All posts by z3u9t.icu

Arsenal are now prepared to swoop for an alternative to star playmaker and club captain Martin Odegaard, with manager Mikel Arteta and the club’s hierarchy said to be in pursuit of back-up options for key stars.

Arsenal target new attacking midfielder as Arteta scours for strength in depth

The Gunners were without Odegaard for nearly two months earlier this campaign, after the £240,000-a-week midfielder suffered ankle ligament damage on international duty, and it’s safe to say he was a sore miss.

Real Madrid want to sign another £83m Arsenal star after William Saliba

The Galacticos could raid north London for world-class new options.

1 ByEmilio Galantini Dec 5, 2024

While Arsenal managed to cope well at times in Odegaard’s absence, the Premier League title hopefuls dropped points in four out of their seven league matches minus the 25-year-old, which was a stark reminder of just how crucial he is to the cause.

Fulham (away)

December 8

Everton (home)

December 14

Crystal Palace (away)

December 21

Ipswich Town (home)

December 27

Brentford (away)

January 1

Since his return to the starting eleven, Arsenal have rediscovered their goalscoring mojo, with Odegaard putting in a truly exceptional display against Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League, being the “driving force” behind their 5-1 victory.

It is little surprise that, in the event Odegaard is forced to sit out through injury again, Arteta wishes to acquire a quality stand-in for the ex-Real Madrid man.

Reports have suggested that Arteta believes Arda Guler could complement Odegaard at Arsenal, with the Real playmaker starring at Euro 2024 for Turkey but finding his chances limited at the Bernabeu right now. Guler could leave Real on loan in January, so this may well be one to watch in the build up to next month.

Meanwhile, other reports believe that Arsenal could mimic Odegaard’s signing by capturing Guler in the winter, with the 19-year-old finding himself in a very similar situation to the Scandinavian when he was stuck on the fringes of Real’s first team.

While the ex-Fenerbahce sensation comes as a very prudent option for Arteta, there are other La Liga stars who are viewed by Emirates Stadium chiefs in a similar light.

Arsenal prepared to bid for Las Palmas "standout" Alberto Moleiro

Indeed, Spanish media now claim that Las Palmas attacking midfielder Alberto Moleiro is on their radar ahead of 2025.

The 21-year-old, who’s racked up four goals in 15 La Liga outings so far, primarily plays on the left-wing but can also slot into Odegaard’s position – as he’s done on three occasions this term.

Arsenal are apparently prepared to bid for Moleiro, who is rumoured to command a price tag of just £17 million, has been a “standout” performer for the Canary Islanders as Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal also take an interest in the Spanish Under-21 international.

Moleiro’s potential signing is seen as a “strategic” move to ease their dependence on Odegaard, with the starlet lauded for possessing pace, vision, creativity, football IQ and a silky touch to his all-round game (Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig).

At below £20 million, there is every reason to believe he could be an ideal alternative to Odegaard, but the competition from Saudi Arabia will be a major obstacle in the way.

Chelsea return to Premier League action today as they prepare to take on Thomas Frank’s Brentford side at Stamford Bridge in the evening kick-off.

The Blues beat Astana away from home in the Conference League on Thursday, winning 3-1, thanks to two goals from Marc Guiu and one from Renato Veiga.

Enzo Maresca handed chances to a number of young stars in a heavily rotated side, with the likes of Veiga, Guiu, Sam Rak-Sakyi, and Carney Chukwuemeka all featuring.

The Chelsea head coach should go back to his Premier League regulars for this clash with Brentford, though, and Cole Palmer is, perhaps, the most nailed-on player to come back in.

Cole Palmer's form this season

The England international, who was not included in the Conference League squad, has been in sensational form in the top-flight this term and should start tonight.

Palmer started the last Premier League clash against Tottenham Hotspur last Sunday and scored twice in the 4-3 win, with both of his strikes coming from the penalty spot.

The left-footed wizard has now scored 11 goals, created 11 ‘big chances’, and registered six assists in 15 appearances in the league so far this season for the Blues, which speaks to his importance in the final third.

Palmer has the quality to be a match-winner and difference-maker for Chelsea at the top end of the pitch and should come straight back into the starting XI this evening.

