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Liverpool’s search for further attacking reinforcements this summer has intensified, with the club exploring alternative options should their primary target – a certain Alexander Isak – fail to materialise.

Amid the Premier League giants’ recruitment strategy, one young talent from La Liga has emerged as a potential solution to bolster Arne Slot’s frontline.

The forward, who has showcased glimpses of brilliance on Europe’s biggest stages, has seen his role at his current club diminish, prompting speculation over his future.

With only 92 minutes of action across three Club World Cup matches under new Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso, uncertainty has surrounded the Brazilian international this summer.

Limited playing time has sparked discussions across Europe, with several top-tier clubs reportedly monitoring his situation closely.

Liverpool, in particular, view him as a viable alternative if their pursuit of Isak falls through, keen to add both creativity and goal-scoring threat to the left-hand side of their attack.

Liverpool's transfer alternative

The player in question is none other than Rodrygo.

Since joining Real Madrid from Santos in 2019 for around £39m, the 24-year-old winger has established himself as one of Europe’s most exciting attacking talents.

Last season alone, Rodrygo netted 14 goals and contributed 11 assists, highlighting his ability to impact games consistently.

His skill set, combining pace, agility, and clinical finishing, has made him a valuable asset, particularly in high-stakes fixtures such as the Champions League.

Transfer Focus

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

Despite interest from clubs in Saudi Arabia, the Brazilian has expressed a preference to remain in Europe, keeping his options open among Europe’s elite.

According to CaughtOffside, Real Madrid would entertain offers for Rodrygo in the region of €90–100m, about £86m.

Liverpool are ‘closely tracking’ his situation but Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, and Manchester City are also said to be alert to his availability, adding a competitive edge to any potential move.

Why Rodrygo could be Liverpool's new Coutinho

The potential acquisition of Rodrygo has drawn inevitable comparisons to another Brazilian talent who once made a significant impact in English football: Philippe Coutinho.

Like Coutinho, Rodrygo is naturally gifted, possessing a flair that allows him to create opportunities seemingly out of nothing.

Both players favour operating on the left flank, combining vision and technical skill to unlock defences, yet their playing styles exhibit both similarities and distinctions.

According to FBref, during his peak at Liverpool in the 2016/17 season, Coutinho contributed 21 goal involvements, averaging 0.85 goal contributions per 90 minutes.

Rodrygo, meanwhile, registered 25 goal involvements last season, with a slightly lower goal contribution per 90 of 0.57.

Rodrygo in 23/24

15

10

5

Coutinho in 16/17

21

13

8

While Coutinho attempted more shots per 90 minutes (4.28 compared to Rodrygo’s 3.25) and had a higher shots-on-target ratio (1.58 vs. 1.33), Rodrygo boasts a higher accuracy percentage (40.7% versus Coutinho’s 36.8%).

These numbers underline that while Coutinho may have been more prolific in creating shooting opportunities, Rodrygo’s efficiency and finishing ability make him a constant goal threat.

Rodrygo’s international experience is equally notable.

In 33 appearances for Brazil, he has scored seven goals, reflecting a promising trajectory on the international stage that complements his club credentials.

Beyond the numbers, stylistic parallels are also evident. Coutinho was celebrated for his exceptional vision, playmaking ability, and long-range shooting.

He had the knack for threading precise through balls and executing dangerous free-kicks and corners.

Rodrygo, while slightly more direct in his approach, shares a similar creative spark, excelling in one-on-one situations and demonstrating tactical versatility across the front line.

His agility and pace make him a consistent menace on the left wing, reminiscent of the Brazilian dynamism Liverpool once benefited from in Coutinho.

Strategically, Liverpool could benefit from Rodrygo’s presence in a comparable way.

Coutinho’s ability to unlock defences and operate between the lines gave Liverpool a creative edge that often proved decisive in tight matches.

Rodrygo, while younger and perhaps still refining his decision-making, brings a blend of speed, finishing, and technical flair that could similarly enhance Slot’s forward line, which already boasts the likes of Mohamed Salah and Hugo Ekitike.

Moreover, his track record in high-pressure games, including goals in the latter stages of the Champions League, demonstrates composure and readiness to deliver.

While Coutinho’s career path led him to Barcelona for a record fee and a different set of challenges, Rodrygo’s potential move to Liverpool would represent a chance to channel his talents in the Premier League.

If Liverpool’s recruitment team can secure him, the parallels with Coutinho’s impact at Anfield could be significant, adding a new dimension to Liverpool’s attacking options for the upcoming season.

Better than Guehi: Liverpool now chasing "one of the best CBs in the world"

Liverpool could land a better signing than Marc Guehi.

2 ByMatt Dawson Aug 10, 2025

عقد حماده الشربيني عضو مجلس إدارة اتحاد الكرة ورئيس بعثة منتخب الشباب في تشيلي، لقاء مع اللاعبين على هامش التدريب الأول للمنتخب استعدادا لمنافسات كأس العالم تحت 19 عامًا.

ومن المقرر أن تقام مباريات منتخب مصر للشباب، في مدينة سانتياجو التي تستضيف مباريات مصر في كأس العالم والتي تقام من 27 سبتمبر الجاري إلى 19 أكتوبر المقبل.

