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Tottenham boss Thomas Frank is a massive admirer of one Premier League star, and the Lilywhites can see themselves securing a deal for him next year.

Tottenham's rumoured transfer plans for January amid £100m boost

The Lewis family made a statement of intent last week, with Spurs’ ownership pumping £100 million of new capital into the club via ENIC.

On the back of this, it is reported that technical director Johan Lange, CEO Vinai Venkatesham and the new-look Lilywhites boardroom could be gearing up for an active January, and this £100m windfall is just the first of ENIC’s cash injections.

The club’s rumoured transfer plans suggest a focus on bolstering both their attacking options and defensive depth, with several high-profile names linked to a potential move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

One of the standout targets is reportedly a proven goalscorer who can provide the clinical finishing Spurs have often lacked.

Strikers like Dušan Vlahović have been frequently mentioned in the media, with the Serbian’s fairly impressive Serie A goal record — having scored at least 14 goals per season since his breakout campaign in 2020/2021 — making him an attractive option to lead Tottenham’s frontline.

Thomas Frank’s managerial record at Tottenham so far

Stats

Matches

11

Wins

5

Draws

3

Losses

2

Points

18

Points per game

1.91

Doubts currently surround Dominic Solanke’s reliability when it comes to fitness and the long-term future of Richarlison, so a new number nine could well be one to watch.

Meanwhile, defensively, Spurs may look to add depth to cope with the physical demands of the Premier League and compete on four fronts.

The winter window could provide an opportunity to bring in experienced defenders who can cover multiple positions, with their over-reliance on star centre-back duo Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero a real cause for concern.

Ange Postecoglou suffered when either one of the pair were unavailable for large periods last season, and despite bringing in Kevin Danso earlier this year, it is believed that Spurs chiefs are considering another central defender signing in January.

The Lewis family’s fresh backing with new funds provides Spurs with the financial muscle to pursue top targets when the window reopens, and their investments could be seen as crucial steps in Tottenham’s long-term strategy to close the gap on England’s elite.

One of their first orders of business could be the permanent signing of midfielder Joao Palhinha, who’s been a revelation since joining Frank’s side on an initial loan from Bayern Munich in the summer.

Tottenham see themselves triggering Joao Palhinha buy option

The former Fulham star’s imperiousness in the engine room has seriously impressed both on-lookers and Frank, with Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg reporting that the noise surrounding Palhinha’s potential indefinite stay is “positive” right now.

The Portugal international’s loan deal includes an option to buy worth up to £26 million, and Tottenham can genuinely see themselves triggering Palhinha’s clause as things stand.

The 30-year-old has been an outstanding addition for Frank, quickly becoming a vital presence in midfield and forming a solid partnership with Rodrigo Bentancur.

His impact was felt almost immediately, with the ex-Sporting CP star’s combative style and energy providing Spurs with the steel and stability they desperately needed.

One of Palhinha’s standout performances came away to Man City, where he showcased his ability to break up play and disrupt one of the league’s most potent attacks. He got on the scoresheet too, as Spurs secured an impressive three points at Eastlands.

Palhinha’s remarkable overhead kick against Doncaster Rovers in the Carabao Cup was also a highlight-reel moment, but perhaps his most memorable contribution thus far was the dramatic last-minute equaliser against Wolves.

His sensational side-footed finish into the bottom corner earned Frank’s men a vital 1-1 draw and kept their early-season momentum alive, with Spurs fans already hoping to see him stay beyond 25/26.

Newcastle United’s summer window underlined a significant shift in strategy.

In past years, big-money signings such as Bruno Guimarães and Sandro Tonali were the headline arrivals, but the 2025 market told a different story.

But the clear trend running through Eddie Howe’s recruitment is a move toward youth, sustainability, and long-term potential.

It’s a reminder of the balancing act Newcastle and other clubs must perform in the era of Profit and Sustainability Regulations (PSR).

Yes, there was major business, with Nick Woltemade, Yoane Wissa, Jacob Ramsey, Malick Thiaw, Anthony Elanga and Aaron Ramsdale all arriving.

With an average squad age of 27.5, the club is determined to lower that figure while also investing in academy and U21 prospects.

Howe’s ability to improve players has been central to this philosophy.

Joelinton’s reinvention, Dan Burn’s development, and the transformation of Alexander Isak into one of the world’s best show why the club trusts Howe to nurture the next wave of talent.

