All posts by z3u9t.icu

It’s been a gruelling start to the season for Arsenal so far.

In their five Premier League games, Mikel Arteta’s side have played Liverpool and Manchester United away from home, and hosted Manchester City at the Emirates.

Then, in the Champions League, they kick-started their campaign away to Athletic Bilbao, who finished fourth in La Liga last season.

Fortunately, the Gunners’ opening League Cup fixture tonight is against what should be easier opposition in Port Vale. As such, Arteta has the chance to make some changes, including the dropping of Viktor Gyokeres, but not for Mikel Merino.

Why Gyokeres should be dropped

Now, while there are undoubtedly going to be some fans who want to see Gyokeres start tonight, there are several reasons why we think that is a bad idea, notably the state of the squad.

Jesus

Knee

01/26

Havertz

Knee

11/25

Madueke

Knee

11/25

Odegaard

Shoulder

09/25

Hincapie

Groin

N/A

Arsenal are already going through an injury crisis at the moment, and one of the players who is out of action and looks set to be out for some time longer is Kai Havertz.

So, while other players could start league games up top, the former Sporting CP star is the only natural option who plays there, and therefore, should be protected in a game like this.

Moreover, while some might argue that it’s the perfect fixture to help play the Swede into some form, the struggles of other top sides against lower opposition in recent weeks should serve as a warning that it may not be as easy as some expect.

In other words, if the Stockholm-born star starts and then doesn’t score against Port Vale, the narrative around his ability and suitability in this side will reach new levels and could totally derail his integration into the team.

Anyway, should the Gunners find themselves a couple of goals to the good late on in the game, Arteta could always bring him off the bench for 25 mins or so to run at a tired defence and grab a goal or two that way.

With all that said, then, the Spaniard has to drop Gyokeres to the bench tonight and go with another one of his attacking stars and not Merino.

The Arsenal star Arteta should start in place of Gyokeres

So, if Arteta does decide to start Merino in place of Gyokeres tonight, it wouldn’t be a terrible move, as we’ve already seen that he can do well up top.

Chalkboard

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

However, we think that the far better option for this game would be Gabriel Martinelli.

Yes, it’s not something he’s done all that often over the years, but the manager should play the former Ituano gem through the middle, and there are a few reasons why.

Firstly, the Brazilian is probably the club’s most inform attacker at the moment, as coming off the bench in Spain, he scored the opening goal and then provided an assist for Leandro Trossard to get the second.

Then on the weekend, as it looked like Man City were going to get all three points, he once again came off the bench to score a wonderful chip and prevent what would have been a minor disaster so early on in the campaign.

So with the 24-year-old being directly involved in the team’s last three goals, the manager should reward him with what would be just his second start of the season.

Another reason why he should be in the starting lineup is that, over the last few years, the rapid “monster,” as journalist Mark Mann-Bryans once dubbed him, has proven himself to be a real confidence player.

In other words, not only would starting him be the right thing to do as a reward for his form, but it’d also be best for the squad overall, as Arteta would have another inform free-scoring option he can call upon on the bench in league games.

Ultimately, Gyokeres should be rested tonight, and while Merino would likely do a fine job leading the line, Martinelli is in red-hot form in front of goal and deserves his chance to lead the line – it might just prove to be a game-changing development for Arsenal.

Saka rival: Arteta has another Madueke to unleash in "insane" Arsenal star

Arteta could turn to the incredibly exciting talent for Arsenal’s game tonight.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Sep 24, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur’s ability to pull top-level talent in the transfer market has been reflected by their move to land Mohammed Kudus from West Ham United this summer.

The Ghanaian has been a key threat in the Premier League over the last couple of years, scoring 13 times in his two seasons across the capital with the Hammers.

Before moving to join the Lilywhites, the 25-year-old was on the radar of the likes of Chelsea and Bayern Munich – but decided in favour of a move to join Thomas Frank’s men.

He’s already made an immediate impact with his new side, registering two assists in his first four Premier League outings – the most of any player in the first-team squad.

Whilst it’s still early days for Kudus in his career in North London, he has already adhered himself to the fanbase – potentially benefitting from one player’s talents had the board kept hold of him.