Chalkboard

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

However, it may be as important for Maresca to start another Blues attacker against Brentford, as Jadon Sancho has been in fantastic form of late.

Why starting Jadon Sancho is important for Chelsea

The English magician, whose £25m permanent option price tag was hailed as an “amazing bargain” by Ian Wright, has produced two goals and one assist in his last four matches for Chelsea in all competitions, including a strike against Spurs on Sunday.

His goal against Tottenham came at a crucial time for the Blues. They were 2-0 down after 11 minutes and Sancho’s sensational drive inside from the left and low finish into the bottom corner from distance pulled a goal back and started the comeback for the away side.

The Manchester United loanee’s all-round play in the game was also vital for Chelsea because his composure and intelligence on the ball are conducive to high-quality football.

Touches

66

69

Pass accuracy

87%

79%

Passes completed

47

33

Possession lost

10x

16x

Open play shots on target

2

1

As you can see in the table above, Sancho completed more passes, with a higher success rate, and managed more open play shots on goal than Palmer did, despite the left-footed ace having more touches.

The former Borussia Dortmund star thrives on linking up with teammates and playing the extra pass to create the best possible outcome for his team, which was best illustrated by his excellent pass to release Moises Caciedo in the box, who then won the first penalty that Palmer scored from.

Sancho’s decision-making, reliability, and quality in possession on the wing make him an incredibly important part of Maresca’s attacking unit, as illustrated by his recent goal contributions and his exceptional performance against Spurs.

Chelsea struck gold selling PL star who Lampard thought was "exceptional"

Chelsea made an excellent call in selling one of Frank Lampard’s key players.

ByEthan Lamb Dec 14, 2024

That is why unleashing him from the start against Brentford this evening is as important as bringing Palmer back into the starting line-up is, as they are both crucial to the attack.

With the January transfer window just around the corner, Fulham have reportedly received an early approach to sell one of Marco Silva’s star men in an exit that would be quite the blow.

Fulham transfer news

The Cottagers are enjoying an impressive campaign and have well and truly become an established Premier League side once again, putting their days in the dropzone to bed on a permanent basis. Their transfer business deserves great credit for such security too, given how successful the likes of Alex Iwobi and, more recently, Emile Smith Rowe have been.

Brazilian press claim Fulham are about to make January bid for "top" talent

He’s been described as “one of Brazil’s biggest midfield talents.”

ByBarney Lane Dec 14, 2024

Forced to settle for a point against high-flying Liverpool last time out, despite taking the lead twice at Anfield, Fulham are a side to watch even when they square off against England’s best sides.

With their recent success may well come the interest of European clubs in certain star players in what is a given for almost every club on an upwards trajectory. The task that those at Craven Cottage could be handed is keeping hold of those very star players better than they have done with the likes of Aleksandar Mitrovic and Joao Palhinha in the past.

With that said, according to Fabrizio Romano, Palmeiras have made their first approach to sign Andreas Pereira, but Fulham consider their midfielder to be “untouchable” and will likely shut down the Brazilian club’s dream move before it progresses.

When January arrives, it’s imperative that Fulham keep hold of not just Pereira, but also the likes of Antonee Robinson too as clubs swarm to pick apart an increasingly impressive squad.

"Untouchable" Pereira has been revived at Fulham

Pereira looked down and out at Manchester United before Fulham came calling. At the time, it seemed a gamble for the Cottagers to sign the Brazilian, who had failed to offer the decisive touch on the biggest stage. But he soon found himself revived under Silva and has not looked back since. Now an important figure, earning a reported £50,000-a-week, Pereira should stay put and continue a revived spell.

At the centre of Silva’s praise, the Fulham boss told reporters as relayed by United in Focus in 2022: “He has been outstanding this season. I know a lot of people had doubts when I decided to sign him but I knew his qualities and his character.

“Even last season we had a conversation about his future, but it wasn’t the right moment for him to join us. He’s a key player on and off the ball and with set pieces. Two assists this afternoon. A top professional who is enjoying himself at the moment in a white shirt.”

As Palmeiras come calling, Pereira should remain untouchable and remain an important player at the heart of Silva’s Fulham side on the rise.

Ipswich Town have shown in their last two Premier League outings that there’s plenty of fight in their camp, with an unexpected home win against Chelsea being followed up with a battling 2-2 draw away at Fulham.

