It’s a massively exciting time to be a Nottingham Forest fan at the moment.

Nuno Espírito Santo has transformed a side that looked destined for relegation scrap after relegation scrap into a top Premier League side, one that’ll be playing in the Europa League this season.

While there are stars all across the team, from Matz Sels between the sticks to Chris Wood up top, the star of the team is undoubtedly Morgan Gibbs-White.

The England international is often at the heart of everything the Tricky Trees do in attack, so fans should be excited about reports linking them to a midfielder who’s won recent comparisons to him.

Forest target the new Gibbs-White

While Forest haven’t been as busy this summer as they’ve been in the past, they’ve still brought in several exciting additions to Nuno’s side.

Transfer Focus

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

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Dan Ndoye, for example, scored nine goals and provided six assists for Bologna last season; Igor Jesus produced ten goal involvements in 29 games for Botafogo, and Jair Cunha looks like a promising pickup at the back.

However, with the window not closing until the start of next month, the Garibaldi appear determined to complete at least one more signing and bring in a player who’s been compared to Gibbs-White.

At least that is according to a recent report from the Daily Mail, which has claimed that Forest are one of several sides interested in Facundo Buonanotte.

Alongside the Tricky Trees, the report has revealed that West Ham United, Leeds United, Tottenham Hotspur, Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Dortmund have all shown an interest in the 20-year-old gem.

The good news is that Brighton & Hove Albion are happy to let the Argentine leave for a Premier League side this summer, but the bad news is that they want him to go on loan, although stories from earlier this summer suggested that the Seagulls could be willing to sell for around £30m.

Regardless of how Forest go about it, they should do what they can to sign Buonanotte this summer, as he’s a seriously exciting player and could become the new Gibbs-White.

How Buonanotte compares to Gibbs-White

In this instance, the comparison between Buonanotte and Gibbs-White stems from FBref, which looked at players in similar positions from Europe’s top five leagues and concluded that the Forest ace has been the ninth most similar attacking midfielder or winger to the 20-year-old over the last 365 days.

We can gain a better understanding of how this conclusion was reached by examining the underlying metrics in which the pair ranks closely.

In this case, these include statistics such as non-penalty expected goals, expected assists, progressive carries, key passes, interceptions, clearances and more, all per 90.

Buonanotte & Gibbs-White

Statistics per 90

Buonanotte

Gibbs-White

Non-Penalty Expected Goals

0.23

0.20

Expected Assists

0.14

0.15

Progressive Carries

2.31

2.22

Shots on Target

0.71

0.67

Passing Accuracy

76.4%

78.3%

Key Passes

1.42

1.64

Interceptions

0.71

0.74

Clearances

0.83

0.93

Carries into the Penalty Area

0.53

0.42

All Stats via FBref for the 24/25 PL Campaign

These key numbers help to paint the young Argentine as a midfielder who could match the Englishman when it comes to attacking output, while also being able to chip in with some of the defensive work he’d need to do in a Nuno system.

It’s not just their underlying numbers that are surprisingly similar, though.

For example, in his 3142 minutes of first-team football for last season, the former Wolverhampton Wanderers star scored seven goals and provided ten assists, which comes out as an average of a goal involvement every 184.82 minutes.

For his efforts, the Brighton “magician,” as he was dubbed by Rising Star XI on X, scored six goals and provided three assists in just 1701 minutes of football for Leicester City last season, which, amazingly, comes out as an average of a goal involvement every 189 minutes.

Ultimately, while fans probably shouldn’t expect Buonanotte to be on the same level as Gibbs-White right away, it does seem like he’s not too far off.

Therefore, even if it has to be on loan to begin with, Forest should be doing all they can to sign the 20-year-old dynamo this summer.

Related A dream for McAtee: Nottingham Forest plot swoop for "explosive" £40m star

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Posts ByJack Salveson Holmes Aug 12, 2025

وصلت اليوم الجمعة، بعثة فريق الجيش الرواندي إلى القاهرة استعدادا لمواجهة بيراميدز في إطار مواجهات الدور الأول من بطولة دوري أبطال أفريقيا.