Harry Kane’s record-breaking spell as a Spurs player

No Spurs fan would have ever expected Harry Kane to have had the impact he did in North London after making his senior debut for the club as a youngster back in August 2011.

He would have to wait three years for his first start, but once he forced himself into Mauricio Pochettino’s plans, there was no looking back for the former academy star.

Fast-forward to the present day, the 32-year-old managed to rack up 280 goals for the Lilywhites in his 435 appearances – scoring over 30 goals in 50% of his decade-long spell in the first-team.

Such a record makes him the club’s highest-ever goalscorer, whilst also sitting second in the Premier League’s all-time scoring chart – with only Alan Shearer scoring more at present.

However, despite his phenomenal nouse for scoring goals, he was unable to catapult the Lilywhites to any silverware, which led to his transfer to Bayern Munich in the summer of 2023 for £82m.

Since joining the Bundesliga outfit, the Englishman has netted 93 goals in his 102 outings, further highlighting his talent in attacking areas – undoubtedly going down as one of the best English forwards in football history.

His move away from North London has left a huge void over the last couple of seasons, with new boss Frank hoping that one player can step up to the plate over the next couple of campaigns.

The Spurs player who could be their best forward since Kane

Whilst Kane was more often the man to finish off chances for Spurs, he also struck up an incredible partnership with Heung-min Son in the final third over countless years.

The Englishman and the South Korean linked up for 47 Premier League goals throughout their time together, sitting at the top for the most goals created by a single two-player partnership in Premier League history.

However, the latter of the pair also departed the Lilywhites this summer, joining LAFC in a £20m transfer – leaving yet another huge hole for Frank to fill in his first year at the helm.

As a result, the hierarchy delved into the transfer market and completed the £52m signing of forward Xavi Simons from Bundesliga side RB Leipzig.

The 22-year-old can either operate in a central role behind the striker or off the left-hand side, subsequently offering the Dane a versatile option within attacking areas.

The Dutchman has arrived in England with huge expectations, and understandably so given his record in Germany last campaign, with the youngster registering 19 goal contributions in just 33 outings.

Whilst he’s yet to notch his first goal for the Lilywhites, he’s already caught the eye in his first two outings – even registering an assist for Pape Matar Sarr in the 3-0 triumph over West Ham United last weekend.

Simons, who’s been labelled “phenomenal” by one analyst, has already racked up over 160 senior appearances despite his tender age, with his underlying stats from his first handful of Spurs games already catching the eye.

The Dutchman has already created three chances in his first two outings – the most of any Lilywhites player in that time – showcasing the creative spark he possesses despite his youthful age.

Games played

2

Minutes played

148

Assists

1

Shots taken

3

Pass accuracy

80%

Successful passes

52

Chances created

3

Dribble success

75%

Dribbles completed

4

Fouls won

3

He’s also completed 75% of the dribbles he’s attempted, whilst winning three fouls – tallies which highlight the danger he has already caused to the opposition during his bedding-in period.

Simons’ tally of 1.5 shots per 90 also highlights he’s more than capable of going alone when needed, but he just needs his first goal in English football to help kickstart his spell under Frank.

£52m may appear to be a mammoth investment by the board, but it’s one that could be worthwhile if he can continue producing the calibre of performances he has in the early stages of his Spurs career.

Given the levels produced by Kane in North London, he certainly has a long way to go before getting near his cult hero status, but there’s no disputing he has bags of time on his hands.

If he can carry on his superb start in England, there’s no reason why he can’t be the club’s best attacker since the English international – potentially able to write a new history for the side under Frank’s guidance.

Spurs flop was prematurely sold by Conte, now he's outperforming Kudus

One former Tottenham Hotspur star has recaptured his best form after leaving the club under Antonio Conte.

3 ByEthan Lamb Sep 18, 2025

Glasgow Rangers are still in the mix to complete the signing of an impressive attacking player this summer, according to a fresh Ibrox transfer claim.

Rangers preparing for Champions League clash

The Gers face an important game on Wednesday evening, taking on Panathinaikos in their Champions League qualifier, taking a 2-0 lead with them to Greece from the first leg at Ibrox.

