There is a chance that Southampton goalkeeper Fraser Forster might still sign a new contract at St Mary’s, according to journalist Tom Barclay.
The Lowdown: Healthy competition
It had previously been reported that Saints number one Alex McCarthy is close to agreeing a new deal on the south coast.
That may have suggested that Forster could be shown the door, especially considering that he is out of contract at the end of the current season, making him a free agent to any potential suitors who might be interested.
However, with McCarthy being ruled out of action since December after sustaining a serious thigh injury, the 34-year-old has been chosen to step in by Ralph Hasenhuttl and has impressed between the sticks since coming back into the team. That could duly benefit him when it comes to the hierarchy deciding whether or not to offer him a new deal in the summer.
In an interview with GiveMeSport, Barclay suggested that Forster’s superb form could persuade Southampton to hand him a contract extension rather than allowing him to leave.
The journalist said: “I think, from Southampton’s point of view, they would prefer to have a younger keeper developing behind one of the older keepers. But, Fraser Forster is playing so well, that I don’t think it can be ruled out still, that they won’t extend his deal as well. And maybe be in a similar situation as they are now.
“I think there’s still the possibility, and if he shows the kind of form that he’s been showing until the end of the season, and the terms are right for Southampton, he might put himself in a position where it can still happen.”
The Verdict: Bags of experience
Despite his age, the 6 foot 7 shot-stopper has delivered some colossal performances since joining Southampton in a £10m move from Celtic back in 2014, keeping a total of 55 clean sheets in 161 appearances across all competitions for the Saints.
Forster, who was once described as an “outstanding” goalkeeper by former Hoops stopper Rob Douglas, even earned another call-up to Gareth Southgate’s England squad in March, having already won six caps for the Three Lions during his career.
Looking to the future, whether the Hexham native extends his stay with the Saints or not will likely depend on whether Hasenhuttl is happy to continue relying on experience in goal or if he’d rather move him on and replace him with someone a bit younger.
Performances like the one against Arsenal at Easter would indicate that keeping him around for another while would be the sensible option.
In other news… this Southampton star has been backed to finish his career with the Saints
Leeds United owner Andrea Radrizzani has made a decision concerning the future of Kalvin Phillips.
What’s the talk?
That’s according to a report by the Daily Star, who claim that Radrizzani is not prepared to offer the defensive midfielder a new contract until the conclusion of the Premier League season, as Leeds’ status as a top-flight club appears increasingly uncertain following Everton’s 1-0 win over Chelsea last weekend.
The report goes on to state that, should the Whites ultimately suffer relegation back to the Championship, not only will they be unable to offer the England international the £100k-per-week wage he is looking for in a new deal at Elland Road, but the club will also have no choice but to cash in on the 26-year-old.
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Finally, the report claims that Liverpool, Manchester United, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain have all enquired about the signing of the Leeds academy graduate, while the Daily Mail recently reported that Radrizzani and Victor Orta would be willing to accept an offer of around £60m for the Whites midfielder this summer.
Supporters will be devastated
Considering just how important a part of the Leeds side Phillips has become in recent years, the news that Radrizzani is holding off on his offer of a new deal until the end of the current campaign certainly does not appear to bode well for the long-term future of the 26-year-old at Elland Road.
Indeed, while injuries have hampered Phillips’ 2021/22 campaign, the £45m-rated deep-lying playmaker proved just how crucial he is to the Whites over his 29 Premier League appearances last term, making an average of 1.6 interceptions, 2.6 tackles, 1.7 clearances and winning 5.3 duels – at a success rate of 52% – per game.
The £38k-per-week dynamo also impressed going forwards, scoring one goal, registering two assists and creating five big chances for his teammates, as well as completing an average of 1.2 key passes, 4.7 long balls and 41 passes per fixture.
These metrics saw the 26-year-old average a quite astonishing SofaScore match rating of 7.21, not only ranking him as the club’s best performer in the top flight but also as the ninth-best midfielder in the league as a whole.
As such, while the vast majority of Leeds supporters will likely admit that, should the Whites indeed suffer relegation to the second tier this season, it will be a near-impossible task for the club to keep hold of a player of Phillips’ ability, the fact that Radrizzani already appears to be planning for life without the midfielder is sure to have left the Elland Road faithful devastated.
AND in other news: Orta can finally axe £55k-p/w “schoolboy” as Leeds plot bid for £15.3m-rated “beast”
Liverpool are set to reignite their interest in Sporting Braga defender David Carmo according to a report from Portuguese newspaper O Jogo (via Sport Witness).
The lowdown: A series of unfortunate events
The Reds were heavily linked with a move for the 22-year-old back in January 2021 when Jurgen Klopp’s squad was plagued by defensive injuries, with Joel Matip, Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez all long-term absentees at the time.
Liverpool instead completed a double deadline day swoop for Ben Davies from Preston North End and Ozan Kabak on a loan deal from FC Schalke to join Nat Phillips and Rhys Williams as the only recognised centre-backs at Anfield.
Soon after missing out on a move to Merseyside, Carmo suffered a broken leg in the Taca de Portugal semi-final against FC Porto in an incident with now Kop favourite Luis Diaz.
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Having made a successful return to action, an interest could once again be arising from the Anfield club…
The latest: Contact made
As per O Jogo, translated by SW, Liverpool didn’t ‘erase the name’ of the Portuguese youth international following their initial interest.
It’s claimed that scouts from the club continue to ‘follow closely’ Carmo’s development and have already made contact following a ‘recommendation’ from Klopp. New sporting director Julian Ward could make the powerful defender an early transfer target ahead of the summer window.
The report also states that the 6 foot 5 powerhouse, who has been likened to Van Dijk no less, is ‘very likely’ to leave Braga should a €40million (£33.7million) release clause be met.
