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Former Argentina striker Hernan Crespo has opened up on the "damned story" of AC Milan's Champions League final loss in Istanbul to Liverpool in 2005. Despite scoring twice in a 3-0 first-half lead, the Milan, Inter, Lazio and Parma legend admits the specific defeat is a major career regret and one that he still finds difficult to discuss.

• Champions League final loss still stings after 20 years

  Crespo has admitted the Rossoneri's infamous 2005 Champions League final defeat to Liverpool is a "damned story" that he struggled with for years. In a wide-ranging interview with Italian outlet , the 50-year-old, who scored twice in the final, reflected on the most painful moments of a decorated playing career.

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  The 'damned story' of Istanbul 2005

  Crespo was central to one of the most memorable finals in the competition's history. AC Milan stormed to a 3-0 half-time lead at the Ataturk Olympic Stadium, with captain Paolo Maldini opening the scoring in the first minute before Crespo added a clinical brace in the 39th and 44th minutes. However, a remarkable six-minute spell in the second half saw Liverpool draw level through Steven Gerrard, Vladimir Smicer and Xabi Alonso, before eventually winning 3-2 on penalties. The defeat remains iconic among fans, but a significant regret for the Argentine.

  Asked what the biggest regret of his career is, he said: "Istanbul 2005, Champions League final between Milan and Liverpool. After Maldini's goal, I scored a brace, we finished the first half 3-0 up, and then the English came back and we lost on penalties. It's not easy to stomach a defeat after scoring a brace… For years, I didn't want to watch that match again. Only recently have I made peace with that damned story. But let's not dwell too much, otherwise I'll get angry again."

• Praise for Argentina successor Lautaro Martinez

  Crespo, who scored 35 goals in 64 appearances for his country, also commented on being overtaken in Argentina's all-time top scorer list by Inter captain Lautaro Martinez. The Inter star is currently level with the ex-Chelsea forward but is expected to overtake him and take fourth spot, behind Sergio Aguero, Gabriel Batistuta and Lionel Messi.

  "He's a complete striker, and he's proven it over the years at Inter and with Argentina," Crespo said. "He's deadly in the penalty area, and he sees the goal like few others. He knows how to play as a team, communicates with his teammates, and attacks the spaces. He's a good dribbler. What more can I say? Yes, I consider him a champion. He has personality, opposing defenders fear him and double-mark him. This means he's reached full maturity."

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• World Cup 'regret' with Argentina's golden generation

  Despite a stellar club career with Parma, Lazio, Inter, and Chelsea, Crespo revealed his failure to win a World Cup with a talented Argentina side remains a major source of disappointment. Playing alongside the likes of Batistuta, Juan Sebastian Veron and Diego Simeone, Crespo's national team career ended with quarter-final exits in 1998 and 2006, and a group stage elimination in 2002.

  "Throughout my career, I've chased the World Cup: my generation was born with the myth of Maradona and the 1986 Cup," he explained. "We dreamed of making the Argentinians relive those magical moments, but we didn't succeed. It's a regret I carry with me."

Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson has dropped an important injury claim regarding one of his teammates ahead of the Champions League clash with Atlético Madrid.

Van Dik excited about "fantastic" Isak

The Premier League champions won 1-0 at Burnley on Sunday afternoon, being frustrated for large periods but winning it through a last-gasp Mohamed Salah penalty.

Liverpool could have done with new signing Alexander Isak’s ruthlessness at times, and speaking after the game, captain Virgil van Dijk waxed lyrical over the Swede, having trained with him last week.

“Very good! Listen, he is going to be very important for the football club. Obviously he is a fantastic player and he has to realise that this is another step up, there’s more things to be asked from him on and off the pitch, but I’m not worried whatsoever.

“He is going to do pretty well, like the other new boys as well. It’s time for him now to get as fit as possible as quickly as possible and be important with goals, with link-up play – like Hugo [Ekitike] is already as well. It’s good to have competition. We have to push each other to be successful and I’m confident that will be the case.”

Alisson drops injury update regarding teammate

Speaking to ESPN after the Burnley game [via Sport Witness], Alisson claimed that Alexis Mac Allister should be fine after being on the end of a bad tackle at Turf Moor, suggesting he should be fit for Liverpool’s visit of Atlético Madrid on Wednesday, also praising the Reds’ new signings.