طالع: موعد وحكام مباراة بيراميدز ونهضة بركان في السوبر الإفريقي

وعاد بيراميدز من رواندا بانتصار بهدفين دون مقابل سجلهما الكونغولي فيستون ماييلي في مباراة الذهاب من بطولة دوري أبطال إفريقيا والتي جرت على ملعب كيجالي بيليه استاديوم، في بداية مشواره للدفاع عن لقبه القاري. موعد مباراة بيراميدز والجيش الرواندي في دوري أبطال إفريقيا 

ويحل الجيش الرواندي ضيفا على بيراميدز بطل قارة إفريقيا، في الثامنة من مساء الأحد المقبل على استاد الدفاع الجوي في إياب الدور الأول من دوري الأبطال.

وتواجد مسئولو العلاقات العامة بنادي بيراميدز في مطار القاهرة لاستقبال بعثة فريق الجيش الرواندي وإنهاء إجراءات الدخول حتى الوصول إلى فندق الإقامة.

ويكفي لفريق بيراميدز تحت قيادة مديره الفني كرونسلاف يورتشيتش إلى التعادل فقط أو الفوز بأي نتجية على الجيش الرواندي، من اجل ضمان التأهل إلى الدور المقبل من بطولة دوري أبطال إفريقيا في نسخته الجديدة 2025/ 2026.

Scott Boland will be favourite to come into the line-up for the day-night contest in Adelaide

Andrew McGlashan30-Nov-20241:21

Clarke: Australia has some work to do to keep Kohli down

Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out of the second Test against India with a side strain.Sean Abbott and Brendan Doggett, who are both uncapped at Test level, have been added to Australia’s squad although Scott Boland will be Hazlewood’s likely replacement in the XI for the day-night Test.Related

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A Cricket Australia statement said that Hazlewood had a “low grade left side injury” and he would remain with the squad in Adelaide to work through his recovery.Hazlewood was the pick of Australia’s bowlers in Perth with 5 for 57 across 34 overs. This will be the first Test that Hazlewood has missed since Headingley in last year’s Ashes which followed a period where he suffered a run of frustrating injuries – including two side strains – while he was also omitted due to conditions on various subcontinent tours. Between December 2021 and June 2023 he featured in just four Tests.Should, as expected, Boland return to the side it would be his first Test since he came in for Hazlewood in that Ashes game at Leeds. He has a stunning record at home with 28 wickets at 12.21 from six matches.Last season against Pakistan, West Indies and New Zealand, Australia got through all seven Tests with an unchanged attack and last week’s Perth Test marked the 10th consecutive outing where Hazlewood, Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc had lined up together.Abbott, a regular in Australia’s white-ball squads, has often been considered unfortunate not to have earned a Test cap. For Doggett, meanwhile, it has been a rapid return to national contention after he was previously selected for the series against Pakistan in the UAE in 2018. It comes on the back of taking a career-best 6 for 15 for Australia A against India A in Mackay having not been an original member of the squad before being called up as an injury replacement.Josh Hazlewood was impressive during the opening Test•Associated Press

Michael Neser would have been firmly in contention for a call-up but suffered a hamstring injury in the second Australia A match at the MCG and is unlikely to be fit until the start of the BBL.Western Australia duo Jhye Richardson and Lance Morris, who are both centrally contracted, have recently made their returns to Sheffield Shield cricket for the first time this season.Australia’s selectors had previously added uncapped allrounder Beau Webster to the squad amid concerns over Mitchell Marsh after he pulled up sore following Perth. Josh Inglis, originally selected as the spare batter, remains in the squad but could be leapfrogged by Webster if Marsh is unavailable for Adelaide.The loss of Hazlewood adds to the uncertainty around Australia heading into the second Test after their 295-run thrashing in Perth. There are question marks over the batting line-up, with Marnus Labuschagne the most under pressure after his twin failures in Perth including 2 off 52 balls in the first innings.Australia will be begin training in Adelaide on Monday, a day earlier than originally scheduled. India are due to play a two-day game against the Prime Minister’s XI in Canberra on Saturday and Sunday although heavy rain has put that in doubt. Boland is part of the PM’s XI squad with a view to getting some overs under his belt having played just two first-class games this season.

