All posts by z3u9t.icu

Arsenal target Tammy Abraham has refused to close the door over a transfer move away from Jose Mourinho’s Roma side, despite confessing his love for the Stadio Olimpico outfit.

What’s the word?

That is according to a report from The Mirror, who claim that the former Chelsea man has left the door open for a potential return to Premier League and Arsenal, after what has been a productive year-long spell at Roma.

Following his final game of the Serie A season, Abraham was asked as to whether he will still be playing his football at Roma next season.

He told DAZN via Football Italia: “Like I’ve always said, I fell in love with this club from the first day and I will always help the team as much as possible with my goals and assists.

“I love this club. They’ve given me the opportunity to show myself, my heart is here. We’ll see what the future holds, but my heart is here.”

Laca OUT, Tammy IN

Despite a season of progression, Arsenal boss Arteta seems eager to carry out his gradual restructuring of the first team. As such, the likes of £182k-per-week Alexandre Lacazette, amidst his rapidly expiring contract, looks as though he will depart the club after what has been five years at the Emirates Stadium.

This season has seen the Frenchman labelled as a “liability” by FOX journalist James Dodd in what has been his least prolific in terms of attacking returns, scoring four goals and amassing seven assists, with Arteta seemingly keen to replace him with a scorer in the ilk of Abraham, who has endured an emphatic first season abroad with Roma and has consequently been dubbed “mercurial” by BT Sport.

The 24-year-old England starlet has chipped in with 27 goals and five assists for Mourinho’s side, with nine goals in 12 Europa Conference League appearances integral in their bid for European glory.

£67m Abraham has been an extremely positive influence for I Giallorossi and will look towards the Europa Conference final in what could be a bid goodbye if the likes of Arsenal come calling with a homecoming offer.

In other news: Huge blow: Arsenal suffer major setback before Everton clash, Arteta will be worried 

According to reports out of Spain, some major Manchester City transfer news has come to light involving Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

The Lowdown: Guardiola set for summer reshuffle?

The Sky Blues could actually be set for a summer reshuffle as a fair few of Pep Guardiola’s stars become linked with a summer exit.

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Raheem Sterling, Gabriel Jesus, Riyad Mahrez and now Ilkay Gundogan are at the centre of possible moves away with the likes of Frenkie de Jong becoming tipped as potential incomings.

The Premier League champions, after completing an agreement to sign Erling Haaland from Borussia Dortmund for the 2022/2023 season, are certainly not done there going by recent reports.

Now, a very interesting story has come out of the continent.

The Latest: ter Stegen linked…

According to Spanish sources, Barcelona number one ter Stegen ‘could end up’ at City and be the ‘second star signing’ after Haaland – coming as Guardiola feels it’s ‘necessary’ to provide real competition for Ederson.

It is believed that the £100,000-per-week Germany international is ‘tempted’ by a move to Eastlands, but if officials wish to make a move, Barca will reportedly demand a fee in excess of €60 million (£51m).

The Verdict: Make a move?

The presence of Ederson, an ever-reliable, and USA international Zack Steffen just behind him makes this report a surprising one to say the least.

City starlet Gavin Bazanu dazzled on loan at Portsmouth and comes as another shot-stopper turning heads in Manchester, so we believe Guardiola is more than stocked for capable deputies between the sticks.

While ter Stegan is a big name who has been called a ‘monster’, ‘beast’ and ‘phenomenon’ by members of the press (Alex Truica), we believe City certainly have bigger priorities, like sealing the signature of an heir to Fernandinho.

In other news: Fabrizio Romano lifts lid on Man City attempts to sign ‘world class’ £49.5 million-rated star! Find out more here.

An update has emerged regarding Newcastle United and their pursuit of Raphinha heading into the summer transfer window…

What’s the talk?

Fabrizio Romano has revealed that PIF are plotting a swoop for the Leeds United forward and will need to battle it out with an elite European club to land his signature.

Speaking on the Wondergoal Podcast (12:45), Romano said: “A player they (PIF) love is Raphinha from Leeds. We know that Barcelona are leading the race to sign to him, but Newcastle are exploring the possibilities for a long time.

