Looking to find their Kevin de Bruyne replacement, Manchester City have now reportedly made their first enquiry to sign an in-demand star who’s available for a bargain price this summer.
Man City's frustrating Saints stalemate
With Southampton rock bottom of the Premier League by some distance and already relegated, Manchester City and a returning Erling Haaland looked likelier than ever to put on the ultimate goals show on Saturday. But that proved to be anything but the case.
What the travelling fans got instead was a frustrating stalemate as Southampton secured a point against the odds to move beyond Derby County’s points record – much to the relief of those around St Mary’s. Man City defender Ruben Dias failed to hide that frustration in his post-match press conference too, choosing to criticise Southampton’s defensive approach.
The stalemate will do the confidence of Pep Guardiola’s side no favours as they enter the FA Cup final against an in-form Crystal Palace side, who will do more than just try to play against the Citizens.
Meanwhile, as Wembley awaits, so does De Bruyne’s fast-approaching farewell. Likely to be an emotional goodbye, the Belgian has just three games remaining of a Manchester City career which has seen him win everything there is to win at the club.
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Just how those at the Etihad replace their star man remains to be seen. Names such as Florian Wirtz have already threatened to steal the headlines, but he could yet choose Bayern Munich over the Premier League. He’s not the only target, however, with one Ligue 1 talent now emerging as a serious option.
Man City make contact to sign Cherki
According to Le Parisien, as relayed by Get French Football News, Manchester City have now made their first enquiry to sign Rayan Cherki from Lyon this summer. The attacking midfielder has impressed many throughout the current campaign and will reportedly be allowed to leave Lyon for just €22.5m (£19m) in the coming months.
Rayan Cherki
The Frenchman may already have some fans of his talent at the Etihad after he embarrassed Andre Onana in Lyon’s 2-2 draw against Manchester United in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final tie. Even though Lyon eventually crashed out in dramatic fashion against the Red Devils, it was often the Cherki show across both legs.
Onana’s mistake allowed Cherki to follow up with a chipped effort to equalise late on for his side ahead of what turned out to be a frantic and heartbreaking second leg.
Nonetheless, even without a Europa League semi-final, the 21-year-old has found himself at the centre of praise from the likes of football talent scout Jacek Kulig, who described Cherki’s campaign as “amazing” back in April. Now, after impressing, he could be on his way to Manchester City this summer.
If there is one thing that has come to define this season for Arsenal, it’s injuries.
Now, it’s true that Mikel Arteta’s side have not been at their free-flowing best for large parts of the campaign, but that’s hardly surprising when Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli have all missed a significant number of games.
Moreover, even though the club are on course to have the best defence for the second season running, they’ve had to deal with injuries to Ben White, Riccardo Calafiori and, most recently, Gabriel Magalhaes.
However, while there was a genuine concern that the absence of the Brazilian would derail the North Londoners’ Champions League campaign, Jakub Kiwior stepped up in a big way, bossing Real Madrid home and away.
Yet, if recent reports are to be believed, the club are now looking to sign another defender, someone who looks like they could be a big upgrade on the Polish international.
Arsenal's defensive targets
While the focus of the club heading into the summer market does seem to be on attacking players, Arteta and Co are said to be looking at a few defensive players as well, such as Dean Huijsen.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
The Bournemouth ace has a release clause reportedly worth around £50m, and while that’s a sizable sum of money, it could prove worth it, as at just 20 years old, he’s already an established Premier League star and has now won two senior caps for Spain.
Another international said to have caught Arteta’s eye is that of Jules Kounde.
Barcelona's Jules Kounde
According to reports from late last month, the Gunners supposedly made an offer of around £55m for the versatile defender, but the Catalan giants swiftly rejected it, as he was deemed far too important to be sold.
However, another star has been added to the Gunners’ shortlist, someone who may be far more attainable: Evan Ndicka.
According to a recent report from the Italian publication La Gazzetta dello Sport, as relayed by Siamo La Roma, Arsenal and Newcastle United are both interested in the Ivorian international.
However, it would appear as if the North Londoners are ahead of their Premier League rivals at the moment, as the report has revealed that they’ve already initiated contact with I Giallorossi.
