All posts by z3u9t.icu

Leeds United’s return to the Premier League has been anything but quiet.

Following their 100-point Championship campaign, the 49ers Enterprises ownership backed Daniel Farke heavily in the transfer market, landing a string of ambitious signings.

Players such as Lucas Perri, Sean Longstaff, James Justin, and Dominic Calvert-Lewin all arrived.

Yet it was not just arrivals that made headlines.

Key exits included Rasmus Kristensen, Maximilian Wöber, Junior Firpo, and perhaps most controversially, Largie Ramazani.

The Belgian winger had been a lively outlet during last season’s promotion push, but he was loaned to Valencia for the campaign – a move that left many supporters questioning whether Leeds had weakened their wide options.

With the club still finding its Premier League rhythm, the debate over whether Ramazani should have stayed has grown louder.

Why Leeds were right to let Ramazani go out on loan

Ramazani’s departure on a temporary basis is a curious subplot to Leeds’ summer.

The 24-year-old Belgium youth international only joined from Almería last year but quickly carved out a role in the promotion campaign.

Featuring 29 times in the Championship, he produced six goals and two assists, his pace and directness often unsettling second-tier defences.

With a market value of £6m, as per Transfermarkt, he represented a player in his prime years, and one many fans saw as ready for the next level.

A natural left-winger, Ramazani’s main strengths lie in stretching defences and committing opponents one-on-one.

His energy and willingness to run beyond meant he was often the difference maker in tight games.

On loan at Valencia, he has featured twice, offering the same blend of direct dribbling and counter-attacking thrust that made him popular at Elland Road.

Yet beneath the surface numbers, Ramazani’s output was limited at Championship level, suggesting that he may well have struggled up a division too.

His nine goal involvements across 30 matches last season, while respectable, were rarely decisive in big moments.

That is part of the reason Leeds sanctioned his loan, particularly given the scale of their recruitment drive and the emergence of an arguably bigger talent in the same position.

The answer to Leeds' wide problems

If Ramazani represented a promise unfulfilled, Noah Okafor offers a more complete package.

Signed from AC Milan for £18m, the 25-year-old Switzerland international arrived with a pedigree built across Europe.

His journey has taken him from FC Basel to RB Salzburg, where he developed a reputation as an explosive forward in the Champions League, before stints at Napoli and Milan.

Last season he featured 11 times in Serie A, scoring once, and added five appearances on the European stage.

Okafor is not simply a winger who hugs the touchline. Described by scout Jacek Kulig as “electric”, he combines agility and power with two-footed balance, close control and an ability to beat players in tight spaces.

Chalkboard

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

Crucially, he is also far more rounded than Ramazani: his defensive work rate, progressive carrying and ambidextrous dribbling make him suited to both high-pressing and counter-attacking systems.

The statistical comparison already tilts in his favour.

Matches Played

15

Minutes

454

Goals

1

Progressive Carries

28

Progressive Passes

13

Last season, Okafor produced 5.60 progressive carries per 90 compared to Ramazani’s 4.61, while also averaging more shot-creating actions (3.50 to 2.97).

He hits the target more frequently too, with 1.83 shots on target per 90 compared to Ramazani’s 1.39.

Although Ramazani leads for goal involvements (nine to Okafor’s one), the Swiss forward’s underlying numbers point towards far greater efficiency once settled in the Premier League.

Another area where Okafor stands out is ball progression.

His 25.2 carries per 90 reflect how central he is to advancing possession, while his blend of strength and control ensures he can both hold play up and drive past opponents.

Ramazani’s raw pace is useful, but Okafor provides a wider range of tools that make him harder to defend against at elite level.

Okafor’s European experience is another clear distinction. Having faced Champions League knockout ties and Serie A defences, he arrives at Elland Road with a level of maturity that Ramazani is yet to prove.

His display at the weekend gave a glimpse of what he can bring: direct running, creative spark, and a physical presence Leeds have lacked in wide areas.

For Leeds, the decision to let Ramazani leave now looks less risky.

While the Belgian may yet prove his worth in La Liga, Okafor already appears capable of offering Premier League quality.