Isak signing proved to be the blueprint for Newcastle

When Newcastle signed Isak from Real Sociedad in 2022 for a then-club-record fee, eyebrows were raised.

The Swedish forward had endured an inconsistent season before his move, and many questioned whether he could justify the £60m outlay.

Three years on, he left Tyneside as one of the most complete forwards in the Premier League.

According to FBref, in 2024/25, he scored 19 non-penalty goals from an expected goals tally of 17.2 – highlighting both clinical finishing and an ability to outperform his underlying data.

He contributed 29 goal involvements overall, adding six assists to his 23 league goals, while averaging 3.10 shots per 90 minutes.

Matches Played

34

Goals

23

Assists

6

Progressive Carries

83

Progressive Passes

88

But his game was far more rounded than a traditional No.9.

He averaged 3.01 shot-creating actions per 90 and showed playmaking instincts with 2.88 progressive passes, alongside 2.71 progressive carries.

His passing was efficient, with 17 completed per 90 at a 75.3% success rate, and his progressive passing distance of 53.7 metres per game demonstrated his willingness to link play and stretch defences.

These numbers translated into key moments.

Isak scored in the Carabao Cup final as Newcastle beat Liverpool 2-1, securing silverware that had eluded the club for generations.

His performances meant Liverpool paid a record-breaking £125m to secure his services.

For Newcastle, the deal proved two things: Howe can develop signings into world-class players, and the club’s transfer model – investing in talent with potential, then reaping both sporting and financial rewards – works.

There could be another Isak in the works now too..

The next big project at Newcastle

If Isak is the model, Park Seung-Soo could be the next project.

Officially joining Newcastle from Suwon Bluewings in July, the 18-year-old South Korean is a raw but thrilling forward who has already shown flashes of promise.

At Suwon, he made 28 appearances, scoring once and assisting three, during a turbulent period that saw the four-time K League champions relegated for the first time in their history.

Despite the team’s struggles, Park stood out, becoming the youngest player in Korean league history at just 17 years and three months.

Comfortable across the front line but often deployed on the left, the right-footed forward has represented South Korea at U17 and U20 levels.

His playing style has already drawn high praise. Asian football expert John Duerden described Park as “similar to Mbappé.”

Suwon head coach Byun Sung-Hwan echoed that excitement, insisting, “Park has the ability to go to the top in football.”

Newcastle fans caught a glimpse of his potential in pre-season, where he earned rave reviews and was included in Howe’s matchday squad for the Premier League opener against Aston Villa.

Since then, he has featured in Premier League 2, still adjusting as the side searches for their first win of the campaign.

Beyond his footballing promise, Park’s signing also carries commercial weight.

Tottenham Hotspur reaped global rewards after Son Heung-min’s rise, and Newcastle will hope for a similar boost in Asia.

His modest market value of £150k, according to Transfermarkt, makes this a low-risk, high-upside signing that fits perfectly into the Magpies’ future-facing model.

Whether Park remains around the first team or heads out on loan remains to be seen, but Newcastle believe he can be nurtured into a star.

Howe has already proved he can transform players into elite-level operators, and if Park develops like Isak once did, Newcastle may again find themselves with one of Europe’s most exciting forwards.

Not Miley: Newcastle have Anderson 2.0 in 19-year-old "star in the making"

Newcastle are still looking for the perfect in-house Elliot Anderson replacement

ByJoe Nuttall Sep 10, 2025

Liverpool have been warned they are in the midst of a "mini-crisis" and are "too open" following their 2-1 loss against Chelsea on Saturday in the Premier League at Stamford Bridge. This was Arne Slot's side's third defeat on the trot across all competitions as the English champions have started to crumble after starting the 2025-26 campaign on a dream note.

• Liverpool's sudden dip in form

  Liverpool kicked off their title defence campaign by winning back-to-back five Premier League matches, one Champions League game and a Carabao Cup clash. However, since last weekend, everything has gone downhill for the champions. It all started with a loss against Crystal Palace, which was followed by a defeat at Galatasaray in the Champions League. Finally, on Saturday, they went down 2-1 against the Blues with Moises Caicedo and Estevao scoring for the hosts. Cody Gakpo was on target for the Reds. 

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Liverpool facing a 'mini-crisis'

  Former Premier League star and Reds midfielder Jamie Redknapp dissected the team's performance as a pundit on , as he said: "You can't change too much and go away from what was so successful last year. When I looked at the balance in midfield, they are certainly losing control in important matches. I think about the first goal the way they dissect Liverpool's midfield. 