“They know this is going to be more than complicated because Barcelona are already in advanced talks with the player’s side. It depends if Leeds will get relegated or not (as) it will be important to understand if the clause will be activated or not.”

Imagine him & Allan Saint-Maximin

PIF must work hard to win the race for Raphinha, as he would be an exciting addition to Newcastle’s squad for next season.

Premier League defenders will be trembling at the thought of playing against the Toon if Saint-Maximin and the Brazilian are both lining up on the wings for the Magpies, as they both have the technical ability to cause huge problems in the final third.

Whilst Leeds are struggling at the wrong end of the table, the 25-year-old attacker has been a shining light at Elland Road throughout the campaign.

As you can see from these statistics, via SofaScore, Raphinha – who joined the Yorkshire club for £20m – has been in electric form at the top end of the pitch, both in terms of scoring and creating goals.

He only has three assists to his name, in spite of him creating nine ‘big chances’, and his team’s failure to finish off the opportunities that he is creating could tempt him to make the switch to St James’ Park. Raphinha’s statistics prove that he is a quality player at Premier League level, and Leeds are not making the most of his creative talents.

The Athletic’s Patrick Boyland previously dubbed him “magic”, and the Brazil wizard’s 1.9 dribbles per game to go along with his chance creation figures would suggest that such praise is deserved.

Meanwhile, Saint-Maximin has completed a whopping 4.4 dribbles and 1.5 key passes per game in the current top-flight campaign. This shows that he has been a constant threat with the ball at his feet and that Eddie Howe would have a frightening wide duo if he can play him and Raphinha in the same team next season.

AND in other news, Howe can land the next Shearer as Newcastle “prepares” £59m bid for 68-goal “diamond”…

Former Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho is said to be eyeing up a move for Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg this summer, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

The Lowdown: Strong connections

The Portuguese coach signed the 26-year-old when he was in charge of the north London giants just under two years ago, and a matter of months after Mourinho was confirmed as the new manager at Roma, it was reported that the Dane wanted to join him at the Stadio Olimpico.

The Mirror have recently claimed that Hojbjerg is attracting interest from Spurs’ top-flight rivals Newcastle United, with the £100k-per-week star being ‘high’ on Eddie Howe’s wish list, but it seems that a Serie A reunion between the midfielder and his former boss might be on the cards.

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The Latest: Jones’ comments on Hojbjerg

When speaking during an interview about Hojbjerg’s future at Tottenham, Jones told GiveMeSport:

“One thing I’m hearing on Hojbjerg is that Jose Mourinho quite fancies taking him to Roma.

“Next season Jose intends to ask the board to back his vision as he thinks they can make a real push at the top of Serie A – and Hojbjerg could be a great asset.”

The Verdict: Hojbjerg should stay at Spurs

Despite having a successful spell under Mourinho, who once dubbed the 54-cap Denmark international a “phenomenal” player, Hojbjerg has since settled into life at Tottenham, particularly under Antonio Conte, under whom he has started all but two Premier League games this season.

Roma have already failed to secure a Champions League place for next season with the 59-year-old in the dugout, whereas the Lilywhites still very much have a chance of finishing in the Premier League top four come the end of May.

The 6 foot 1 maestro has proven to be one of Conte’s most consistent performers over the course of the Italian’s N17 tenure, and should he have ambitions of playing any kind of European football at the highest level in the future, the best option for him would be to remain in north London and hopefully enjoy more success with Spurs in years to come.

In other news… sources have shared a huge update on one of Tottenham’s summer transfer targets

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly eyeing up a move for Sporting CP defensive midfielder Joao Palhinha during the upcoming transfer window.

The Lowdown: Palhinha profiled

Despite having faced multiple spells on the sidelines due to injuries and suspensions, the 26-year-old has made 36 appearances in all competitions so far this season, scoring three goals during that time, as per Transfermarkt.

The 12-time Portugal international, whose contract with the Lisbon-based outfit isn’t set to expire until 2026, is expected to draw some big attention in the summer, with a move away from the Jose Alvalade looking likely and Wolves sniffing around.

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Following a fresh update, the Lilywhites seem to have well and truly joined the race.

The Latest: Interest from Spurs

According to Portuguese newspaper O Jogo (via Sport Witness), it’s claimed that Antonio Conte’s side ‘study the signing of a midfielder’ ahead of the new campaign, and are set to fight English rivals Wolves.

