All posts by z3u9t.icu

Since Todd Boehly took on ownership, Chelsea Football Club have become known as the big spenders of Europe. They have not been known to look for any bargains, choosing to spend big money instead.

The Blues have spent an extraordinary £1bn since the American took the reins of the club in May 2022.

Twice, Chelsea have broken the British transfer record. Firstly, when they signed Enzo Fernandez from Benfica for £107m on transfer deadline day of the 2023 winter transfer window. They broke the previous record of £100m which Manchester City paid for Jack Grealish to sign the World Cup winner, who lifted the prestigious trophy just two months before his big move.

They then broke it again just months later in the summer transfer window. They eclipsed the deal to sign Fernandez by bringing Moises Caicedo to Stamford Bridge last August. The Ecuadorian international left Brighton to join Chelsea for £115m, after rejecting a move to Liverpool.

It is fair to say that the Blues have not exactly found any cheap deals since Boehly has been at the helm. The Fernandez and Caicedo deals are just two examples, but to have spent £1bn in 24 months tells you all you need to know. However, with that being said, they have recently been linked with one player who could be a cheap, and shrewd piece of business.

Chelsea target La Liga striker

The player in question here is Barcelona’s Spanish wonderkid striker Marc Guiu. The 18-year-old is a product of Barcelona’s esteemed La Masia academy and has impressed during his fleeting first-team appearances so far.

According to a report from reputable journalist Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea are one club who are interested in signing Guiu this summer. The Blues are thought to be “exploring” a transfer for the youngster, who could depart his boyhood club.

However, Enzo Maresca’s side are not thought to be the only club interested in signing Guiu during the summer transfer window. Romano reports that German giants Bayern Munich are also “showing interest” in Guiu, as they look to find an understudy to first-choice centre-forward Harry Kane.

However, it is not clear if Barcelona will sell Guiu at this stage. Romano explains that the Catalan club hope to keep the exciting prospect at the club, and a new contract for the youngster will be “discussed” soon. However, interest is “now growing” in Guiu, and Chelsea are one of the clubs best placed to activate his £5m release clause.

Why Guiu would be a good signing

It was a La Liga debut to remember for Guiu on the 22nd of October last year when he came off the bench to score the winning goal against Athletic Club, at their temporary home Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys.

It was an 80th-minute winner from the teenage whiz, 33 seconds after coming on, to seal a 1-0 win and three points for Barca. During the game, he had just four touches and won two out of three ground duels, too, as per SofaScore.

In total, the youngster has played seven times for his boyhood club, all of which came last season, under Xavi who has now departed the club. He also scored in the Champions League against Royal Antwerp, although that was in a losing cause, with the Belgian side winning 3-2.

For the 18-year-old to have scored twice in 182 minutes, the equivalent of roughly two full 90-minute games is very impressive. It backs up what football talent scout Jacek Kulig said about him. Kulig described Guiu as a “natural born killer” who is an “incredibly dangerous player in the penalty area” during his exploits for Spain at the under-17 World Cup last year.

Should Chelsea add Guiu, who scored six goals in 16 games for Barcelona Atletic, to the ranks, he could well become the natural backup option to Nicolas Jackson.

The Senegalese striker had an impressive first season in the Premier League for the Blues, scoring 14 times in 35 games, as well as registering five assists. He was bettered by only Cole Palmer for the most goal involvements for Chelsea last season in the top flight.

Player

Games

G/A

Cole Palmer

34

33

Nicolas Jackson

35

19

Raheem Sterling

31

12

Conor Gallagher

37

12

However, the Blues do not really have a natural understudy to Jackson. In his absence, Raheem Sterling led the line once, and so did Palmer on occasion. Christopher Nkunku was often injured last season, but he is also a candidate to play up front.

Should they sign Guiu, Chelsea would be adding a talented youngster to their squad, whilst also providing Jackson with an excellent understudy, thus not taking away from the overall plan of the team, without a natural centre-forward. It would also allow Guiu to develop his game without the pressure of being the first-choice number nine at Stamford Bridge.

For just £5m, the youngster could be an ideal option for Chelsea and would also help reign in their spending as they look to get a better-refined squad for Maresca as he approaches his first season as a Premier League manager.

Following a busy start to the summer transfer window, Wolverhampton Wanderers are now reportedly interested in sealing their fifth arrival of the summer in the form of a former Premier League winner.