  "I get that at times you have to go man for man, but other times you have to mark space but they are too open all the time. That isn't what Liverpool were last season. Everyone right now is just a bit off it, confidence is low. I wouldn't write Liverpool off just yet but this is certainly a mini crisis because of the way they are playing. They haven't been at it all season but they will get better and they are still going to be in the equation."

• Wirtz started on the bench against Chelsea

  After a series of poor performances since joining Liverpool from Bayer Leverkusen for a record transfer this summer, Wirtz got off to a slow start as he failed to live up to the hype. However, owing to his recent poor form, Wirtz was kept on the bench on the Reds' trip to Stamford Bridge and he came on as a substitute in the second half, replacing Conor Bradley. 

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• AFP
  

  Liverpool drop to second position

  Before Liverpool's third consecutive loss in west London, Arsenal comfortably beat West Ham 2-0. Following the two results, Arsenal climbed up to the top of the table and are now one point clear of the Reds. Liverpool return to action after the international break against bitter rivals Manchester United.

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Mesmo com a derrota do Corinthians por 1 a 0 para o Athletico-PR, na tarde deste sábado (25), o técnico Vanderlei Luxemburgo, do Timão, enxerga evolução da equipe após o dias sem jogos por conta das datas Fifa, para os compromissos entre seleções internacionais, que aconteceram entre 12 e 20 de junho.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasCorinthiansFábio Santos recebe terceiro cartão amarelo e será desfalque do Corinthians contra o BragantinoCorinthians24/06/2023CorinthiansApós derrota do Corinthians para o Athletico-PR, Cássio comenta sobre riscos de rebaixamento: ‘Mudar o mais rápido possívelCorinthians24/06/2023Fora de CampoVitor Roque em alta e titular do Corinthians criticado: web reage à vitória do Athletico-PRFora de Campo24/06/2023

Antes de perder para o Furacão, a equipe alvinegra havia vencido o Santos, na última quarta-feira (21), na Vila Belmiro, e o triunfo diante do Peixe foi considerado por Luxa na avaliação.

+ Defesa vai mal, e Caetano é o pior em derrota do Corinthians pelo Brasileirão

– Vou analisar os 10 dias que tivemos. Fomos muito bem. Se pegar a competição como um todo e pegar dois jogos fora de casa, se conseguir três pontos, conseguir seis é ótimo. Crescimento visível da equipe. Quem não quiser enxergar eu não posso fazer nada. Na parte técnica, física e emocional. Não ganhar aqui não é um privilégio do Corinthians. Outras equipes vieram aqui e tiveram trabalho – disse Luxa em entrevista coletiva ainda em Curitiba.

continua após a publicidade

Já eliminado da Libertadores, ainda na fase de grupos, o próximo compromisso corintiano é justamente pela competição continental, nesta quarta-feira (29), contra o Liverpool, do Uruguai, na Neo Química Arena. A equipe uruguaia também está desclassificada, mas o confronto definirá quem ficará na terceira colocação do grupo E, e, consequentemente, alcançar uma vaga nos playoffs da Copa Sul-Americana.

No entanto, mesmo com a possibilidade de seguir disputando um torneio internacional nesta temporada, Luxemburgo sinalizou que deve entregar o Liverpool com uma escalação alternativa. Ele quer ter tempo para trabalhar com o time considerado titular visando o confronto diante do Bragantino, no próximo domingo (2), e, assim, dar ritmo à equipe que enfrentará o América-MG, no próximo dia 5 de julho, pela ida das quartas de final da Copa do Brasil.

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+ Renove o seu estoque de camisas do Timão com o cupom LANCEFUT 10% OFF

– Sul-Americana, vamos analisar com calma. Tenho que ver a equipe que vou jogar. Eu não mando do Corinthians, tenho que conversar com o presidente, com a diretoria. A minha ideia é ter uma semana para os jogadores se preparem para o jogo contra o Bragantino. Colocar um time para jogar contra o Bragantino e outro, com jogadores que não estão trabalhando, para trabalhar. Até pensando na Copa do Brasil, para ter uma semana cheia e chegar com ritmo de jogo melhor – destacou Vanderlei.

Mesmo com os reservas, o Corinthians conseguirá uma vaga na Sul-Americana se, pelo menos, empatar com os uruguaios em casa neste meio de semana.