In a squad balancing survival with ambition, having a winger of Okafor’s calibre may prove the smarter investment.

Leeds were brewing bigger homegrown star than Harry Gray but Farke sold him

Leeds United sold a star who was brewing as an even bigger talent than Harry Gray at Thorp Arch.

ByDan Emery Sep 17, 2025

As the start of West Ham United’s pre-season fixture list beckons, fair to say supporters are not happy.

On Saturday, the Hammers will face Swiss side Grasshoppers, before traveling to the United States for the Premier League Summer Series, where they’ll take on Manchester United, Everton and then Bournemouth.

Ahead of these matches though, supporters are not in high spirits, after star player Mohammed Kudus was sold to their fiercest rivals Tottenham for a reported fee of £55m.

Nevertheless, could the acquisition of a replacement lift the mood?

West Ham targeting new signings

As noted by Jacob Steinberg and Will Unwin of the Guardian the Hammers were forced to sell Kudus to avoid breaching the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability rules, so Graham Potter will need to rebuild his squad on a tight budget.

Well, West Ham did make their first signing of the summer earlier this week, with El Hadji Malick Diouf arriving from Slavia Prague, the 20-year-old, Senegalese international left-wing-back joining for £19m.

Nevertheless, this does not fill Kudus’ rather large void, hence why, as reported by Football Insider, West Ham have stepped up their interest in signing Marcus Tavernier from Bournemouth.

Simon Jones of the Daily Mail has previously claimed that Tavernier is valued at around £30m by the Cherries, with İstanbul giants Fenerbahçe and Beşiktaş sighted as also being interested in securing his signature.

Transfer Focus

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

The 26-year-old has three years remaining on his contract by the South Coast, so Bournemouth are not under pressure to sell, but could he be on the move this summer?

How Marcus Tavernier would improve West Ham

Tavernier joined Bournemouth from Middlesbrough for around £10m three years ago, and has been a key figure for the Cherries ever since.

Then-manager Gary O’Neil described him as “technically gifted”, while current boss Andoni Iraola praised his “quality”, and Tavernier’s importance at Bournemouth has increased since the Spaniard’s arrival in Dorset.

Appearances

23

30

29

Starts

19

25

20

Minutes

1,749

2,133

1,940

Goals

5

3

3

Assists

4

4

6

Bryant Marques of Total Football Analysis highlights Tavernier’s ability to drive into space and his excellent ‘ball-carrying capacities’, able to create shooting angles thanks to his outstanding ‘individual technique’.

Meantime, Ahmed Shooble of the Athletic outlines how he was once the ‘Premier League’s most prolific dribbler’, impressed by his ‘versatility’ and ability to conduct direct attacks.

This skill set is certainly reminiscent of Kudus, suggesting he would be an ideal replacement, so let’s assess how the duo compared last season.

Minutes

1,940

2,590

Goals

3

5

Assists

5

3

Shot on target %

29.8%

28%

Shot-creating actions per 90

4.55

3.72

Chances created

43

29

Big chances created

9

4

Attempted take-ons

65

208

Take-on success %

47.46%

48.42%

Touches per 90

60.5

52.2

Average Sofascore rating

7.05

6.82

As the table outlines, in the Premier League last season, it is Tavernier’s statistics that come out on top almost across the board.

Kudus has attempted more take-ons than anyone else in the division in both of the last two seasons, while only Lamine Yamal registered more across Europe’s top five leagues last time round, which is certainly impressive company to keep.

Nevertheless, what is noteworthy is the fact that Kudus only completed 1% more take-ons than Tavernier, suggesting that many of his dribbles take him down a blind alley.

Meantime, the Englishman had the edge when it came to assists, shooting, chances created and touches, which is impressive.

Thus, while Kudus is, almost inarguably, the more eye-catching talent, could Tavernier ultimately prove to be the more effective player?

West Ham now battling to hijack Inter Milan move for "gifted" £22m defender

The Hammers could continue their summer spending.

ByTom Cunningham Jul 16, 2025

Leeds United already have a hat-trick of signings done and dusted as the new Premier League season grows ever closer next month.