That draw at Craven Cottage might well have been all three points on another day if Leif Davis hadn’t clattered into Raul Jimenez for the home side’s equaliser, but a share of the spoils was still a positive result for Kieran McKenna’s men to take back to Suffolk come full-time.

Yet, McKenna and Co won’t be resting on their laurels as they do find themselves submerged in the bottom three still on goal difference, meaning this month’s busy transfer window could come in handy in boosting the underdogs’ chances of survival.

Who Ipswich could sign in January

Whilst there has been significant talk this January that Liam Delap could up and leave the relegation-threatened outfit, there have also been plenty of rumours linking Ipswich with some notable incomings.

Transfer Focus

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

One recent report from journalist Alan Nixon suggests that the Tractor Boys would be willing to fork out £30m to win Botafogo striker Igor Jesus’ services this month, with Everton also reportedly keen near the foot of the division.

Whilst this could look like Ipswich are preparing for the worst regarding Delap’s fate, Jesus’ arrival would make sense as they aim to boost McKenna’s options up top, away from George Hirst and Ali Al-Hamadi already at Portman Road.

What Jesus could offer Ipswich

With reports linking the Tractor Boys with a move for Liverpool’s exciting young winger Ben Doak alongside the expensive South American, this could be a duo made in heaven as far as McKenna is concerned.

Indeed, Doak has set the Championship alight so far this season on loan from Liverpool, with two goals and six assists standing out from his league numbers to date at Middlesbrough, alongside his ability to twist and turn defences with slaloming solo surges up the pitch.

Capable of playing down either wing, McKenna might well believe the Scotsman could become his new Omari Hutchinson if he can get his hands on him, having managed to get ten goals and six assists out of the ex-Chelsea man down a division before letting him loose on the Premier League.

Botafogo

31

8

Shabab Al-Ahli

88

43

Coritiba

49

5

Whilst Doak would undoubtedly boost the Tractor Boys in midfield, with Wes Burns the only recognised option down the right owing to injuries, Jesus would also come in and give McKenna another option he could fall back on if Delap is having a rare off-day with some impressive numbers, notably at Shabab Al-Ahli.

Football journalist Zach Lowy even described the Brazilian’s heroics as “incredible” across 2024, with his rich vain of form in front of goal playing out in the Middle East seeing him win an international call-up.

Both players entering the building this January could well give McKenna the depth he craves in attack, and would make the Tractor Boys even more of a threatening prospect going forward to try and surprise more teams in their ongoing bid to beat the drop. The thought of the two linking up in attack should also be a salivating prospect for the masses at Portman Road.

Whilst it would be risky to fork out £30m on an unknown entity in the English game, Ipswich never looked back after splashing £20m on Delap who had never cut his teeth in the Premier League prior, with the hope this wild buy – alongside the added energy of Doak – can help the Suffolk side survive against all the odds.

After Godfrey: Ipswich target £16m monster who outperformed Delap last year

The experienced forward would add more goals to Ipswich’s attack.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jan 6, 2025

Chelsea are trying to sway Manchester United sensation Kobbie Mainoo to Stamford Bridge amid his contract standoff, and it is believed that a deal for the rising star could even happen in January.

Chelsea emerge as favourites to sign Mainoo from Man United

On Tuesday afternoon, The Daily Mail’s Chris Wheetley broke news that Chelsea are currently seen as favourites to secure a deal for Mainoo, if he were to decide on leaving Old Trafford for pastures new.

Chelsea entering pole position to sign £38m midfielder after making contact

The Blues have been courting him for over a year.

ByEmilio Galantini Jan 7, 2025

The 19-year-old, who has burst on to the scene as a mainstay star of United’s midfield – earning a call-up to the England squad for Euro 2024 and starting in the final – is currently in the midst of stalled talks over new and improved terms.

Mainoo is on around £20,000-per-week right now, which could be seen as a shockingly low figure considering his status and potential to become a world superstar.

Bournemouth (home)

January 14

Wolverhampton Wanderers (home)

January 20

Man City (away)

January 25

West Ham (away)

February 3

Brighton (away)

February 14

The teenager is after a new contract to reflect his status as a pivotal United player and Three Lions international, with his demands to extend reportedly set at around £200,000-per-week – 10 times what he earns at the moment.