Nottingham Forest are ready to tackle the 2025/26 season, having qualified for the Europa League after an exemplary effort under Nuno Espirito Santo’s wing last year.

But there’s a sense that Forest’s term was more than just a flash in the pan; rather, it is the foundation of a period of sustained success that will keep the club not just away from relegation battles each year but in contention to challenge out on the continent and compete for domestic silverware.

The Tricky Trees will have to engage in a new balancing act as they look to challenge for another European title, which makes the hopes of matching or even bettering last year’s remarkable seventh-place finish all the more difficult, but it’s hardly outside the realm of possibility.

Because who can say that Evangelos Marinakis has been resting on his laurels? Tottenham Hotspur’s illegal approach for Morgan Gibbs-White has been fended off, and the recruitment team are now gearing up to put the final flourishes on a terrific transfer window.

Nott'm Forest's late window plans

The Athletic’s David Ornstein has confirmed that a £30m package has been agreed for Manchester City midfielder James McAtee, with the England U21 international efficient both in deeper and more advanced midfield roles.

The 22-year-old is considered a technically gifted player with an eye for goal, an ability to split defences with his passing and impressive off-the-ball movements, the last of which will see him thrive in Nuno’s counter-attacking system.

Such midfield qualities would certainly help the likes of Omari Hutchinson, who is set to move to the City Ground from Ipswich Town, and new striker Arnaud Kalimuendo, with a £26m agreement in place with the 23-year-old’s French employers, Rennes. The versatile forward scored 18 goals across 34 matches last year.

Though McAtee and Hutchinson have already taken their first steps in the Premier League, Forest hope to add to their ranks a more established player within the England game, one who could lead and orchestrate from the middle.

Forest open talks for new midfielder

According to Sky Sports News, Nottingham Forest have opened talks with Juventus as they look to sign Douglas Luiz before the end of the month.

The former Aston Villa midfielder has struggled to perform in Italy, though injuries have not helped, and the Old Lady are understood to be open to cashing in if their £34m valuation is met. How such a package would be structured is unknown.

It’s been confirmed that two Premier League outfits have submitted formal offers for the 27-year-old, though whether this is Forest or one (or more) of their rivals is uncertain at this stage.

Why Forest want Douglas Luiz

Luiz might have flattered to deceive across his year in Italy, but none can argue he hasn’t proven himself and then some in the Premier League before.

Indeed, Luiz has been described by ESPN Brazil’s Leonardo Bertozzi in the past as being a “world-class” player, so landing him certainly signals a statement of intent.

Last year, the Brazil international left plenty to be desired in Turin, but his efforts with Unai Emery’s Aston Villa the year before even led The Athletic’s Jacob Tanswell to hail him as “one of the Premier League’s standout midfielders.”

Matches (starts)

35 (35)

19 (3)

Goals

9

0

Assists

5

0

Touches*

70.1

27.3

Pass completion

89%

90%

Big chances created

10

3

Key passes*

1.5

0.8

Dribbles*

0.7

0.6

Ball recoveries*

5.5

1.6

Tackles*

1.7

0.9

Duels (won)*

4.2 (51%)

1.9 (55%)

An all-action midfielder who covers plenty of ground, Luiz would be the perfect centrepiece to complete this Forest project, charging the engine room with energy and steel and style, all wrapped together with the completeness that the manager demands.

In this way, he could be the perfect proven partner for a talented up-and-comer such as McAtee.

Hailed by Pep Guardiola for his “special talent”, the English midfielder’s likeness to Luiz would aid both his personal development and his synergy with the South American in the centre. After all, data-driven site FBref record McAtee to rank among the top 1% of attacking midfielders across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for goals scored and the top 6% for tackles won per 90.

Luiz, however, typically sits deeper, with 103 of his 204 outings in an Aston Villa shirt coming from the deep-lying midfield spot. His progressive passing and combative defending make for compelling viewing, and it’s the efficiency of his blend of qualities that has seen Espirito Santo work with Marinakis’ web of recruitment officers to push ahead with a deal.

Though Gibbs-White’s continuing presence in the City Ground senior squad has eased the need for midfield reinforcements, that aforementioned emphasis on competing across multiple fronts this term while avoiding a regression that would pull the team toward the lower levels of the Premier League suggests that this double deal is necessary to ensure the team go from strength to strength.