Eintracht Frankfurt defender Evan Ndicka.
In more good news, it probably wouldn’t be an extortionate deal to complete either, as the report has claimed that Roma value their defensive stalwart at up to €40m, which is about £34m.
It might not be the most exciting transfer Arsenal could make, but given Ndicka’s ability and experience, he’d be a great addition to their squad and a significant upgrade on Kiwior.
How Ndicka compares to Kiwior
So, the first thing to say is that with William Saliba and Gabriel being the utterly immense pairing that they are, it seems hard to imagine that there is any central defender that Arsenal could sign this summer who’d displace one of them.
With that in mind, it seems almost certain then that Arteta and Co are interested in signing Ndicka to make him one of the club’s first-choice backups, which in turn would put him in direct competition with Kiwior for game time.
So, who comes out on top?
Well, when it comes to recent experience, it’s the “superb” Roma ace, as dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, who comes out on top, as he’s arguably one of the most important players at his club, making 47 appearances, all of which have been starts, across all competitions this term, scoring one goal and providing two assists along the way.
In contrast, the former Spezia ace has only recently seen his game time increase in North London and has made just 25 appearances, 16 of which have been starts, this season, in which he has also scored once and provided two assists.
Ndicka vs Kiwior
Statistics
Ndicka
Kiwior
Progressive Passes
2.96
3.56
Progressive Carries
0.67
0.38
Passing Accuracy
91.8%
91.1%
Shots
0.57
0.39
Shots on Target
0.19
0.09
Key Passes
0.27
0.25
Live Passes
63.4
55.8
Shot-Creating Actions
0.89
0.56
Goal-Creating Actions
0.11
0.00
Tackles Won
0.72
0.65
Blocks
1.09
0.75
Interceptions
0.89
0.57
Clearances
3.89
3.19
Errors Leading to a Shot
0.04
0.31
Ball Recoveries
3.58
2.00
Aerial Duels Won
1.58
1.00
All Stats via FBref for 24/25
How about when we take a look under the hood then? Which defender comes out on top when we compare their underlying numbers?
Unfortunately for the Polish ace, it’s once again the Paris-born monster who comes on top in the majority of relevant metrics, including, but not limited to, progressive carries, key and live passes, shot and goal-creating actions, tackles won, blocks, clearances, interceptions, ball recoveries, aerial duels won and more, all per 90.
Ultimately, while Kiwior has proven himself to be a reliable backup, Ndicka appears to be the better defender in practically every way, and therefore, Arsenal should do what they can to sign him this summer.
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The final knockings of the 2024/25 campaign are drawing close, and Liverpool are on the brink of celebrating a Premier League title in front of their fans after 35 years.
Jurgen Klopp put the club back on their perch when he ended the interminable drought in 2020, one year after incredibly winning the Champions League, but they were denied the merriment from reaching its deserved level, intermingling reduced due to government restrictions.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.
But now, with Arne Slot at the helm, the Red sea will be out in force this weekend, with just one point needed against struggling Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield to seal the title.
It’s remarkable, and the city will lap it up. Liverpool have been brilliant this season, solid at the back, dogged in midfield, and slick in offence.
Mohamed Salah has been the architect of so much attacking play, posting 32 goals and 23 assists across all competitions in a year that will surely see him crowned the Premier League’s Player of the Season for the second time.
Mohamed Salah celebrates for Liverpool
However, the output has been somewhat lopsided, and it’s no surprise FSG are looking to enrich the frontline in the transfer market this summer.
Why Liverpool need to improve their attack
Firstly, Liverpool’s ‘star’ striker, Darwin Nunez, is expected to be sold at the end of the season after failing to adapt to Slot’s tactics. He’s started just one Premier League game since Boxing Day, yielding a measly seven-goal haul under the Dutchman’s wing.
Liverpool need more impetus from their focal frontmen, with Diogo Jota also flattering to deceive at times this season, injured at others, while Luis Diaz performs dutifully in a dynamic central berth when called upon but lacks that innate goalscoring instinct.
Cody Gakpo has looked far sharper in a more structured left flanking role under Slot, arcing inward to strike on goal, but it’s clear that Liverpool could do with a bit more snap in attack to take them to the next level next year and compete for titles across multiple fronts.