The importance of Rangers making it into the Champions League group stage cannot be understated, with playing in Europe’s biggest club competition increasing their chances of signing top-quality players this summer.

Gers manager Russell Martin will know what a huge boost reaching the competition would be so early on in his tenure, but he has demanded more from his players after the 2-2 draw against Middlesbrough in a pre-season friendly.

“It can’t be a problem for us that, whenever you step on the pitch for this club and this team, you have to be all in, you have to be. There were some good moments in the first half, but you know, I think the thing to take is, when you’re not playing or not in the starting 11 right now – and, by the way, at the start of a very, very long season – we are gonna need everyone.”

It will be intriguing to see who Rangers sign between now and the end of the transfer window, but with Hamza Igamane potentially moving on, a new striker may be at the top of the list, with young Tottenham winger Mikey Moore set to come in on loan and a deal agreed with Go Ahead Eagles to sign winger Oliver Antman.

Rangers eyeing move for £7m ace

According to Germanijak [via Sport Witness], Rangers are still in the race to sign Westerlo forward Matija Frigan this summer, having been linked with him in the past, with one report claiming he is keen on moving to Ibrox.

While Spanish side Elche CF are confident of signing the 22-year-old for £5m, the report states that Westerlo are holding out for £7m instead, which they may not be able to afford. That could allow the Gers to jump and swoop for him.

Frigan stands out as a good option for Rangers, not least because he is still only 22 years of age, with his best years very much ahead of him.

Deal close: Rangers target who plays like Neymar chooses Ibrox

The Gers are now in pole position…

ByHenry Jackson Jul 28, 2025

He has been capped 15 times by Croatia at Under-21 level, scoring twice for them, as well as netting a combined seven times for the Under-18s and Under-19s.

For Westerlo, Frigan has scored 20 goals in 73 outings, which is a strong return, and while he is a centre forward by trade, he can also do a job out wide and in an attacking midfield role.

Croatia Under-21s

15

2

Croatia Under-19s

8

4

Croatia Under-18s

2

3

It remains to be seen if Rangers will table an offer for him this summer, but if they see him as a strong Igamane replacement, they should stump up the £7m and potentially pip Elche to his signature.

Manchester United are now in talks to sign an “incredible” striker who Ruben Amorim thinks is a perfect fit, according to a report.

Man Utd's striker pursuit takes new twist

Man United have set out to sign a new striker this summer, with Viktor Gyokeres being identified as a potential target, having recently made calls in an attempt to lure the Sweden international to Old Trafford.

The 27-year-old is determined to leave Sporting this summer, even threatening to speak to the media himself if the Portuguese club continue to stand in his way.

The Sporting star is worried that the £68m asking price could deter potential suitors from making a move, with the forward dreaming of making a move to Arsenal, and there has now been a new update on his future.

According to a report from The Mirror, United have now accepted defeat in the race for Gyokeres, as they are convinced he would rather sign for Mikel Arteta’s side, meaning they have now moved on to alternative targets.

The Red Devils are now stepping up their interest in Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins, having held tentative talks over a deal for the England international, with Amorim of the belief he would be the ideal player to lead the line.

A deal will not be cheap, however, with Villa set to hold out for a fee of £60m, which Man United are unwilling to pay, considering he is now 29-years-old, which means there is a lack of re-sale value.

Man Utd in contact for £34m star who's "the best in his role in the world"

The Red Devils have now approached the agents of a player who featured in the 2025 Champions League final.

ByDominic Lund Jul 3, 2025

There had been a willingness to use Marcus Rashford in a swap deal, but Unai Emery’s side are no longer interested in signing their former loanee.

Watkins could be "incredible" Gyokeres alternative

Of course, Amorim knows all about Gyokeres from their time working together at Sporting, and his goal record last season speaks for itself, but there are plenty of signs that Watkins could be a solid alternative.

Unlike Gyokeres, the Torquay-born forward has already proven himself over a number of years in the Premier League, picking up 75 goals and 36 assists in 184 appearances in the competition.

The Englishman also has experience at the highest level, most notably scoring a dramatic late winner to send the Three Lions to the Euro 2024 final.