“He’s a very strong man. Nothing’s wrong with him, he was just in a bit of pain. I think he’s fine.

“All the players who left were important. Lucho, Darwin, they all made a difference for us with goals or their playing, fighting, defending. They had good energy, and we miss them. The ones who arrived are stars, they’re doing very well with their contributions, they have a lot of quality. It’s clear we want to improve because we need to; we have many competitions to play.”

Mac Allister hasn’t quite got going this season, having been injured at one point, and he was off the pace at Burnley, perhaps due to his exploits for Argentina during the international break.

That said, the 26-year-old still has a strong claim for being Liverpool’s most important midfielder, with his blend of quality, work rate, intelligence and leadership making him one of the first names on the team sheet.

It will be interesting to see if Arne Slot starts Mac Allister against Atlético, though, perhaps deciding to give him a breather, partnering Ryan Gravenberch with Dominik Szoboszlai.

Big-money Liverpool star is now in danger of becoming Slot's new Nunez

Arne Slot will already be concerned that this expensive Liverpool attacker is turning into his next Darwin Nunez.

2

By
Kelan Sarson

Sep 15, 2025

That would then allow Mac Allister to be fresh for Saturday’s Merseyside derby clash with Everton at Anfield, which is the more important game at this stage of the season.

Manchester City are leading the race for a “world-class” star, and they are now prepared to explore a deal in the January transfer window.

Man City looking at signing new forward after slow start

Man City’s opening match was full of promise, picking up an impressive 4-0 victory at Wolverhampton Wanderers, but they have since gone on to lose their last two matches, and Rodri was very critical of the performance in the 2-1 loss at Brighton.

The 2024 Ballon d’Or winner said: “Some of the mistakes we are making are kids’ mistakes; you are not concentrating and paying attention. The reality is that we have to raise the level if we want to compete.”

Pep Guardiola initially attempted to ‘raise the level’ by overhauling his squad during the summer transfer window, although there were very few additions in forward areas, with the now injured Rayan Cherki the only outright attacker to move to the Etihad Stadium.

That is despite City being heavily linked with a new winger, and at one stage they were preparing an offer for Rodrygo, but the Brazilian ultimately ended up remaining at Real Madrid.

However, there has now been a new update on Man City’s pursuit of Rodrygo, with a report from Caught Offside revealing they are leading the race for the 24-year-old’s signature. It is claimed that the forward is seen as a “perfect fit” and a “key piece” in City’s fluid attacking system.

During the summer transfer window, Arsenal were informed that Madrid would be prepared to listen to offers of around €80m (£69m), which suggests it may take a similar amount to get a deal done this winter, with City now willing to explore a January move.

More rounded than Isak & Haaland: Man City must rue losing 'world's best CF'

Manchester City must regret selling a centre-forward sensation who could rival Erling Haaland and Alexander Isak

By
Will Miller

Sep 6, 2025

Interestingly, Madrid are open to cashing-in on the Brazil international this summer, which may be music to Pep’s ears, given that the 54-year-old is known to be a long-term admirer.

"World-class" Rodrygo could take Man City's attack to next level

Oscar Bobb has made a decent start to the season, scoring at the Club World Cup, before going on to pick up an assist against Wolves on the opening day, but the Norwegian is still yet to truly establish himself at the top level.

As such, Pep may be keen to bring in a more proven winger this winter, and the Real Madrid forward is now a seasoned Brazil international, scoring seven goals in 33 appearances for his country, while also picking up 119 goal contributions in 272 outings for his current employers.

Journalist Kyle Bonn has previously praised the former Santos man for his ability to put away chances, which is evidenced by the fact he has averaged 0.35 non-penalty goals per 90 over the past year, despite being expected to score 0.21 per 90.

Rodrygo could take Man City’s attack to the next level, so it is exciting news that they have now moved into pole position in the race for his signature.

Olivier Giroud has revealed that he plans to retire at Lille, calling the French club "most certainly" the last he will play for. The 39-year-old striker, France’s all-time top scorer, returned to Ligue 1 in the summer after a stint in MLS. Despite Lille’s inconsistent form, Giroud remains focused on finishing strong in what could be the final chapter of his storied career.