وقال الشربيني فى حضور الجهاز الفني بقيادة أسامة نبيه المدير الفني: “بداية أنقل لكم تحيات مجلس إدارة الاتحاد المصري برئاسة هاني أبوريدة والذى يتابع معي بشكل مستمر للاطمئنان عليكم؛ لقد انتهينا في المرحلة الأولى منذ وصولنا تشيلي بخوض معسكر فى مدينة كونتيرو لمدة عشرة أيام من 13 الي 23 سبتمبر الجاري.

طالع | منتخب مصر للشباب يفوز على نيو كاليدونيا في ختام استعدادته لـ كأس العالم تحت 20 عامًا

وأوضح: “ولقد حقق المعسكر الأهداف المرجوة منه؛ وأنا شخصيًا سعدت بالتزامكم وانضباطكم ورغبتكم الواضحة في الإعلان عن أنفسكم بالمونديال وهو ما وضح من خلال التدريبات والأداء الرجولى فى وديتي سان لويس والتى فزتم بها بخمسة أهداف نظيفة وتجربة نيو كاليدونيا التي تفوقتم فيها بثلاثة أهداف نظيفة”.

وواصل: “أثق فى قدارتكم وأصالة معدنكم لأنكم قادرون على إسعاد الجماهير وتحقيق أحلامهم في المونديال وهذا لن يحدث إلا بالكفاح والقتال والصبر والمثابرة لأن المنافسات لن تكون سهلة وستكون أمام منتخبات كبيرة وقوية وعنيدة”.

وأضاف: “ضربة البداية أمام اليابان يوم السبت المقبل مهمة جدًا هو فريق كبير وقوى ومنظم ولكنى أثق فيكم جميعًا ومفتاح النصر بالنسبة لكم في مثل هذه المناسبات هو التحلي بالروح القتالية التي تميز اللاعب المصري والتركيز الشديد في أدق التفاصيل”.

وكشف الشربيني عن أمنياته للمنتخب بأن يصل إلى أبعد نقطة في البطولة، مشددًا على ثقته في كل اللاعبين، قائلا لهم: “أنكم تستطيعون”.

هذا وقد تدرب منتخب مصر للشباب في سانتياجو لأول مرة عقب وصوله قادمًا من كوينتيرو، وجاء التدريب متكامل حيث قاد الكابتن أسامة نبيه مجموعة المدافعين بينما تولى الكابتن علاء عبده المدرب العام تدريب المهاجمين، والكابتن أيمن طاهر قاد مران حراس المرمي.

وحرص الجهاز الفني على الاستماع إلى تحليلات محمود فايز مدير إدارة تحليل الاداء بالاتحاد والذي يتواجد رفقة مساعده زياد الشعراوي مع المنتخب وذلك لتحديد مواطن القوة والضعف فى المنتخب الياباني.

It’s been a busy week or so for Arsenal.

After a slow start to the transfer window, Mikel Arteta’s side have finally started to make moves, with deals for Christian Norgaard and Arrizabalaga right around the corner, and the announcement of Martin Zubimendi’s arrival could come in a matter of days.

However, while those three will undoubtedly improve the squad, especially the Real Sociedad star, what fans really want is for the club to sign some attacking talent.

Fortunately, reports linking Arsenal to Eberechi Eze have emerged in recent days, although another Premier League star is now being touted for a move to the Emirates, a winger who would be an upgrade on the Crystal Palace ace.

Arsenal target big Eze upgrade

Links to Eze aren’t anything new for Arsenal, as the Crystal Palace star was touted for a move to the club last summer, only for him to remain at Selhurst Park.

Transfer Focus

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

However, it would be fair to say that the reports from the last couple of days revealing the Gunners’ interest in him have felt different, with some claiming that talks have already been held with the player’s representatives.

If the Premier League runners-up are to persevere with their supposed interest in the Englishman, they’ll have to stump up a fee of around £68m to activate the release clause in his current deal, and while he may be worth that much money, it would appear as if another talented international from the Premier League has caught the attention of the North Londoners.

At least that’s according to a recent report from transfers expert Fabrizio Romano, who told GIVEMESPORT that Arsenal are interested in Anthony Gordon.

The Italian journalist has revealed that Arteta and his team are big fans of the Newcastle United star, and that while they’ve not made contact with the player or the Magpies, he has been someone they’ve “discussed internally.”

How much the former Everton gem might cost the Gunners is not mentioned in Romano’s report, but according to stories from earlier this summer, he could be available for around £80m.

It would be a complicated and incredibly costly transfer to get done, but given Gordon’s ability and potential, it is one Arsenal should pursue, especially as he could be an upgrade on Eze.

How Gordon compares to Eze

First and foremost, signing either Eze or Gordon would be brilliant business for Arsenal this summer, as it would be fair to say that neither Leandro Trossard nor Gabriel Martinelli grabbed the left wing position this season.

Moreover, if Arteta and Co sign the Palace star to play him in attacking midfield, then he’d be great competition for Martin Odegaard, but, with that said, there are a few reasons why we still reckon the Newcastle gem would be the better signing.

The first relates to his output, as while the former QPR gem was more productive this season, the former Toffees star had him comfortably beaten last year with a haul of 28 goal involvements in 48 games to 17 in 31, which just shows that when properly platformed, he can reach a higher level of performance.

However, examining their raw output is only one way to assess a player’s ability; another is to take a closer look under the hood and compare their underlying numbers.

Interestingly, when we do that for this season, the Toon star comes out looking far more impressive than his competitor.