Wolves transfer news

So far, those in the Midlands have seen Tommy Doyle, Pedro Lima, Rodrigo Gomes and, most recently, Jorgen Strand Larsen all arrive to boost Gary O'Neil's side in what has been a successful start to the summer window. Larsen could quickly prove to be a particularly wise acquisition, having scored 13 times in all competitions for Celta Vigo last season.

Full of praise for Wolves' latest arrival, Sporting director Matt Hobbs told the club's official website: “Everyone knows that bringing in a number nine was really important to us this summer, and Jorgen was our number one target for the position, so we are really pleased to have signed him.

“He’s a great guy, who’s got a really good charisma and a great personality, and although he’s still young, still learning and still developing, he’s shown that he can score goals, and puts a lot of work and running in for the rest of the team.

"We talk a lot about humility at this football club, and he fits that perfectly. In Jorgen, we’re getting a guy whose career is on the way up and we hope to keep helping him improve and develop so he can get to the levels we think he can reach.”

Wolves interested in signing £118k-p/w star called "world class" by Klopp

He has no shortage of experience in the top flight.

ByTom Coates Jul 1, 2024

That said, Hobbs has wasted no time before turning his attention towards potentially a fifth arrival of the summer. According to Football Transfers, Wolves are now interested in signing Kasper Schmeichel, who recently became a free agent at the end of his Anderlecht contract. The former Leicester City star reportedly wants a return to the Premier League, where he created history by winning the title with the Foxes back in 2015.

"Fantastic" Schmeichel still has Premier League quality

Denmark's starting goalkeeper at Euro 2024, Schmeichel still has more than enough quality to step into the Premier League at 37 years old in one last big move. Competing for a place in O'Neil's side alongside current number one Jose Sa, the Premier League winner would add invaluable experience in what is an increasingly young side at Molineux.

Starts

23

35

Save Percentage

80%

73.4%

Saves Per 90

3.74

3.89

Clean Sheets

5

4

At the very top of his game, Schmiechel earned plenty of praise from former Leicester boss Claudio Ranieri, who said via ESPN back in 2016: "Kasper is fantastic, I have coached a lot of big champions in goal, Kasper is one of these. He has had two perfect seasons.

"Kasper, this is my second year, has always made good performances. I am very calm when Kasper is in goal. He is strong, assured and commands the defensive line. He is a very good goalkeeper.''

Now, it could be Wolves who are left benefitting from a player who is seemingly looking for one last Premier League move this summer.

Still looking to seal their first arrival of the summer, Manchester City have reportedly joined the race to sign a future star ahead of Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich.

Man City transfer news

So far this summer, the headlines have mainly centred around potential departures at Manchester City, with some players perhaps ready to call it quits having won four consecutive Premier League titles last season and a historic treble in the campaign prior. Among those stealing such headlines have been Kevin de Bruyne and Ederson, as the Cityzens potentially cash in on the impressive duo.

De Bruyne, for all his injury concerns, would still be quite the miss for the Premier League champions. With just one year left on his current deal, however, it may be now or never for City to cash in on the Belgian. If the former Chelsea midfielder does leave this summer, then Manchester City could reportedly turn towards Benfica starlet Joao Neves to complete the impossible task of replacing him this summer.

Man City willing to make first move for "incredible" £60m Grealish upgrade

The Citizens could hijack Tottenham’s move…

1 ByTom Cunningham Jul 10, 2024

Young talent seems to be the focus of City's transfer strategy this summer too, which could see them land one other future star. According to Graeme Bailey for HITC, Manchester City have joined the race to sign Borus Lum from Hertha Berlin, who have become resigned to losing their academy star after their latest round of talks.

The Manchester club are joined in the race by Bayern Munich and Ajax, but it is fellow Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur who reportedly lead the race to sign the 16-year-old defensive midfielder.

There's still plenty of time for the race to endure some dramatic changes, however, as City look for someone to eventually follow in the footsteps of Rodri at the heart of their midfield. Still just 16 years old, Lum could yet join up with Pep Guardiola in what is currently his final season at Manchester City.