Chelsea are closing in on the signing of a promising attacker who’s already undergone his medical tests in west London, according to Fabrizio Romano.

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Jul 25, 2025

Enzo Maresca’s side return to Cobham for pre-season training on August 4, around three weeks after their triumphant 3-0 Club World Cup final win over European champions PSG in New Jersey.

Chelsea’s best performers in the Premier League last season	Average match rating
Cole Palmer	7.33
Moises Caicedo	7.02
Enzo Fernández	6.95
Nicolas Jackson	6.88
Noni Madueke	6.82
via WhoScored

Chelsea will have just 13 days to get up to speed before their opening Premier League game of the new season against Crystal Palace, with Maresca facing unprecedented preparations as he looks to potentially spearhead a title challenge.

Right now, the Blues are working to back their manager as much as possible in the transfer market – having already sealed deals for Liam Delap, Jamie Gittens and Joao Pedro for a total of around £145 million.

BlueCo are actively working on two more signings, with Ajax starlet Jorrel Hato in advanced talks to join Chelsea after agreeing personal terms and informing the Eredivisie side that he wants to leave.

Alongside Hato, Chelsea are in negotiations with RB Leipzig to sign playmaker Xavi Simons too, with Maresca’s side informing the Germans that they want to sign him and a first offer is thought to be imminent.

To make room for the arrivals of Hato and Simons, Chelsea are expected to sell many players before deadline day on September 1, especially amid pressure from UEFA to balance out their squad through departures.

Chelsea agree deal for Crystal Palace "sensation" Jesse Derry

According to Romano, Chelsea have now also agreed a deal to sign Crystal Palace “sensation” Jesse Derry – who was a man in demand with eight clubs thought to be in pursuit of the teenager.

Derry was closing in on a move to Europe too, but it is believed that Chelsea “hijacked” that switch with a medical even taking place on Friday.

“Chelsea agree deal to sign 18-year-old winger Jesse Derry from Crystal Palace beating 8 European clubs for the England wingers,” wrote Romano on X.

“Medical will take place on Friday as the teenage sensation looked set for a move to Germany before Chelsea hijacked the move.”

The versatile forward was a rising star at Selhurst Park, racking up 20 goals and five assists in just 27 outings for Palace’s Under-18s, but he’s now set to become a new Chelsea player.

It is unclear right now what Maresca and co have planned for Derry, but he’ll likely go straight into the academy before eventually working his way up to the senior team.

Perhaps a loan away could even be on the cards for this dazzling talent as Chelsea secure yet another head-turning prospect.

That first international break of the season always comes at just the wrong time. With teams starting to get into the groove as they switch from pre-season to competitive action, and with the final new signings of the summer arriving on deadline day, that Premier League fans had to wait two weeks to see their teams in action was almost a travesty. Fortunately, that wait is now over.

This was not a blockbuster return to action for England's top-flight, with just 19 goals scored across the 10 matches as eight teams managed to keep clean sheets, but there was still plenty for supporters to get their teeth into as the 2025-26 campaign continues to take shape.

Whether it was the one-sided Manchester derby, Liverpool showing that they didn't trade away their ability to score late goals when they signed Alexander Isak, or both Arsenal and Tottenham bouncing back after defeats with impressive three-goal wins, there was a lot going on, even if goals weren't flowing.

But who came away from this weekend with the biggest smile on their face? And who was left rueing their performance? GOAL breaks down the biggest winners and losers from matchday four:

Getty ImagesWINNER: Andrea Berta

Given the way Liverpool splashed the cash over the summer, it went a little under the radar just how much Arsenal forked out in Andrea Berta's first window as sporting director. Only five European clubs have ever spent more than the Gunners' £255 million ($345.7m) outlay in a single summer, with eight new faces now available to Mikel Arteta as he looks to end his five-year trophy drought.