Non-Penalty Expected G+As

0.42

0.53

Progressive Passes

3.63

3.37

Progressive Passes Received

7.93

5.31

Progressive Carries

4.48

2.40

Key Passes

1.89

2.01

Passes into the Penalty Area

2.04

1.35

Crosses into the Penalty Area

0.63

0.14

Passes into the Final Third

2.41

1.70

Shot-Creating Actions

3.74

4.69

Goal-Creating Actions

0.44

0.35

Carries into the Penalty Areas

2.07

0.76

Carries into the Final Third

2.30

1.67

Aerial Duels Won

0.30

0.24

For example, the 12-capped “nightmare,” as he describes himself, performs better in creative metrics, such as progressive passes, passes into the penalty area, and goal-creating actions, while also excelling in direct possession statistics, including progressive carries and carries into the penalty area, all per 90.

Numbers like these help show that the Magpies’ dynamic winger could aid the Gunners in build-up play, as well as making them far more dangerous in those games that develop into transitional, slogging matches.

Finally, and this is important with regard to squad building, the Newcastle ace is just 24 years old, whereas the Eagles star has just turned 27 and, based on research carried out by The Athletic, that means, we can expect the former to continue to improve in the coming years, but that isn’t the case for the latter.

Ultimately, based on his underlying numbers, ability to produce a high volume of goal involvements, and his age, Gordon appears to be the better signing for Arsenal. Therefore, the North Londoners should do all they can to bring him to the Emirates this summer.

Sesko will love him: Arsenal open talks to sign "one of the best in the PL"

Imagine this signing and Benjamin Sesko at Arsenal.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jul 1, 2025

Enzo Maresca leads his Chelsea team at the Club World Cup in the USA over the next few weeks, but he will still be aiming to bolster his squad.

Date

Opponent

Venue

Monday, June 16

Los Angeles FC

Mercedes-Benz stadium

Friday, June 20

Flamengo

Lincoln Financial Field

Tuesday, June 24

Esperance

Lincoln Financial Field

Indeed, several players have been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge of late, notably Hugo Ekitiké. The French striker is wanted by several clubs, and now Manchester United have entered the race.

Benfica defender Tomas Araujo is another player that the Blues have targeted this week. He did sign a new contract until 2029 with the Portuguese side, and it has a release clause of €80m (£68m) inserted.

Jamie Gittens is the one target whom the club appear to be prioritising of late, although they might need to wait until the Club World Cup ends to get their man.

Chelsea keen on signing Jamie Gittens

The Blues had an initial bid rejected for the English teenager before making a €50m (£42m) offer, yet this was also rejected by Borussia Dortmund.

Maresca is now preparing a new offer to sign the English talent, who is worth €50m (£42m) according to Transfermarkt.

Across his senior career with Dortmund, the 20-year-old has already played over 100 times, registering 31 goal contributions in the process.

In terms of potential, Gittens is one of the most talented young wingers in Europe, given his goal contributions at such a young age. Should he make the move to Stamford Bridge, he would build on his experience gained in the Bundesliga.

Regarding young talent, Chelsea have a player in their squad who is worth more than double that of Gittens, and he could go right to the very top.

Chelsea have struck gold on Cole Palmer

Cole Palmer was signed for just £40m in 2023. Let that sink in for a moment. Across his two seasons with Chelsea, the Englishman has scored 40 goals and registered 27 assists in just 91 matches for the Blues.

Remarkably, this counts as a goal contribution every 1.3 games, and there is no denying that £40m has turned out to be a sublime bargain for the London side.

He was widely praised by Maresa following a victory against Tottenham last season, describing the former Manchester City starlet as “one of the best” players in the Premier League.

When compared to his peers in the top flight last term, Palmer ranked in the top 4% for shot-creating actions (5.7), in the top 9% for progressive passes (6.04), and in the top 3% for expected goals (0.49) per 90.

One of the best indeed. The best thing is, Palmer will only continue to get better and better as time goes on.

Palmer’s stunning rise is evidenced by his market value shooting up in the previous 12 months. According to Transfermarkt, the English midfielder is now worth a staggering €120m (£102m), and it looks like it will continue to soar.

While Gittens may be the next big thing to come from Dortmund, Chelsea have struck gold with their own English talent. Especially considering he is worth over double what the 20-year-old is valued at.

Chelsea "exploring conditions" of deal for £34m Hugo Ekitike alternative

The west Londoners have their eyes on a different striker.

ByEmilio Galantini Jun 14, 2025

Preparing to spend big once again this summer, INEOS are now preparing to offer £13m-a-year in contract negotiations with one of their summer targets in the hope of luring him to Manchester United.

INEOS spending big despite financial cuts

Across the last 12 months, a lot has been made about Manchester United’s financial situation. Sir Jim Ratcliffe has reiterated that any job cuts or attempt to lower the Red Devils’ budget off the pitch have been necessary for the club to maintain itself. And after Manchester United missed out on Champions League qualification by losing against Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final, more staff were informed about their redundancy.

Related Man Utd want Premier League target man to play up front with Mbeumo and Cunha

The Red Devils have already signed Cunha and submitted a bid for Mbeumo.

Posts ByTom Cunningham Jun 6, 2025

It was always difficult to guess just how Manchester United would spend this summer. The redundancies and lack of Champions League football, or European football at all for that matter, suggested that they would need to sell big before they even consider spending.