Liverpool’s Frontline in 2024/25 (all comps)
Player
Apps
Goals
Assists
Mohamed Salah
47
32
23
Cody Gakpo
44
16
6
Luis Diaz
46
15
8
Diogo Jota
33
9
4
Darwin Nunez
42
7
7
Federico Chiesa
11
1
2
Stats via Transfermarkt
Liverpool’s sky-high pedigree, the balmy conditions Slot and Klopp before him have created, suggest that the world’s finest would be tempted with a move to Merseyside this summer.
And one of the best out there might just be on FSG’s radar.
Liverpool chasing marquee signing
According to Caught Offside, Barcelona have set their asking price for Raphinha at €90m (equating to about £77m) ahead of the summer market.
Though La Blaugrana won’t necessarily want to force their high-flying forward out the door, ongoing financial bother could prove to be enough to hold sway, with their decision to set a price at this early stage indicative of their stance.
FC Barcelona'sRaphinhacelebrates scoring their third goal
Liverpool could do with a dynamic, balanced attacker such as the Brazilian, but they aren’t the only club in the race, with Arsenal and Chelsea both keen too.
It feels like sporting director Richard Hughes will need to start putting in the groundwork swiftly if the Merseysiders are to prevail.
Why Raphinha would thrive at Liverpool
With Diaz, 28, about to enter the penultimate year of his contract, Liverpool are currently working out whether to renew his terms and take the Colombian’s deal into his 30s or to cash in while his stock is high.
Barcelona, by the by, have a long-standing interest in the player. Some food for thought.
Liverpool forward Luis Diaz
Raphinha would almost be a shoo-in for the Ballon d’Or this year were Salah not in such almighty fettle, the 28-year-old having scored 30 goals and added 23 assists across 49 matches since the campaign’s opening.
As per FBref, he ranks among the top 2% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for goal involvements and the top 8% for shot-creating actions per 90, so you can see how he’d improve Liverpool’s frontline, enhancing Gakpo, Salah and that new centre-forward who is as yet undetermined.
FC Barcelona'sRaphinhacelebrates scoring their fourth goal
Given that 40 of Raphinha’s 53 contributions have come when positioned on the left, he could be the perfect Diaz replacement, maybe even emulating a former Liverpool superstar in Sadio Mane.
Deadly in front of goal and electric up and down the field, Mane really was a one-of-a-kind player, never reaching the same numerical heights as Salah in Klopp’s team but still establishing himself as one of the best players in the world.
Sadio Mane Liverpool graphic
The Senegal legend won the lot, and while Diaz has been a worthy successor, he’s never reached that same ridiculous level. Raphinha, however, is proving himself to be a cut above Liverpool’s man and could indeed take Slot’s project to new heights.
He’s actually been described as the “best player in the world” this season by Statman Dave, so threatening and incisive in a way that is done with a flourish.
Raphinha also has Premier League experience with Leeds United, similar to Mane, who plied his trade with Southampton before transferring to Liverpool for £34m in 2016, one year into the Klopp era.
Hailed as a “magician” of a footballer by his former Whites teammate Dan James, Raphinha would be the perfect player to join a title-winning cause.
His sweeping skill set is exactly what Liverpool need, adding a goalscoring dimension while raising the playmaking level too.
With 19 goal contributions across 12 matches, the fleet-footed winger has probably been the standout force in the Champions League this season and may yet play an even bigger part in the narrative, with Barcelona preparing for a two-legged showdown with Inter Milan for a place in the final.
His potency on the left flank denotes a Mane-esque quality that could ease Salah’s burden and create a healthier and more poised approach next season.
It really does feel like a no-brainer for a Liverpool side looking to leap even higher in Slot’s second season, finances, of course, permitting.
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Stepping up their summer plans, Manchester United are now reportedly expected to submit an opening offer to sign a Serie A midfielder who dominated former Old Trafford star Scott McTominay this season.
INEOS preparing for big summer
Ahead of Ruben Amorim’s first full season in charge, in which he will be forced to operate underneath an even greater spotlight, it’s fair to say that INEOS must get things right on the transfer front.
