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Tottenham chiefs are internally discussing the possibility of appointing a highly-rated alternative to Andoni Iraola, with current boss Ange Postecoglou currently hanging onto his job by a thread after an underwhelming Premier League campaign.

Spurs' managerial shortlist to replace Ange Postecoglou

The Australian has led Spurs to seventeen defeats in the top flight alone, and a total of 21 losses in all competitions, which makes for inexcusable reading from the perspective of a ‘big six’ side.

Related £4m-per-year boss "emerging" as favourite for Spurs job after Iraola blow

There’s another frontrunner coming into play.

Posts 4 ByEmilio Galantini Apr 15, 2025

There is a serious case to be made that injuries to key players throughout 2024/2025 have really debilitated Postecoglou’s options, making it a huge task to make any success of this Premier League campaign, but the sheer number of losses is far too reminiscent of relegation form.

Tottenham’s next five Premier League fixtures

Date

Nottingham Forest (home)

April 21st

Liverpool (away)

April 27th

West Ham (away)

May 3rd

Crystal Palace (home)

May 10th

Aston Villa (away)

May 18th

Tottenham’s entire campaign is now riding on their Europa League quarter-final second leg away to Eintracht Frankfurt, with the tie currently level 1-1 on aggregate and Postecoglou set for his most important game as manager on Thursday.

As tensions between the fanbase and Spurs ownership reach breaking point, chairman Daniel Levy is under serious pressure, and his next managerial appointment will need to be the right one, if they do indeed decide to part company with Postecoglou.

The arrival of CEO and ex-Arsenal chief Vinai Venkatesham will also play a major role in who they appoint, with the new boardroom member and Levy already having a number of managerial candidates on their agenda.

According to recent reports, Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola is a top target for Tottenham, but the Spaniard is now more inclined to snub their advances and remain at the Vitality Stadium for another season (The Telegraph).

This means that Fulham manager Marco Silva is now emerging as a frontrunner for the Spurs job (Alex Crook), but there are other names on Levy’s agenda.

Inter Milan’s Simone Inzaghi, ex-Borussia Dortmund boss Edin Terzić, free agent Thiago Motta, Crystal Palace’s Oliver Glasner and Brentford head coach Thomas Frank have all been cited as names to watch out for in the last two months, but an update has surfaced on the latter.

Tottenham internally discuss appointing Thomas Frank

According to GiveMeSport, Tottenham have held internal talks over appointing Frank, who could be another alternative to Iraola, with the 42-year-old increasingly likely to remain at Bournemouth right now.

The Dane guided Brentford to promotion from the Championship in 2021, after beating Swansea City 2-0 in the Play-Off final at Wembley, and Frank hasn’t looked back since then.

The 50-year-old has since transformed Brentford into a solid Premier League side, despite operating on a shoe-string budget and losing key players, having taken charge of 311 matches for the Bees overall as a legendary figurehead.

Frank’s earned a reputation for being a “class” manager in that period, not to mention gaining the respect of his elite peers, like Man City’s Pep Guardiola, who called him “one of the best” in the business.

“They are an extraordinary team,” said the City boss.

“What they do always makes sense. Every corner is a headache. They are compact. This season, they have a high press. Thomas is one of the best.”

Other reports state that Frank is also expected to leave Brentford this summer, making him potentially available for hire.

When it comes to world-class players, Tottenham Hotspur have had their fair share in the Premier League era.

For example, while they never managed to get over the final hurdle, the likes of Harry Kane, Son Heung-min and Mousa Dembélé were unreal under Mauricio Pochettino.

However, go back just that little bit further, and you get to Gareth Bale, who for quite some time was arguably one of the best wingers in world football.

So, fans should be ecstatic about recent reports that have linked the club with another sensational wideman who could be their best winger since the Welshman.

Tottenham transfer news

With just how terribly this season has gone for Tottenham, it’s unsurprising to see the club linked with a host of talented players in recent weeks, such as Marcus Rashford.

The Englishman could be available for around £40m in the summer, which might prove to be a reasonable price for the Manchester United product, as across his time with the Red Devils and Aston Villa this term, he’s produced 20 goal involvements in 41 appearances.

A slightly cheaper and far younger option is Tyler Dibling.