United, according to The Mail, are struggling to agree on a new deal for Mainoo due to their PSR status – as they try to flog high-earners like Antony, Marcus Rashford and Casemiro this window to balance their salary sheet.

This situation has alerted Chelsea to a potential opportunity, and they’re in pole position to steal away United’s latest young prodigy above other suitors.

Following this report, reliable journalist Simon Phillips has shared an interesting update on Mainoo via his Substack.

Chelsea told Kobbie Mainoo stance after making contact with his camp

As per Phillips, Chelsea are trying to sign the homegrown ace, and it could even happen in January if all goes to plan. That being said, the club have also been made aware of Mainoo’s current transfer stance – and it is believed he’d ideally prefer to stay in Manchester as things stand.

Chelsea have reached out to Mainoo’s agents and told them that they’re interested in signing him, and to gauge whether a deal is indeed possible. A top Chelsea source is also quoted by Phillips’ website, saying: “We are trying to turn Mainoo’s head.”

This will be a notoriously challenging move to pull off, especially mid-season, but the midfielder’s quality indicates he could be worth the effort, even if Mainoo is valued at around £70 million.

”He’s not only the future, he’s the present already,” said former Arsenal star Cesc Fabregas to BBC Sport (via The Mirror).

“He’s got a fantastic personality [it’s] like he’s been playing for a long time. To help him in the summer, they need to recruit players who can gain this quality on the pitch to make him more brilliant than what he is.

“He plays without fear, and this is what I love about him. He just wants the ball, wants to make things happen.”

Nottingham Forest have their eye on a new midfielder as Nuno Espirito Santo looks to strengthen his team this month, according to a recent report.

Nottingham Forest transfer news

The Reds find themselves in an unexpected Premier League title race, as well as a race to secure their place in next season’s Champions League. Given where Forest are, this month is perhaps a chance for Nuno and Co. to go for broke and strengthen the side in an attempt to pull off the unthinkable.

Imagine him & Luiz: Nottingham Forest targeting "one of the best forwards"

Nottingham Forest have wasted no time in targeting reinforcements in January.

ByEthan Lamb Jan 11, 2025

Speculation has started to gather pace in recent days, with former Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz linked with a move to the City Ground. The Brazilian joined Juventus in the summer, but the move has yet to work out, and he could now find himself back in the Premier League, helping Villa’s Midlands rivals on loan.

Meanwhile, as well as being interested in signing Luiz, Forest are also readying a fresh attempt to sign Baris Alper Yilmaz from Galatasaray. The Turkish giants have already rejected an offer from the Reds and remain confident they can keep hold of the winger. However, there is still over two weeks remaining in this transfer window, so Forest may not have given up just yet.

Nottingham Forest monitoring £8m versatile midfielder

If a deal for Luiz doesn’t work out, according to Turkish outlet Taka Gazete, relayed by Sport Witness, Nottingham Forest could turn their attention to Batista Mendy, who they are monitoring ahead of a possible move.

The 25-year-old, who is predominantly a defensive midfielder but can also operate at centre-back, plays for Turkish side Trabzonspor and has done so since September 2023. Mendy started his career at FC Nantes, but he soon moved to Angers SCO, impressing in Ligue 1 with over 70 matches combined for both sides, and that earned him his move to Turkey, where he has continued to play well.

The midfielder is under contract until the summer of 2027, but a move could be on the cards this month, as Forest hold a long-term interest. This report states that the Reds are monitoring Mendy’s situation after being linked with a move to the City Ground a few months ago.

Apps

17

Starts

16

Assists

1

Passing accuracy

89%

Key passes per game

0.5

Interceptions per game

0.8

Tackles per game

1.1

Balls recovered per game

4.6

Trabzonspor are under no pressure to sell the player, but it is reported that they will listen to offers for Mendy. However, they will only negotiate if an offer of €10 million, which is roughly £8 million, is made. At this stage, there are no signs that Forest have made an offer to sign Mendy this month, but he could become an option for the club if they require a new midfielder and if a deal for Luiz doesn’t work out.