Lukas Nmecha, Jaka Bijol, and Sebastiaan Bornauw have all relocated to England in quick succession to be a part of Daniel Farke’s top-flight camp, but their speedy business has been somewhat overshadowed by Sunderland stealing the transfer market limelight.

Before Sunderland won his services for a handsome £30m, Leeds were very much in the running to snap up Habib Diarra from Strasbourg, with history unfortunately rapidly repeating itself when you also consider the Black Cats are edging closer to signing Noah Sadiki right from under Farke and Co’s nose.

All this drama will surely make the race to beat the drop even spicier this forthcoming campaign, with Leeds wanting to press on now to make even more signings.

Leeds targeting other midfielders

The number of arrivals at Thorp Arch could soon go up, particularly Leeds’ bank account is set to be boosted soon by Maximilian Wober’s £11m exit.

That money could be spent on new midfielders with the likes of ex-Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz and Southampton youngster Mateus Fernandes on their radar.

Yet, the most tantalising transfer rumour comes from the Netherlands, via Sport Witness, which states that Leeds are in the driver’s seat over a deal for Sheffield United ace Gustavo Hamer.

It’s no secret that Leeds have been admirers of the ex-Coventry City man for some time now, with this new development suggesting that Hamer is more inclined to accept a summer move to a Premier League club over Eredivisie giants PSV Eindhoven.

This has all the ingredients of being a game-changing signing for Farke’s men in improving their attacking personnel, with the recent Championship Player of the Season winner reportedly available for £18m, which could also mean he’s a much better pick-up in the long run than gambling on Diarra.

Why Hamer would be a better signing than Diarra

Leeds have already raided the Blades effectively for some of their top-quality talent, too, with Jayden Bogle formerly a Bramall Lane favourite before defecting to Elland Road to seal promotion at his former side’s expense.

Now, Hamer could follow suit, having been an exceptional talent to watch during all of that promotion run in himself, but unfortunately, coming up short in South Yorkshire.

In total, the exciting Blades number 8 would chip in with ten goals and eight assists across all competitions last season, which included an effort being brilliantly hammered home against Plymouth Argyle.

To add context, Manor Solomon, who slotted into many of Farke’s XIs last season down Hamer’s trusty left-hand side, just about beat the 28-year-old with his own healthy tally of 22 goals and assists.

With Solomon looking unlikely to return to Elland Road, Hamer could be a perfect replacement for him, alongside also boasting the versatility to be able to line up as a number 10, with Brenden Aaronson a notable worry in this position as Premier League football returns.

AM

13

2

3

CM

13

2

2

RM

1

0

0

Based on the table above, Diarra might well have struggled with the pressure of being a starter for Leeds in this problem area, as seen in just five goal contributions coming his way from this position last season in Ligue 1.

Moreover, the expensive Senegal international might well have struggled further back in Farke’s side in a bid to displace Ao Tanaka, with the Japanese gem eclipsing Diarra in many different areas last season, as seen in him averaging a glowing 90% pass accuracy in the second tier, next to his counterpart’s lesser 87% success rate.

On top of that, Tanaka also displayed more steel by winning 4.5 duels per game in league action, next to Diarra’s 3.3, meaning this might have been a sum of money ultimately wasted.

Whereas, landing the “outstanding” Hamer, as he’s been glowing labelled by ex-manager Chris Wilder – at £18m feels like a steal, particularly with the 28-year-old’s impressive return of four goals and seven assists when previously starring in the top-flight.

Huge Rothwell upgrade: Leeds make enquiry to sign "phenomenal" £30m star

Leeds United are interested in signing a star who would come in as an upgrade on Joe Rothwell.

ByDan Emery Jul 2, 2025

Nottingham Forest have made an offer to sign a new Brazilian forward who is also wanted by German giants Borussia Dortmund.

Nottingham Forest sign Jair Cunha after Igor Jesus

It has been an extremely eventful few days at the City Ground in the transfer market and in regards to their European spot for the 2025/26 season.

Anthony Elanga has joined Premier League rivals Newcastle United in a deal that could reach £55m, whereas Morgan Gibbs-White has been at the middle of a transfer saga involving Tottenham Hotspur.