Luiz was an essential part of Villa Park’s rise into Europe, and though he was forced to leave the club before tasting the fruits of his labours due to PSR concerns, he could now return to English shores and guide Forest as they make their way into the Europa League.

McAtee has the opportunity to contribute too, and with a mentor and partner like Luiz beside him, this club might just find that the best days are still ahead.

Their own Wissa: Nottingham Forest agree deal to sign "prolific" star

The incredible goalscorer would be an unbelievable signing for Forest this summer…

ByJack Salveson Holmes Aug 14, 2025

تمكن فريق باريس سان جيرمان من تسجيل هدف قاتل أمام خصمه برشلونة في مباراتهما الجارية حاليًا في بطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا، موسم 2025/26.

ويستضيف ملعب “مونتجويك” مباراة برشلونة وباريس سان جيرمان في الجولة الثانية من مرحلة الدوري من البطولة.

ونجح باريس سان جيرمان في تسجيل هدف ثاني قاتل في الدقيقة 90 من عمر المباراة الجارية في الوقت الحالي.

جاء هدف باريس سان جيرمان عن طريق جونزالو راموس، بعد تمريرة من المتألق أشرف حكيمي، لتصل إلى زميله الذي سددها في شباك تشيزني، معلنًا عن تقدم قاتل للفريق الفرنسي.

⚽️🔥 غونسالو راموس يُسجّل هدف التقدم لباريس سان جيرمان بعد تمريرة رائعة من أشرف حكيمي#دوري_أبطال_أوروبا | #برشلونه_باريس #UCL | #ChampionsLeague pic.twitter.com/W7TOuM7yUJ — beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS) October 1, 2025

It’s almost time for Arsenal to return home ahead of, what supporters hope will be, an historic season.

Having landed back in England following their Asian tour, the Gunners will face Villarreal and Athletic Club Bilbao in friendlies in North London this week, ahead of their league opener against Manchester United at Old Trafford a week on Sunday.

Off the pitch, so far this summer, as Mikel Arteta’s team target the Premier League title, they’ve already made six summer signings, the most they’ve recruited in a single July for 28 years, but will another soon follow?

Arsenal well stocked at the back

While question marks remain in the final third, Arsenal are certainly covered when it comes to defensive options.

Cristhian Mosquera has arrived from Valencia for a reported fee of £13m, set to be the understudy to William Saliba as the right-sided centre-back, with Gabriel, Riccardo Calafiori, and Jakub Kiwior very much ensuring the left side is covered too.

Now, though, according to a report by Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal “have made initial contact” to sign 20-year-old defender Jérémy Jacquet from Stade Rennais.

Romano adds that the Gunners may wait until next summer to make a move, although they could accelerate their interest ‘in case of exits’, with Ahad Shaukat of Caught Offside noting that there is plenty of interest in Kiwior.

Transfer Focus

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

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This means that the Poland international’s future could dictate whether the club swoop for Jacquet this summer, or wait to snap him up next year.

Arsenal have a rich tradition when it comes to French players: Thierry Henry, Robert Pirès, Patrick Vieira, Emmanuel Petit, to name just a few, so could Jacquet become the latest to call North London home?

What Jérémy Jacquet would bring to Arsenal

Jaquet, who came through Rennes youth academy, has actually made just 12 senior appearances for les Rouge et Noirs, spending 12 months on loan at Clermont Foot, featuring six times in Ligue 1 and 17 times in Ligue 2 for les Lanciers, before being recalled in January.

His performances have earned rave reviews, with Ben Mattinson labelling him a “Rolls-Royce” who will be the world’s “next highly coveted” centre-back.

Mattinson praises his “composure” and duel-winning ability, believing that he is “physically imposing” and able to “defend big spaces effectively”, concluding that he will be playing at a very high level in the not-too-distant future.

Meantime, podcaster Phil Costa adds that Jacquet is “one of the best defensive prospects” on the planet, impressed by his ability to take “a lot of responsibility” in possession.

Jacquet was born in Bondy, a northeastern suburb of Paris, a commune with just a population of little over 50,000, but a certain William Saliba was also born there, which is quite a coincidence, so let’s see how the duo compare.