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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The Southampton gem has been one of the few bright sparks for the Saints this season, could be available for about £35m and would fit in with the club’s current crop of young talents.

However, as promising as the Exeter-born prospect is, he’s not going to come in and make an instant impact, unlike Jarrod Bowen.

Yes, according to a recent report from Caught Offside, Spurs are keen to land the West Ham United star from their London rivals this summer.

Alongside the Lilywhites, Liverpool have also been credited with interest in the Englishman, and while the Hammers do not want to sell, the two parties could make an offer of up to €60m for the 28-year-old, which is about £51m.

It would be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but given Bowen’s immense ability, it’d be one worth fighting for.

Why Bowen would be Spurs' best winger

So, should Spurs get their way and leapfrog Liverpool to sign Bowen this summer, why would he instantly become their best winger in a long time?

Well, there are a couple of reasons, but perhaps the most important is that he’s a reliable source of goals and assists.

For example, in just 32 appearances this term, he’s scored ten goals and provided nine assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.68 games.

In contrast, Son has scored 11 goals and produced 12 assists in 43 appearances, which comes out to one every 1.86 games.

Brennan Johnson has scored 16 goals and produced seven assists in 46 appearances, which comes out to a goal involvement every other game.

Bowen vs Spurs’ wingers

Player

Bowen

Son

Johnson

Odobert

Appearances

32

43

46

17

Goals

10

11

16

3

Assists

9

12

7

0

Goal Involvements*

0.59

0.53

0.50

0.17

All Stats via Transfermarkt (*per Match)

And finally, Wilson Odobert has scored just three goals in 17 appearances this season, which comes out at one every 5.66 games.

On top of the number of goals and assists he produces, the Irons’ “game-changer,” as dubbed by The Athletic’s Roshane Thomas, has also proven that he can handle the most significant occasions, as he scored the winning goal in the 2023 Conference League Final.

Last but not least, while he thrives out on the right, the Englishman is incredibly versatile and can play up top and as a second striker as well as off the left at times, which would allow whoever’s in the Lilywhites’ dugout far more tactical flexibility.

Ultimately, while he might not reach the same levels as peak Bale did, Bowen has the ability and application to be Spurs’ best winger since the Welshman left.

Related Uh oh: Ange hints £190k-a-week Spurs star could miss Bodo/Glimt with injury

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Posts ByDominic Lund Apr 28, 2025

Everton have now held talks with the entourage of a “leader”, who is set to be available on a free transfer this summer, according to a report.

Moyes looking to bolster defensive options

The Toffees’ recent results haven’t been the best, falling to defeats against Chelsea and Manchester City before drawing 2-2 against Ipswich Town in the penultimate match at Goodison Park, but it remains an exciting time to be a fan of the Blues.

The hope will be that a move to Bramley Moore-Dock positions David Moyes’ side to compete for major honours in the future, and they are looking to mark their stadium move by making one or two statement signings this summer.

That is according to a new report, which states the Merseysiders are now open to the signing of Man City defender John Stones, who could be in line for a sensational return eight years after leaving Goodison Park.

Related Moyes' own Tarkowski signing: Everton join the race for EFL "superstar"

Everton are set for a busy summer of shopping as David Moyes eyes new heights.

Posts ByAngus Sinclair May 7, 2025

Stones could be a real upgrade on Moyes’ current centre-back options, given his top-level experience, and there has now been a suggestion that a new left-back could also be pursued in the summer transfer window.

According to a report from The Boot Room, Everton have now made contact with the entourage of Leeds United defender Junior Firpo, who is out of contract at the end of the season and thus available on a free transfer.

Firpo appears to be set to leave Leeds this summer, having arrived at Elland Road for £13m back in 2021, and there is no shortage of interest in his signature, with Crystal Palace and West Ham United also holding talks with his representatives.

A return to Spain could also be on the cards, with Atletico Madrid and Real Betis keen, while FC Barcelona could also consider a move for their former player.

"Leader" Firpo could be Mykolenko upgrade

Vitaliy Mykolenko has established himself as a key player this season, making 32 appearances in the Premier League, and the left-back has impressed defensively, ranking in the 89th percentile for aerials won per 90, and the 95th for clearances over the past year.