Manchester City are used to being the Premier League’s top scorers, but this season’s poor form has seen Pep Guardiola’s side rank joint third for goals scored after 22 games played, scoring 44 goals.

The Citizens are averaging 61.4% possession which is the highest in the division, taking 17.3 shots per game on average which ranks them second in the league.

Of their 44 goals scored, Erling Haaland has scored 17 of them, also providing one assist in his 22 Premier League appearances.

Phil Foden has started to chip in with some goals in recent weeks, but some extra attacking additions could help City in the second half of the season.

Manchester City looking at one of Europe's best

According to reports from Spain, Manchester City are willing to make an offer for Barcelona forward, Raphinha, in the summer.

The report suggests City are prepared to offer a huge £84m to bring the Brazilian to the club and strengthen their attacking options.

Transfer Focus

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

The 27-year-old has gone up a level since working under Hansi Flick, playing mostly as a left-winger, often being the outlet for that Barcelona side, which has seen his output skyrocket this campaign. Raphinha can also play through the middle and on the right-wing, offering versatility.

Raphinha has made 30 appearances for Barcelona so far this season, scoring 22 goals and providing 11 assists.

How Raphinha compares to Omar Marmoush

Much like Raphinha, Manchester City’s new forward, Omar Marmoush, can play a variety of positions, often playing in a front two for Frankfurt this season, but also having the capacity to play on the left-wing if needed, and deeper behind the striker in an attacking midfield position.

Marmoush has made 26 appearances in all competitions for Frankfurt this season, scoring an enormous 20 goals and supplying 14 assists.

As a result, the 25-year-old looks like a clear replacement for Julian Alvarez who left in the summer, bringing a versatile forward to the club who can work around and alongside Haaland in attacking areas to share the goals.

Goals

0.80

0.87

Assists

0.33

0.57

xG

0.63

0.64

xAG

0.47

0.34

Progressive Carries

3.61

4.17

Progressive Passes

5.26

3.06

Shots Total

3.87

4.41

Shots/Goal

0.20

0.16

Key Passes

3.37

2.43

Shot-Creating Actions

5.98

5.97

When comparing the two players’ metrics, you can see both offer a huge goal threat, scoring higher goals per 90, and both generating 0.63 and 0.64 xG respectively. Both players rank close to four shots per 90, adding extra shot volume around Haaland, which could also allow the Norwegian to pick up some easier goals from rebounds/second balls.

Raphinha has been described as “one of the best in the world” by Barcelona legend, Romario, stating “he will give us very special things in football”. Therefore, alongside the likes of Marmoush and Haaland, Raphinha would offer a more direct wide runner in behind, offering a clinical finisher from wide areas, which could then potentially further open those spaces inside for others to operate.

Guardiola adding not one, but two players who have superb ball-striking, finishing and box instincts, could take the burden off of Haaland, spreading the goals out more and allowing the entire system to operate in a more calm and controlled manner.

A big upgrade on Doku: Man City chasing move for "electric" £85m star

Manchester City’s spending spree this January is showing little sign of slowing down, so could the Sky Blues swoop for a young English talent?

Jan 21, 2025

Newcastle United are back in action in the Premier League on Saturday as they prepare to welcome Fulham to St. James’ Park on the first day of February.

The Magpies are fighting to secure a place in the Champions League for the 2025/26 campaign and are currently fifth in the division, level on points with Manchester City in fourth place.

They are set to clash with the Cottagers in February but, much to the surprise of some supporters potentially, the January transfer window will still be open for business.

The deadline is not until Monday night and this means that the Magpies still have a few more days to explore potential additions to their squad for the second half of the season, in order to bolster their push for a place in the Champions League.

Newcastle may, however, be wary of panicking towards the deadline and could decide to keep their powder dry until the summer, when they could look to invest in the group ahead of next season.

In fact, Eddie Howe and his recruitment team are reportedly looking at a Premier League star who could be a target for the club at the end of this term.

Newcastle United eyeing Premier League forward

According to TEAMtalk, Newcastle United are one of a number of clubs that are keen on a deal to snap up Brentford sensation Bryan Mbeumo in the upcoming summer transfer window.

The report claims that the Magpies, Liverpool, and Tottenham Hotspur have all shown a concrete interest in the Cameroon international, who has caught the eye in the Premier League this season.