There has been a new signing for the Reds, though, with defender Jair Cunha sealing his move to the Midlands from Botafogo. The 6ft 6 defender has been heavily linked with a move to Forest and now joins striker Igor Jesus at the City Ground, who also moved from the Brazilian side.

Nottingham Forest summer signings

From

Fee

Igor Jesus

Botafogo

£10m

Jair Cunha

Botafogo

£10m

Talking after the deal for Cunha was announced, Forest’s chief football officer Ross Wilson said: “Jair is a young talent who has shown quality during his time in Brazil, and we are happy to have secured his signature. Jair has flourished in Brazil and now has new ambitions as he moves to the Premier League. We know he will be warmly welcomed into the group here in Nottingham.”

Nottingham Forest make bid to sign 28 y/o who Spurs want with Gibbs-White

The update comes from the reliable David Ornstein.

ByHenry Jackson Jul 11, 2025

The 20-year-old has signed a five-year deal with Forest and could be an immediate part of Nuno Espirito Santo’s starting line-up next season. The Reds aren’t stopping there though when it comes to looking at the Brazilian market for new additions.

Nottingham Forest make offer for 18 y/o Brazilian forward

According to reports from Brazil, relayed by Sport Witness, Nottingham Forest have now made an offer to sign Santos forward Mateus Xavier.

The 18-year-old’s contract is set to expire in 2026, and it is claimed that he has also had enquiries from Borussia Dortmund, PSV Eindhoven and Zenit Saint Petersburg.

Forest are the ones who have made their move with an offer, though, and Xavier’s ‘representatives are considering the best option for him’. However, it is also claimed that Santos has made a new contract offer to Xavier and are confident of a renewal.

Called “highly rated” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, Xavier is being backed to make the breakthrough into first team football and is capable of playing as a left winger, right winger or attacking midfielder.

He’s already made five senior appearances for Santos and has scored 10 goals in 36 games for their U20 side, and by the looks of things, Forest are looking to make him the third Brazilian through the door this summer.

As Graham Potter looks to shape his West Ham United side ahead of his first full season in charge, the Hammers have reportedly made contact to sign an impressive Serie A midfielder who once pocketed Declan Rice.

West Ham keen on attacking additions

It’s a big few months ahead for Potter and his side following a tough start to life at the London Stadium for the former Chelsea manager. After arriving to replace the struggling Julen Lopetegui, many expected Potter to make his mark from the off and ensure that any Stamford Bridge failure became an afterthought. That new manager bounce never truly came, however, and the pressure is now on.

Games

20

Wins

6

Draws

5

Defeats

9

Following just six wins in his first 20 games and a frustrating 14th-place finish in the Premier League, Potter and West Ham must ensure that they get off to a quick start next season.

What should help that is their potential work in the summer transfer window. Already, they’ve reportedly set their sights on attacking additions such as Adama Bojang and AS Roma’s Tammy Abraham.

Major club ready to sell decorated star amid West Ham race for Kudus replacement

The Hammers are beginning to be proactive on the market…

BySean Markus Clifford Jun 23, 2025

The latter would be a particularly wise addition given his past Premier League experience and the Hammers could yet land a relatively routine deal following his struggles on loan at AC Milan last season.

Abraham, like West Ham, endured a season to forget last time out and could certainly do with a return to the Premier League if he is to rediscover his best form in the next campaign.

It’s not just their frontline that West Ham must improve, however. Amid previous reports that David Moyes’ Everton side are interested in signing Tomas Soucek this summer, those at the London Stadium could be forced to find a replacement. And what better way to replace the towering midfielder than by signing a player who “shut down” former star Rice?

West Ham make contact to sign Musah

According to TeamTalk, West Ham have now made initial contact to sign Yunus Musah from AC Milan this summer. The American international initially looked on his way to Serie A champions Napoli in a deal worth €25m (£21m) before Milan changed their stance and demanded that price as well as add-ons. Now, the Hammers have a chance to sneak in ahead of Napoli.

Whether West Ham are willing to do what Napoli are not will be the big question, but their interest in Musah should come as no surprise. At 22 years old, the midfielder already has some impressive experience under his belt at the top level, including at the 2022 World Cup.