"Born footballer" Lum could follow Lewis path

Whether it's Oscar Bobb, Rico Lewis or, indeed, Phil Foden, Manchester City's academy has produced some true gems in recent years. Even current Chelsea star Cole Palmer owes his recent rise to the Blues' youth setup, having come through under Guardiola before opting for a move away in pursuit of a greater role.

Guardiola, himself, meanwhile has quite the reputation of transforming young players into world-beaters. Be it David Alaba, Joshua Kimmich, De Bruyne or even arguably the greatest player of all time in Lionel Messi, the Spaniard's impact cannot be refuted. Now, Lum could be the next in line to progress under one football history's best ever coaches.

Former Hertha Berlin manager Pal Dardai is among those who will likely be keeping an eye on the youngster's development if he does decide to move on this summer, having been full of praise for Lum in the past.

He told Bild: "I haven’t seen such a central midfielder at Hertha for a long time. He is one of the greatest talents of recent years. It is a pleasure to watch him play. He is a born footballer.”

A 16-year-old with the world at his feet, Lum could yet steal the headlines in the Premier League this summer.

With the Julen Lopetegui era at West Ham United beginning this summer, the Hammers' new boss is set to race a fellow Premier League side to sign a new defender.

Hammers make moves for new defensive players

One of Lopetegui's first pieces of business as West Ham boss saw him reunite with Max Kilman. The Spaniard had made Kilman captain during his time with Wolverhampton Wanderers and a £40million deal saw the central defender make the move to the London Stadium this summer.

Fabrizio Romano: West Ham submit proposal to sign "outstanding” new player

He scored 19 league goals last season.

ByTom Coates Jul 23, 2024

Clearly not content with the arrival of Kilman, the Hammers remain linked with a number of other defensive players. Recent rumours have linked the East London outfit with a move for former Chelsea centre-back Fikayo Tomori who now plays his football in Italy with AC Milan.

Another name doing the rounds in West Ham circles is that of Aaron Wan-Bissaka. The right-back is set to be shown the door at Manchester United this summer and the Hammers have been quick to enquire about a deal for the player. It is claimed that the Red Devils are willing to listen to offers for the 26-year-old meaning it could be a good opportunity for the Hammers to strike a deal.

With more defensive reinforcements high on the Hammers' list of priorities, it appears that the club are now interested in a highly-rated full-back from Europe.

West Ham explore deal for Bayern Munich defender

As first reported on the X account of Sky Sports Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg, West Ham are interested in a deal for Bayern Munich defender Noussair Mazraoui. The report claims that the first "concrete talks" have taken place between the two parties with Manchester United also working on a deal for the Moroccan.

Plettenberg states that Mazraoui is at the top of the Hammers' list of targets for this summer and that a fee in the region of €15million to €20million (£12.5million to £16.8million) could be required to tempt the defender away from Bavaria.

With Mazraoui currently commanding a weekly wage of £130,000-a-week, it may be in Bayern's best interest to get the right back off their books so that they can fund new signings this summer.

Since arriving from Ajax in 2022, the 26-year-old has struggled for consistent minutes with Bayern, making just 19 Bundesliga appearances last season. Despite this, Mazraoui still stood out as a consistent defender with a useful attacking edge.

Assists

0.23

85th percentile

Pass completion %

88.3%

97th percentile

Progressive passes

7.74

98th percentile

Interceptions

1.50

91st percentile

Aerials won

1.43

83rd percentile

With Ben Johnson already departing the club at the expiration of his contract, the Hammers could be looking a little light on right backs going into next season. Additionally, current starter Vladimir Coufal is attracting interest from abroad meaning that Lopetegui could soon be left without a senior player in this position.

Regardless of their need to replace outgoing right-backs, Mazraoui could be an excellent addition to West Ham's side going into next season.

Arsenal sporting director Edu Gaspar is said to be a long-time fan of a £30 million striker, as the Gunners look at signing a replacement for Eddie Nketiah.

Nketiah in talks to join Marseille from Arsenal

The saga revolving around Nketiah and his future in north London could be about to go right down to the wire, following weeks of links to Ligue 1 giants Marseille, where manager Roberto De Zerbi is poaching Premier League stars for his new team.

21-year-old now very likely to join Man Utd after Arsenal exit decision

The player could swap north London for Old Trafford.