And while Arsenal returned to action against Nottingham Forest on Saturday still licking their wounds from their defeat at Anfield before the international break, Saturday's 3-0 win at the Emirates Stadium was a perfect illustration of the quality and depth Berta has added to Arteta's squad.

All three goals were scored by summer signings – two for Martin Zubimendi and one for Viktor Gyokeres – while Eberechi Eze marked his full debut with a fine assist. Cristhian Mosquera also stepped into William Saliba's shoes at the heart of defence and looked like he'd been doing it all his life, but the best performer on the day was Noni Madueke, who ran Forest ragged down the right-hand side with an electric showing.

Last season, the thought of Arsenal running out comfortable winners despite Saliba, Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice all being out of the line up while Martin Odegaard was forced off with a first-half injury would have been almost unthinkable. However, the money spent by the Gunners and the quality added by Berta is already paying dividends. 

AdvertisementGetty ImagesLOSER: Milos Kerkez

Ironically, despite Liverpool sitting atop the table with four wins out of four, their own raft of summer signings are – Hugo Ekitike aside – yet to make that much of an impact on Arne Slot's side. Florian Wirtz has shown glimpses of his brilliance without yet unlocking a Premier League defence, while injury has limited Jeremie Frimpong's impact thus far. Alexander Isak, meanwhile, is still waiting for his debut after being left out of the squad for Sunday's trip to Burnley as he works his way up to match fitness.

Perhaps the most concerning performances among Liverpool's new arrivals have, however, come from Milos Kerkez. The former Bournemouth left-back has proven to be rash in some of his displays thus far, and it is clear that opposition managers are targeting the Hungarian, who has replaced Andy Robertson in Slot's first-choice line up.

At Turf Moor, Kerkez wasn't at the races. Burnley posed plenty of threat down their right-hand side during the first half, and Kerkez's frustrations perhaps boiled over when he tried to win a penalty with a blatant dive, only to earn himself a stupid yellow card. He was then a little fortunate to avoid picking up a second booking, and Slot was left with little choice but to replace the full-back after just 37 minutes.

With intense games against Atletico Madrid and Everton to come within the next week, Slot may opt to take Kerkez out of the firing line for the time being as he gets used to life on Merseyside.

Getty Images SportWINNER: Nick Woltemade

Though Isak was nowhere to be seen following his deadline-day move, there were plenty of late-window signings who were able to make instant impacts for their new teams. Xavi Simons marked his Tottenham debut with an assist, Kevin produced a breath-taking cameo for Fulham following his club-record move from Shakhtar Donetsk and Gianluigi Donnarumma immediately showcased his shot-stopping ability for Manchester City.

However, the headline performance from a Premier League debutant came from the man tasked with replacing Isak at Newcastle: Nick Woltemade. Eyebrows were raised at the £69 million ($80m) that the Magpies paid to sign the Stuttgart striker, but he wasted no time in repaying that sum with an excellent all-round display against Wolves that he capped by nodding in the winning goal.

"It was a great moment for Nick," Eddie Howe said post-match. "I was very pleased with how he played today. You saw his qualities, his technical qualities that we've been discussing and his intelligence but most importantly for a striker, when the ball comes into the box, you need to be there and he was. It was a great finish. I'm really pleased for him personally because that just settles him down and relaxes him… I think it's a great start."

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AFPLOSER: Alejandro Garnacho

There was one late-window signing who would have liked to made a better first impression, however.

Alejandro Garnacho is the latest big-money forward to arrive at Chelsea in the Boehly-Clearlake era, and he won't be the last. If the Argentina international wants to stick at Stamford Bridge, though, then he is going to need to show better awareness than he did in stoppage time against Brentford on Saturday.

Despite having been given a warning earlier in the game, Garnacho fell asleep at the back post from a long throw, allowing Fabio Carvalho the freedom of the six-yard box to fire home an equaliser for Keith Andrews' side. Given the concerns around Garnacho at Manchester United were largely down to his application rather than his ability, that will be an early concern for Enzo Maresca as he and Garnacho prepare for trips to the Allianz Arena and Old Trafford over the next six days.