Man United have made the mistake of signing players without Premier League experience in the past, with Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee failing to adapt to life in England, while Watkins has already proven himself to be a reliable source of goals.

It wouldn’t be all that controversial to claim that this season was a bit of a bust for Arsenal.

Mikel Arteta’s men did well to reach the semi-finals of the Champions League, but failing to win a domestic cup and finishing ten points off Premier League champions Liverpool was undeniably disappointing.

However, while the Gunners’ attack failed to spark this year, there were still some players who could go into the summer with their heads held high, like Declan Rice.

The former West Ham United captain was a force of nature in the middle of the park and was justifiably named the club’s Player of the Year for his efforts.

Fortunately, he could get even better next year, as reports have now heavily linked Arsenal to a dangerous goalscorer who’d be a dream teammate for the Englishman.

Arsenal target prolific goalscorers

As Arsenal still managed to create the best defence in the Premier League during their lacklustre campaign, it’s hardly a surprise that most of the players they have been linked with in recent weeks and months have been goalscorers.

Transfer Focus

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

For example, the most significant saga for the North Londoners so far has been around Benjamin Sesko, who scored 21 goals for RB Leipzig in 45 games this year.

Then, off the left, the primary target seems to be Real Madrid’s Rodrygo, who’s scored 14 goals in 52 games for the Spanish giants.

Interestingly, the Gunners were even linked with Bryan Mbeumo, who found the back of the net 20 times in 42 games for Brentford this year, at one point this summer.

Yet, another name has now firmly reentered the picture, and when it comes to scoring goals, nobody can hold a candle to him: Viktor Gyokeres.

Yes, according to a recent report from the Portuguese outlet Record, as relayed by Sport Witness, the Sporting CP star is now desperate to leave the club and join Arsenal this summer.

The report has revealed that the striker has expressed his desire to the Lisbon side’s president and informed them that he would not be returning to the club this summer in an attempt to force their hand into accepting offers totalling €70m, which comes to £60m, and stands at around €5m – £4m – less than the unofficial offer the Gunners made prior, per the report.

It might be an expensive transfer for Arsenal to get over the line, but given Gyokeres’ unreal ability in front of goal, it’s one they should pursue, especially as he could be a superb teammate for Rice.

Why Gyokeres would be a dream teammate for Rice

It will come as no surprise that the number one reason Gyokeres would be a dream teammate for Rice is his utterly absurd output, but there are two reasons for this, and the first is that he’d surely help the midfielder improve his own output.

For example, in just 52 appearances for Sporting this season, totalling 4248 minutes, the Stockholm-born “powerhouse,” as dubbed by respected analyst Ben Mattinson, was able to score 54 goals and provide 13 assists, which comes out to an out of this world average of 1.28 goal involvements per game, or one every 63.40 minutes.

Just imagine a striker as devastatingly effective as the Swedish international playing ahead of the Englishman, who has himself become more of an attacking threat since becoming the team’s left-eight; he’d certainly rack up more assists than the ten he managed this year and probably even a few more goals than the nine he scored to boot.

Appearances

52

Minutes

4248′

Goals

54

Assists

13

Goal Involvements per Match

1.28

Minutes per Goal Involvement

63.40′

On top of helping his own tally, though, it would also be a serious signal of intent to bring in someone so prolific and hopefully be the difference in getting the team over the line next year, in turn putting any potential doubt that the 25-year-old could start to have to rest.

Finally, on top of the mountain of goals the former Coventry City star might bring to the Emirates, he could also allow the Englishman the space to further develop his skills as a proper out-and-out left-eight.

We say this as the Sporting star’s heatmap from this season shows that he doesn’t drop into midfield very much at all, instead preferring to spend time in and around the penalty area, which in turn should give the former Irons star space to operate in without worrying about where his striker is.

Ultimately, while it won’t be cheap, Arsenal should do all they can to sign Gyokeres this summer, as not only could he fire the team to glory, but he could also help Rice reach another level entirely.

Arteta's own Mbeumo: Arsenal hold talks to sign £85m "generational talent"

The sensational attacker would be a game-changer for Arsenal.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jun 24, 2025

Liverpool are renowned for their savvy operating in the transfer market, having spent wisely across the past decade to reap illustrious rewards.