Yet, in one of the earliest deals of the window, INEOS have already spent big to trigger Matheus Cunha’s £63m release clause and reports have since arrived which give a glimpse as to how the Manchester club have already spent such an impressive fee.

As The Athletic’s Laurie Whitwell revealed, Manchester United’s revenue is up and their wage bill is down from what it was, with Ratcliffe’s ruthless redundancies contributing to that.

It means that, even after Cunha, those at Old Trafford still have room to spend and have already set their sights on their next target to do exactly that in the coming weeks.

INEOS preparing stunning £13m-a-year Mbeumo offer

According to The Mirror, INEOS are now preparing to offer Bryan Mbeumo a contract worth £13m-a-year to join Manchester United this summer in what would be five times more than the £50,000-a-week he currently earns at Brentford.

What’s more, Ratcliffe and co. are also reportedly preparing to table a £60m offer to convince Brentford to sell their star man this summer – taking their spend to £123m in the space of just a few weeks.

Mbeumo only wants Manchester United, who are set to offer him a staggering £250,000-a-week to complete a summer switch. Whether the forward is worth such a price is the big question and one that many will disagree on.

Man Utd’s highest earners with Mbeumo

Salary P/W

Casemiro

£350,000

Bruno Fernandes

£300,000

Mason Mount

£250,000

Bryan Mbeumo

£250,000

Matthijs de Ligt

£195,000

Whilst some may disagree with Manchester United’s reported decision, the stats don’t lie. The Brentford forward hit the 20-goal mark last season and that alone should be enough to put him amongst the Red Devils’ highest earners.

Dubbed “incredible” by Brentford boss Thomas Frank last season, Mbeumo looks destined to become Manchester United’s second big-money signing of the summer.

While this season has come to an incredibly underwhelming end, Mikel Arteta has still helped to utterly transform Arsenal.

The Spaniard took charge of the side when they were languishing in tenth place, and now he’s led them to a Champions League semi-final and potentially a third second-place finish in the Premier League in as many years.

Moreover, the former captain has overseen a clear improvement of the team in almost all areas, from defence to midfield, between the sticks and out wide.

However, one position in the team which has probably got worse since December 2019 is centre-forward, as Arteta hasn’t been able to find a poacher as prolific as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, although based on recent reports, that might be about to change.

Arsenal's striker search

You don’t have to be a brilliant analyst to see that a lack of cutting-edge up top has cost Arsenal this season, so, in turn, it’s hardly surprising to see the club linked with several sensational strikers in recent weeks, like Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres.

Transfer Focus

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

The former has arguably been the best centre-forward in the Premier League this season, racking up a haul of 27 goals and six assists in 41 games this season, but with recent reports claiming he could cost the club in excess of £127m, this feels like more of a dream than a realistic transfer.

Coming in at the slightly more reasonable £63m is his compatriot Gyokeres, and while that’s still a lot of money, his tally of 52 goals and 13 assists in 50 games suggest he’s worth it.

Even then, Andrea Berta and Co might want an even better deal, which might explain the interest in Jonathan David.

According to a recent report from Italy, Arsenal are now one of several sides incredibly interested in signing the LOSC Lille star, whose current contract will come to an end this summer.

Interestingly, while the likes of Inter Milan, West Ham United, Liverpool, Chelsea and Newcastle United are credited with an interest in the Canadian international, the report has revealed that the Gunners are currently the favourites to secure his services.

It could be a complicated transfer to get over the line as Napoli, another interested party, have already made a salary offer to the forward. That said, Arsenal would surely have the financial firepower to outmuscle the Italian side to his signature.

Why David would be Arsenal's best striker since Aubameyang

While things might’ve ended on a sour note, there can be no denying that for much of his time at Arsenal, Aubameyang was a goalscoring tour de force.

For example, he became the fastest player in the club’s history to hit 50 Premier League goals, and when he left, he did so with 92 goals and 21 assists in 163 games, which, again, is made all the more impressive when you take into account his lacklustre final 18-months.

Since he left for free in early 2022, three players have led the line for the Gunners: Alexandre Lacazette, Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz.

The former became the club’s starting nine in the latter half of the 22/23 campaign, and while he didn’t do too badly, he wasn’t prolific and eventually ended that season with a haul of 17 goals and three assists in 41 games.

For their efforts, Jesus and Havertz have managed to rack up tallies of 46 goal involvements in 96 games and 42 goal involvements in 85 games, respectively.

However, while the latter two have done well in North London, their level of output doesn’t come close to David’s.

For example, this season alone has seen the “mind-blowing” forward, as dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, score 25 goals and provide 12 assists in 48 appearances, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.29 games.

Appearances

48

40

47

48

Goals

19

26

26

25

Assists

0

4

9

12

Goal Involvements*

0.39

0.75

0.74

0.77

Moreover, he’s been this effective for some time, as, over the last four campaigns, the New York-born marksman, whom journalist Tony Marinaro dubbed “one of the best strikers in the world,” has scored 96 goals and provided 25 assists in just 183 club appearances, which is a goal involvement every 1.51 games.

Ultimately, while Arsenal have had some good forwards play for them since Aubameyang left, there is no doubt that, thanks to his incredible track record, David would be their best striker since the Gabonese icon.