It was in Qatar that the Milan man caught the eye for the USA, especially against England as he helped his side earn a 0-0 draw against the Three Lions. Earning the praise of Jacek Kulig as a result, the scout claimed that both Musah and Tyler Adams “shut down” an England midfield which included Rice and Jude Bellingham.

It might seem overly simple, but if there is one thing Arsenal need to add to the squad this summer, it’s goals.

Mikel Arteta’s side are well known for being one of the hardest teams to break down in world football – and the data shows it – but time and time again this season, the North Londoners found it hard to put the ball in the back of the net when it really mattered.

So, while the addition of Martin Zubimendi will be a great one – when it eventually happens – the club need to do a lot more and strengthen the frontline.

Fortunately, reports have now linked the Gunners with another option to lead the line next season, someone who could be a great alternative to Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres.

Arsenal's striker search

Arsenal’s hunt for a new number nine has been ongoing for over a year now, and over the last few weeks, Sesko and Gyokeres have been constantly linked.

The former was a target last summer, again in the winter, and now, for the third window on the bounce, he has been dominating the talk around the club, with reports suggesting he could cost at least £67m.

The situation is even more unclear regarding the Swedish international, as while he supposedly rejected Manchester United in favour of the Gunners, reports from late last week claimed that Sporting CP’s demands had seen the North Londoners ‘freeze’ their interest in the 27-year-old.

Transfer Focus

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

So, it looks like the Gunners might need to seek out an alternative, which could help explain the links to Dušan Vlahović.

Yes, according to a recent report from TuttoJuve, Arsenal are now in the picture for the Juventus marksman.

The report has revealed that in light of Sporting wanting at least €80m – £68m – for Gyokeres, Arteta and Co are now ‘evaluating valid alternatives,’ one of which is the Serbian international.

No price is mentioned in the report, but stories from last month claimed that the 25-year-old goalscorer could be available for just £25m, which could make him an ideal alternative to Sesko and Gyokeres.

Why Vlahović could be a great alternative to Sesko and Gyokeres

Okay, so the first thing to say is that one of the advantages to signing Vlahović over Gyokeres and Sesko is that he’d cost substantially less and, therefore, free up more money to spend elsewhere.

However, while you would expect someone who could cost less than half as much as the Leipzig star, for example, would be significantly less effective, that is not the case.

When it comes to raw output, he’s only marginally worse than the Slovenian star, who is playing in a top-five league and, therefore, at a similar level.

Appearances

41

45

52

Minutes

2569′

3258′

4248′

Goals

15

21

54

Assists

5

6

13

Goal Involvements per Match

0.48

0.60

1.28

Minutes per Goal Involvement

128.45′

120.66′

63.40′

Moreover, while he is miles off the Sporting star, it’s important to note that research from Opta Analyst found that 11 of 18 teams in the Portuguese top-flight are League One standard.

That brings us to one of the significant benefits of signing the Serb, who former Juventus striker Darko Kovacevic once said is “just like Haaland”, over the other two: his vast experience at the highest level.

For example, across his career to date, the Belgrade-born monster has made 202 appearances in Serie A.

In comparison, the former RB Salzburg gem has made just 64 appearances in the Bundesliga, while the Stockholm-born poacher has never played a minute of football in a top-five league.

Ultimately, Vlahović probably wouldn’t be the most exciting addition Arsenal could make to the frontline this season, but he has a proven track record in a tough league, is almost as effective as Sesko and would cost a fraction as much.

Therefore, if the Gunners cannot get their hands on either the Leipzig star or Gyokeres this summer, then the Juventus ace would be a great alternative.

Arsenal set to bid for £40m star who has heart set on move to Emirates

The Gunners could land a long-term target…

BySean Markus Clifford Jun 16, 2025

There wasn’t a whole lot to celebrate for Arsenal fans this season.

Mikel Arteta’s side once again failed to get over the line in the Premier League, and while they progressed further in the Champions League, there was still a feeling at full-time in Paris that they could have reached the final.

With that said, there have been some bright spots, notably the emergence of Ethan Nwaneri, who managed to rack up 11 goal involvements in 37 games, and Bukayo Saka, who produced 26 in 37 appearances despite missing almost four months of action through injury.