The source states that Sporting want to make €30m (£25.2m) with the sale of Palhinha, but reluctantly know ‘it will not be easy’ to get that sum, as Sport Witness claim the opportunity is there for a ‘bargain deal’.

The Verdict: Get it done

Should the 6 foot 2 maestro fail to win back his place in the Portugal squad, then the asking fee could be lowered even more come the end of May, and if this is this case, then it’s an absolute bargain of a move that Paratici should be all over.

The £24k-per-week ace is currently averaging a hugely impressive 3.1 tackles per 90 minutes in the top-flight this season – more than any Spurs player –  making him a very attractive prospect to offer protection in front of Conte’s defence.

Once described as a “special” player by his manager, Ruben Amorim, we feel Paratici and co should seriously consider a move for Palhinha, who has the potential to become a rock in the middle of the park under the Italian boss, and could help Spurs achieve that all-important place in the top four next term.

In other news, Tottenham officials are on the move today to watch a Conte target in action…

While Arsenal dropped points prior to the international break, this weekend represented a colossal opportunity for Mikel Arteta’s men to stamp their authority on this Premier League title race.

Manchester City and Liverpool suffered defeat, meaning that once the Gunners had beaten fierce rivals, Tottenham Hotspur, their advantage over City in third was now seven points.

As Jamie Carragher put it at full-time on Sky Sports, the only team who can stop Arsenal from winning the league are Arsenal.

They have the tactics, they have the defensive shape and they now have the attacking firepower and depth to their squad to take on anyone.

As Arsenal swatted aside Spurs, they did so without a recognised centre-forward, they did so without captain Martin Odegaard and they did so without Gabriel, one of the most influential players in the entire division this season.

The man to thank? Well, it was certainly Eberechi Eze.

The key men as Arsenal defeat Spurs

Coming into this game the narrative was all about Eze.

The attacking midfielder had famously rejected a move to Spurs in the summer in favour of returning to his boyhood club.

Tottenham boss Thomas Frank was quizzed on that in his pre-game press conference and muttered a response that he will now live to regret: “Who’s Eze?”

The Dane said that with a smile. Well, he certainly knows who Eze is now.

He became the first Arsenal player to score a hat-trick in the north London derby since Alan Sunderland in 1978 and he did so in some style.

It was Leandro Trossard who has opened the scoring but Eze, signed for £67.5m over the summer from Crystal Palace, stole the show.

Arsenal have lacked a player with his ability to shoot on sight and boy did he do so on Sunday evening. His first was a brilliant taken effort in a crowded penalty area but his second and third goals came with more space.

The quality, however, was equally as good each time. The England international scored a stunning goal for his country over the international break and was bang in form again here. The way he dispatched his second on his weaker foot spoke volumes of the form this man is in.

The third was also sumptuous. Fed the ball by Trossard, the former Palace star took one touch to set himself, ignored Bukayo Saka to his right and rifled the ball home.

Eze deserved most of the plaudits but the aforementioned Trossard did too. He scored and assisted, meaning that in the 32 games where he has found the net for Arsenal, he has never been on the losing team.

An amount of praise must be passed to Piero Hincapie too.

With Gabriel injured and out of the side the Ecuadorian stood in at centre-half and was exemplary on his first start in the Premier League, winning all three of his contested aerial duels.

Still, there was a rather underrated performance elsewhere that we’re yet to mention.

Arsenal star shows shades of Ozil and Odegaard

An attacking midfielder lights up the Emirates again and you’d be forgiven for thinking that Eze was the most alike to a certain Mesut Ozil and Odegaard.

Yet, in rather surprising circumstances, the player who evoked memories of those dazzling Arsenal players was Mikel Merino.

Chalkboard

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

When the Spaniard signed for the Gunners in 2024 he was renowned as something of a duel monster. While he’s played regularly in midfield for Arteta, he has been most impactful as a makeshift striker.

Injuries to Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus last term meant that the Spain international needed to fill in as a centre-forward. He performed admirably too, notably scoring against Real Madrid and rescuing that win against Leicester when he first featured as the number 9.