Top target: Arsenal now very keen on £48m forward who's "ideal" for Arteta

The Gunners have identified an “unbelievable” star as their number one target at left-wing.

ByDominic Lund May 12, 2025

Celtic forward Daizen Maeda continued his sensational season with yet another goal in the club’s 5-1 win over Kilmarnock in the Scottish Premiership last weekend.

The Hoops romped to a comfortable victory in front of their home support to bounce back from their disappointing 1-0 defeat away to St. Johnstone in their previous outing in the top-flight.

A close-range strike from Maeda, as well as some stunning goals from Reo Hatate and Cameron Carter-Vickers, helped the Scottish giants on their way to all three points.

Brendan Rodgers’ Japanese marksman has been in phenomenal form in front of goal throughout the 2024/25 campaign, notching his 31st goal of the season against Kilmarnock.

The experienced forward has scored 31 goals and provided nine assists in 45 appearances in all competitions for the Hoops so far this term, which shows that he has provided a regular threat in front of goal as both a scorer and a creator for Celtic.

Rodgers needed him, and others, to step up at the top end of the pitch after the club sanctioned the sale of proven goalscorer Kyogo Furuhashi in the January transfer window.

How much Rennes paid for Kyogo Furuhashi

Shortly after Celtic’s 1-0 win over Young Boys in the Champions League, there was talk about a possible move to France for the Japanese forward before the deadline.

Six days on from that victory, which turned out to be the striker’s last appearance for the club, Rennes officially completed the signing of Kyogo for a reported fee of £10m.

Deciding to move on from the Japan international midway through the campaign was a gamble by the Scottish giants, given the quality that he had provided over the years in Glasgow.

Kyogo joined the club from Vissel Kobe on a permanent transfer in the summer of 2021 under the management of Ange Postecoglou, and hit the ground running with 20 goals in all competitions in the 2021/22 campaign.

24/25

32

12

4

23/24

50

19

5

22/23

50

34

5

21/22

33

20

5

As you can see in the table above, the Japanese centre-forward was a consistent goal threat for the Scottish giants throughout his time in Glasgow, scoring at least 12 goals in all four of his seasons at Parkhead.

His best year in a Hoops jersey was, as is obvious by looking at the table, the 2022/23 campaign as he plundered a staggering 34 goals in all competitions for Celtic.

His form in front of goal over those seasons eventually allowed the club to rake in £10m for his services in the January transfer window, but he is not the most expensive striker sold by the Hoops in the past decade.

How much Celtic paid for Odsonne Edouard

In the summer of 2018, Celtic decided to splash the cash on a new centre-forward to bring Odsonne Edouard from Paris Saint-Germain to Paradise in a club-record £9m transfer.

The French marksman had spent the 2017/18 season on loan in Glasgow, scoring 11 goals in 28 matches, and that convinced the board to sign the attacker on a permanent deal in a record transfer ahead of the following campaign.

Edouard followed that up with a return of 22 goals and eight assists in 52 matches in all competitions during the 2018/19 season, including 15 goals in the Premiership – as shown in the highlights above.

The former PSG starlet went on to be a reliable threat at the top end of the pitch for the Scottish giants for several years, racking up 87 goals and 37 assists in 179 outings for the club in all competitions.

These statistics show that Celtic hit the jackpot by splashing out a club-record fee to sign him on a permanent deal because he went on to become a prolific scorer for the Hoops in his three seasons in Glasgow as a permanent player.

The Hoops then went on to strike gold on the centre-forward by making a significant profit on the attacker when they sold him to Premier League side Crystal Palace ahead of the 2021/22 campaign.

How Celtic hit the jackpot with Odsonne Edouard

The English side swooped for his services in the summer of 2021, as they looked to bolster their options at the top end of the pitch, and they agreed a reported deal worth up to £18.5m.

Market Movers

Football FanCast’s Market Movers series explores the changing landscape of the modern transfer market. How much is your club’s star player or biggest flop worth today?

Eagles chairman Steve Parish described Edouard as a striker with “proven quality”, based on his time with Celtic, and that is why Palace were willing to commit a huge sum of money to sign him.

The French centre-forward’s value, therefore, soared by a whopping £9.5m during his spell with the Hoops, from the £9m that they initially paid for him, and that shows that they hit the jackpot with him.

Edouard was also sold for £8.5m more than Kyogo was in January, despite his impressive goal return for the Bhoys, which speaks to how well the club did to rake in that fee from Palace.

Celtic also hit gold with the sale of the Frenchman because he has only scored 21 goals in all competitions in his four years in England to date, with all 21 of those coming for Palace and none in his current loan spell with Leicester City.

August 2021

£18.5m reported fee

December 2021

£14.6m

September 2022

£12.8m

November 2022

£14.6m

October 2023

£17.2m

May 2024

£15.4m

December 2024

£12m

March 2025

£8.5m

As you can see in the table above, his market value has plummeted from £18.5m to £8.5m in the last four years as a result of his lack of goals for Palace and Leicester since his move away from Parkhead.

This suggests that the Scottish giants played a blinder by cashing in on him in the summer of 2021 because he has regressed since leaving Glasgow and is now worth even less than the initial £9m that the Hoops paid to sign him from PSG.

Celtic chasing deal for star who could become even better than Jota

Celtic are reportedly interested in a deal to sign the impressive young forward.