While the Reds are preparing to fork out a bank-breaking deal for 22-year-old Florian Wirtz, understood to be worth at least £116m, the playmaker is regarded as one of the most influential rising talents in the world, having already conquered his German homeland.

The Bayer Leverkusen star hasn’t finalised his move to Anfield yet, but there’s no question he will be playing in a Liverpool shirt next season, according to Fabrizio Romano.

However, Liverpool don’t always spend record-smashing fees on talented forwards. Indeed, Cody Gakpo has proved himself a worthy Premier League winner, going from strength to strength after his smart £35m signing in January 2023.

With Bayern Munich ceding defeat in the race for Wirtz, they have turned their attention to alternative targets – including Gakpo.

Surely, Liverpool can’t let their 25-year-old star leave.

Cody Gakpo's Liverpool future

Gakpo still has three years on his Liverpool contract, and after kicking on in Arne Slot’s system last term, will be confident that he can hit another level over the coming year.

Bayern seem to share the sentiment, but after receiving information that Liverpool have set an asking price of €100m (£84m), will likely shelve their curiosity.

This is good. Liverpool should not entertain the notion of selling their Dutch forward after his “monster” campaign, as has been said by journalist Declan Carr.

24/25

49

18

7

23/24

53

16

7

22/23

26

7

3

On the surface level, Gakpo hasn’t really made significant gains in regard to his output, but there’s no question he’s sharper, slicker and more effective in his nailed-down berth on the left wing.

Gakpo has the minerals to play well at centre-forward, but Liverpool are gearing up to sign a similar profile better suited to number nine.

Slot knows what he likes in a forward, and if he can sign a Gakpo-esque star with more of a centre-forward’s flair, the Merseysiders would move a confident step closer toward defending their crown.

Liverpool still in race for new forward

According to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, Liverpool are still in the running for Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike, though Chelsea have also retained their interest as Manchester United enter the race.

The sticking point? Frankfurt want €100m (£85m) for their striker, and their director, Markus Krösche, has actually declared, “If the price isn’t right, then he will stay with us.”

With the plan confirmed for Darwin Nunez’s summer sale, Liverpool need to sign a striker, and if a deal can be engineered for Ekitike, they might just hit the jackpot.

What Hugo Ekitike would bring to Liverpool

Ekitike, a product of Paris Saint-Germain’s academy, only scored four goals across 33 matches for PSG’s senior team before making the move to Germany, signing for Frankfurt for a €35m (£30m) fee.

But his present transfer price tells you everything you need to know about his journey over the past year and a half, having finished the 2022/23 campaign (as a loanee) with a strong burst of prolific form before notching 22 goals and 12 assists across the past season.

But how does he compare to Gakpo? And why, more importantly, does that matter? Well, both forwards are rangy and loose-limbed, with a confident, striding gait that owes to their underlying power and confidence on the ball.

Gakpo’s physicality as a 6 foot 4 sensation has seen him rise to become one of the foremost forwards in the Premier League, and it’s an attribute that the 6 foot 3 Ekitike must harness too.

Of course, the underlying data also suggests how Ekitike, growing into his skin as a high-level goalscorer, also boasts a wealth of creative qualities.

As per FBref, he ranks among the top 10% of forwards across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for assists, the top 6% for shot-creating actions, the top 4% for both progressive carries and successful take-ons, and the top 19% for ball recoveries per 90, the latter of which underscores his energy and movement.

With dynamic and fluid players such as Manchester City’s Omar Marmoush and Ousmane Dembele, PSG superstar, among Ekitike’s most statistically similar players, as per FBref, the France talent’s likeness to Gakpo is clear, for both players can operate between focal and wide attacking roles.

To be sure, Ekitike is not the finished product and needs to make further steps in his development if he is to justify such a price tag as £85m – or thereabouts.

But he’s immensely skilled, balanced and vibrant in his football. As per Sofascore, he made 12 big chances in the Bundesliga last season, also showing his combative side with an average of 4.2 duels won per match.

Analyst Ben Mattinson has also dubbed him “one of the best strikers out there”, which makes a telling comment on his current level and, indeed, how much better he could yet become.