Jérémy Jacquet vs William Saliba (before signing for Arsenal) comparison

Statistics

Jacquet

Saliba

Age

20

18

Senior appearances

36

19

Senior minutes

2,732

1,577

Ligue 1 appearances

18

16

France U21 caps

2

Zero

All information courtesy of Transfermarkt

As the table documents, despite being very inexperienced, Jacquet actually has more experience right now than Saliba did when Arsenal signed him for a reported fee of £27m from Saint-Étienne in 2019.

However, it was three years until Saliba finally made his debut for the club at Selhurst Park, loaned back to Saint-Étienne before also spending time at Nice and Olympique de Marseille, so Jacquet could be in line to do something similar, should he put pen to paper in North London.

With Saliba, Arsenal took their time and played the long game, which has very much paid off, given that the French international might just be the best centre-back in the world, according to Sam Tighe of ESPN.

So, could Jacquet enjoy a similar career trajectory?

Well, all available evidence suggests he could do just that.

Related Odegaard 2.0: Arsenal given chance to sign "messi-esque" Eze alternative

The dynamic star would be an excellent addition to Arsenal’s squad.

Posts ByJack Salveson Holmes Aug 2, 2025

Celtic have not made a big splash in the summer transfer window as of yet, with over a month left to go before it slams shut, as they have not spent more than £2m on a single player.

The £2m that they shelled out for versatile midfielder Benjamin Nygren is the most money that they have spent on a single signing so far, which means that there could be bigger deals to come in the next few weeks.

Brendan Rodgers recently made it very clear that the Hoops need to “improve the squad” further if they want to be ambitious and progress as a club.

This means that the Scottish Premiership champions may have to look at higher-profile signings before the end of the window, in an attempt to replicate the success they had with Arne Engels last summer.

Celtic hit the jackpot with Arne Engels

Celtic reportedly smashed their club-record transfer fee to sign the Belgium international from Bundesliga side Augsburg for £11m, which was an ambitious move that paid off on the pitch.

Engels ended his first season at Parkhead with a return of ten goals and 13 assists in 53 appearances in all competitions for the Scottish giants, which shows that he offered quality as both a scorer and a creator of goals.

Although you could also put it down to the change in format, the Belgian star also helped Celtic to get past the group/league phase of the Champions League for the first time since the 2012/13 campaign, as they lost to Bayern Munich in the play-off stage.

Engels produced one goal and three assists in ten games in the competition, and Celtic could find a similarly effective midfield star by signing Salvatore Esposito.

Why Celtic should sign Salvatore Esposito

The Hoops have been linked with an interest in the Spezia star, who is valued at around £5m by the Italian side, and he could arrive as their next Engels-esque deal.

Although he would not be as expensive, a fee of £5m would still be more than double what Celtic have paid for any other player this summer, and he would come in as a potentially game-changing signing.

Esposito, who has been hailed as “elegant” and an “orchestrator” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, caught the eye with his brilliant performances in the Serie B for Spezia last term.

His form in the second division in Italy suggests that the potential is there for the 24-year-old star to have a similar impact to Engels at Parkhead.

Appearances

34

34

Goals

9

7

Big chances created

11

18

Assists

6

9

Duels won per game

2.5

7.3

Ground duel success rate

49%

68%

Aerial duel success rate

49%

51%

As you can see in the table above, their respective performances at league level last term even suggest that Esposito could offer more to the team as a creator and in terms of what he can offer out of possession, by creating more high-quality chances and winning more duels with greater efficiency.

Therefore, the Italy international could have a significant impact on the team if he is able to translate these performances over to Scottish football and the Champions League, potentially pushing Celtic on to reach the next level on the European stage, by being a fantastic box-to-box midfield presence.

Celtic have won the Premiership title in each of the last four years, which means that the Champions League is where they should be targeting progress, and Esposito’s form in comparison to Engels suggests that he can help them to push on once more.

Scott Brown repeat: Celtic are long-term admirers of "ridiculous" £5m star

Celtic could repeat their Scott Brown masterclass by signing this reported transfer target.

ByDan Emery Jul 25, 2025

Therefore, the Hoops should consider pushing the boat out to splash £5m on a new midfield signing to play alongside the likes of Engels and Reo Hatate next season.

It’s not hard to work out that Arsenal’s most significant area of need this summer is up top.

While Mikel Arteta’s squad could certainly do with more options out wide and even in midfield, adding a new striker to the side could be the difference between finally getting over the line or ending another campaign without major silverware next season.

After all, the North Londoners produced the best defence in the Premier League this year but only the third-best attack, which helps to explain the abundance of links to top-quality strikers that have been impossible to ignore in recent weeks and months.