MatériaMais Notícias

Santos e Newell’s Old Boys se enfentarão pela terceira rodada da fase de grupos da Copa Sul-Americana. A disputa entre os times acontece nesta terça-feira (2), a partir das 21h30 (de Brasília).

+Guia Santos: veja a análise dos adversários, onde assistir e tudo sobre o Peixe na Sul-Americana

O Peixe possui uma vitória e um empate na competição. Enquanto isso, o clube argentino acumula duas vitórias na competição e visa manter o 100% de aproveitamento.

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O elenco comandado por Odair Hellmann enfrenta dificuldades na formação da equipe após lesão de Soteldo, camisa 10 da equipe.

Apesar do bom momento no torneio continental, o Newell’s possui uma colocação mediana na primeira fase do Campeonato Argentino.

NEWELL’S OLD BOYS X SANTOS
Copa Sul-Americana – Fase de grupos – Terceira rodada

Data e horário: 1 de maio de 2023, terça-feira, às 21h30 (de Brasília)
​Local: Estádio Marcelo Bielsa, em Rosário, na Argentina
Árbitro: Alex Herrera (VEN)
Assistentes: Lubin Torrealba (VEN) e Alberto Ponte (VEN)
VAR: Juan Soto (VEN)
Onde assistir: SBT, ESPN/Star+ e tempo real do LANCE!

Newell’s Old Boys:Hoyos; Mendez, Velazquez, Ditta e Pitton; Sforza, Gomez e Ferreira; Sordo, Reasco e Recalde. Técnico: Gabriel Heinze.

Desfalques: Francisco González

SANTOS: João Paulo; Nathan, Messias, Eduardo Bauermann e Lucas Pires; Rodrigo Fernández, Dodi e Lucas Lima; Daniel Ruiz (Ângelo), Mendoza e Marcos Leonardo. Técnico: Odair Hellmann.

Desfalques: João Lucas (transição), Lucas Barbosa (transição), Luan Dias (lesão muscular), Soteldo (lesão muscular), Soteldo (lesão do LCA do joelho esquerdo), Zabala (lesão do LCA do joelho esquerdo).

continua após a publicidade

Liverpool won the Premier League last season, but this year, the Reds have a very different feel about them, and Arne Slot has certainly got his work cut out.

While defeat in the Community Shield against Crystal Palace doesn’t mean all that much, there’s no disguising the lack of defensive solidity on display from Liverpool, who, despite their summer spending, need to make signings in defence and attack before the end of the transfer window.

Having sold Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez to Bayern Munich and Al Hilal respectively, Liverpool are somewhat light up front. The tragic passing of Diogo Jota has also meant that Hugo Ekitike, who joined the club from Eintracht Frankfurt for £79m last month, does not have an alternative option at centre-forward beyond Jayden Danns.

Liverpool’s bid for Alexander Isak has been one of the most prominent themes in the transfer market this summer, and though the pursuit has been protracted, the outcome uncertain, FSG remain hopeful that they can get the deal done before the end of the month.

Why Liverpool want Alexander Isak

Newcastle United’s star striker is desperate to join Liverpool this summer, currently ostracised from Eddie Howe’s first-team plans as a resolution is targeted for all parties.

Liverpool have already lodged a formal £110m offer this month, which was rejected, and have since waited for encouragement from the Magpies that a second bid would not be futile.

That’s according to transfer insider Ben Jacobs, who detailed to GIVEMESPORT that the Sweden international, 25, would only reintegrate into the Newcastle fold if Liverpool formally dropped their interest.

The whole situation is rather convoluted. Isak wants to go. Newcastle don’t want him to go. Liverpool want him. Liverpool have already bid, and won’t follow that up unless green-lit.

Should Slot and sporting director Richard Hughes be forced to pull the plug, it’s crucial that another elite-level forward is signed this summer. Luckily, Hughes has one in mind.

Liverpool lining up Isak alternative

As per Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool will place their focus on signing Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain this summer if Newcastle’s stance on Isak staying put is final.