So, fans should be excited about recent reports linking the club to a Premier League star who’s been compared to both aces.

Arsenal transfer news

In the last few weeks, Arsenal have been linked with several talented players from the Premier League, like Morgan Rogers and Adam Wharton.

Transfer Focus

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

The former could cost as much as £100m, but has shown an incredible level of attacking quality this season, racking up a tally of 29 goal involvements in 54 games for Aston Villa.

The latter has a reported price tag of at least £80m, and has shown himself to be a quality young midfielder capable of breaking up play and dictating it.

However, as talented as these two are, it would be hard to describe either of them as similar to Saka and Nwaneri, unlike Mohammed Kudus.

Yes, according to a recent report from BBC Sport’s Sami Mokbel, Arsenal are one of several teams interested in the West Ham United star.

The report claims that the Gunners, Chelsea, and several other teams from the continent have all made contact about the versatile forward.

However, on top of having to deal with significant competition, the North Londoners might also have to pay an enormous fee to get their man, as his current deal includes a release clause worth an astounding £120m.

It would be a costly and complicated transfer to get over the line, but given Kudus’ ability, it is one worth fighting for, especially as he’s already been compared to two of the club’s most exciting attackers.

How Kudus compares to Saka and Nwaneri

So, before getting into some of the other reasons Arsenal may want to sign Kudus this summer, it’s important to examine these comparisons to Saka and Nwaneri and where they come from.

Both cases stem from FBref, which compares players in similar positions in the Premier League and then creates a list of the ten most comparable players for each.

In this instance, it was concluded that the teenager was the most similar attacking midfielder or winger to the Ghanaian over the last 365 days, while the Gunners’ talismanic number seven was the third most similar midfielder.

Expected Assisted Goals

0.11

0.12

Shots

2.61

2.41

Passing Accuracy

83.6%

80.5%

Passes into the Final Third

1.60

1.72

Crosses into the Penalty Area

0.52

0.61

Goal-Creating Actions

0.35

0.30

Blocks

0.83

0.81

Aerial Duels Won

0.38

0.40

The best way to understand how these conclusions were reached is by looking at the underlying numbers in which the players rank closely, which, in the case of the North Londoners’ most recent wonderkid, include metrics like expected assisted goals, shots, crosses into the penalty area, passes into the final third and many, many more, all per 90.

For the Gunners’ mercurial number seven, the metrics in which he’s incredibly similar to the Hammers star include things like tackles won, interceptions, goals per shot and shot on target, non-penalty expected goals and successful take-on percentage per 90, suggesting he could be just as dangerous in the right setup.

Non-Penalty Expected Goals

0.24

0.31

Goals per Shot

0.07

0.08

Goals per Shot on Target

0.24

0.23

Crosses into the Penalty Area

0.52

0.63

Tackles Won

0.80

0.78

Interceptions

0.14

0.16

Successful Take-On %

44.2%

45.6%

However, while comparisons to some of the most talented players in Arteta’s squad should already be reason enough to chase the “generational talent,” as dubbed by journalist Gary Al-Smith, there are still others.

For example, while his haul of nine-goal involvements in 35 games this season isn’t much to get too excited about, he showed himself capable of hitting much higher heights last season when he produced 28 goal involvements in 48 appearances.

Finally, according to Sofascore, he completed the second most successful dribbles per game in the Premier League this season, which is just the kind of dynamic direct threat the Gunners could do with – not to mention that he can play all across the frontline.

Ultimately, Kudus would be an excellent signing, and if Arsenal can negotiate a price below that of his release clause, they should absolutely pay it.

Arsenal very close to signing £50m star who's a Saka & Rodrygo hybrid

The uber-talented international could be just the winger Arsenal need.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jun 6, 2025

Don’t worry, Arsenal fans; there is just one more game left of this dreadful season.

Mikel Arteta’s side are set to end yet another campaign without a trophy to their name, although it would be fair to say that injuries have been their biggest problem this time.

However, in more positive news, it does now look like new Sporting Director Andrea Berta and the rest of the board are intent on going big in the transfer market this summer.