Moreover, Ekitike has played the lion’s share of his career as a central striker, but across the four matches fielded on the left flank, he has scored one goal and provided two assists for his teammates. Thus, he’s blessed with a positional dynamism that furthers the argument of him being Slot’s new version of Gakpo.

In a mirror image, however, the Frenchman’s prowess lies as the focal frontman, with his qualities at variance with Gakpo’s in the best way, a way that could raise Liverpool’s level and propel them toward more silverware, more success.

Isak upgrade: Liverpool hold talks to sign the "best CF on the market"

Liverpool’s Darwin Nunez gamble hasn’t paid off – now a replacement could be on the cards…

5 ByRobbie Walls Jun 12, 2025

Manchester United have already wasted no time in the transfer market, already making huge additions to the first-team squad, after the window opened on Sunday.

Matheus Cunha has already been confirmed as a Red Devils player, costing £62.5m from Wolverhampton Wanderers, looking to hand Ruben Amorim a new option in attacking areas.

However, after the club finished 15th in the Premier League this season, it’s evident that more changes are needed to prevent such a situation from reoccurring in the future.

It presents the manager with the perfect chance to overhaul the squad and recruit players he wants to fit the 3-4-2-1 system after taking the reins back in November.

Hefty funds are likely to be spent this summer to try and right the wrongs of 2024/25, with countless names continuously being linked with a switch to Old Trafford during the off-season.

The latest on United’s hunt for new additions this summer

All areas of the United team have been subject to improvements during the ongoing window, with various names from all over the world touted for moves to join Amorim’s side.

Ronald Araujo, Ederson and Gonçalo Ramos have all been mentioned as potential summer targets, but no deals have been completed for any of the trio as of yet.

However, progress appears to have been made on a deal to sign Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo after the Cameroonian confirmed he wanted to join the club earlier this week.

Man United Sources’ latest update confirms that an agreement for personal terms is edging closer, with the club and player set to agree on a £175k-per-week contract.

It’s been reported elsewhere that the Bees are demanding a package in the region of £70m to part ways with the 25-year-old, who’s scored 20 league goals this season.

Why United’s £70m target could be Amorim’s next Amad

Amad Diallo is a player who has taken his career to the next level at United this season, cementing himself as a key player within Amorim’s system at Old Trafford.

The Ivorian was given a chance to star by the 40-year-old after previously being handed limited opportunities by former boss Erik ten Hag – something which he’s taken full advantage of.

The 22-year-old has registered 11 goals and eight assists across all competitions, with eight of his efforts coming in the Premier League – making him the joint-top scorer along with Bruno Fernandes.

Amad can operate in a wing-back or attacking midfield role, often liking to cut inside onto his favoured left foot and get shots off, which has led to his impressive numbers in 2024/25.

Mbeumo could replicate such success at Old Trafford, given the fact he plays in a similar position and has also been known to cut inside off the right at Brentford.

His underlying stats in the Premier League this campaign are just as impressive, managing to better Amad in various key areas, which will inject added quality into the manager’s side.

The Bees star, who’s been labelled a “monster” by one analyst, has registered more combined goals and assists, along with a higher shot on target accuracy rate – handing the manager an added threat in front of goal.

Games played

38

26

Goals & assists

27

14

Shot-on-target accuracy

43%

36%

Progressive passes

3.7

2.8

Passes into final third

1.7

1.2

% of tackles won

60%

59%

Clearances made

1.5

0.9

Take-on success

47%

46%

He’s also managed to complete more progressive passes and more passes into the final third, allowing the players ahead of him to improve their own tallies as a result.

Mbeumo’s dominance doesn’t end there, winning more of the tackles he’s entered, whilst making more clearances – having the tools to star in a right wing-back role if needed.

£70m may seem like another mammoth investment from the board, but it’s one that would massively improve the options available to Amorim in various key areas.

The prospect of the Cameroonian at Old Trafford is certainly an exciting one, potentially being a deadly player in the final third – especially if he manages to follow in Amad’s footsteps in the North West.