Transfer Focus

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

PSG hardly want to part with their coveted left winger, who played a crucial role in winning the quadruple with manager Luis Enrique last year, and are expected to offer the 22-year-old a fresh contract to ward away suitors like Liverpool.

Romano stated: “In case this story [Isak] doesn’t work for any reason. In case Newcastle don’t open the door and Newcastle decide to close off any other option, Liverpool could bring in a different type of player and it could be a winger.

“A player they like for sure is Bradley Barcola at PSG. He’s one of the best players in the world. He’s one of the top five in his position. But don’t forget PSG in this one. PSG are prepared to offer him a really important contract extension to stay. This won’t be an easy one. Liverpool really like him but for now the focus is Isak.”

Though Barcola is valued at around £87m, the Premier League champions have demonstrated through their pursuit of Isak that they have money left to spend this month, and Romano has previously already confirmed that Barcola is viewed as a “world-class player” by those in the FSG offices.

What Bradley Barcola would bring to Liverpool

Two years ago, PSG signed Barcola from French rivals Lyon for a €45m (£38m) fee, and after an up-and-down maiden campaign in the capital, he has stepped up to elite status over the past year.

Indeed, across 64 matches in all competitions, the Les Bleus star scored 21 goals and supplied 21 assists, with talent scout hailing him as “one of PSG’s absolute heroes” of the 2024/25 season.

With Cody Gakpo Liverpool’s senior starter at left wing currently, Barcola could be the perfect upgrade, and his talismanic potential suggests he might even be more talented than his compatriot Ekitike, who scored on his Liverpool debut on Sunday.

Barcola is more of a wide player than Ekitike, but both boast multi-faceted physical profiles with bucketloads of technical quality besides.

In Ligue 1 alone, his playmaking skills shone glaringly, having created 18 big chances across 34 matches, only 27 of which were starts, via Sofascore.

Barcola is, in effect, a more dynamic version of Diaz, skilled across all three attacking thirds, albeit at his best when zipping up and down the left flank, having posted 24 goals and 27 assists across 81 career outings as a left-sided forward.

Goals scored

0.47

Top 14%

Assists

0.39

Top 8%

Shots taken

2.89

Top 20%

Touches (att pen)

8.95

Top 1%

Shot-creating actions

4.24

Top 29%

Progressive passes

3.33

Top 60%

Progressive carries

5.45

Top 9%

Successful take-ons

1.74

Top 37%

Tackles + interceptions

1.93

Top 36%

Able to dish out his attacking output across multiple means, Barcola is the real deal, with his sharpness in the final third suggesting that he is already a level above Ekitike, whose performances for Frankfurt last year underscored his world-class potential, but lagged behind those of Isak in the Premier League.

Does the centre-forward have what it takes to lead the line for Liverpool across the span of the season? Barcola, surely, would dovetail right in. The PSG sensation started 46 matches last term, highlighting his importance to Enrique even after Khvicha Kvaratskhelia was welcomed from Napoli at the year’s midpoint.

His capacity to play in a central striking berth, too, even suggests that Barcola could operate in Ekitike’s stead at times next season, thus providing Slot with the dream Isak alternative, one who plays off the wing and yet still has the potential to rival and even surpass Ekitike.

It’s hardly surprising that Liverpool are interested in getting this deal done. After all, Romano declared when discussing the Reds’ interest that Barcola is “one of the best players in the world”.

In fact, Barcola might have enough talent in the bank to establish himself as Slot’s new attacking superstar, with Salah heading entering the twilight of his illustrious career in English football.

With Liverpool having undergone a whole catalogue of change this summer, adding another forward to the ranks is a must. And truly, in Barcola, the Reds could hit the jackpot and sign the cream of the crop.

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Arsenal play their final game of pre-season against Athletic Bilbao this afternoon, and it’d be fair to say the mood around the team is mixed.

On the one hand, Andrea Berta and Co have made several impressive signings to improve Mikel Arteta’s squad, like Viktor Gyokeres and Martin Zubimendi.

However, on the other hand, the team have lost their last two games and the attack, especially on the left, has not looked great.