Arsenal signed Viktor Gyokeres in the summer but have still had to rely on Merino with Jesus, Havertz and the Swede on the sidelines in recent weeks.

The £32m midfielder netted twice against Slavia Prague in the Champions League a few weeks ago but perhaps saved his finest display of the season for Spurs on Sunday.

He started the game slowly but held the ball up admirably and although he won’t run the channels like Gyokeres, he made the team click and was the catalyst for Eze’s hat-trick. That was outlined by analyst Raj Chohan on social media.

That wasn’t the best thing Merino did, however. The pass for Trossard’s goal was remarkable.

He received the ball 25 yards from goal, waited for precisely the right moment to clip the ball into the box and he did so delightfully, finding the Belgian who swivelled and then found the net.

It was a scarily good pass, one that evoked memories of a certain Ozil.

In the process of being hailed as “Arsenal’s most underrated player” by club insider, Hand of Arsenal, he stated that “if that pass is made by Ozil we are raving.”

Minutes played

88

Touches

44

Accurate passes

16/22 (73%)

Shots

1

Key passes

1

Successful dribbles

0/2

Tackles won

5/5

Ground duels won

8/15

Aerial duels won

2/7

Recoveries

3

CBS reporter James Benge had a similar viewpoint, remarking that it was “an Arsene Wenger building an entire midfield out of diminutive playmakers” type of pass.

Cast your mind back to the days of Ozil, to some of Odegaard’s magical assists in Arsenal colours, it was right out of their playbook and it broke down what had been a stubborn Spurs defence up to that point.

Merino is not the most stylish of players, he is not the Rolls-Royce. However, what he will always guarantee is a mighty strong shift and a very efficient performance. He delivered just that on Sunday again, all with a bit of Ozil flavour.

Not just Eze: £27m star just had his best game for Arsenal

Eberechi Eze scored a remarkable hat-trick as Arsenal defeated Spurs.

ByMatt Dawson Nov 23, 2025

Of Alexander Isak, Arne Slot said, “We have to build him up gradually.” There will be an expectation from some that Liverpool should field their record-breaking recruit from the get-go after such an expensive and charged transfer saga, but this isn’t the case.

And anyway, Liverpool have already integrated Hugo Ekitike into Slot’s squad, with the 23-year-old Frenchman having scored three goals and supplied one assist from his opening four matches in a Red shirt.

There’s no doubt that the Reds have broken the bank this summer; Slot has acknowledged this himself. But with such remarkable and calculated investment, there are the means for healthy rotation that will allow Isak to ease into life on Merseyside after playing so little football over the past three months.

One constant, of course, is the persisting presence of Mohamed Salah on the right flank. Fitness permitting, it’s unlikely the Egyptian King will be hauled from his place on the right wing with any consistency this season.

Salah is 33, though, and Liverpool must begin to plan for their talisman’s departure, with Federico Chiesa and perhaps Jeremie Frimpong the only real alternatives.

Mohamed Salah's Liverpool future

Salah penned a new contract in April, ending fears of a departure on a free transfer at the end of the 2024/25 season. He will stay on the books until 2027, but the chances of another renewal are slim, it must be said.

Last season, he scored 34 goals and served 23 assists across all competitions, practically single-handedly dragging Slot’s Liverpool to the title. That’s not actually true, of course, but there’s no denying Salah’s matchless influence, a strong current at the heart of most of Liverpool’s attacking play.

With a goal and an assist from three Premier League matches so far this season, the veteran will continue to play a big role, although the weight of responsibility has been lifted by the signings of players like Isak and Ekitike.

Might this have a positive effect on Salah, who surely fancies his chances of adding 22 goals to his haul before his time comes at Liverpool, and he eclipses Wayne Rooney and maybe Harry Kane to stand as the Premier League’s second-highest scorer in history?

Alan Shearer

441

260

Harry Kane

320

213

Wayne Rooney

491

208

Mohamed Salah

304

187

Andy Cole

414

187

In any case, Liverpool will need to sign a successor before long, and it’s sure to be a costly bid at that. With that in mind, perhaps FSG might come to regret having sold a young star who has the potential to replace Salah down the line.