ByDan Emery Apr 16, 2025

While their Premier League ambitions have ultimately come to nothing for a third season on the bounce, Arsenal have started to look far better in recent weeks.

They dispatched Fulham at home and Ipswich Town away in the league and utterly dominated Real Madrid home and away in the Champions League, with the likes of Mikel Merino, Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka stepping up in a big way.

However, another player has really started to come good in recent weeks: Gabriel Martinelli.

He was simply sublime against Fulham, scored the winning goal at the Bernabeu and then bagged his 50th for the club at Portman Road at the weekend, but even then, it might not be enough, as recent reports have linked the Gunners’ with a Ballon d’Or contender who could be a dream upgrade on the Brazilian.

Arsenal's hunt for a new winger

Before getting to the player in question, it’s worth looking at some of the other names linked with Arsenal in recent weeks, such as Rafael Leao.

The AC Milan superstar is enjoying another brilliant campaign at the San Siro this season and has already amassed a haul of 22 goal involvements in 45 appearances, but according to reports, it would cost the Gunners around £86m.

A slightly cheaper but nonetheless exciting option is Viktor Gyokeres.

Transfer Focus

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

The Sporting CP star was on the Gunners’ radar last year, but it looks as if he really could be making his way to the Emirates this summer, and considering he’s scored 47 goals and provided 11 assists in just 46 appearances this term, he’d be more than worth the reported £60m price tag.

Another star from the continent who’d be more than worth his price is Raphinha.

According to a recent report from journalist Graeme Bailey, Arsenal are one of several sides who have been hinted at by intermediaries that they could sign Barcelona star Raphinha this summer.

Alongside the North Londoners, Liverpool and Chelsea have also reportedly been told they could land the Brazilian superstar this year, although to do so, they’ll have to stump up the club’s asking price of around £80m.

It could be an incredibly costly and complicated transfer to get over the line, but given Raphinha’s ability, it’s one well worth fighting for, even if it would be bad news for Martinelli.

How Raphinha compares to Martinelli

Now, while Raphinha can play on both wings and has even played in attacking midfield at times, he’d almost certainly play off the left were he to join Arsenal for two reasons: it’s his most played position, and nobody is going to displace Bukayo Saka.

With that said, Martinelli would likely be the former Leeds United star’s most significant competition for game time in North London, so who comes out on top when we compare them?

Well, when it comes to their raw output, which is what matters most for an attacker, it’s not even close, as the Barcelona ace comes out miles ahead.

For example, in 48 appearances this term, totalling 3924 minutes, he has racked up a frankly astonishing tally of 30 goals and 23 assists, which comes out to an average of 1.10 goal involvements every game or one every 74.03 minutes.

It’s the sort of output which more than justifies Thierry Henry’s shout for him to win the Ballon d’Or earlier in the season.

In contrast, the Gunners’ number 11 has scored nine goals and provided six assists in 44 games, totalling 2978 minutes, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.93 games or one every 198.53 minutes, which is hardly even comparable.

Appearances

48

44

Minutes

3924′

2978′

Goals

30

9

Assists

23

6

Goal Involvements per Match

1.10

0.34

Minutes per Goal Involvement

74.03′

198.53′

Furthermore, on the international stage, the “amazing” Barcelona star, as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, has scored 11 goals and provided seven assists in 33 appearances for the Seleção, whereas the former Ituano gem has scored just two goals in 16 appearances.

Ultimately, while Martinelli has stepped up in recent weeks and is starting to look like the player from the 22/23 campaign, his output still pales in comparison to Raphinha’s, so if there is any chance of signing the latter, Arsenal must take it.

Best signing since Rice: £58m goalscoring "monster" wants to join Arsenal

The incredible international could be just what Arsenal need.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Apr 21, 2025

Openers impress, but tactical errors, spin struggles, and lack of pace-bowling allrounders remain key issues for Bangladesh