Fortunately, the transfer window is open for a few more weeks, and, unsurprisingly, the Gunners continue to be linked with players who could help level up the attack, such as Rodrygo.

However, if reports are to be believed, Arsenal are now looking at an alternative to the Brazilian, someone who’d be an even better signing, and no, it’s not Eberechi Eze.

Arsenal target Rodrygo upgrade

Arsenal have been linked with Rodrygo for what feels like months now, with some of the first reports emerging as far back as April and May before then quieting down again last month.

Transfer Focus

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

However, the Real Madrid star was once again touted for a move to the Emirates earlier this week, with some reports claiming that he might be available on a loan with an obligation to buy, while others repeated the £86m price tag from earlier this summer.

Regardless of the structure of the potential deal, there is no doubt that Rodrygo would be a massively exciting transfer, although it now looks like the Gunners are looking at another international, someone who’d be an even better signing.

At least that is according to a recent report from the Sun, which claims Arsenal have maintained their interest in Ademola Lookman.

The report has revealed that the Nigerian star is still on the North Londoners’ list of targets, and that, so far, Inter Milan have not been successful in their pursuit of the player.

In better, even better news, the report claims that an offer of £45m would be enough to tempt Atalanta into selling, which for a player of Lookman’s quality would be a brilliant deal.

Why Lookman would be a better signing than Rodrygo

It should go without saying that Rodrygo is a supremely gifted player and would be an excellent signing for Arsenal, but even so, there are a few reasons that mean Lookman would be an even better one this summer.

The first, and undoubtedly the most crucial, is the simple fact that, over the last three seasons, the Nigerian “superstar,” as dubbed by 90min’s Sean Walsh, has been the more effective attacker.

For example, since moving to the Serie A side in August 2022, he has scored a brilliant 52 goals and provided 25 assists in 118 appearances, totalling 7538 minutes.

That means the former Everton flop has averaged a goal involvement every 1.53 games or every 97.89 minutes on the continent, which is frankly outstanding.

In contrast, the Real star has scored 50 goals and provided 31 assists in 162 appearances, totalling 11012 minutes, across the same period, which comes out to a great, but still less impressive average of a goal involvement every other game, or every 135.95 minutes.

Appearances

33

57

Minutes

1858′

3853′

Goals

15

19

Assists

8

11

Goal Involvements per Match

0.69

0.52

Minutes per Goal Involvement

80.78′

128.43′

Appearances

45

51

Minutes

2809′

3707′

Goals

17

17

Assists

10

9

Goal Involvements per Match

0.60

0.50

Minutes per Goal Involvement

104.03′

142.57′

Appearances

40

54

Minutes

2871′

3452′

Goals

20

14

Assists

7

11

Goal Involvements per Match

0.67

0.46

Minutes per Goal Involvement

106.33

138.08′

The following reason is quite difficult to quantify, and may even be outright refuted by some fans.

Still, as the Atalanta star would be moving up to a Champions League side and the Los Blancos ace leaving arguably the biggest club in world football, there is always the possibility that the former will have far more drive to push the Gunners forward than the latter.

Finally, there is the overall cost of the two deals.

If the reports are accurate, then there is a chance the former Santos gem could cost up to £43m more than the former RB Leipzig star, and then when it comes to wages, the 24-year-old supposedly makes £349k-per-week including bonuses, while the 27-year-old makes just £38k-per-week.

Ultimately, Rodrygo would be an excellent signing, but from output, to the motivation and the potential cost of the deals, it seems clear to us that Lookman would be a better signing for Arsenal.

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A “relentless” star has now informed his club that he wants to join Tottenham Hotspur this summer, reporter David Ornstein has revealed.

Tottenham keen to strengthen attack despite emphatic victory

Tottenham got off to the perfect start to the new Premier League campaign, securing a 3-0 victory over Burnley, courtesy of a brace from Richarlison, before Brennan Johnson sealed all three points with a little over 25 minutes to play.