• Giroud ready to hang up his boots at Lille

  The 2018 World Cup winner has hinted that his ongoing season with Lille will mark the end of a journey spanning nearly two decades at the top level. The former Arsenal, Chelsea and AC Milan forward, who returned to France after a spell at LAFC in the United States, has already scored three goals in eight appearances, showing that he remains a valuable asset in Ligue 1.

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  Giroud on retirement plans: 'Most certainly my last club'

  The 39-year-old, who turns 40 in 2026, discussed his future plans during an appearance on RMC’s , confirming that his time with Les Dogues will likely be his farewell to professional football. 

  Reflecting on his current campaign and what lies ahead, Giroud kept things straightforward and said: “I’m focusing on this year, making sure it goes well and we’ll take stock at the end.”

  When asked if Lille could be his last club, the veteran striker didn’t hesitate.

  “Absolutely,” he replied, before adding: “Most certainly.”

• From Montpellier to Milan: A decorated career comes full circle

  Giroud's journey is one of late bloom and lasting excellence. After humble beginnings at Grenoble, Istres and Tours, his breakout season at Montpellier saw him win the Ligue 1 title and Golden Boot in 2012. That success paved the way for stints in England and Italy, where he lifted major honours with Arsenal, Chelsea and AC Milan.

  His brief spell at Los Angeles FC in MLS was less impressive statistically, producing five goals and three assists in 37 appearances. However, he did help the side to a U.S. Open Cup triumph and a Club World Cup appearance. Now back in France, his experience has been invaluable to a youthful Lille side adjusting after Jonathan David’s departure.

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  Lille’s struggles and Giroud’s final test

  Despite Giroud’s steady form, Lille have endured a mixed start to their campaign. Bruno Genesio men sit seventh in Ligue 1 after a 1-1 draw with Paris Saint-Germain and back-to-back defeats to Lyon and Lens, though their Europa League win over Roma offered a glimpse of their potential.

  As Les Dogues push for European qualification, Giroud will aim to lead by example one final time ending his storied career where it all began, in front of French fans who have followed his rise from Montpellier to Milan and now, back home to Lille.

Former USMNT forward Herculez Gomez hailed Christian Pulisic’s excellent start to the season for AC Milan. Gomez highlighted the USMNT star’s transformation since moving to Serie A, contrasting his consistency with the flashes of brilliance – but ultimate inconsistency – that characterized him at previous clubs in his career.

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  Milan move unlocks Pulisic

  Gomez contextualized Pulisic's journey through European football, noting that while the Pennsylvania native showed undeniable quality during his previous stints, consistency proved elusive. Pulisic had a breakthrough at Dortmund as a teenager, and then a  promising but injury-interrupted stint at Chelsea before moving to Milan.

  “Christian Pulisic here, you’re talking about those moments he had of brilliance against teams like Real Madrid while he was a Dortmund,” Gomez said on the Futbol Americas podcast. "And then he would go to Chelsea and he had isolated moments. Champions League runs. He was a big part against Porto. He was a big part against Real Madrid and of why they advanced to the final and in winning the Champions League. And during that Premier League, Chelsea run, it was lockdown Pulisic.

  "He had a good string of games where, like, this is exactly who we thought Christian Pulisic was going to be. And as many, in the pool players for Chelsea found out, it wasn't going to be that way. His future wasn't at that club. Now he comes over to AC Milan, and he's been there just over two seasons. And since the time that Christian Pulisic has been in Milan, has been in Serie A, he has absolutely without a doubt been one of the best players in the league, by far."

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• Statistical dominance

  Gomez emphasized Pulisic's statistical impact in Italy's top flight this season, as the American has established himself as the league's most productive attacking player.

  “Easy to say he's productive," Gomez said. "Since he got to Italy, 46 goal contributions, goals and assist – more than any other player in Italian football. Lautaro Martinez, more than him – and he was a Ballon d’Or candidate a few seasons ago. And I'm not talking shortlist of 30, I'm talking about top-five type player. Christian Pulisic is on an epic run that he's never been on.

  “And you can say what you want about Serie A… this is a very good league, tactically, very difficult to be productive in. And Christian Pulisic is being productive. And he's being productive with all types of coaches. He's being productive in all types of systems.”

  Gomez said that Pulisic is finally reaching his potential.