Mohammad Isam02-Jun-2025Have Bangladesh finally found their T20 openers?Tanzid Hasan and Parvez Hossain are still a work in progress, but they have shown the T20 attitude the Bangladesh openers have previously lacked. They are willing to go after good bowling attacks in the powerplay, and as they showed in the third T20I on Sunday, can take their partnership deep too. Tanzid has been on a six-hitting spree against UAE and Pakistan, while Parvez now has two good knocks in five games.Parvez Hossain was Bangladesh’s highest run-scorer of the series•AFP/Getty ImagesThe team management lacks pragmatismBangladesh’s team management appeared to misread the team’s needs in Lahore. In near-perfect batting conditions in which Tanzid gave them quick starts in all three games, the think tank kept sending captain Litton Das and Towhid Hridoy ahead of in-form hitter Jaker Ali. It seemed like they weren’t willing to innovate. Litton and Hridoy struggled to keep the openers’ momentum, and then left too much to do for the rest of the batters. Jaker, who is skilled at finding boundaries regularly, would have benefitted from being promoted up the order with a few extra overs to play. Hridoy was out of touch, and Litton seemed confused with his role, whether to drop anchor or go on the attack.Bangladesh must identify their best T20 bowlersBangladesh had several injuries before and during this T20I series. Shoriful Islam pulled his groin after bowling three balls in the second game, while Mustafizur Rahman was injured in the IPL, before the Pakistan series. Taskin Ahmed’s ankle trouble has kept him out for the last two months, while Nahid Rana opted out of the series due to personal reasons.With a number of players unavailable, Bangladesh will have to identify a T20 bowling attack. Tanzim Hasan Sakib and Hasan Mahmud were expensive in the three matches against Pakistan, while Shoriful looked to be moving the new ball well. Mustafizur effectively won Bangladesh’s only game in their last six outings, but the injury ruled him out in Pakistan. The question should also be asked now, whether Bangladesh want Rana for every format.Mahedi Hasan played just one game•AFP/Getty ImagesThe spinners struggle in batting conditionsThe absence of Shakib Al Hasan has left a significant void in Bangladesh’s spin attack which now struggles in batting-friendly conditions. The bowling unit was on dominant at home and in the West Indies last year, with Mahedi Hasan single-handedly restricting the opposition batters on slow and low pitches. However, he struggled against UAE’s Muhammad Waseem and Asif Khan. It’s concerning that team’s premier spinner featured in only three out of six matches.Rishad Hossain has also leaked a lot of runs across the last two series, often missing his lengths. Rishad had an excellent 2024 – especially in the T20 World Cup where he was one of the top wicket-takers – but he failed to hit his stride so far this year. Bangladesh’s spinners have also been vulnerable to slog sweep, which suggests a need to rethink their line of attack.The hunt for fast bowling allroundersWhile there are plenty of spin bowling allrounders in the Bangladesh T20 team, there is a clear lack of fast bowling allrounders. Mahedi, recently named as Litton’s deputy, is an offspinner who bats in the middle order. So does Mehidy Hasan Miraz. Rishad has a similar role, although his batting hasn’t lived up to expectations.The issue, however, is that Bangladesh’s domestic cricket currently lacks any such prominent names. Tanzim has shown the potential to be a handy allrounder provided he can keep his core skills intact, while the BCB should also consider bringing back Mohammad Saifuddin into the mix.

Three personnel changes and a key positional switch, as England set about saving the Ashes

Vithushan Ehantharajah05-Jul-20231:43

Can England channel energy from Lord’s to bring a win at Headingley?

England have made four significant alterations to their line-up ahead of a must-win third Test to keep the Ashes alive as they trail 2-0 to a buoyant Australia. In come Moeen Ali, Chris Woakes and Mark Wood, with Harry Brook moving up to No.3. Moeen’s return as the spinner following recovery from a damaged right index finger is noteworthy after England relied solely on Joe Root’s offspin for Lord’s. But the first sightings of Woakes and Wood this summer, along with Brook’s move from the sanctuary of No.5 to the frontline are three significant shifts at a crucial juncture of this summer. The trio’s individual responsibilities and narratives carry significant weight as the Ashes reach boiling point at Headingley…

“Can I have a new ball please?”

Harry Brook was working in the temporary nets with assistant coach Jeetan Patel on the dog-slinger when Stokes informed him he would bat at No.3 for this Test, replacing Ollie Pope after the vice-captain was ruled out of the summer with a dislocated right shoulder. In typical Brook fashion, he greeted the news with positivity. Brook immediately turned to Patel and asked to reload the thrower with fresher Dukes: “Can I have a new ball please?” Now that he was moving up the order, training had to be tailored immediately.”You guys have obviously seen his unbelievable start to his international career,” Stokes said, referencing Brook’s 818 runs, four centuries and average of 81.80 from his seven Tests prior to this summer’s Ashes. That haul now reads 950 at 67.85 after a relatively fallow two matches, but Stokes’ point is hardly diluted.”I know that’s been at No.5, but last summer when he was the next batter in, we had complete confidence that he could slot into our batting line-up in any position. The opportunity presented itself to him with Jonny’s injury. Look, he’s technically very gifted and, players like that, you feel you can back anywhere, you’re lucky to have them.”Harry Brook fell for a first-innings duck on a snakepit at Chelmsford in 2018 … then cut loose in thrilling style second-time out•Philip Brown/Getty ImagesFor all Brook’s talent and confidence, the main motivation behind his promotion is to keep Joe Root, the team’s best batter at No.4. In turn, it allows Jonny Bairstow to reprise last summer’s role of five at a time when the keeper-batter could not be more up for the battle after his contentious stumping at the hands of Alex Carey.Brook’s series so far has been neither here nor there, as the average of 33 suggests. An exciting first innings at Edgbaston ended in comical fashion when he was bowled off his backside for 32. A bum shot closed what could have been an emphatic second innings on 46. His half-century at Lord’s was arguably the least convincing knock of his four so far; chaotic on the evening of day two and then clumsy the morning after when moving out to leg and scuffing to cover. He could do little about a worldie from Pat Cummins that took his off stump for four in the second innings, but that merely compounded the wastefulness of the three previous knocks. He’s been in and given it away – something which he cannot do further up the chain.It’s worth taking a cursory look at Brook’s experience at first drop. It’s meaningless of course, given the last of his 13 innings in that position came in 2018 – although that’s still 13 more than Ollie Pope had played before he took on the role at the start of last summer. Back then, Brook was 19 and a very different person, let alone player.There is, however, a standout innings of 124 from May of that year, which is quite fun to extrapolate.On a Chelmsford snakepit, Brook opened and got a duck as Yorkshire were snuffed out for 50 inside 19 overs before Essex responded with 142. Gary Ballance, as captain, decided Yorkshire’s best bet in the third innings would be to go for broke. Bairstow opened the batting this time, struck a 44-ball 50, before Brook came in and played pretty much how he does now: ambitious shots devoid of fear, such as running down the pitch and hitting Simon Harmer out of the rough.Yorkshire would go onto win the match by 91 runs after setting Essex 238 to win, and everyone who took part in the match acknowledges this as a coming-of-age knock for Brook. Not only was this a maiden first-class hundred but it was probably the first time he realised just how good he was.