Liverpool sold their dream Salah heir

Ben Gannon Doak has been regarded as one of the finest young prospects in British football right from the start of his career in Scotland with Celtic, where he featured four times for the seniors before joining Liverpool in 2022 for €700k (about £600k).

The 19-year-old was billed as Liverpool material, all right, but he only ended up playing ten times for the Reds, injured when breaking through in 2023/24 before spending last season on loan in the Championship with Middlesbrough, where he notched ten goal involvements from just 24 matches.

The power and precision that are natural parts of Gannon Doak’s arsenal have led to comparisons with the above-mentioned Rooney, who likewise played with unusual physicality and gusto when emerging at Everton and when finding his feet with Manchester United.

Actually remarked to play “like a Scottish Wayne Rooney” in 2024 by his agent Jackie McNamara, the teenager’s style and performances so far lend credence to the comparisons, for sure.

Thanks to data platform FBref, we can note that Doak ranked among the top 5% of positional peers in the Championship last year for assists, the top 5% for key passes, the top 8% for shot-creating actions, the top 1% for progressive carries per 90.

Rooney, as we have seen earlier, retired as one of the most prolific and decorated players in Premier League history. As yet, Gannon Doak has but three appearances to his name in England’s top flight, and searches for his duck-breaking goal.

But the talent is there, it really is, and Liverpool might come to regret having sold the youngster to Bournemouth, even for a £25m fee, even with a buyback clause wedged into that contract on the south coast.

Former Scotland manager Craig Levein certainly recognised Gannon Doak’s potential from the off, saying, “This kid could be a world-class player.”

The evidence hardly suggests the contrary. Sure, the winger has one long road to travel before entering conversations even on the fringes of the park in which Salah sits, but his athletic style, powerful running and direct approach against defenders all suggest such a future is within the realm of possibility.

Furthermore, he demonstrated when on loan at Middlesbrough a capacity for show-stopping goals to complement his physical qualities and success as a playmaker.

Bournemouth have got themselves a gem. Because Gannon Doak has opted to follow the track taken by Dominic Solanke before him and many more sharing similarities of pathway, leaving an elite outfit to develop their skills in a setting more promotive of rising prospects looking to reach the top.

As with Rooney at Everton early on, Gannon Doak might now find himself in line to rise to the fore and stand out in the Premier League, playing under Andoni Iraola’s wing and blooming into a top talent.

Maybe the plan is for the player to enjoy several seasons with the Cherries before returning to Anfield with a more refined touch, but the details of the buyback clause are unknown, and there’s every chance that Gannon Doak has played his last for Liverpool and will instead go from strength to strength elsewhere.

He wanted to join City: Liverpool have already sold an Isak-esque talent

Liverpool have made wholesale changes in the transfer market this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair Sep 12, 2025

Transfer deadline day is always an exciting one for fans all over England, but today could prove to be a huge day for Tottenham Hotspur in their quest to end the window on a positive note.

Up to now, the business conducted by Thomas Frank has been a huge success, spending around £155m on new additions, with Xavi Simons being the latest big-money signing in North London.

The Dutchman joined in a £52m deal last week, adding to the £55m signing of Mohammed Kudus and a permanent move to land Frenchman Mathys Tel from Bayern Munich.

However, new boss Frank is evidently still hunting for further additions to help boost his chances of securing any form of success in Europe and or the Premier League this campaign.

Numerous names have emerged on their shortlist throughout deadline day, with progress being made on deals to land various top-level European talents.

Spurs’ hunt to land new talent on deadline day

Despite Simons’ transfer in recent days, Spurs have been hunting for the signature of Ademola Lookman over the last couple of hours – potentially costing a fee in the region of £43m.

The Nigerian, who scored 20 goals for Atalanta last season, has been desperate for a transfer this summer, potentially getting himself a move to North London before tonight’s deadline.

However, another name has emerged on their radar in recent hours, with Football Insider reporting the Lilywhites are keen on a late move for Conor Gallagher.

They claim that the Atlético Madrid star is available for €60m (£52m) in the coming hours, with Newcastle United also battling Frank’s side for a potential switch back to England.

Why Spurs’ latest target would be perfect for Kolo Muani

Alongside Lookman, Spurs are negotiating a deal with PSG for the signing of striker Randal Kolo Muani – despite the Frenchman looking certain to join Juventus this summer.