One of the names most heavily linked with the Gunners over the last week or so has been Rodrygo, and while he would be a sensational acquisition, he’d have to hit the ground running to see his valuation even match one of his potential new teammates.

Why Arsenal want to sign Rodrygo

While the murmurings of Arsenal’s interest in Rodrygo stretch back to last week, the reports have become more concrete and exciting in the last few days, with some even claiming that the club are now leading the race for his signature.

Moreover, while there have been some discrepancies in reports over how much he might cost the Gunners, the figure most often reported is a cool £85m.

Now, while that is an awful lot of money to spend on one player, it’s not hard to see why Arteta and Co want the Brazilian international, as not only can he play across the frontline, but he’s also a reliable source of goals and assists.

For example, since the start of last season, the “world-class superstar,” as dubbed by Luka Modrić, has scored 31 goals and provided 19 assists in 102 appearances, totalling 7,067 minutes.

In other words, the Osasco-born dynamo has maintained a brilliant average of a goal involvement every 2.04 games, or every 141.34 minutes across two years of football.

Appearances

52

50

Minutes

3777′

3290′

Goals

18

13

Assists

9

10

Goal Involvements per Match

0.51

0.46

Minutes per Goal Involvement

139.88′

143.04′

With that said, even if he were to join Arsenal for the fee being reported, one of his new teammates would still be worth millions more than him.

The Arsenal star worth millions more than Rodrygo

While Arsenal do have a number of very talented attackers in their squad, there aren’t many who could accurately be described as ‘more valuable’ than Rodrygo, apart from one: Bukayo Saka.

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?

Yes, the star in question is, of course, the Gunners’ talismanic number seven, who, according to the CIES Football Observatory, is currently worth up to €121m, which is about £101m, or a whopping £16m more than the Real Madrid man could cost the club.

Now, that is undoubtedly an eye-watering amount of money, but based on the Englishman’s incredible performances and importance for the North Londoners, it doesn’t feel inaccurate.

For example, even though he missed almost four months of football through a hamstring injury this season, the 23-year-old “legend in the making,” as dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has scored 12 goals and provided 14 assists in 36 appearances, totalling 2592 minutes.

That means the “world-class” Hale Ender, as dubbed by Rio Ferdinand, is currently averaging a goal involvement every 1.38 games or every 99.69 minutes, which is frankly incredible.

With that said, how does he stack up against his potential new teammate when we take a look at their underlying numbers?

Well, somewhat surprisingly, while the Brazilian does well in some metrics, such as progressive passes and carries and successful take-ons per 90, it’s the Emirates’ favourite son who comes out comfortably on top.

Non-Penalty Expected G+As

0.70

0.32

Non-Penalty G+As

0.79

0.51

Progressive Passes

3.54

5.05

Progressive Passes Received

13.1

11.8

Progressive Carries

4.97

5.28

Shots

3.39

2.52

Shots on Target

1.16

0.93

Passing Accuracy

75.5%

85.9%

Key Passes

2.96

2.29

Passes into the Penalty Area

1.90

1.21

Crosses into the Penalty Area

0.63

0.09

Shot-Creating Actions

5.93

4.95

Goal-Creating Actions

1.22

0.42

Successful Take-Ons

2.12

2.29

For example, he does better in almost every single relevant metric, including, but limited to, expected and actual non-penalty goals plus assists, passing accuracy, shot and goal-creating actions, shots and shots on target, key passes, passes into the penalty area, and more, all per 90.

Ultimately, Arsenal should do all they can to sign Rodrygo this summer, but in Saka, they already have a winger who sits among the very best in the world and has a valuation to match.

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Liverpool are making waves in the transfer window this summer and even television personality Piers Morgan has chimed in, with the well known Arsenal supporter unhappy at the news coming out of Anfield this week.

Liverpool closing in on three summer signings

Arne Slot has become a hero at Anfield following a season that has saw his side become Premier League champions, and celebrations will continue long into the next few weeks from anyone of a Liverpool persuasion.

However, there have been headline-grabbing stories elsewhere involving the Reds, not least Trent Alexander-Arnold’s decision to leave his boyhood club for Real Madrid.