However, the Leeds defender is also dominant in the air, while offering far more of an attacking threat, ranking in the top 1% for assists per 90, when compared to other left-backs playing at a similar level.

Statistic

Average per 90

Assists

0.34 (99th percentile)

Non-penalty goals

0.14 (96th percentile)

Shot-creating actions

3.30 (93rd percentile)

Aerials won

2.10 (93rd percentile)

Not only that, but the 28-year-old has personal qualities which could set him up for success at Everton, with Daniel Farke claiming he is “turning into a leader” earlier this season.

With Moyes a little light on options at left-back, Firpo could be a fantastic addition to the squad, but it may be difficult to win the race for his signature if Barcelona or Atletico Madrid step up their interest.

There are still two Premier League games to go, but for all intents and purposes, Arsenal’s season came to an end on Wednesday night.

Moreover, while Mikel Arteta and the players still have to give their all for those two games – Champions League football hasn’t been secured yet – it’s clear the club are looking ahead to next season.

For example, just a few days after the disappointment in Paris, transfers expert Fabrizio Romano finally gave Martin Zubimendi’s long-rumoured move to Arsenal the ‘here we go’ treatment.

The details still need to be finalised, but the Spanish international is now set to join the Gunners for around £51m in the summer, and while that’s tremendously exciting, he’ll have to hit the ground running to see his valuation match that of one of his new teammates at the Emirates.

Why Arsenal want Zubimendi

Before we get to the player in question, it’s worth examining why Arsenal are so keen to sign Zubimendi in the first place.

Market Movers

Football FanCast’s Market Movers series explores the changing landscape of the modern transfer market. How much is your club’s star player or biggest flop worth today?

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Firstly, he helps to pad out the number six position in the squad, as while Thomas Partey is reportedly in talks with the club over a new deal, Jorginho is set to join Brazilian side Flamengo in the summer.

However, Arteta and Co are obviously interested in the Spanish international for far more than that, including his defensive nous.

For example, according to FBref, the “elite tempo controller,” as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, sits in the top 6% of midfielders across Europe’s top five leagues, the Champions League and Europa League, for shots blocked and clearances, the top 7% for touches in his penalty area and percentage of aerial duels won, the top 15% for tackles in the attacking third and more, all per 90.

That’s not all, though, as on top of his defensive abilities, the “world-class” midfielder, as dubbed by former teammate Kieran Tierney, also has an abundance of experience and, more importantly, has proven himself in high-pressure games.

Zubimendi’s record

Team

Sociedad

Spain

Appearances

333

17

Minutes

21215′

984′

Goals

10

1

Assists

9

0

Major Trophies

1

1

All Stats via Transfermarkt

For example, he’s made 233 appearances for Sociedad’s first team, including 90 minutes in the club’s 2020 Copa del Rey triumph, and won 15 caps for Spain, one of which came in the second half of the European Championships final, a game La Roja beat England in.

In all, Zubimendi’s technical and defensive ability, combined with his experience of winning when the pressure is on, makes him look like the ideal midfield acquisition for Arsenal this summer, even if he’s worth millions less than one of his future teammates.

The Arsenal star worth millions more than Zubimendi

While Partey and Mikel Merino have both played significant roles for Arsenal this season, neither one has a higher valuation than Zubimendi, nor should they.

Declan Rice, conversely, does, with Transfermarkt valuing him at €110m, which is about £93m, or a whopping £42m more than the Sociedad star is set to cost the Gunners.

Now, while that is undoubtedly a lot of money for a central midfielder, it would be hard to say he’s not proven himself worthy of it this year, with Sky Sports’ Jamie Carragher describing him as the club’s “best player this season.”

While it might sound a little hyperbolic, such comments are more than backed up by the midfield monster’s statistics this year.

For example, in 50 appearances, the “monster” Englishman, as dubbed by Arsenal writer Connor Humm, has scored eight goals and provided ten assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.77, which is undeniably impressive for someone primarily playing as an eight.