It states that all three of those teams are keeping tabs on his situation with the Bees ahead of the summer, when there could be an opportunity to secure a deal for his services.

The left-footed winger’s contract with Brentford is due to expire in the summer of 2026 and TEAMtalk suggests that his situation could tempt the Bees to listen to offers for him, to avoid losing him for nothing the following year.

TEAMtalk adds that the Premier League club have no interest in selling him in the current January transfer window, but reveals that Mbeumo would be open to moving on from the club if a side with European football comes in for him.

Transfer Focus

The report does not state how much the Bees would want for the right winger in the summer, but it has previously been reported that it would take a fee of up to £60m to seal a transfer for him.

It remains to be seen, however, whether or not the Magpies are willing to pay £60m to bring him to St. James’ Park, or if Mbeumo would pick a move to Tyneside over signing for Spurs or Liverpool.

Newcastle are in the market for a new right winger to come in and bolster their squad, whether it is now or in the summer, after Miguel Almiron completed a move to Atlanta United this week.

Miguel Almiron's form his season

The Paraguay international ended his career with the Magpies with a return of 30 goals in 223 appearances in all competitions, but failed to register a single goal contribution in the 2024/25 campaign.

Almiron managed just three goals and one assist in 33 appearances in the Premier League last season, which meant that he was already struggling to contribute on a regular basis last term.

Appearances (starts)

9 (1)

Goals

0

Assists

0

Big chances created

0

Key passes per game

0.3

As you can see in the table above, the 30-year-old dud’s form did not improve and he has moved on from St. James’ Park without a goal or an assist in the current season.

Like Mbeumo, Almiron is a left-footed forward who predominantly played on the right flank for the Magpies, as he looked to come infield onto his stronger foot to influence the game.

Unfortunately, though, the Paraguayan attacker failed to make much of an impact in the final third over the past 18 months for Newcastle, and they could land a big upgrade on him by signing the Brentford star in the summer.

Why Mbeumo would be a big upgrade on Almiron

Howe was not getting much back from Almiron in the Premier League and could bring in a winger with the quality to consistently contribute at the top end of the pitch by bringing Mbeumo to Tyneside.

Whilst Almiron rarely stepped up with goals and assists to win points for the Magpies, the Cameroon international has been a star for Brentford in recent seasons.

The 25-year-old ace, who was described as “unplayable” by manager Thomas Frank, has been in particularly impressive form in the Premier League this term.

Mbeumo has racked up 14 goals and three assists in the top-flight for the Bees. However, he has created ten ‘big chances’ for his teammates, and this suggests that the forward is unfortunate to only have three assists to his name as his teammates have let him down at times with their wasteful finishing in front of goal.

Appearances

48

42

Starts

45

24

Goals

23

3

Big chances created

16

6

Assists

9

1

As you can see in the table above, the Cameroon international would arrive at Newcastle as a far better option on the right flank than Almiron was before his permanent move to Atlanta United.

Mbeumo could come in to offer significantly more to the team as both a scorer and a creator of goals in the 2025/26 campaign and beyond, if the Magpies can strike a deal with the Bees to snap him up ahead of Liverpool and Spurs.

Way better than Schar: Newcastle eye up move for "dominant" £50m PL star

Newcastle United are reportedly eyeing up a move for the Premier League defender.

1 ByDan Emery Jan 29, 2025

His statistics over the past 18 months shows that he can be a reliable performer in the Premier League and that means that the forward could hit the ground running on Tyneside, rather than needing time to adapt to the league and country – making him an ideal signing.

After failing to welcome a single senior reinforcement in the January transfer window, Leeds United have now already reportedly opened talks to sign a summer addition in central midfield.

Leeds transfer news

Clear at the top of the Championship, Leeds’ lack of January business would have split opinion at Elland Road. Whilst some may have been happy with Daniel Farke’s squad, given where they find themselves, others may have preferred that they don’t leave things down to any chance and instead solidify their title push through fresh faces.

Ultimately, however, not a single addition arrived and the focus will now shift back towards sealing promotion back to the Premier League at the second time of asking under Farke.

Leeds employee has been told that "perfect" Whites star has broken a bone

Leeds have been a consistent force under Daniel Farke this term.