1 ByEmilio Galantini Aug 10, 2024

Nketiah has been heavily linked with a move to Marseille since last month, with reports claiming the Englishman is very much in favour of joining De Zerbi's side. Indeed, some outlets have stated that Nketiah has already agreed personal terms with Marseille, and others believe that the 25-year-old is ready to take a wage cut so he can join them (Football Transfers).

In any case, it appears a move to France is very much on the cards for the former Leeds United loanee, with Foot Mercato journalist Santi Aouna writing that Mikel Arteta's side are ready to reduce their demands.

Nketiah scored five goals and assisted two others in 27 Premier League appearances last season, but the majority of his appearances came off the substitute's bench. With Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus seemingly preferred as centre-forward options, the time could be right for Nketiah to pursue his next career move, and Marseille certainly seems like a viable option.

He could well be the next Hale End academy product to be sold after Emile Smith-Rowe, but Arsenal apparently value Nketiah at around £30 million, so it will be interesting to see just how much De Zerbi and co are willing to pay.

Player

Average match rating

Bukayo Saka

7.67

Declan Rice

7.38

Martin Odegaard

7.37

Kai Havertz

7.16

Gabriel Magalhaes

6.99

WhoScored

Arteta and Edu must have some confidence that a move will go through, as Football Transfers claim they're already on the look-out for replacements. Arsenal apparently want a sale done quickly, so they can source Nketiah's heir before the cut-off on August 30.

Edu is a long-time fan of Brighton star Joao Pedro

FT also state that Arsenal still have their eyes on Brighton and Hove Albion star Joao Pedro, who the Seagulls signed for a club-record £30 million last summer.

The one-cap Brazil international bagged 20 goals and three assists across 40 appearances in all competitions under De Zerbi last term, and it is believed that Edu is a long-time fan of Pedro as Arsenal eye a replacement for Nketiah.

Another aspect of this potential move, which may help Arsenal, is the club's excellent business relationship with Brighton.

Wolverhampton Wanderers are still chasing several new signings ahead of the 2024/25 Premier League season starting next week.

Gary O’Neil may have bolstered his squad with four new arrivals, but if he wishes to lead the Old Gold into the top half of the table, a few more high-quality signings are required.

It looks as though he is going for the youth-based approach, especially with regard to the club’s new transfer target…

Wolves eyeing up Ligue 1 defender

According to French outlet L'Equipe, the Molineux side have tabled two bids for Nantes defender, Bastien Meupiyou, the latest one standing at around €4m (£3.4m), although these have both been rejected.

The report claims that Nantes have set a price tag of at least €10m (£8.5m) in order to sell one of their most promising players, despite the fact he has a year left on his current contract.

Player

Club signed from

Tommy Doyle

Manchester City

Pedro Lima

Sport Recife

Rodrigo Gomes

SC Braga

Jorgen Strand Larsen

Celta Vigo (loan)

If he isn’t keen on signing a new deal, the youngster will likely leave France for pastures new. Could O’Neil take advantage of this and bring him to England in the coming weeks?

It wouldn’t be the first time they have signed a talented defender from France…

Why Bastien Meupiyou could be Wolves’ next Ait Nouri

Prior to the 2020/21 season, the Old Gold signed Rayan Ait-Nouri on a season-long loan deal from Angers in France. A year later, after 24 appearances, the club signed him on a permanent deal for a fee in the region of £9.5m.

Fast-forward three years and this outlay has proven to be a bargain. The left-back is now attracting interest from the likes of Manchester City as Wolves set a price tag of around £60m in order for any club to secure his services.

Meupiyou could follow in Ait-Nouri’s footsteps if he also makes the move from Ligue 1, forging his way into the first team and shining for the club over the next few years.

The 18-year-old may have played only one senior match for Nantes, but it is clear his ceiling for development and progression is almost limitless.

The defender has made 36 appearances for the various youth teams at the French side, but it is evident that exposure to senior football on a regular basis is best for his continued growth.

He did play seven matches for France at the U17 World Championships last year, finishing the tournament with an 86% pass success rate, keeping four clean sheets, winning 5.6 total duels per game – a success rate of 63% – and committing just 0.1 fouls per game, showcasing his stunning defensive qualities.

Lauded as an “amazingly talented CB” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig in February 2023, Meupiyou has impressed significantly since then, hence the interest from the Premier League this summer.

Will he renew his current deal with Nate? Or is moving to the Midlands an attractive proposition for someone who looks like they will go right to the very top?

