather dull game that was served up to those in attendance, a win that never truly felt in doubt, even at 0-0.

More importantly though, once again, Mikel Arteta suffered an injury to yet another key player; absentees derailed their title aspirations last season, with Gooners everywhere fearful that this could be the case again.

So, if the captain is sidelined for any length of time, should a key figure labelled the “best in the world” start donning the armband?

The latest on Martin Ødegaard's injury

Four days is a very long time in football, as Martin Ødegaard has discovered this week.

On Wednesday night against Olympiacos, the Norwegian was at his sublime, sparkling and scintillating best.

Manager Arteta described Ødegaard’s performance as “phenomenal”, while Dan Sheldon of the Athletic praised his ‘beautiful incisive passing’, outlining how ‘playing slightly deeper’, he was able to control all aspects of the game and really run the show.

However, come Saturday, for a third successive home Premier League game, the 26-year-old was forced off in the first half, plagued by a shoulder issue against Leeds and Nottingham Forest, this time suffering a knee injury.

Arteta said afterwards that the news is “not positive” with Ødegaard leaving the stadium in a knee brace, solemnly concluding “let’s wait… hopefully it is not that bad.”

So, if the skipper is forced to sit out games against Fulham, Atlético Madrid, Crystal Palace and perhaps beyond after the international break, who should be donning the armband instead?

Arsenal's future captain is now the "best in the world"

When Ødegaard has been sidelined both this season and last, the armband has rather been shared around, with Gabriel and Saka among those donning it in recent games.

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However, after yet another excellent display against his former club on Saturday, Rice has really come to the fore as a leader in this Arsenal team.

In football history, 11 players have moved for £100m or more, of which very few proved to be a success and, as Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz are finding out at Anfield, a price tag that gigantic can weigh even a world-class player down.

Well, Rice has certainly bucked the trend in that regard, unequivocally outstanding every week, with the table below documenting his importance to Arsenal so far this season.

Minutes

676

5th

Goals

1

7th

Assists

2

1st

Completed passes

437

3rd

Key passes

14

1st

Passes into final 3rd

33

2nd

Progressive carries

21

2nd

Corners takes

24

1st

Shot-creating actions

24

1st

Blocks

7

3rd

Ball recoveries

36

1st

Touches

565

3rd

As the numbers emphasise, Rice has become the complete all-rounder.

He leads the way in terms of key passes and shot-creating actions, a large proportion of which will be courtesy of his expert set-piece delivery, as well as ball recoveries, very much contributing across every area of the pitch.

Speaking about Archie Gray in his press conference on Friday, Tottenham manager Thomas Frank, of all people, asserted that Rodri and Rice are the “best in the world” in their position, adding that this is because “they can do a little bit of everything”.

It is hard to disagree with that assessment, considering Rice is able to put in a brilliant performance irrespective of where he is deployed, used at the base of midfield from the start on Saturday, before moving higher up following Martín Zubimendi’s introduction to replace Ødegaard.

During his final season at West Ham, one that culminated in Conference League glory, Rice was the club captain, donning the armband for England for the first time against Belgium last year too, underlining his leadership capabilities.

So, if Ødegaard is going to be sidelined for any period of time, Rice appears the obvious candidate to lead Arsenal out at Craven Cottage in a fortnight.

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