It’s been reported this morning that the Lilywhites are close to agreeing personal terms with the forward over a deal to North London – with a loan with an obligation to buy mooted before tonight’s deadline.

Such a deal has advanced after Dominic Solanke suffered a setback with his current ankle issue, with no timeframe currently placed on his return to first-team action.

Kolo Muani, who scored 10 goals in 22 appearances on loan in Italy last campaign, would offer another impressive option in the final third – potentially being aided by Gallagher in his quest for goals in 2025/26.

Whilst the former Chelsea star is primarily a ball-winning option, he’s also showcased his ability to break the lines and play key passes into attacking areas – having the tools to be a perfect box-to-box talent in Frank’s side.

His underlying stats from the 2024/25 campaign showcase the talent he possesses, with £52m potentially being an excellent price – should he replicate such figures in North London.

The 25-year-old, who’s been labelled “sensational” by journalist John Cross, ranked in the 89th percentile for tackles won (1.8) and in the 90th percentile for recoveries made (5.9) in LaLiga – showcasing his ability to regain possession should he move to Frank’s side.

However, in possession, the England international also impressed, making an average of 3.5 progressive passes per 90 at a pass completion rate of 85% – tallies which could provide Kolo Muani with constant chances in dangerous areas.

Games played

32

Goals & assists

6

Pass accuracy

85%

Progressive passes

3.5

Passes into final third

2.5

Tackles won

1.8

Interceptions made

1.1

Recoveries made

5.9

2.6 of his progressive passes last season were made into the final third, further showcasing his talent with the ball at his feet, offering added ammunition for the Frenchman should he join the Lilywhites.

£52m would be another huge investment from the Spurs hierarchy, but it’s a deal that could add further quality into Frank’s already impressive midfield department.

If he can replicate his numbers from LaLiga last season, it would be a sensational pickup and one that could allow Kolo Muani to adhere himself to the supporters in the process.

Frank's next Wissa: Spurs close to agreeing terms to sign £50m star

Tottenham are set for a frenetic finish to the summer transfer window.

2 ByAngus Sinclair Sep 1, 2025

And just like that, Arsenal’s season has come to an underwhelming end.

Mikel Arteta’s side might have made it to their first Champions League semi-final since the 08/09 campaign, but on the domestic front, it’s been a disappointing year.

An astounding 14 draws in the Premier League ensured they finished a distant second to Liverpool, and were it not for a brilliant strike from Martin Odegaard late on yesterday afternoon, it would’ve been 15 draws.

With that said, it’s not been a good season for the Gunners’ captain either, although based on the star recently liked with the club, 25/26 could be a whole lot better.

Arsenal transfer news

With the rumour mill now in full swing, Arsenal have been linked with a host of incredibly talented footballers in recent weeks, such as Rafael Leao and Ademola Lookman.

Transfer Focus

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

The former could cost an eye-watering £145m this summer, but as he’s racked up a brilliant haul of 12 goals and 13 assists in 50 appearances for a lacklustre AC Milan side this season, he may just be worth it.

Lookman, on the other hand, could cost a far more reasonable fee of around £55m, and as he’s managed to find the back of the net 20 times in 40 games and provided seven assists for good measure, he may be too good of a deal to pass up on.

However, to really help Odegaard get back to his incredible best, Arteta and Co need to improve the club’s striker options, which is where Benjamin Sesko comes in.

According to a recent report from Sky Sports Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg, Arsenal remain incredibly interested in the RB Leipzig striker ahead of the summer window.

In fact, Plettenberg has revealed that the Gunners’ new Sporting Director, Andrea Berta, has been in “direct contact” with his opposite number at the German club and that the club “have to sell Sesko in order to generate income.”

The report does not mention a potential price, but according to stories from earlier this month, the Slovenian’s release clause may now stand at about £75m due to his impressive performances this season.

It would be a costly transfer to get over the line, but given Sesko’s ability today and future potential, it is one well worth fighting for, especially as he’d be a dream for Odegaard.

Why Sesko would be perfect for Odegaard

Despite finishing second in the league, not a single Arsenal player hit double figures for goals in the competition, so it’s abundantly clear that a more prolific centre-forward could be the difference between a fourth runners-up medal and finally getting over the line next season.