The Red Devils desperately need to show the door to several stars and are even more desperate for fresh faces to arrive and make their mark at Old Trafford.
Amorim is keen to ensure that his side waste no time before finally turning things around at the club, despite questions around a long-term task.
The former Sporting CP boss told reporters earlier this month: “I understand, but I’m not naïve. I don’t want to think we need a lot of years to be competitive. I can’t think like that, I cannot manage that, it’s not in me. That’s why I’m putting pressure on myself.
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“I know we won’t be the biggest challengers in the next year or two years. We are changing a lot of things inside the club and we know it will take a lot of time, but I will not say I need a lot of years. Next year is our goal. I’m not saying we’re going to win the title in the next year, I’m not crazy.”
What would certainly help accelerate Manchester United’s turnaround is an impressive transfer window – something that INEOS are seemingly planning for.
Already, names such as Liam Delap and James Trafford have been mentioned among those who could yet be on their way to Amorim’s side, but it’s a Serie A midfielder who may well be most likely.
Man Utd expected to submit offer for Ederson
According to TuttomercatoWeb, Manchester United are now expected to submit an official offer to sign Ederson from Atalanta in the coming weeks. The Serie A side reportedly value their midfielder at around €60m (£52m), but it remains to be seen whether United’s pending offer will reach that mark and satisfy the Italians’ requirements.
It should come as no surprise that Atalanta are demanding such a high price, however. If Manchester United kept an eye on academy graduate, turned Napoli star, Scott McTominay, they would have seen Ederson’s quality for themselves earlier this season. The Brazilian dominated the Napoli midfielder in a resounding 3-0 victory.
By the end of the 3-0 thrashing, the Atalanta star had made eight passes into the final third, won 100% of his tackles and completed as many as 10 recoveries. McTominay, meanwhile, was limited to the least amount of touches of any outfield player on the day and won just 50% of his tackles, according to FotMob.
Described as “strong” by South American football expert Tim Vickery, Ederson is exactly the type of combative midfielder that Amorim needs alongside Manuel Ugarte if he is to turn Manchester United around once and for all.
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The Brazilian could soon be on the way out of Old Trafford.
Chelsea are believed to be prepared to fork out a significant sum for an alternative to right-back Malo Gusto this summer, with Enzo Maresca pondering his full-back options ahead of his second full season in charge.
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Club captain Reece James recently returned from his injury hell to provide Maresca with much-needed reinforcement in the right-back area, but given his history of hamstring problems, there is no telling just how long he’ll be in contention for.
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The Englishman, who was recently recalled to the Three Lions squad by new England boss Thomas Tuchel, has featured in nine of Chelsea’s last 12 Premier League games since returning from injury, missing one due to illness, so the signs have been positive.
Chelsea’s next five Premier League fixtures
Date
Fulham (away)
April 20th
Everton (home)
April 26th
Liverpool (home)
May 4th
Newcastle (away)
May 10th
Man United (home)
May 18th
Chelsea will be hopeful that the £250,000-per-week star can maintain this positive run of availability, but there is still a reliance on the out-of-form Gusto.
Gusto has attracted criticism throughout 2024/2025 for some sub-par displays, but Maresca will be cautious about dropping the former Lyon sensation in favour of being too overly reliant on James, as BlueCo tread carefully when it comes to the latter’s fitness.
The 21-year-old is still young and with plenty of room for improvement, though his return of just two assists in 33 appearances across all competitions will also be a concern for Maresca.
Malo Gusto in action for Chelsea
Chelsea need more threat from their full-backs on the overlap, and they ideally need a figurehead who can provide that injection of quality when they’re struggling to break sides down in the low-block.
Taking this into account, Barcelona right-back Jules Koundé could be a truly excellent option.
The France international, who can also play at centre-half, has the ability to kill two birds with one stone as Chelsea reportedly look to sign a centre-back this summer.
FC Barcelona's JulesKoundein action
Arsenal are also very interested in Kounde, according to other reports, following the 26-year-old’s exceptional campaign under Hansi Flick at the Bernabeu. Kounde has started 28 La Liga matches this term, making 50 appearances in all competitions and bagging eight assists in the process – standing out as one of Flick’s key men.