  “He is now, who many thought he could be," he said. "If you're asking yourself, the world, if Christian Pulisic is world-class, here's the evidence. It's not fandom. It's what he's doing right now, what he's been doing in Serie A and what hopefully he stays healthy and will continue to do to do.”

• Gold Cup controversy

  Gomez also addressed Pulisic's controversial decision to skip this summer's CONCACAF Gold Cup to rest his body in preparation for the season ahead. He suggested the American's form represents clear vindication of that choice.

  “He decided that the best thing for himself in the summer was to take a break, because his body needed it,” Gomez said.. “Most people don’t know… he had a hip issue. So he decided to prioritize his health and not go with the USMNT in a secondary tournament… when he decided that, he’s now proving that was best for his health."

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  Milan's recent success

  The timing of Pulisic's career renaissance couldn't be better for both his club and country with the American thriving so far this season. He has contributed to eight goals in seven games, a tally that includes six in the Serie A alone. The Rossoneri face Juventus next before the October international break on Oct. 5.

Newcastle United are in the box seat to qualify for the Champions League via a top-five finish in the Premier League. The Magpies, who lost their most recent outing 1-0 away to Arsenal, currently occupy third spot with one game to go.

With 66 points to their name, a win would guarantee Eddie Howe’s side a place in next season’s premier European club competition, although a draw might not be enough, given they are just one point clear of seventh-place Nottingham Forest. It is in their hands, so they must beat Everton at home.

If they do return to the competition next term, attacking reinforcements would certainly strengthen their case to help them go on a run in the competition.

Newcastle’s latest attacking target

Newcastle seem keen to add strength and depth to their forward line this summer, and one player who has been constantly linked with a move to St James’ Park is Bryan Mbeumo who has been excellent in 2024/25.

Transfer Focus

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

Now, according to a new report from GIVEMESPORT, the Magpies ‘are firmly in the race’ to bring Mbeumo to the club this summer.

Manager Howe, who brought silverware to the club this term after 56 years, views the attacker ‘as a standout target for Newcastle’ this summer.

However, this is not a deal that will come cheap. The report suggests that the Cameroon international will cost the North Eastern side £60m, with Manchester United, Nottingham Forest and Arsenal all interested in signing the attacker, too.

Why Mbeumo would be a good signing

It has been a really strong season for Brentford in 2024/25, who themselves are pushing for a European spot. It is perhaps no coincidence that the Bees’ excellent campaign has aligned with a personal year to remember for Mbeumo.

The 25-year-old, who came through French side Troyes’ academy, has been one of the Premier League’s standout players this term. He was nominated for the Player of the Season award, which he described as a “crazy” feeling.

Well, the stats don’t lie, and Mbeumo’s goal and assist numbers are exceptional. He’s managed 19 goals and eight assists in 37 games, playing 3,327 minutes. That leaves him with an average of one goal involvement every 123 minutes.

Should the Magpies bring the winger to the club, he could prove to be a wonderful addition to an attack that includes Anthony Gordon. It has also been a terrific campaign for the England international, who has managed nine goals and seven assists in 41 games across all competitions.

One of Gordon’s biggest contributions came in the Carabao Cup. Although he was suspended for the final, the Merseyside-born winger scored in both semi-final legs against Arsenal to help guide Newcastle to Wembley, where they ultimately lifted the trophy.

Well, perhaps Mbeumo can become the right-sided Gordon in this Newcastle side. They play on opposite flanks, and with Gordon being right-footed on the left and the Brentford man left-footed on the right, both like to cut inside on their stronger foot and look to get a shot off.

They are also statistically similar via FBref from this season. For example, the Brentford attacker averages 1.84 key passes and 0.54 goal-creating actions per 90 minutes. In comparison, Newcastle’s number 10 averages 1.92 key passes and 0.45 goal-creating actions each game.

Football statistician Statman Dave described Mbeumo as a “deadly” attacker, and with the numbers he has put up this season, it is easy to see why. There is no doubt, he would enhance the Newcastle attack, and could well become the second coming of Gordon.

Although £60m is a large fee, the winger is seemingly worth the money, so perhaps the Magpies should take the plunge and bring Mbeumo to St James’ Park next season.

100% duels lost: 4/10 Newcastle dud must never start for the club again

Newcastle United are now hanging onto third spot in the Premier League after a narrow 1-0 defeat away at Arsenal.