This is where Sesko could come in, make a massive difference to the team’s fortunes, and, specifically, help Odegaard get back to his very best.

For example, in 45 appearances, totalling 3258 minutes, this season, the Slovenian “monster,” as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, scored 21 goals and provided six assists.

That converts to an average of a goal involvement every 1.66 games or every 120.66 minutes.

In contrast, Kai Havertz scored 15 goals and provided five assists in 36 appearances, totalling 2809 minutes, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.8 games, or every 140.45 minutes.

Appearances

45

36

Minutes

3258′

2809′

Goals

21

15

Assists

6

5

Goal Involvements per Match

0.60

0.55

Minutes per Goal Involvement

120.66′

140.45′

Moreover, according to Understat, the Leipzig star’s 13 Bundesliga goals have come from an expected goals figure of just 10.84 this season, whereas the German’s nine league goals have come from an expected goals figure of 11.83.

So, just imagine how many more assists the Gunners’ Norwegian maestro would be able to rack up with a far more clinical striker in front of him.

Furthermore, as he’s still just 21 years old, there is no telling how much more effective the Radeče-born poacher could be in three or four years.

Ultimately, Arsenal need to sign a new striker this summer, and while he won’t come cheap, Sesko looks like someone who could lead the line for years to come and help get Odegaard back to his mercurial best.

Talks held: Chelsea now "really pushing" to sign £67m striker before Arsenal get to him

The Blues are giving Mikel Arteta serious competition.

ByEmilio Galantini May 26, 2025

An “outstanding” Rangers player has reportedly been left in limbo regarding his future at Ibrox, as Birmingham City consider making a move for him in the summer transfer window.

Rangers manager search continues

It always felt likely that Barry Ferguson would only be in interim charge of the Gers until the end of the season, even though he did his chances no harm after an impressive start, helping his side reach the Europa League quarter-finals.

Rangers have now officially confirmed that Ferguson will be moving on, with a club statement saying: “Everyone at Rangers Football Club would like to pass on their heartfelt thanks to Barry Ferguson and his staff, with yesterday’s game at Hibernian being their final match in charge.”

It’s now a case of the Scottish Premiership giants bringing in the ideal successor this summer, with David Ancelotti a leading target. The son of Carlo Ancelotti, he is the assistant to his father at Real Madrid, and may thwart interested parties by sticking by his Dad’s side on the Brazil coaching staff.

Meanwhile, reports linking Steven Gerrard with a return to Rangers still aren’t going away, with the Liverpool legend guiding the Gers to title glory in his first go round. Now, a new transfer update has emerged that is directly related to the managerial situation at Ibrox.

Ben Davies in limbo over his Ibrox future

According to a new report from Give Me Sport, financial powerhouses Birmingham City are keen on signing Rangers defender Ben Davies on a permanent basis this summer, having spent this season on loan at the Midlands side, helping them achieve promotion from League One to the Championship.

The Blues are one of the biggest teams in the English second tier despite having only just gone up, with reports suggesting they are set to spend on par with the three teams relegated from the Premier League this summer.

That said, the update states that the Gers’ “search for a new boss is preventing them” from sorting a deal. Birmingham are being forced to wait “until Rangers decide whether or not to keep” Davies which can only happen once a new boss comes in and assesses his squad.

Unless Rangers’ next manager rates Davies highly, which would arguably be a surprise after being shipped off on loan by Philippe Clement, it makes complete sense to sell him this summer.

A permanent switch to Birmingham could easily appeal to the English centre-back, considering he was such an influential figure throughout their promotion campaign, starting 32 games in League One and averaging 4.1 aerial duels wins per match.

Davies was also hailed by former Rangers manager Michael Beale, who said of him during their time working together: “What about Ben Davies? Comes into the season injured and misses up until after the international break. A lot has been said about him outside and the last two performances from him have been outstanding. Two clean sheets, coming back into the team.”

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Ultimately, it hasn’t quite worked out for Davies since his £4m move from Liverpool, even though he has still managed 58 appearances overall, scoring and assisting once apiece in that time. For that reason, a new challenge would benefit everyone, especially as he only has one year remaining on his current Gers deal.