Chelsea prepared to bid £68 million for Jules Koundé this summer
Now, according to reports out of Spain, it is believed Chelsea are ready to match Arsenal in the potential race for his signature.
Indeed, Chelsea are also prepared to make an offer of £68 million for Kounde, and Barca’s current financial troubles could tempt the Catalans into doing business. This bid would represent a significant profit for Barca, at a time when they really need it, and a figure of this magnitude could represent an “unexpected solution” to balance their books.
The west Londoners are apparently ready to outbid Arsenal for Kounde, and “already have a plan in place” to sway Kounde with a move to Stamford Bridge.
One sticking point could be the defender’s £224,000-per-week wages, though, which would place him among Maresca’s highest-earning players.
Setting their sights on summer spending, Nottingham Forest have reportedly joined a hectic Premier League race to trigger one player’s £25m release clause.
Nottingham Forest already eyeing summer targets
Whilst they’ve earned plenty of deserved praise throughout what has been the story of the season, Nottingham Forest got a timely reminder that there’s still work to be done against Aston Villa – suffering a 2-1 defeat.
Forced into a number of changes thanks to the injury concerns of Ola Aina, Chris Wood and Taiwo Awoniyi, Nuno Espirito Santo was left frustrated by his side’s defeat at full-time, telling reporters: “We tried to find solutions. The boys showed a better game. It was one of the matches that we created the most in but didn’t take anything from the game.
“When you lose, you don’t recover so well. The miles come to your mind. It’s always easy when you are in a good moment. Now it is not so good and it requires a bit of patience.”
Arguably for the first time this season, Forest had their depth exposed in what may just be a preview of what’s to come if they qualify for the Champions League in the coming weeks.
A place amongst Europe’s elite has seen both Aston Villa and Newcastle United struggle to repeat their magic in the last two seasons and Forest must ensure that they avoid the same fate.
Perhaps in pursuit of that, those at the City Ground have already been linked with a number of impressive moves for the likes of Darwin Nunez and Ademola Lookman. Of course, the former would be particularly interesting, given how he has struggled to make his mark at Liverpool.
Liverpool'sDarwinNunezreacts
If Forest were to land a cut-price deal and then get the best out of the forward, it would be seen as a major coup. Nunez isn’t the only Premier League player that Forest have set their sights on, however.
"Superb" Ramsdale could replace Sels
Like Chris Wood, Matz Sels has enjoyed an excellent season between the sticks at Nottingham Forest but that doesn’t take away from the need for those at the City Ground to find a replacement. They’ve already turned towards a number of options to potentially replace Wood and could now turn towards the heir to Sels’ role now that he’s 33 years old.
According to The Boot Room, Nottingham Forest have now joined a hectic Premier League race to sign Aaron Ramsdale, who has a release clause worth £25m at St Mary’s. Despite only arriving last year, the goalkeeper looks destined to depart this summer with the Saints heading back down to the Championship.
Premier League stats 24/25 (via FBref)
Aaron Ramsdale
Matz Selz
Starts
22
31
Saves P90
4.14
3.19
Save Percentage
66.9%
74.3%
Pass Completion
64.7%
50.9%
With Newcastle United, Forest, Bournemouth and Leeds United all queuing up for the England international’s signature, he will be spoilt for choice when the summer transfer window arrives.
Praised for a “superb” save against Bournemouth by Manchester City icon Joe Hart earlier this season, Southampton’s season – for all of how disappointing it has been – may have somehow been worse without Ramsdale.
Chelsea are believed to be planning an offer to sign one Liverpool player ahead of the summer transfer window, amid claims that Enzo Maresca’s side could look to bolster their squad before the Club World Cup on June 14th.
Chelsea eye new signings before Club World Cup begins
Away from their chase for Champions League qualification and a Premier League top four place, BlueCo are believed to be making plans for the pre-CWC transfer window, which opens from June 1st to June 10th.
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Last week, the Premier League confirmed that the summer window would be split into two sections, with the early June version allowing both Chelsea and Man City to sign players before the CWC commences.