Ait-Nouri has exceeded all expectations at the club. Could Meupiyou follow suit?

Dream Kilman replacement: Wolves make contact with £5m-rated "phenomenon"

Gary O’Neil is showing interest in a Championship defender…

ByRoss Kilvington Aug 3, 2024

Ipswich Town fans would have filtered out of Portman Road extremely proud of their side's efforts against Liverpool, battling away valiantly with Arne Slot's Reds for the most part, before the away team's eventual class shone through.

A killer pass from Trent Alexander-Arnold deep into the second 45 minutes would allow Mohamed Salah the freedom to pick out Diogo Jota for the opening strike before the Egyptian star took over proceedings himself and sealed the three points by cooly slotting home for 2-0.

Still, there will be plenty of positive takeaways for Kieran McKenna's men to latch onto, even if their display going forward lacked bite, with a paltry two shots on target managed.

Therefore, even more firepower could soon enter through the door at Portman Road, to complement the likes of Sammie Szmodics.

Ipswich targeting swoop for Premier League attacker

Reports emerged from journalist Stuart Watson last week that Ipswich are keen on adding Armando Broja to their Premier League attacking arsenal this transfer window after barely threatening Allisson's goal in the 2-0 defeat.

Linked with various different clubs this summer, including the likes of Gary O'Neil's Wolverhampton Wanderers, Ipswich will hope they can race to the front of the queue to pick up the Albania international, especially when you cast an eye over Liam Delap's forgettable debut up top.

What Broja can offer Ipswich

Only managing to register 21 touches of the ball against the Reds, Delap's place could be threatened by the arrival of the 6 foot 3 attacker, who was even out with his underdog nation at the Euros recently.

Valued at £30m, this would likely be a loan switch initially – according to Watson – with money already lavishly spent at Portman Road this window, in the form of Sammie Szmodics and other major new recruits.

If Szmodics can worm his way into McKenna's main XI, in front of first-team stalwart Conor Chaplin, he could well strike up a terrifying attacking duo with Broja, who will want to get back to his best in Suffolk.

Ipswich won't want to take too much notice of Broja's last loan spell in the top division, with the towering 22-year-old routinely firing blanks for Fulham last campaign, managing zero goals from just eight games at Craven Cottage.

Instead, McKenna and Co will hope he can get back to firing on all cylinders like he has managed in the past for Southampton and Vitesse away from Stamford Bridge, with nine strikes registered from 38 clashes in all competitions for the Saints, when they were in the top-flight during the 2021/22 season.

Games played

32

44

Goals scored

6

27

Assists

0

4

Shots per game

1.4

3.3

Big chances missed

5

17

Big chances created

2

7

Away from obviously offering Ipswich more of a goal threat in the top league, with a golden boot next to his name in the Championship off his exploits last season, Szmodics could also turn Broja into more of a clinical finisher in the process.

With seven big chances and four assists created last campaign, the Republic of Ireland international might well take a back-seat in the Premier League as the main source of goals (he scored 27 last season) for the Tractor Boys and become a bigger creative spark.

He'll know he doesn't have to step up and be the sole hero anymore, away from an environment where Blackburn Rovers were going through desperate times.

The likes of George Hirst, who only bagged seven strikes last campaign amidst an injury-ravaged time in the 25-year-old's career, shone without ever being that deadly centre-forward, which could see Broja equally come into his own as a result, linking up with faces such as ex-Chelsea teammate Omari Hutchinson.

Labelled as "unique" in the past by football scout Antonio Mango, it's make-or-break time for the Albanian in terms of his stuttering career, with McKenna potentially the perfect manager to raise his confidence again.

Imagine him & Phillips: Ipswich close to signing another “exciting” CM

Kieran McKenna is continuing to strengthen his Ipswich Town side ahead of the Premier League kicking off.

ByKelan Sarson Aug 16, 2024

Leeds United have pulled out of the race to sign a "top Bundesliga player" in the summer transfer window, according to a fresh claim.

Leeds eyeing late-summer business

This summer has been an up-and-down one at Elland Road, with Daniel Farke hit by the exits of some of his most important players. Crysencio Summerville, Archie Gray and Georginio Rutter have all left the club, joining West Ham, Tottenham and Brighton respectively, and Wilfried Gnonto could also reportedly be on his way out of the exit door, as he pushes for a move away.