One of those goalscorers heavily touted for a move to the Emirates has been Viktor Gyokeres, but if recent reports are to be believed, the club could now be looking at someone else, someone who’d be an even better signing.

Arsenal's striker search

Given Arsenal’s aforementioned lack of goals this season, it’s not been a surprise to see the club linked with a plethora of potentially game-changing strikers this summer, like Benjamin Sesko and Ollie Watkins.

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 be available for around £68m and racked up a tally of 27 goal involvements in 45 games this season, while the latter might cost £40m and produced 17 goals and 14 assists in 54 games for Aston Villa.

On the other hand, it’s not entirely clear how much Gyokeres could cost the North Londoners, as following his falling out with the Sporting CP board over a supposed gentleman’s agreement, reports have emerged claiming he could cost as much, if not more than £68m.

The uncertainty around the Swedish international could make signing him particularly complicated this summer, and while that’s not ideal, fans shouldn’t worry too much, as it now appears as if the North Londoners are looking at another free-scoring forward, someone who’d be a better signing than former Coventry City star, Hugo Ekitiké.

Yes, according to a recent report from the German publication BILD, Arsenal are now interested in the Eintracht Frankfurt star.

The report has revealed that the Frenchman is now a serious option for the Gunners and that should Gyokeres or Sesko prove too expensive or difficult to sign, their interest in the 23-year-old will only grow.

However, there is one problem: the German outfit want €100m for their star attacker, which is around £85m.

It could be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but given Ekitike’s ability and potential, it’s one Arsenal should fight for, even if he ends up costing more than Gyokeres, as we reckon he’d be the better signing regardless.

Why Ekitiké would be a better signing than Gyokeres

Now, it’s easy to understand why Arsenal might want to sign Gyokeres this summer, as his form at Sporting has been nothing short of miraculous over the last two years.

For example, since joining the Portuguese giants in the summer of 2023, the Stockholm-born dynamo has scored 97 goals and provided 28 assists in 102 appearances, which comes out to a frankly absurd average of 1.22 goal involvements per game.

If anything, numbers like that make it hard to believe any other striker in world football would be a better signing for the Gunners this season, but there is one massive caveat when it comes to the Swede’s monster numbers, which is the league he’s been playing in.

While the likes of Sporting, Benfica, and Porto are all considered ‘big’ clubs, the overall level of the Portuguese top flight is relatively poor.

In fact, according to Opta Analyst, it’s the eighth best league in world football, coming in behind the Belgian Pro League and the Championship.

Moreover, according to the same date, 11 of the 18 teams in the competition are League One level or below, which makes it hard to gauge how well Gyokeres would do in the Premier League, especially when he has never played a minute in one of Europe’s top five leagues, despite being 27 years old.

In contrast, Ekitiké has made 52 appearances in Ligue 1 and 47 in the Bundesliga, and this season, he’s been incredibly effective when leading the line.

In 48 appearances, totalling 3644 minutes, the 23-year-old gem, whom journalist Graeme Bailey once dubbed the “next Mbappé,” scored 22 goals and provided 12 assists, which comes out to a brilliant average of 1.41 goal involvements per game.

Now, is he seemingly less effective than Gyokeres? Yes, but not only is he putting up great numbers in a top-five European league, but he’s doing so at a relatively young age.

Appearances

48

Minutes

3644′

Goals

22

Assists

12

Goal Involvements per Match

0.70

Minutes per Goal Involvement

107.17

Therefore, Arsenal can feel more assured of the kind of output they can expect from Ekitiké while also anticipating further improvement in the coming years, and this is the main reason he’d be a better signing than the Sporting star.

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

The exciting prospect could develop into something special at Arsenal.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jun 30, 2025

Celtic got their second Fabrizio Romano ‘here we go!’ of the summer transfer window when he provided the latest on their pursuit of Benjamin Nygren on Saturday night.

The Italian journalist has confirmed that the Scottish Premiership champions are on the verge of completing a deal to sign the Sweden international to bolster their options at the top end of the pitch.

Nygren is set to sign for the club on a five-year contract and will link up with his new teammates in pre-season in the coming weeks, ahead of competing for a place on the right wing next season.

The 23-year-old talent scored 15 goals in 30 appearances in the Superliga during the 2024/25 campaign, which suggests that the Hoops have landed a bargain with the fee that Romano has reported.