Chelsea’s next five Premier League fixtures
Date
Tottenham (home)
April 3rd
Brentford (away)
April 6th
Ipswich Town (home)
April 13th
Fulham (away)
April 20th
Everton (home)
April 26th
Chelsea are said to have laid “significant groundwork” over a deal for Liam Delap, and if all goes to plan, he could be signed from Ipswich Town before the CWC kicks off (Simon Phillips).
The tournament could yield £100 million for Chelsea if they manage to win it, leaving little wonder Stamford Bridge chiefs appear set to take it seriously.
A new striker of Delap’s ilk is just one of their many transfer goals for the summer, though. Despite their large backlog of goalkeepers, with Kepa Arrizabalaga out on loan at Bournemouth, Djordje Petrovic at Strasbourg and Mike Penders set to arrive from Genk in the summer, it is believed that they want another capable body in-between the sticks.
Petrovic has refused to rule out staying at Strasbourg next season, amid his very impressive spell in Ligue 1 on loan from Chelsea, so perhaps Liverpool star Caoimhin Kelleher could fill the Serbian’s spot.
The 26-year-old, rumoured to command a £40 million asking price moving into the next window, has seriously impressed as a very capable understudy to Alisson – leading to serious interest in his signature.
Chelsea "already" preparing £40m bid to sign Liverpool star Kelleher
According to reports in Spain, Chelsea are “already” preparing a £40m bid for Kelleher, but it won’t be an “easy” negotiation for the west Londoners considering Arne Slot’s side view him as a solid squad player and understudy for Alisson.
The Irishman has showcased true match-saving quality when given the chance, and he’s arguably very unlucky that such a big-name currently sits ahead of him in the Liverpool pecking order.
Liverpool's Caoimhin Kelleher and Virgil van Dijk
During Alisson’s spell out through injury earlier this season, the Republic of Ireland international was an absolute revelation, with Virgil van Dijk calling him “world-class” and TNT Sports pundit Steve McManaman branding Kelleher a “superstar”.
“Look at the goalkeeper [Kelleher],” McManaman said.
“He’s a superstar, isn’t he? Caoimhin Kelleher.
“He played more games last year than Alisson because of injuries, he’s done exactly the same this year. If you have the quality behind you – Trent Alexander-Arnold went off today and Conor Bradley seamlessly comes in – if you’ve got that, great.”
Just when you think Liverpool have turned a corner, Arne Slot’s Reds ended up falling apart on their Premier League travels to Manchester City.
In the build-up to this showdown between two top-flight heavyweights, Liverpool had managed to collect two wins from their last two games in all competitions to ease concerns of a crisis occurring at Anfield.
However, football is a fickle old game, with the alarm bells ringing once more now, as City strolled to a 3-0 victory on their own patch.
Unfortunately, that demoralising defeat means Liverpool are already eight points behind Arsenal at the summit, as the likes of Mohamed Salah and Hugo Ekitike continue to underwhelm in attack.
The former Eintracht Frankfurt marksman was branded an “anonymous” figure by Statman Dave after failing to fire a single effort on the City goal.
Still, it’s not as if Alexander Isak is banging down the door to replace the misfiring attacker…
Inside Isak's disappointing start at Liverpool
Isak remain rooted to the substitutes bench throughout the 3-0 defeat, with the Swede hoping he can get his Liverpool career up and running after the international break.
So far, the £125m summer recruit has been sparingly used, owing to a lack of pre-season being handed to him at former employers Newcastle United, with the expensive striker yet to break his Premier League duck for Slot and Co.
It’s way too early in his Anfield career to dismiss him as an extortionate flop, though, with Isak undoubtedly a Premier League goal machine when playing at his razor-sharp best, as seen when watching his 54-goal tally for the Toon.
But, he will need to start living up to his previous billing of being the “best striker in the Premier League”, a tag handed to him by ex-Liverpool great Jamie Carragher, particularly if Ekitike continues to also fail to recapture his own goal-scoring groove.
Slot does have other options up his sleeve in this frustrating lone striker spot if needs be, with an emerging 17-year-old talent at Anfield potentially in line to be the number 9 of the future.
Liverpool are brewing a mini Alexander Isak
The number 9 jersey at Liverpool is a shirt steeped in significant history, with Ian Rush becoming synonymous with that number when scoring an all-time best on Merseyside of 346 goals.