Rice’s FBref Scout Report

Statistics

Per 90

Percentile

Progressive Carries

2.70

Top 5%

Corner Kicks

3.10

Top 5%

Carries into the Penalty Area

0.56

Top 6%

Crosses

4.66

Top 7%

Assists

0.21

Top 8%

Goals + Assists

0.38

Top 10%

Touches (Att Pen)

2.73

Top 10%

Non-Penalty Expected G+As

0.32

Top 11%

All Stats via FBref

Moreover, FBref has placed him in the top 5% of midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues for progressive carries and corner kicks, the top 6% for carries into the penalty area, the top 7% for crosses, the top 8% for assists, the top 10% for goals plus assists and more, all per 90.

Ultimately, signing Zubimendi is incredibly exciting and shows real ambition from Arsenal, but he will have to be truly sensational in North London to see his valuation match Rice’s.

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Posts ByJack Salveson Holmes May 12, 2025

It’s no secret that Manchester United have fallen way below the high standards they’ve set for themselves this season, currently occupying a place in the bottom half of the Premier League.

The Red Devils are set for their lowest ever points tally and league finish of the Premier League era, with boss Ruben Amorim desperately needing to make changes next year if he’s to be a success at Old Trafford.

The forward line has certainly contributed to their recent failures, netting just 42 goals in their 36 outings, with Bruno Fernandes their current top scorer on just eight goals.

Strikers Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee have only managed to find the back of the net seven times between them, highlighting the lack of attacking threat within the current squad.

However, the upcoming transfer window hands boss Amorim the perfect opportunity to improve the situation, with a new talisman needing to be at the top of his list this summer.

United’s hunt for a new striker this summer

With the transfer window rapidly on the horizon, United have already wasted no time in pursuing potential targets to strengthen the options at the manager’s disposal.

The likes of Liam Delap, Matheus Cunha and Victor Osimhen have all been touted with a summer switch to Old Trafford, but no deals have yet been completed for any of the aforementioned trio.

However, another name has entered the frame in the form of Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres, with a potential reunion on the cards with Amorim, according to CaughtOffside.

The report claims that the Red Devils are preparing an offer for the 26-year-old Swedish international, who’s managed to register a staggering 52 goals in his 50 appearances throughout 2024/25.

It also confirms that Arsenal and Liverpool are in the race for his signature this window, with the hierarchy needing to work tirelessly to avoid missing out on him to a divisional rival.

Why United’s latest target would be perfect alongside Amad

The Europa League final next week hands United a golden opportunity to end the season on a high, whilst also securing their place in the Champions League for 2025/26.

Amorim’s side must be fully focused on such an occasion, especially considering there is no longer anything to play for in the Premier League.

If they are to go beat Tottenham Hotspur for the first time this season and claim European glory, Amad Diallo will be a key reason, with his success this campaign nothing short of remarkable.

He’s registered 18 combined goals and assists across all competitions despite missing a large chunk of the year through an ankle issue, which required surgery.

However, he’s back and ready for action, with a fully fit 22-year-old a prospect to fear for any opposition, as seen by his contributions throughout 2024/25.

Such figures could fall perfectly into the hands of Gyokeres should he make the switch to Old Trafford, with his goalscoring tally undoubtedly improving the situation Amorim has on his hands.

The Swede, who’s been labelled “one of the best strikers in Europe” by Fabrizio Romano, has also managed to register 4.4 shots per 90, with 2.5 of which going on target – showcasing his clinical nature in the final third.

Most combined goals & assists in Europe (2024/25)

Player

Games

Goals

Assists

Total

Viktor Gyokeres

32

38

8

46

Harry Kane

30

25

9

34

Omar Marmoush

31

21

12

33

Kylian Mbappé

32

28

3

31

Mateo Retegui

34

24

7

31

Victor Osimhen

28

24

5

29

Stats via Transfermarkt

He’s also created 2.1 chances per 90 to date, along with a 52% aerial success rate, handing the side an all-round option at the top end of the pitch, which could allow Amad to increase his own tallies.

It’s unclear how much the Red Devils are set to bid for his services this summer, but it would be a phenomenal piece of business that would see the talisman link up with his former boss.

Given the interest elsewhere, the hierarchy will have to jump ahead of the opposition and make him their number one target, with Gyokeres having the tools to thrive in the Premier League and take the club back to where they belong.

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Posts ByEthan Lamb May 15, 2025

This summer’s mini-transfer window, open from June 1 to June 10, presents an opportunity for Premier League sides to get deals done very early ahead of pre-season, and Arsenal could take full advantage.