That is because Nygren’s contract with FC Nordsjælland was due to expire at the end of this year, forcing the Danish side to cash in before they lost him for nothing in January.

Whilst this looks set to be a shrewd piece of business, Celtic have shown that they are willing to push the boat out for signings, as shown by their move for Arne Engels last year.

Celtic hit the jackpot with Arne Engels

The Hoops smashed their transfer record to sign the Belgium international from Bundesliga outfit Augsburg in the summer of 2024 for a reported fee of £11m.

It overtook the previous record of £9m that was paid to sign Odsonne Edouard on a permanent deal from Paris Saint-Germain. It showed that the board were ready to seriously back Brendan Rodgers in the transfer market.

Given the money involved in the move, signing Engels for a fee of £11m was a gamble by the Scottish giants, but it is one that paid off big time for them.

xAG

0.25

Top 7%

Assists

0.37

Top 6%

Shot-creating actions

3.11

Top 29%

Key passes

2.24

Top 6%

Percentage of dribblers tackled

71.4%

Top 9%

Tackles made

2.49

Top 28%

Passes blocked

1.12

Top 27%

As you can see in the table above, the Belgian maestro provided plenty of quality in the Champions League, as he ranked highly among his positional peers in a host of key creative and defensive metrics.

Engels also ended the season with a haul of ten goals and 13 assists in 52 appearances in all competitions from a central midfield position, which shows that he has been a big threat for the Hoops as both scorer and a creator of goals.

Celtic hit the jackpot with the midfielder because he hit the ground running at Parkhead to become an instant star, and they could repeat that trick with another record purchase this summer.

Celtic learn asking price for Sondre Orjasaeter

According to Norwegian outlet TV Sport 2, as relayed by the Glasgow Times, Celtic will have to splash out a fee of £11m to sign Sondre Orjasaeter from Sarpsborg before the end of the summer transfer window.

This means that they would have to make him their joint-record signing alongside Engels by splashing out a fee that they have never paid more than for any other player.

Transfer Focus

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

The report, however, adds that Dutch giants PSV are currently leading the race to sign the Norway U21 international, and that French side Lille are also eyeing him up, which means that there is plenty of competition for his signature.

It was reported earlier this month that the Hoops had opened talks with Sarpsborg to sign Orjasaeter to bolster their options on the left flank, but there has been no further update on those discussions to date.

They now know that a record fee of £11m will be required to get a deal over the line in the coming weeks, and they could repeat their Engels masterclass by going through with a move.

Why Sondre Orjasaeter could be Arne Engels 2.0

As aforementioned, Celtic have hit the jackpot with the Belgian star because he immediately became a key performer in the middle of the park for Rodgers.

At the age of 21, Engels is also still a young player with plenty of time left ahead of him to develop and improve, and could yet be sold for a profit in the future.

Orjasaeter is a 21-year-old talent with similar potential, based on his performances for Sarpsborg. He has shown that the quality is there for him to make a big impact at the top end of the pitch, particularly as a creator.

It was confirmed in May that Jota is set to be out for up to nine months with a knee injury, which means that the left-wing spot where the Norwegian star operates is set to be vacant at the start of the 2025/26 campaign.

Appearances

28

7

Goals

5

1

Big chances missed

5

2

Big chances created

12

7

Key passes per game

1.9

2.0

Assists

5

2

Dribbles completed per game

2.4

2.7

As you can see in the table above, Orjasaeter is a player with the quality to fill the hole that has been left by Jota’s injury, as he has been in impressive form for Sarpsborg since the start of the 2024 campaign.

The 21-year-old star, who was described as a “playmaker” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has created 19 ‘big chances’ in his last 35 Eliteserien matches, which shows that the wing wizard is an incredibly creative forward.

For reference, Alistair Johnston’s haul of 15 ‘big chances’ created was the most of any Celtic player in the club’s 38-game Premiership season, suggesting that Orjasaeter could be a standout creative threat for Rodgers next term and beyond.

Celtic have hit gold with star who's now worth £8m more than Balikwisha

Celtic have hit the jackpot with this star who is now worth £8m more than reported target Michel-Ange Balikwisha.

ByDan Emery Jun 21, 2025

That suggests that the potential is there for the Norwegian star to be an Engels repeat for the Hoops as a record £11m signing who could instantly become a key player for the club, whilst still having plenty of years left ahead to develop and improve.