What has been more impressive in light of a significant departure is Liverpool’s quickfire response in the market. Turning heads around Europe, Bayer Leverkusen duo Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong appear to be on their way to Anfield.

Laying down a statement of intent, the top-flight holders have reportedly seen off competition from Manchester City and Bayern Munich for the former, who clearly views the Reds as an environment where regular silverware can be won for the foreseeable future.

Milos Kerkez has agreed personal terms with the Reds, lending credence to the thought that Slot could be set to build a dynasty while in charge.

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Either way, this window feels like it could be a significant one for Liverpool. They have needed to wait their turn during Pep Guardiola’s four-in-a-row era, but you feel the tide may be changing between the Reds and their rivals.

Arsenal have also been firmly in that conversation, so much so that media personality Morgan has now shared his thoughts on the news coming out of Merseyside.

Piers Morgan reacts to Liverpool's Florian Wirtz bid

Taking to social media platform X, Morgan has questioned why Arsenal haven’t taken a similar course of action to Liverpool’s speedy pursuit of a key target like Wirtz. Questioning Mikel Arteta’s authority, he also praised the Reds for ‘not mucking around’ as they look to defend their title come the start of next season.

Admittedly, he does have point, but Liverpool fans will be quite happy that they are the ones leading the race for a player who has registered 16 goals and 15 assists in 46 appearances this term.

Next campaign, Arsenal are expected to be at the forefront once again in the title race. The Reds managed to finish ten points ahead of their nearest challenger, albeit their run-in results were a consequence of winning the league with games to spare.

Liverpool are a winning machine when it matters at present and are showing no signs of slowing down, so there is every reason for the red half of Merseyside to be excited at what 2025/26 could have in store, while fans in North London must count on their club to find the right number nine to lead the line for Arteta next term.

Manchester United are now stepping up their efforts to sign Fenerbahce youngster Yusuf Akcicek, who Jose Mourinho has likened to Raphael Varane.

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There are a number of positions in the United team that need to be addressed by INEOS this summer, and while the forward line is an urgent priority, additions are needed right through the spine of Ruben Amorim’s set-up.

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Christian Eriksen looks set to leave Old Trafford after the final game of the season on Sunday against Aston Villa. The Denmark international is out of contract, and it appears there are no signs of a renewal.

Meanwhile, fellow midfielder Casemiro has also been mentioned as a player who could be allowed to leave this summer. The Brazilian was heavily linked with a move away in January, but nothing materialised, and since then, he has become an important player for Amorim, especially in Europe. But his £350,000-a-week wages could be a reason why the Red Devils decide to move him on.

Surprisingly, Kobbie Mainoo’s future at Old Trafford has come into doubt in recent months, with reports even claiming that Amorim is ready to sell the young midfielder, whose current deal expires in 2027.

Changes are also needed in defence, where Jonny Evans will leave and so too could Victor Lindelof, while Lisandro Martinez continues to struggle with injuries.

Man Utd chiefs want to sign £21m Fenerbahce star

According to Turkish Football, Man United are ready to make a move and sign Yusuf Akcicek, a young centre-back who has thrived under Jose Mourinho this season.

The report claims that United now want to step up their efforts having scouted Akcicek closely during the Süper Lig season. Despite the fact the 19 year-old is under contract until 2028, Fener are open to the idea of selling Akcicek, but they will demand at least €25 million, which is roughly £21 million.

The teenager joined the Turkish giants from rivals Galatasaray’s academy in 2019, and has earned his place as a regular in matchday squads this season, with his manager even likening him to Real Madrid great and former Red Devil Varane.

It’s not just United who are interested in signing Akcicek, as Aston Villa are also believed to be interested in the youngster.

Apps

8

Starts

4

Touches per game

37.0

Passes per game (accuracy)

27.1 (93%)

Clean sheets

1

Interceptions per game

0.6

Tackles per game

1.1

Balls recovered per game

1.8

Clearances per game

2.8

Given the likes of Evans and Lindelof may leave United this summer, the Premier League side may see Akcicek as a player who can become their long-term replacement, and he could be brought in for a fairly reasonable price.