By
Kelan Sarson

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Shifting their focus towards the summer transfer window, Aston Villa have now reportedly added a record-breaking forward to their list of targets, with sporting director Monchi getting ready to pounce.

Aston Villa battling PSR again this summer

As Unai Emery’s side go in pursuit of Champions League qualification, those at Villa Park should be keen to point out the consequences that may occur should they fail to break into the top five in the final two games of the Premier League campaign. With PSR concerns hanging over their head, the Midlands club are on course for a difficult summer, which may leave them in a position with no choice but to sell at least one key man.

Just who leaves as a result of their PSR troubles remains to be seen, but that hasn’t stopped the transfer rumours from coming thick and fast regarding Aston Villa’s most important players.

Recent reports have seen both Ollie Watkins and Morgan Rogers linked with moves away to the likes of Chelsea and Liverpool and, although both sales would instantly ease their PSR problems, Villa will be well aware of just how much of an impact both make on Emery’s side.

Emery, himself, was recently full of praise for Watkins after he became Villa’s best-ever Premier League goalscorer, telling reporters: “Ollie Watkins is very fantastic. How he plays consistently here and his career as a player, he is very humble and trying to improve every day. He is not relaxing – he is always trying to do his work. His work is fantastic.”

Monchi and Aston Villa are now close to signing £13m star who Emery loves

Emery is reportedly pushing for the deal to happen.

By
Tom Cunningham

May 13, 2025

However, as “fantastic” as Watkins is, Emery may have no choice but to find a replacement for his star striker when the summer arrives and could even turn towards La Liga to do exactly that.

Aston Villa set sights on Sorloth

According to Caught Offside, Aston Villa have now added Alexander Sorloth to their summer shortlist and Monchi is already plotting a move to sign the Atletico Madrid forward. Racing alongside Newcastle United for his signature, the Villans will hope to welcome the 6 foot 4 target man if Watkins departs to instantly solve their striker problem.

If there were any doubts over Sorloth’s ability, then his record-breaking hat-trick against Real Sociedad last time out should have put those to bed once and for all. Adding three more goals to take his total to 21 for the season, the 29-year-old striker could be one to watch when the summer transfer window swings open.

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

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

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

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

Tottenham transfer news

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

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

A slightly cheaper and far younger option is Tyler Dibling.

Transfer Focus

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

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

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

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

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

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

Why Bowen would be Spurs' best winger

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Postecoglou has dropped a worrying injury update ahead of Tottenham’s crucial Europa League tie.

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Manchester United remain in contact with the representatives of a £60 million star who rejected them three years ago, according to a new report.

Hojlund "not good enough" for United as new striker links emerge

After what has already been one of the most dismal seasons in the club’s history, Manchester United’s misery deepened on Sunday as they fell to a 1-0 defeat against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Old Trafford.

A stunning free-kick from Pablo Sarabia sealed the win for Wolves, who are now level on points with United following the result. It was another underwhelming performance from Ruben Amorim’s side, but one player who drew particularly sharp criticism was striker Rasmus Hojlund.

The Danish forward failed to find the net once again, leaving his Premier League goal tally at just three for the season.

Former Tottenham midfielder Jamie O’Hara didn’t hold back in his assessment of the 22-year-old’s display.

“Hojlund makes a massive mess of it,” O’Hara said, referencing a key moment during a United counter-attack, according to Football 365. “He’s driving through. Mainoo has made a great run. He’s in acres of space. It’s not even a hard pass and Mainoo would have a free shot on goal.”

“But Hojlund takes 20 minutes to get it out of his feet and Wolves get back to make a tackle. That sums up his Man United career: not good enough, nowhere near good enough. Hojlund does nothing up front on his own.”

United remain in contact with Sesko

If United are to bounce back next term, there’s no doubt they need to upgrade on Hojlund. A number of high-profile strikers have already been linked with a move to Old Trafford this summer, including Napoli’s Victor Osimhen and Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap. Another name reportedly under serious consideration is RB Leipzig forward Benjamin Šeško.

According to the Manchester Evening News, despite Šeško turning down a move to United three years ago, the club has “maintained contact” with his representatives in the hope of reigniting a deal this summer. That ongoing communication offers some hope that the Slovenian striker could be persuaded to make the switch to Old Trafford this time around.