BySean Markus Clifford Feb 7, 2025

It could be argued that the Yorkshire club are even now at a stage in which they should be considering fresh faces for the Premier League. Planning ahead, the Whites must ensure that, if they do go up, they have a squad capable of maintaining their Premier League status.

It’s something that several sides have failed to ensure in the last two seasons, with Southampton, Leicester City and Ipswich Town all on course for an instant return to the Championship this season.

Those at Elland Road, meanwhile, perhaps attempting to learn from others, have already set their sights on one signing. According to Football Insider, Leeds have already opened talks to sign Eduard Spertsyan from Krasnodar this summer.

The club captain at 24 years old, Spertsyan could yet find himself on his way to the Premier League in the near future should Leeds earn promotion and come calling for the attacking midfielder.

It would certainly be a step up but one that the Armenia international seems capable of making, having scored six goals and assisted another three in all competitions so far this season.

"Intelligent" Spertsyan could provide instant boost

Whilst he is not Premier League proven, the numbers suggest that Spertsyan is worth taking a gamble on at the right price this summer – particularly if Leeds add experience around the attacking midfielder.

Recently speaking about the prospect of the 24-year-old making his way to Elland Road, former Leeds goalkeeper Paul Robinson was full of praise – telling Football Insider: “24-year-old Armenian international, played most of his career from all of it in Russia, at Krasnodar.

“[He’s] played over 100 games for Krasnodar. I was looking at him I’ve seen a couple of clips of him. He’s versatile, attacking midfielder, can play anywhere, left, right or in the number 10 role.

“He’s a talented player, there’s a lot of clubs that have looked at him and when you do watch his clips and you see how he plays, he’s a very creative, intelligent player going forward.”

Before Leeds can even think about how Spertsyan would perform in England’s top flight, they have plenty of work to do of course. It must be said, however, that their push for promotion has looked strong and they should be firm favourites to seal a place in the Premier League come the end of the season.

Arsenal could now miss out on signing an “elite” £50m player, with Real Madrid confident about winning the race for his signature, according to a report.

Mikel Arteta keen on a midfielder

There were no new arrivals at the Emirates Stadium in the January transfer window, with Mikel Arteta opting to wait until the end of the season before making any new additions to his squad.

There have been widespread calls for the Gunners to sign a striker, with doubt remaining over whether Kai Havertz is good enough to lead the line for a Premier League title-winning side, while Arteta also wants to strengthen the spine of his team.

It recently emerged the north Londoners are vying for the signature of Chris Rigg, with Sunderland now willing to sanction the midfielder’s departure for a fee of £25m in the summer.

Arsenal keen on "special" £25m ace who's now available to sign this summer

The Gunners have set their sights on a hot prospect, who is being targeted by some of Europe’s top clubs.

ByDominic Lund Feb 9, 2025

At just 17 years old, Rigg is likely to be one for the future, but Arsenal are also keen on a player perhaps capable of making a more immediate impact, and it has long been expected that Martin Zubimendi will move to the Emirates Stadium this summer.

However, there has now been a worrying twist in the transfer saga, with reports from Spain revealing Real Madrid are now confident about winning the race for Zubimendi, as they believe he could be tempted by the opportunity to remain in his home country.

The Gunners aren’t going down without a fight, however, with the report revealing they are still pushing to get a deal done, as they are convinced the Spaniard would fit perfectly into their team.

Arteta is not willing to give up, and the north Londoners remain well-placed to win the race, but there will certainly be concern about Madrid’s interest as it looked like he was on course to move to the Emirates.

Zubimendi would be an "elite" signing for Arsenal

Arsenal are already well-stocked in central midfield, with Declan Rice once again emerging as one of their best-performing players in the Premier League this season, but the Real Sociedad star could take them to the next level.

The 26-year-old, who is expected to cost £50m, has been lauded for his ability in possession of the ball by scout Ben Mattinson.

Not only that, but the Spain international is also capable of pitching in defensively, ranking in the 90th percentile for clearances per 90, and the 90th percentile for aerials won when compared to his positional peers.

It will be a real concern that Madrid fancy their chances of winning the race for Zubimendi, but there is no reason to panic at this stage, with Arsenal still well-placed to get a deal done, and they can boost their chances with a strong finish to the season.