Arsenal urged to invest in new signings up front

Mikel Arteta ended yet another season with no trophies to show for his side’s efforts at N5, and discounting the Community Shield, Arsenal haven’t won any piece of major silverware since their FA Cup triumph in 2020.

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Posts 1 ByEmilio Galantini May 27, 2025

Considering the Gunners have registered a net spend of around £487 million on transfers since Arteta took over from Unai Emery in 2019, some questions are starting to be asked about the Arsenal manager when it comes to their lack of silverware return.

Arsenal transfer spending under Arteta (via Sky Sports)

Money on new signings

19/20 – winter

£0

20/21 – summer

£81.5m

20/21 – winter

£900k

21/22 – summer

£156.8m

21/22 – winter

£1.8m

22/23 – summer

£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

23/24 – summer

£208m

23/24 – winter

£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

24/25 – winter

£0

Sky Sports commentator Gary Neville, speaking after Arsenal were knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Newcastle United earlier this year, drew particular attention to their “toothlessness” in the forward areas – going on to state that they simply must spend big again this summer.

“This has shown a massive spotlight on the toothlessness of Arsenal’s forward players compared to what we’re seeing at the other end of the pitch,” said Neville.

“That’s a given. They have to [spend this summer].

“I was supportive of them not panicking in the window, finding the player they want, I get that. But when the bid went in for Ollie Watkins, they are sending a message to the rest of the squad, the ones up front aren’t good enough, this game confirms it.”

The arrival of new sporting director Andrea Berta is set to play a pivotal role in their pursuit of attacking upgrades for the squad, and reliable media sources are already claiming that the Italian has got to work.

The north Londoners recently opened talks over a deal for Real Madrid forward Rodrygo, which has since stalled due to wage demands (Florian Plettenberg), with Arsenal also holding “concrete” negotiations to sign striker Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig.

Arsenal offer Viktor Gyokeres a five-year contract worth nearly £30m

Sesko isn’t their only option to reinforce the centre-forward area, though, with Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres also heavily linked in the last month.

Portuguese news outlets in particular have reported in the last fortnight that Arsenal are making serious progress on a move for Gyokeres, with newspaper O Jogo even claiming that they’ve agreed a fee.

While that rumour is yet to gain traction, another Portuguese media source, Correio de Manha, has come forward with a significant update of their own.

The newspaper states Arsenal have offered Gyokeres a five-year contract worth nearly £30 million, with the Swede handed an annual salary worth £5.9 million-per-year.

They’ve also apparently offered Sporting around £59 million for his signature, which is still slightly below his reported asking price of around £63 million, so it will be intriguing to see if this proposal gets off the ground.

Gyokeres’ 54 goals in all competitions this season indicates that he’s a fine candidate to resolve Arsenal’s lack of cutting edge in the attacking areas, and Sporting boss Rui Borges certainly has little doubt about the 26-year-old, even if there’s a case to be made that the Primeria Liga is inferior to English top flight football.

“I have said this before, and I will continue to say it: he brings a lot to the team, and his teammates are aware of what he contributes, which is why they look for him during games,” said Borges about Gyokeres.

“The collective effort also plays a role, as no one can succeed alone. Viktor is a game-changer, and he will continue to be, whether with us or elsewhere. His quality is undeniable; it is phenomenal.”

Despite reaching a hefty 90 points in the Championship last season, Sheffield United are now resigned to another campaign in the second t ier

Both Burnley and Leeds United soared into the top two spots in the division at their expense with a mammoth 100 points each, leaving Chris Wilder’s men to fight it out in the cruel lottery of the playoffs.

To make matters worse, the Blades headed into their playoff showdown at Wembley versus Sunderland having never been promoted via this nail-biting route, with that unlucky streak unfortunately continuing against the Black Cats.

It was Tommy Watson who broke United hearts with a last-gasp finish, but the chance would never have fallen to the feet of the new Brighton and Hove Albion youngster kindly if it wasn’t for an inexplicable moment of madness from Welshman Kieffer Moore.

His head-in-hands back-pass could be his last ever cursed moment donning Blades red and white, with Wilder and Co. perhaps tempted to move on the injury-prone striker, having blown hot and cold throughout last season.