Leeds have also done some important incoming business, however, bringing in Largie Ramazani, Joe Rodon and Jayden Bogle, among other new faces, but there is still time for Farke to add the extra quality to his squad that could make all the difference in their Championship promotion push.

Spurs attacking midfielder Manor Solomon may also be a target for the Whites between now and the end of the month, allowing him to dovetail with fellow winger Ramazani. The former was limited to just five appearances in the Premier League last season, only two of which were starts, suggesting that a move away from north London could be best for his development.

Glen Kamara's summer exit to Rennes has left a lack of depth in Leeds' midfield, highlighting the need for reinforcements, and Lausanne-Sport's Alvyn Sanches has emerged as a possible option to come in and make up for the loss of the Finland international.

Leeds out of race to sign "top" midfielder

According to a report from Bild [via Sport Witness], Leeds owners 49ers Enterprises were weighing up making an improved offer for FC Koln midfielder Dejan Ljubicic this summer, having already seen one £3.3m bid rejected.

The update claimed that the 26-year-old wanted to move to Elland Road before the end of the current window, with the Whites very much "on his mind".

However, since then, a new report from the same outlet, relayed by SW again, revealed that Leeds have now pulled out of the race to sign Ljubicic. Koln wanted £6.7m to do a deal, while it is added that Leeds also found it complicated to deal with Ljubicic and his reps in recent days and that a dream move to Yorkshire is now off.

The Austrian has won nine caps for his country, while former Koln manager Timo Schultz has said of him in the past: "He is a player who has a big heart. He is an extremely important player. If he can maintain his performance, he is a top Bundesliga player who will be very important for us."

Ljubicic is now playing in the Bundesliga.2, following Koln's relegation last season, so there is no longer the lure of being in Germany's top flight.

On the list: Leeds keen on Gnonto rival who can “decide a game on his own”

Leeds United won’t be slowing down on the transfer front.

1 ByKelan Sarson Aug 23, 2024

A box-to-box midfielder who can shine both in and out of possession, the Austria ace scored five goals in the Bundesliga in 2022/23, while last season, he averaged 1.7 tackles per game in the competition, showing what an asset he could have been for the Whites.

Leeds United hit the jackpot during the recent summer transfer window with a huge sale of one of their academy success stories in Archie Gray.

The teenage talent, who emerged as a first-team option for Daniel Farke in the 2023/24 campaign, earned himself a move to Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur.

Spurs reportedly paid a fee of between £30m and £40m for the Whites academy graduate, who only had one season of senior football under his belt.

The West Yorkshire outfit have not always been able to get the best value for their young prospects, however, as they sold Lewis Cook for what now seems like a cut-price fee.

How much Leeds sold Lewis Cook for

Like Gray, the Englishman came up through the youth ranks at Elland Road before making his senior breakthrough at Championship level as a central midfielder.

Cook emerged as a regular option in the team during the 2014/15 season, with 37 second tier appearances under his belt that term, and played for England at U18 level.

The midfield star then featured in 43 of the club's 46 Championship games in the following campaign, contributing with one goal and two assists, before earning himself a move away from Yorkshire.

Premier League side Bournemouth snapped the central midfielder up for a reported fee of £6m, as manager Garry Monk – who had only arrived that summer – sold him ahead of the 2016/17 season.

In the subsequent years, Cook's value has shot up from £6m and he is now valued at more than Farke's current box-to-box midfielder Ilia Gruev.

Lewis Cook's current market value

At the time of writing (06/09/24), FootballTransfers places the Bournemouth star's Expected Transfer Value (xTV) at a whopping €14.9m (£12.6m).

That is more than double the initial £6m the Whites raked in from the Cherries for his services back in 2016, and is more than Gruev's current xTV of €6.9m (£5.8m).

Leeds messed up by selling Cook, who has racked up 222 appearances for the top-flight side in all competitions, before he could realise his potential, and ended up missing out on a player who is good enough to compete in the Premier League.

Appearances

33

29

Assists

3

1

Key passes per game

1.4

0.5

Tackles + interceptions per game

3.8

2.5

Duel success rate

52%

56%

As you can see in the table above, the 27-year-old battler outperformed Gruev, whilst playing in a higher division, with his contributions in and out of possession.