Thomas Frank will be happy with his side’s attacking display, not least because new signing Mohammed Kudus was also very impressive throughout the match, with the former West Ham United man picking up two assists.

That said, Spurs were always expected to beat a newly-promoted side, and they remain a little light on options in attacking areas, given that Son Heung-min’s 10-year stint in north London came to an end earlier this summer, while James Maddison is set for a lengthy absence.

Consequently, Frank is still eager to get a winger and attacking midfielder through the door, with Manchester City’s Savinho among the main targets out wide, while Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze could be a direct replacement for Maddison through the middle.

Speaking prior to Manchester United vs Arsenal yesterday, Ornstein has now dropped a new update on Tottenham’s pursuit of Eze, in which he suggests Frank’s side are in ongoing talks to hash out a deal.

The reporter said: “He quite possibly is still going to Tottenham, but he’s continuing to play for Palace in the meantime, which we saw with the Community Shield as well. Tottenham are pushing for his signing, but there’s no agreement yet. Eberechi Eze has told Crystal Palace that he would like to make the move there, and Palace are understanding of this.

“At 27-years-old, his contract expires in 2027. There was a release clause, it’s now expired, it was valued at £60m + £8m (£68m). I think Palace would accept a bit less but they want the right deal for them, and it’s not there yet.”

Fabrizio Romano has since added a new update, reaffirming Ornstein’s claims of Eze wanting to join but adding Daniel Levy is talking to Palace chairman Steve Parish “today” (Monday).

"Relentless" Eze could flourish at N17

The Crystal Palace star has been extremely impressive in the Premier League over a sustained period, picking up 16 goal contributions in the competition last season, and the Englishman thought he had gotten off to the perfect start to the new campaign.

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Indeed, the 27-year-old scored a free-kick to fire the Eagles into the lead against Chelsea on Sunday, before the goal was controversially ruled out, due to an alleged infringement by Marc Guehi.

Former Palace man Joel Ward has claimed his ex-teammate’s “methodical” and “relentless” approach is the reason he has been able to establish himself at the top level, and the attacking midfielder is now ready to test himself at one of England’s biggest clubs.

As such, it is good news that Tottenham are in ongoing discussions over a deal, and it is even more promising that Eze has informed Palace of his desire to join Frank’s side.

كشف الأسطورة الإنجليزية، واين روني، مهاجم مانشستر يونايتد السابق سبب عدم تهديف محمد صلاح، نجم الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي ليفربول حتى الآن منذ بداية الموسم.

ويعيش صلاح فترة صعبة منذ بداية الموسم، إذ لم يزُر الشباك إلا 3 مرات في كل المسابقات أمام بورنموث وأتلتيكو مدريد وبيرنلي.

وازدادت حدة الانتقادات تجاه محمد صلاح، عقب ظهوره الباهت خلال مواجهة ليفربول أمام تشيلسي أمس السبت بالدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، والتي خسرها ليفربول بهدفين مقابل هدف على ملعب ستامفورد بريدج.

بتلك النتيجة خسر ليفربول الصدارة واحتل المركز الثاني في جدول ترتيب الدوري الإنجليزي برصيد 15 نقطة خلف آرسنال المتصدر بـ16 نقطة.

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وقال روني في تصريحات نشرتها شبكة “rousingthekop” الإنجليزية: “أعتقد أن أسماء اللاعبين كانت ثابتة في الفريق في الموسم الماضي، وكانوا ثابتين في خط الوسط، وكان لديهم ثلاثي في خط الوسط، وكان من الصعب للغاية اللعب ضدهم، وكانوا يتحركون عبر الملعب وذلك يساعد محمد صلاح كثيرًا”.

وأكمل: “بينما لعبوا هذا الموسم بلاعبين جدد في خط الوسط، كان فيرتز أمامهم، واليوم كانت المرة الأولى التي عادوا فيها إلى اللعب بثلاثة لاعبين في الوسط”.

وأتم: “لذلك ربما كان هذا الأمر غريبًا بعض الشيء على خط الوسط هذا الموسم، واستغرقهم وقتًا أطول مما توقعوا لإصلاحه”.