Leipzig value the 21-year-old at around £60 million, and he’s enjoyed a breakout season, scoring 20 goals and providing six assists in 41 appearances across all competitions – including 12 goals in the Bundesliga.

Speaking to TNT Sports, via Mail Online, Leipzig teammate Yussuf Poulsen hailed Šeško as the best striker he’s ever played alongside – no small praise considering Poulsen has previously partnered with the likes of Timo Werner, Christopher Nkunku, Matheus Cunha, Loïs Openda, André Silva and Hojlund.

“As a striker, he’s the best I’ve played with,” said Poulsen. “If you look at his abilities, he has everything a top number 9 needs. He’s still young and still learning – not necessarily the technical side of being a striker, but more the finesse. He has it all: strength, shooting, technique – everything.”

Sesko, 6 foot 4, was previously compared to Erling Haaland as a youngster due to his combination of lightning pace and sheer power.

Of all Mikel Arteta’s signings as Arsenal boss, there has perhaps been none as controversial as Kai Havertz.

Since the German joined the club for £65m in the summer of 2023, he has faced his fair share of criticism from fans and pundits alike, and considering his slow start to life in North London, scoring one goal and providing one assist in his first 12 Premier League games, it’s wasn’t hard to see why.

However, once he moved up top, things started to look much, much better, and before his hamstring injury in February, the German international had amassed a tally of 32 goal involvements in 47 appearances there for the club.

Yet, if recent reports are to be believed, even a rate of return such as that might not be enough to keep him in the starting lineup, as the club are now confident of signing one of Europe’s most exciting strikers.

Arsenal's striker search

Before getting to the striker in question, it’s worth looking at some of the other top poachers Arsenal are reportedly interested in ahead of the summer transfer window, such as Benjamin Sesko.

The Slovenian international could be available for around £58m at the end of the season and with a tally of 20 goals and six assists in just 41 appearances, that could prove to be value for money.

Closer to home, the Gunners have kept Aston Villa star Ollie Watkins on their shortlist.

Transfer Focus

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

The Englishman is a player liked by new Sporting Director Andrea Berta, and, with a haul of 29 goal involvements in 49 games this term, it’s not hard to see why, although he’s still some way off the club’s most exciting target: Viktor Gyokeres.

According to a recent report from Spain, the North Londoners have maintained their strong interest in the Sporting CP monster and are now ‘confident’ of securing his signature.

However, there is still the small case of his fee, which, according to the report, would be around €70m, which comes out to about £60m.

While that’s a sizable sum of money, this is still a transfer Arsenal should do all they can to get over the line, as Gyokeres could be transformational for them, even if he’d be bad news for Havertz.

How Gyokeres compares to Havertz

Should Arsenal get this transfer over the line and bring Gyokeres to the Emirates next season, it would undoubtedly be with the intention of having him start as many games as possible.

So, that would also mean that, when fit again, Havertz would be his primary competition for regular game time, but who comes out on top when we compare them?

Well, despite his decent rate of return in the last year or so, the Sporting CP star wipes the floor with the former Chelsea ace when it comes to their raw output, which is, of course, the most important metric for a number nine.

For example, in 46 appearances, totalling 3700 minutes, the Stockholm-born “powerhouse,” as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, has scored 47 goals and provided 11 assists.

That means he’s currently averaging 1.26 goal involvements per game or one every 63.79 minutes, which only lends credence to ESPN Head Writer Mark Ogdan’s claim that he’s “the hottest striker in Europe.”

In comparison, prior to his injury, the former Bayer Leverkusen star had amassed a tally of 15 goals and five assists in 34 appearances, totalling 2776 minutes, which comes out to a less impressive average of a goal involvement every 1.70 games or one every 138.8 minutes.

There is an argument to be made that the Portuguese league is an easier level, but given the extent to which the former Coventry City gem is outperforming the Gunners ace, we reckon he’d still be more prolific in a top-five league.

Ultimately, if Arsenal have the chance to sign Gyokeres this summer, they have to take it, even if it spells the end of regularly starting games for Havertz.

Better than Kiwior: Arsenal want to sign 'one of the best CBs in the PL'

The incredible international would be a brilliant signing for Arsenal.

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