Indeed, the experienced EFL attacker would miss 17 games in total due to injury, meaning these three strikers on the potential United shopping list could be viewed as upgrades on the often missing 32-year-old.

1 Emil Riis Jakobsen

Emil Riis Jakobsen would certainly come in and be a similar striker to Moore, considering the Dane boasts a towering 6 foot 3 frame when contrasted wit the ex-Cardiff City man’s imposing 6 foot 5 build.

The soon-to-be free agent has been on Wilder’s radar before according to reports, and with his Preston North End contract confirmed as not being renewed, now could be the perfect time to finally add him to his Blades roster as a back-up attacking body.

After all, Jakobsen did manage to better Moore’s six-goal haul just this season gone with 12 league strikes in total, with the likes of Tyrese Campbell presumably keen to bounce off such an experienced EFL head as promotion is sought after once more.

2 Oli McBurnie

Wilder could also look to the past when recruiting a possible Moore replacement, meaning a deal might soon be on the table for Oli McBurnie to spectacularly return to Bramall Lane.

This wouldn’t be an unusual deal for Wilder to sign off on, considering United were reportedly keen on adding the £2m-rated Scotsman back to their camp in January.

Moreover, with 29 strikes already in his back pocket for the Blades, he wouldn’t need a long time you imagine to get back up to speed with proceedings, having also chipped in with a respectable five strikes for current La Liga employers Las Palmas across the 2024/25 campaign.

It would all rest on whether the Yorkshire-born attacker would fancy swapping Spain for the challenges of the EFL again, but it could be an inspired switch if it clicks into gear.

3 Charlie Kelman

Away from going after seasoned Championship veterans, the Blades could look to Queens Park Rangers hotshot Charlie Kelman as an alternative up top after an explosive loan spell at Leyton Orient.

United have been recently linked with a move for the slick 23-year-old, and after years of not being handed that many meaningful first-team opportunities at Loftus Road, he might well fancy a switch to Wilder’s men to become an exciting reserve option.

Kelman’s league numbers for Orient (24/25)

Stat – per 90 mins*

Kelman

Games played

46

Games started

37

Goals scored

21

Assists

5

Shots*

2.4

Shots on target*

1.1

Goal conversion %

19%

Big chances missed

20

Stats by Sofascore

Kelman would instantly burst into life leading the line for Richie Wellens’ promotion-chasers, as seen in his 21 strikes and five assists helping the O’s reach the League One playoff final, only to then fall at the vital finishing hurdle to Charlton Athletic.

Wilder and Co. tasted similar agony, but will hope landing promising new strikers such as Kelman can get them over the line this campaign to come.

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Posts ByTom Cunningham May 27, 2025

Arsenal need a striker this summer but with Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko in Andrea Berta’s crosshairs, he’s also directing attention towards signing a new winger.

Real Madrid’s Rodrygo has been a name regularly linked with an Emirates Stadium switch this summer but whether that move happens remains to be seen.

One deal that is certainly unlikely to happen this summer is Nico Williams, with the Spaniard now reportedly closing in on his dream Barcelona move.

Why Arsenal will need a Nico Williams alternative

After a sublime campaign at Euro 2024 last summer, Williams has been the talk of the town with his club, Athletic Bilbao, even heralding him as “one of the best wingers in the world”.

That is certainly the case and it explains why Arsenal have found negotiating a deal difficult.

Last winter, it was reported that Arteta was dreaming of signing the Spain international but at no point has a deal ever looked close.

Indeed, despite fresh interest this summer, it looks though the attacker is heading to Barcelona.

The latest was provided by the Athletic’s David Ornstein on Tuesday morning who claims that both the Gunners and Chelsea have ‘cooled’ their interest in the 22-year-old as ‘Barcelona step up pursuit & Bayern Munich consider move.’

Barca want to do a deal and have already made a contract offer to the young winger.

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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So, with that move off the table, where will Arsenal’s attention turn next? Perhaps Anthony Gordon?

According to a report from the Athletic, Arteta and Co have had three names in particular on their shortlist to improve their ranks in the wide positions.

Williams was one of them, Rodrygo is the other and the final name is Newcastle United’s Gordon.

Arsenal are known to be long-term fans of the England international, with this report noting that he is ‘of interest’ to the north Londoners and that they are keen ‘admirers’ of his qualities.