Moreover, in more recent times, Fernando Torres took on the weighty shirt and thrived, bagging 81 strikes from 142 games.
Fernando Torres celebrates for Liverpool
Unfortunately, Isak is going down the route of being remembered more as a Darwin Nunez-style figure now donning the number nine, who mustered up a weak 40 goals in total in England.
Who will be the next legendary 9? Well, a teenager by the name of Will Wright – a young individual being heralded as the “next Michael Owen” in some circles – will be praying it could be him.
Liverpool #9s – selected players
Player
Games
Goals
Ian Rush
654
346
Robbie Fowler
369
183
Ian St. John
424
118
Fernando Torres
142
81
Darwin Nunez
143
40
Sourced by Transfermarkt
Indeed, the young striker sensation has already been branded as a “great finisher” by Reds journalist Bence Boscak when plying his trade for League Two outfit Salford City while Total Football Analysis have suggested that he has ‘many of the characteristics to be a top-level centre-forward’.
In the academy ranks last season at the Ammies, Wright fired home a stunning 40 goals, which certainly shows off a striker capable of one day reaching Isak’s Newcastle heights in the senior set-up. It’s for that reason that the aforementioned Bocask believes he is a “brilliant signing.”
He even featured in pre-season under Slot when Athletic Club travelled to Anfield, with one big chance spurned when thrust into the thick of the action.
Arsenal reportedly had their eyes on the clinical youngster before Wright decided to move to Merseyside over North London, with the hope that he could live up to his early promise and become Liverpool’s next free-flowing number nine.
Injuries have curtailed his U21 minutes as of late, with the 17-year-old now out of action until December with a knee problem.
But, when he’s back, don’t write off a sudden rise into the first team scene that’s similar to Rio Ngumoha’s explosion, with the misfiring duo of Ekitike and Isak, also kept on their toes by some fresh blood.
Liverpool and Arsenal scouting new right-back who pocketed Gakpo
The Reds have set their sights on a new right-back.
While this season is shaping up to be a spectacular one for Arsenal, Sunday was a disappointment for Mikel Arteta and Co.
The Spaniard’s team looked second best in their Premier League game against then-second-placed Chelsea, and then failed to capitalise when the Blues went down to ten men.
With that said, while it was a poor showing from the Gunners, they were without a number of the best players, like William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhães and just as important, Leandro Trossard.
The Belgian has been in scintillating form for Arsenal in recent months, and yet, if reports are to be believed, the club are looking to sign someone who’d be a significant upgrade.
Arsenal target Trossard upgrade
During the summer, it looked like Trossard would be leaving Arsenal, as he didn’t have a great campaign and was linked with clubs like Bayern Munich.
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However, the former Brighton & Hove Albion gem stayed, was handed a pay rise, and since then has played like a man possessed.
For example, it was his thunderous effort against Sunderland that ensured the Gunners left with a point, and then against Tottenham Hotspur, he scored and assisted a goal.
However, even with performances such as these, it looks like the North Londoners are looking to sign an upgrade on the 30-year-old.
At least that is according to a recent report from TEAMtalk, which claims Arsenal are interested in Michael Olise.
In fact, the report goes further, revealing that the club have placed the Frenchman at the top of their wishlist for next year and, with Sporting Director Andrea Berta, are already laying the groundwork for the deal.
However, it won’t be a cheap transfer to get over the line, with the report claiming that it will cost in excess of £100m to convince Bayern Munich to sell their star attacker.
Even so, given Olise’s immense ability and further potential, this is a deal Arsenal should be going all out for, especially as he’d be a significant upgrade on Trossard.
How Olise compares to Trossard
So the first thing to get out of the way is that, yes, Olise is primarily a right-sided player, and Trossard plays mostly on the left.
However, Arteta has made it quite clear with the signing of Noni Madueke that he is more than happy to play wingers on the opposite flank, and given the Frenchman’s immense ability, it feels like he should have no problem playing out there.
Moreover, when the former Chelsea ace has played in the team, he and Bukayo Saka have swapped sides back and forth during games, which suggests the manager has almost moved beyond the idea of a wide player starting and sticking to a position as matches progress.