Cook, who was once dubbed "impressive" by Eddie Howe, created more chances, assisted more goals, and made 1.3 more tackles and interceptions combined per match in comparison to the Bulgaria international in the 2023/24 campaign.

This suggests that the English gem would be a starting option for Farke in his current team, and his performances last term show that he has the ability to play week-in-week-out in a side that avoided relegation from the Premier League.

Leeds messed up selling "unplayable" ace who's now worth more than Ramazani

The Whites even tried to re-sign the exciting attacker this summer.

1 ByDan Emery Sep 4, 2024

Overall, Leeds messed up as they cashed in on a player who has since developed into an impressive top-flight performer and is more valuable than their current midfielder.

BBC pundit Troy Deeney has heaped praise on an ex-Gunner who left north London in the summer, with the former Arsenal ace now really impressing at his new club.

Arsenal back to winning ways after 1-0 win away to Tottenham

Manager Mikel Arteta was in spirited mood after his side came away from their trip to Tottenham with all three points on Sunday, not to mention all the North London Derby bragging rights.

£150k-per-week Arsenal star could miss Atalanta with Calafiori and Odegaard

An update has come out of London Colney.

ByEmilio Galantini Sep 17, 2024

While Spurs dominated possession and created openings of their own, a resolute Arsenal thwarted Ange Postecoglou’s side, with star defender Gabriel Magalhaes making the home side pay for their lack of cutting edge in the final third.

Gabriel claimed Arsenal’s winner 64 minutes into the contest, rising above all others to thump a close-range header past Guglielmo Vicario from a corner, who was again made to pay for a lack of assurance in dealing with set pieces.

Tottenham failed to fight their way back from only goal of the game, with Arteta praising Arsenal’s derby display, which was made all the more impressive considering they were without a host of first-team players in club captain Martin Odegaard, Declan Rice, Riccardo Calafiori, Mikel Merino and Oleksandr Zinchenko.

Date

Result

15th Sept 2024

1-0 Arsenal win

28th April 2024

3-2 Arsenal win

24th Sept 2023

2-2 draw

15th Jan 2023

2-0 Arsenal win

1st Oct 2022

3-1 Arsenal win

12th May 2022

3-0 Spurs win

26th Sept 2021

3-1 Arsenal defeat

“The people that we have, I think I already spoke about it during the week, people that are harder, they have thick skin, they love the game and they love winning,” said Arteta on Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Spurs.

“In order to love the game and win, you have to do a lot of things – sometimes people call them ugly. Enjoying doing those ugly things is a big compliment of this team right now, and when you’re able to normally, you get a good gift.

“We’ve won three years in a row here. I don’t know when’s the last time that this has happened, so that’s a big thing. I think they believe already, we’ve won a lot of big games. It’s a big week coming up and that’s going to give us a lot of energy and belief. Obviously, there are a lot of things to get better today. I don’t think we’ve done, especially with the ball, the simple things right at all. We will get better.”

Before Sunday, it was actually 35 years since Arsenal last beat Tottenham three times in a row away from home, so the Spaniard broke a record which spanned over three decades on a memorable afternoon.

Troy Deeney hails Emile Smith-Rowe after quitting Arsenal

Arsenal’s team were not the only players to enjoy a fruitful weekend, though, as midfielder Emile Smith-Rowe continues to shine for new club Fulham – after the Englishman joined them for a club-record £34 million in the summer window.

Reports claimed that Arteta would’ve ideally liked to keep Smith-Rowe, but the 24-year-old certainly won’t be regretting his switch across London so far. Indeed, he provided an assist for striker Raul Jimenez in their 1-1 draw at home to West Ham on Saturday, building upon his goal against Leicester City around three weeks ago.

Smith-Rowe is having a real influence at Fulham right now, starting all four of their opening Premier League matches, coming after saw his game time at Arsenal diminish in the seasons before leaving.

The £60,000-per-week Hale End academy graduate could be one of the signings of the season if he carries on this form, and pundit Deeney has showered praise on Smith-Rowe, naming the player in BBC Premier League Team of the Week.

“He’s decided to turn into an absolute monster and is just doing his thing,” said Deeney on Smith-Rowe’s performances at Craven Cottage. “He probably had to leave Arsenal to go to a smaller pond and be that big fish. Anything good that comes out of Fulham is through him. He was excellent.”