Why Gordon could be even better than Nico Williams

You don’t attract the interest of Barca without being a mighty fine player and in Williams, you have Spain’s next hope alongside Lamine Yamal on the opposite flank.

Williams certainly isn’t as exciting as Yamal but he’s still one of the most promising young forwards on the European scene.

However, his numbers haven’t actually been too impressive in recent seasons. During 2023/24, the Bilbao star scored just eight times in all competitions. Impressively, he did register as many as 18 assists.

This season, he scored 11 goals while registering seven assists in 45 games with only five of those goals coming in LaLiga action.

In comparison, Gordon’s numbers aren’t otherworldly but they are on par and he’s already been producing it in the Premier League.

The 24-year-old scored nine times and posted seven assists in 42 outings during 2024/25, which wasn’t quite as impressive as his return the campaign prior. In what was the best season of his career, the former Everton man scored 12 and assisted 16 goals.

So, over the last two years, there isn’t a huge amount to separate them, but what do the other numbers say?

Gordon vs Williams since 2023/24 (league only)

Stat (per 90 mins)

Gordon

Williams

Goals

0.29

0.21

Assists

0.21

0.34

Shots

2.31

2.33

Key passes

1.82

1.84

Progressive passes

3.36

2.85

Successful take-ons

1.55

3.26

Progressive carries

4.38

5.52

Stats via FBRef.

Well, again there isn’t much to separate them. Williams is more carry-heavy, but if Arsenal are looking for goals, and they are, the “unbelievable” Gordon – in the words of teammate Bruno Guimaraes – is the better option.

Over the last few seasons, Arsenal have simply been too reliant on Bukayo Saka on the right flank to come up with the goods. In 2023/24, he was the club’s top scorer with 20 goals and this season, he was right up there again despite missing half of the campaign with a hamstring injury.

He ended the campaign on 12 goals, just three behind leading marksman Kai Havertz. As for Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard, they suffered from long periods of inconsistency throughout the campaign.

The latter scored ten in 56, once every 5.6 games, while the former scored ten in 51, once every 5.1 outings. As for Gordon, he scored once every four matches two seasons ago and once every 4.6 appearances in 2024/25.

So, with Arteta clearly on the lookout for goals, Gordon could just be the man they need this summer. It’s just a pity he boasts an asking price of around £100m. That certainly makes it less likely to happen.

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“Whenever you lose a game like this, it’s always going to hurt,” Trott said after Afghanistan’s semi-final exit

Sidharth Monga27-Jun-20243:15

Flower: Afghanistan have come so far in 20 years

There is a sweet video on Instagram from inside Afghanistan’s travel from St Vincent to Trinidad and then from the Port-of-Spain airport to their hotel. Bleary-eyed, hoarse of voice, sleepless Afghan cricketers shared their joy with the world and spoke about how all the phone calls from back home kept them awake all night. This was a day after Afghanistan had secured their maiden semi-final spot in a men’s World Cup with a thrilling win over Bangladesh. It made you wonder if it was possible to get down from that euphoric high and recover well enough for a big semi-final the next evening. And also if they were already satisfied with what they had achieved.The answer from the camp is that while it wasn’t ideal to be playing again so soon, they were not going to hide behind that. And no, they aren’t sated with semi-final participation alone in the T20 World Cup 2024, and are more hurt than proud in the immediate aftermath of the one-sided defeat to South Africa on a brutish track with excessively uneven bounce.Related

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“Obviously playing the last group game and then playing the first semi-final with travel yesterday and getting here and not really having a day off isn’t ideal,” Jonathan Trott, the Afghanistan head coach, said. “But we knew the schedule, so that’s not an excuse as such. When you go on in World Cups or tournaments, you can’t have everything your own way, and you’ve got to fight and play against the odds which you’ve done at times and very proud of that but no, it’s not the reason why we didn’t win today.”We only got back to hotel at 3am, and then we had to leave [for Trinidad] at 8am. We didn’t get much sleep, so the guys were obviously very tired and had a lot to process really emotionally and physically. So all new territory for the guys and it all plays its part in a way, but we were outplayed today. The guys hopefully learn from this experience. We’ve gone one better than the previous 50-over World Cup in November, and it’s just about taking it step by step, and hopefully we learn from today, the batters certainly [about] what it takes to play international cricket and play against a bowling side like South Africa on a pitch that’s perhaps not conducive to high scoring, finding ways of winning games. And we’ve found ways of winning games, we just couldn’t find a way today.”Afghanistan walk off after a heavy defeat in the T20 World Cup semi-final•Getty Images