Dorgu upgrade: Man Utd make "one of the best LBs in the PL" a top target

Man Utd could look to strengthen their wing-back options this summer

ByRobbie Walls Jun 4, 2025

Arsenal continue to be busy planning their next moves, with five days remaining to register new players early doors before the first mini-window shuts on June 10.

Arsenal striker search ongoing with Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko targeted

The consensus among reliable media outlets is that Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko are Arsenal’s two priority striker targets – amid some whispers the club are still debating Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins as well (The Athletic).

Arsenal discuss signing £80m Sesko and Gyokeres alternative who'd love to join

The Gunners’ striker search is an ongoing fascination.

1 ByEmilio Galantini Jun 5, 2025

As per the BBC and journalist Sami Mokbel, Arsenal are discussing the frameworks of deals for both Gyokeres and Sesko, before sporting Andrea Berta, Mikel Arteta and the Gunners’ recruitment team formally decide which number nine to go for.

What is absolutely non-negotiable, though, is the club’s glaring for a prolific striker.

19/20 – winter

£0

20/21 – summer

£81.5m

20/21 – winter

£900k

21/22 – summer

£156.8m

21/22 – winter

£1.8m

22/23 – summer

£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

23/24 – summer

£208m

23/24 – winter

£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

24/25 – winter

£0

Arsenal scored just 69 goals in the Premier League last season – a far cry from the 91 and 88 they’d scored in the previous two campaigns – and their struggle to break sides down resulted in them drawing more games than any other side in the top half.

The stats never lie, and these numbers tell a story that Arteta is in dire need of a vocal point up front.

One of Arsenal’s options, Sesko, is fresh off the back of 21 goals in all competitions, and “concrete talks” have been held. According to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, they’re the “only” side to go this far, despite Man United’s interest.

Arsenal could advance Benjamin Sesko deal in "next few days"

Speaking on The Football Terrace this week, reliable journalist Ben Jacobs has shared an update on the north Londoners’ complex pursuit.

Arsenal could advance on a deal for Sesko in the next few days, but it would require Leipzig to be flexible on his asking price. The Gunners ideally want to strike an agreement for around £59 million, whereas his release clause is currently nearer the £70m mark.

“They’ve made contact with Leipzig in the last three days,” said Jacobs.

“They have discussed whether or not there is flexibility beneath the variable release clause, set at the moment around €80 million. That’s why that one’s taking time, because Arsenal want to do Sesko for €70 million, or within that ballpark.

“I think, if Leipzig show flexibility, there is a concrete possibility that one advances in the next few days. The earlier contact with Leipzig in January is very key to this, because they were respectful of the player wanting to see out the season, and of Leipzig not wanting to sell mid-season.

“That strengthens Arsenal’s position in Sesko negotiations, because now Leipzig have a good relationship with Arsenal.”

The Slovenia international is gaining a reputation as a very “underrated” option in the market, and while his goal record is modest, Sesko’s speed, power and height arguably make him tailor-made for Premier League football.

With Liam Delap on his way to Chelsea, Ipswich Town are now reportedly looking to sign a former Championship forward worth over £20m, and he’s already scored at Portman Road.

Ipswich looking to replace Delap

It’s a big summer for the Tractor Boys. After suffering relegation at the first time of asking in the Premier League, those at Portman Road must reassess and go again in the Championship. On that front, Kieran McKenna will of course have his sights set on earning a place back in the top flight, avoiding any further drop-off in the process next season.

If "sensational" Ipswich star leaves, it would be as disastrous as Delap

Ipswich Town could also lose this sensational star away from just Liam Delap leaving Portman Road.

ByKelan Sarson May 23, 2025

In pursuit of that, however, the Ipswich boss will have to cope without star man Delap. The talented striker is reportedly set to join Chelsea this summer after the Blues triggered his relegation release clause ahead of the summer transfer window. Landing a bargain deal worth just £30m, it seems only a matter of time before Delap is presented as Enzo Maresca’s latest signing.

Just how Ipswich replace Delap is the question that they must now consider this summer. Already, names such as Divin Mubama have threatened to steal the headlines, but whether the Tractor Boys go two for two when it comes to signing talented Manchester City gems remains to be seen.