The Wizard Returns

Before the start of this summer, Chris Woakes reached out to Stokes. Feeling fit, refreshed and – most importantly – keen to add to his 45 Test caps, he wanted to see if there was anything he could do differently. While he had read a few things about how England have approached their cricket since Stokes took over as captain and Brendon McCullum came into the fold, he thought it best to double-check. An international cricketer of 12 years, he knew there were some messages that don’t make it beyond the dressing-room walls and into the media. He wanted to check what they were.Aged 34, he was open to trying new things at the start of the season for Warwickshire. Anything to help him fit into an England environment that looked a lot more fun than his last two Test squads – 2021-22’s 4-0 Ashes defeat followed by the 1-0 loss in the Caribbean. At the time, Stokes told Woakes not to do anything differently.That message was reiterated this week. Ahead of what will be his 13th Ashes Test and first of the Bazball era, Woakes checked in with his captain once more. “Anything for me?” he asked on Wednesday morning.”Nah, you just do you,” Stokes replied. “If I change the field, don’t worry about it because I just like doing rogue things.”James Anderson’s endurance has limited Chris Woakes’ England opportunities, but now he needs to fill his huge shoes•Getty ImagesLike Stokes, Woakes’ Test debut came against Australia in 2013, albeit in the last Test of the home series rather on the 2013-14 return leg immediately after. His Ashes memories aren’t particularly fond – a modest 38.81 average with the ball on these shores, and an unflattering 51.63 over there – but this week is an opportunity for better days.His merits as an allrounder, along with Moeen Ali, reinforce England’s batting after a long tail was, ultimately, exposed at Lord’s. And yet he will also serve a dual purpose of replacing James Anderson, who has had an ineffectual couple of weeks, and acting as Stokes’ crutch.”A big part of the team we’ve ended up picking is, worst-case scenario, if I wasn’t to bowl this game,” Stokes admitted, alluding to the chronic issue with his left knee. “It doesn’t mean I’m not going to. But yeah last week I bowled that 12-over spell and it was a tiring last two days of the game. [It is a] Very quick turnaround so I obviously had to factor that in, in terms of if I was to bowl again then couldn’t, then we’re a little bit stuck. Whereas now I don’t feel as if I’m under too much pressure to bowl with the team we’ve picked.”There is a bit of Paul Scholes about Woakes. While some doubt his standing in the English game (mostly because of a poor away record), team-mates past and present regard him as the most talented cricketer going, hence the nickname “Wiz” (The Wizard). An intermittent Test career is down to Anderson’s longevity as an opening quick and Stokes’ talismanic ways as an allrounder. Now, facing the biggest Test of his career a decade after this journey began, he must channel the former to reinforce the latter.

Rockets finally unleashed?

There weren’t many words exchanged as McCullum and Stokes told Mark Wood he would play in this third Test on Wednesday morning. The Durham quick more or less knew on Tuesday, but a necessary bowl in the middle of Headingley at full-pelt and off the full run-up on the eve of Test was an understandable last-minute check.The 33-year-old Wood has been something of an over-coiled spring this summer. He sat out the Ireland Test in anticipation of Edgbaston, then was left out for an all-medium-pace attack before a minor elbow issue – and the presence of Josh Tongue – gave England reason to hold fire. Two-nil down, this is the big one, and with a week’s gap between this and the fourth Test, the best-case scenario of an England win here potentially gives Wood a clear run to the end of this series.His last competitive match came in the Indian Premier League, on April 15, taking two for 35 for Lucknow Super Giants against Punjab Kings. Months and worlds away from where we are right now. But England have no fears about his match-fitness or durability, certainly as far as the next month is concerned.The extra pace will add a new dimension to the bouncer wars both teams have engaged in – Wood will be the quickest bowler on show this series – but it will also help England overcome a couple of issues of their own making. The request for “fast” and “flat” pitches has not come to fruition, and 2023’s offering from Dukes is only marginally better than last year’s ball. If Headingley is uncharacteristically sleepy, a player responsible for the fastest spells ever bowled by an Englishman could wake it up.Mark Wood is back to add extra firepower to England’s line-up•Getty Images”To replace someone who performed so well with someone like Mark Wood is a big positive for us,” Stokes said, after Tongue’s spirited five-wicket display at Lord’s. “And yeah, we’ve all seen the tactics that both teams actually went to. So having Woody in our bowling attack this week, if we feel like we have to go to that tactic again is obviously a big bonus for us.”Tonguey was bowling high 80s last week, so to have someone who can bowl high 90s is pretty exciting. I think as well with that, you know what, Woody’s not just an out-and-out bloke who runs in and tries to hit people. He is a very skilful bowler as well. So I’m excited that we’ve got Woody in a place where he’s able to walk onto the field and play part of the summer.”The last time Wood played an Ashes Test at home, he helped secure the urn, claiming the final wicket of the fourth Test at Trent Bridge in 2015 en route to a 3-2 series win. England need nothing less than that scoreline right now.