Trott wasn’t taking any moral victories from having defied expectations and come this far in the tournament. “Maybe in a couple of weeks’ time, when everything’s sunk in and your emotions aren’t in it,” Trott said when asked if they were looking at the overall achievement more than this defeat. “Once you’re in it and part of a World Cup and you’ve been here for over five weeks preparing for a night like tonight, I think it’s sort of hard to think like that, but I’m sure we will in a couple of days or a week or so. So, it’s important that a match like this doesn’t overshadow all the good matches we had that got us to this situation or this position. But it’s nice if we can just find other ways of winning with the bat. That’s what I take and that’s what I’ll be working on from tomorrow.”Hurt was the overwhelming feeling in the camp at the moment. “Whenever you lose a game like this, it’s always going to hurt,” Trott said. “And it should hurt because we put so much into it. The sacrifices made by the players, coaching staff, management, officials all that sort of stuff. It hurts at the moment.”We arrived to the ground in high spirits ready to take on a strong South African side and make sure we gave a good account of ourselves, and I feel like we haven’t done that today. That’s the most disappointing thing. I’m very proud of the guys; this one performance doesn’t necessarily define the tournament. But it also gives us an indication of where we need to work on and what we need to get better at. If we’re going to be competitive more consistently, and who we can rely on with the bat and who’s going to get us over the line, certainly if we have to chase.”

Hoping to get one over on Chelsea, Nottingham Forest have now reportedly joined the race to sign an impressive Ligue 1 midfielder in a deal worth £25m this summer.

Nottingham Forest face encouraging Premier League start

It was Nottingham Forest’s stunning start that saw them rise to as high as third in the Premier League last season, before dropping off to finish seventh. And one year on, they could enjoy a similarly fast start with the fixtures officially announced.

The Midlands club will open their campaign against Brentford at the City Ground before travelling to Crystal Palace and playing host to West Ham United to end August. Things don’t get much tougher from there, either. In fact, Arsenal aside, games against Sunderland and Burnley to follow should hand Nuno Espirito Santo’s side at least five very winnable games to get their season off to a flying start.

Those at the City Ground will also have European football to be excited about next season. Just which competition they’ll be in remains an important question, however.

With UEFA still deliberating whether to give Crystal Palace the boot after the Eagles breached multi-club ownership rules, Evangelos Marinakis has reportedly written to the governing body perhaps in the hope of helping to sway a decision which would see Forest move up to the Europa League.

It’s a letter which won’t win the Greek owner many friends in the Premier League, but it could help to ensure that Forest receive an unexpected boost out of the Europa Conference League.

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Whether it’s the Europa Conference League or Europa League, however, Forest will need some much-needed depth if they are to compete on all fronts. The pending arrival of Brazilian trio Igo Jesus, Cuiabano and Jair Cunha should hand them that in part, but a move to sign one particular Ligue 1 star would provide Nuno with his biggest boost this summer.

Nottingham Forest join Habib Diarra race

According to Caught Offside, Nottingham Forest have now joined the race to sign Habib Diarra from Strasbourg this summer. They’re far from the only club interested in the midfielder though. Joining the Tricky Trees, Chelsea, Eintracht Frankfurt, Everton, Aston Villa and Leeds United are all reportedly eyeing the talented 21-year-old.

The amount of interest in Diarra should come as little shock following the season that he and the rest of his Strasbourg teammates enjoyed to take the club into the top-half of Ligue 1. What has likely also helped increase that interest are the reports that the midfielder could be available for as little as €30m (£25m) in the coming months.

League stats 24/25 (via FBref)

Habib Diarra

Elliot Anderson

Minutes

2,352

2,728

Goals

4

2

Progressive Passes

116

143

Assists

5

6

Described as a “complete midfielder” by analyst Ben Mattinson, Diarra kept up with Elliot Anderson’s excellent debut season last time out and would instantly offer Forest the quality in depth they need to navigate European football.