The young forward has struggled to gain first-team opportunities at the Etihad, but is valued at around £10m nonetheless. Given how successful their deal to sign Delap was last summer, Ipswich may see Mubama as an ideal opportunity to splash out again on Premier League talent.

Mubama isn’t the only option on Ipswich’s radar, however, with those at Portman Road also reportedly setting their sights on an MLS star.

Ipswich now looking to sign Latte Lath

According to EFL Analysis, Ipswich are now looking to sign Emmanuel Latte Lath from Atlanta United this summer. The 26-year-old left Middlesbrough to join the MLS side for a reported £22.5m during the January transfer window, but could already be on his way back to the Championship courtesy of the Tractor Boys.

Having been interested in signing Latte Lath during the last summer window, themselves, Ipswich’s interest reportedly remains following their Premier League relegation. Given how proven the forward is in England’s second tier too, that interest certainly makes sense.

Appearances

59

Goals

27

Assists

4

It was during his time in the Championship that the Atlanta striker proved his goalscoring prowess in front of McKenna and Ipswich when he found the back of the net in a 1-1 draw at Portman Road in the 2023/24 campaign.

It was also a spell in which Latte Lath found himself at the centre of Michael Carrick’s praise. The Middlesbrough manager told reporters back in October: “We’ve got really good players in the squad and there’s times when players are going to be in or maybe don’t start the game.

“But I thought Manu coming off the bench, fresh and sharp like he is, would be a big benefit for us tonight. I was delighted with him, his reaction to not playing was also fantastic as you’d expect and hope for. Everyone shared that love.”

An “unbelievable” Premier League star is now emerging as a key summer target for David Moyes and Everton, according to a report.

Moyes eyeing major summer rebuild

Much to the fans’ dismay, the Toffees have regularly been drawn into relegation battles over the past few years, narrowly avoiding the drop under the helm of Frank Lampard, before being led to safety by Sean Dyche the following season.

Dyche was ultimately dimissed earlier in the current campaign, with Moyes being brought in to steady the ship ahead of the move to Bramley-Moore Dock this summer, which marks the start of an exciting new era for the Blues.

The hope will be the move to the new stadium will give Moyes a platform to turn the Merseyside club back into European contenders, but for that to transpire, the manager may need to reshape his squad in the summer window.

Everton set to cut ties with "outstanding" 93 career-goal ace in summer exit

He’s been a valiant servant at Goodison Park…

BySean Markus Clifford May 12, 2025

With Abdoulaye Doucoure, Idrissa Gueye and Orel Mangala currently set to depart, new options may be needed in central midfield, with Angel Gomes and Sean Longstaff of interest, while Tim Kleindienst could replace Dominic Calvert-Lewin at striker.

According to a report from GiveMeSport, Moyes is also looking to upgrade his defensive options this summer, with Manchester City centre-back John Stones now emerging as one of Everton’s key targets.

Stones, who left the Toffees to join Man City for £47.5m in 2016, was initially brought to Goodison Park by Moyes as a youngster, and the manager is now eyeing a summer reunion, with just 12 points remaining on the defender’s current deal.

Injuries have been a real problem for the former Barnsley man, and a move back to Merseyside could be an attractive proposition, should the Blues be willing to offer him the security of a long-term deal.

"Unbelievable" Stones could be marquee signing

There will be some justified concerns about the 30-year-old’s injury record, having been limited to just 11 appearances in the Premier League this season, but should he manage to stay fit, the City defender could be a marquee signing for Everton.

While game time has been limited, the Englishman has managed to impress when given the opportunity over the past year, particularly impressing in an attacking sense, ranking in the top 1% for goals and assists per 90, when compared to other centre-backs.

Statistic

Average per 90

Non penalty-goals

0.30 (99th percentile)

Assists

0.20 (99th percentile)

Progressive carries

2.07 (99th percentile)

Pass completion %

93.9% (98th percentile)

Not only that, but the ex-Everton man received very high praise from teammate Manuel Akanji after a top performance in the Champions League final against Inter Milan, with the Swiss defender lauding him as “unbelievable”.

The report makes it clear that Moyes is looking to build a squad capable of competing in the upper echelons of the table next season, and given his top-level experience, Stones could be an ideal addition.