With all that said, why would the former Crystal Palace star, who shone with Eberechi Eze in South London, be an upgrade on the Belgian?
Well, the first and most important reason is the simple fact that he is a far more potent goal threat, be that through scoring or assisting them.
A “magician” – according to Bayern teammate Dayot Upamecano – in 20 appearances this season, totalling 1583 minutes, he’s scored nine goals and provided ten assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.05 games, or every 83.31 minutes.
In contrast, the former Brighton star has scored five goals and provided five assists in 16 appearances, totalling 948 minutes, which averages out to a goal involvement every 1.6 games, or every 94.8 minutes.
The second reason is that, at just 23 years old, the 13-capped international has far more upside than the 30-year-old and should even improve in the coming seasons.
Finally, on top of his better output, the former Reading man also comes out on top when you take a look under the hood at their underlying numbers.
Olise vs Trossard
Statistics
Olise
Trossard
Non-Penalty Expected G+As
1.00
0.38
Progressive Carries
5.70
2.63
Progressive Passes
6.40
3.63
Shots on Target
1.99
0.62
Passing Accuracy
81.4%
69.3%
Key Passes
2.60
1.38
Shot-Creating Actions
6.68
3.25
Goal-Creating Actions
1.10
0.37
Successful Take-Ons
2.40
0.88
All Stats via FBref for the 25/26 League Season
For example, he comes out ahead in the most critical metrics, such as non-penalty expected goals plus assists, progressive passes and carries, successful take-ons, goal and shot-creating actions and more, all per 90.
Ultimately, Trossard is a brilliant player, but Olise is clearly superior in practically every way and more than justifies Oliver Glasner’s claim that he’s “one of the best talents in the world.”
Therefore, even if it costs a king’s ransom, Arsenal should do all they can to sign him in 2026.
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Hasaranga took 2 for 25 upon his return from injury
ESPNcricinfo staff13-Sep-2025
Jaker Ali and Shamim Hossain gave Bangladesh a respectable total•Fadel Senna/AFP/Getty Images
They began their high-stakes contest against Sri Lanka miserably, slipping to 0 for 2 after Nuwan Thushara and Dushmantha Chameera bowled back-to-back wicket maidens with the new ball. But Bangladesh went into the innings break with the match still alive in tricky batting conditions, thanks to an unbroken sixth-wicket stand of 86 between Shamim Hossain and Jaker Ali.They came together at 53 for 5 in the tenth over, and walked off together at the end of the innings, unbeaten on 42 and 41 respectively. That both went at strike rates in the 120s, and both struggled to find the boundary for long stretches – including a barren spell of 21 balls – indicated both the excellence of Sri Lanka’s defensive bowling, particularly that of Chameera whose yorkers achieved a rare level of precision in overs 18 and 20, and the two-paced nature of this Abu Dhabi surface.Shamim hit the only six of the innings, a pick-up shot over midwicket off Matheesha Pathirana in the 19th over, and that shot and Pathirana’s figures – 0 for 42 in four overs – indicated that pace onto the bat was one quantity batters could feed off in these conditions.Sri Lanka’s other frontline bowlers were exceptional, however, with Thushara and Chameera finding swing with the new ball and mixing up their pace nicely with the old ball to finish with identical figures of 4-1-17-1. Wanindu Hasaranga, meanwhile, made a big impact in his comeback game, taking two wickets and nearly having another when a wrong’un burst through Jaker’s defences and brushed the off stump, only for the bails to stay put.That Bangladesh managed to set Sri Lanka a target of 140 was remarkable given how they began, with their left-handed openers Tanzid Hasan and Parvez Hossain Emon struggling to find the middle of the bat against the new ball and perishing when they tried to hit out, scoring a combined 0 off 10 between them. Litton Das helped them recover somewhat with a 26-ball 28 that included three fours in the sixth over when he went after Dasun Shanaka, Sri Lanka’s fifth bowler, but Bangladesh didn’t do their cause any good by losing Towhid Hridoy to a run-out when he attempted a risky third run.They could have lost Shamim in this manner too, when he was on 11 in the 13th over, but a superhero dive ensured he just about beat keeper Kusal Mendis’ between-the-legs flick onto the stumps.