The verdict: Positional overkill?
After the arrival and subsequent instant impact of Ibrahima Konate from RB Leipzig, Klopp currently boasts four high quality central defensive options in the Liverpool squad.
Albeit both Matip and Van Dijk are over 30, neither are showing signs of an early demise and look set to play a huge role over the coming years.
However, should Gomez become restless with his own spot in the pecking order and seek pastures new, the Reds would need a replacement and that is where Carmo may come in.
Possessing strong aerial, tackling and passing ability (WhoScored), the talented seven-cap Portugal Under 20 starlet appears ready-made to enhance Klopp’s defensive department and at the mooted release clause would represent supreme value for money.
In other news, Dominic King confirms Liverpool transfer interest. Read more here.
Tottenham chiefs are believed to be assessing their options ahead of the looming January transfer window, which opens in just over a month’s time, and Thomas Frank reportedly wants to reinforce his attacking options.
On the pitch, all eyes turn towards this weekend’s looming North London derby as Frank’s side dream of their first Premier League win at the Emirates Stadium since 2011.
Frank also heads into his first derby clash as Spurs boss in testing circumstances, nursing a crippling injury crisis as he also navigates an inconsistent run of form. With as many as 11 first-team players currently sidelined, the Dane’s squad depth is pretty stretched for one of the Premier League’s most high-stakes fixtures.
Dejan Kulusevski
Knee
29/11/2025
James Maddison
ACL
01/06/2026
Radu Dragusin
Knee
22/11/2025
Ben Davies
Thigh
23/11/2025
Kota Takai
Ankle/Foot
23/11/2025
Mohammed Kudus
Knock
23/11/2025
Randal Kolo Muani
Jaw
23/11/2025
Yves Bissouma
Ankle/Foot
23/11/2025
Lucas Bergvall
Concussion
23/11/2025
Dominic Solanke
Ankle
23/11/2025
Archie Gray
Calf/Shin/Heel
23/11/2025
via Premier Injuries
His preparations took another worrying turn when midfielder Pape Sarr limped off during Senegal’s friendly against Brazil, though his international manager, Pape Thiaw, then provided a reassuring update which suggested the knock wasn’t serious.
The injury list makes for grim reading. Randal Kolo Muani, Archie Gray, Ben Davies, Radu Dragusin, Dejan Kulusevski, James Maddison, Dominic Solanke, Yves Bissouma and Kota Takai are just some of the names on Tottenham’s large absentee list, with a good few not expected back in time for the Arsenal clash.
Solanke is apparently “unlikely” to make his return against Mikel Arteta’s side as the striker continues his recovery from minor ankle surgery, while Kolo Muani fractured his jaw against Man United, and it remains to be seen how long the summer signing will be out for.
Mohammed Kudus should recover from a knock to face Arsenal, offering some attacking relief, while Lucas Bergvall could return after completing concussion protocols following his head injury against Chelsea — even if he was sent home from Sweden international duty after a ‘setback’.
Taking into account the club’s fitness issues which have plagued the Lilywhites since the start of Ange Postecoglou’s final season in charge, it is no surprise that they’re considering moves in the winter transfer market to reinforce Frank’s options.
Tottenham tried and failed to sign Man City winger Savinho in the summer, and it is believed that another wide-forward is very much still on the agenda at N17.
Takefusa Kubo could be tempted to join Tottenham in January
Real Sociedad star Takefusa Kubo is a player who’s long been linked with a move to Spurs.
Some reports even suggest that the north Londoners have made ‘several’ failed attempts to sign the Japan international, but they’ve been given some encouragement in the build up to January as it is claimed that Kubo is keen on Spurs as a landing spot.
His contract reportedly includes a £52 million release clause, and journalist Pete O’Rourke has told Football Insider that Kubo could still be intrigued by a move to Tottenham this winter amid Sociedad’s worrying form which sees them hovering just three points above the relegation zone.
O’Rourke also calls Kubo a “top player” who’d tick a lot of boxes for Frank.
The 24-year-old, who left Real Madrid after successive loan spells away to join Sociedad permanently in 2022, averaged more successful take-ons per 90 than any of his teammates in La Liga last season (WhoScored), and more than any Tottenham player managed in England that campaign too.
Predominantly a right-winger, Kubo appears unlikely to threaten Kudus’ place in the side given his exceptional start, but can operate as both a central attacking playmaker and even a second-striker, which may well appeal to Frank.
The presence of a release clause means that Spurs can bypass negotiations with Sociedad by triggering it and entering talks with the player himself.
Kubo’s signing could also open up commercial opportunities in the Asian market, something which Tottenham have missed since club legend and South Korea icon Son Heung-min departed for Los Angeles FC in the summer.
Make no mistake, this could be one to keep an eye on, and Kubo has been tipped to become an eventual superstar by those who’ve worked with him.
Leeds United are plotting for the January transfer window and could now look to sign a young talent who recently got the better of a Real Madrid superstar.
Leeds United move on after summer transfer window
Among supporters of the Elland Road club, there is a feeling that more may have been done by Daniel Farke and company in the final days of the window to land signings, albeit that is not the way things transpired.
Speaking to Football Insider, Pete O’Rourke has explained why Leeds missed out on a late move to sign Manor Solomon after he ended up at Villarreal amid interest in his services.
He stated: “There’s always competition for these players’ signatures. Manor Solomon, Palace tried to sign him but he’s gone to Villarreal, he’s got Champions League football – Leeds can’t offer that right now. Obviously, Palace had money in their pockets to spend following the sale of Eberechi Eze, and the chance of European football as well.
“There’s no regrets from Daniel Farke – he will now move on and work with what he’s got, to try and ensure that Leeds are well-placed come the January window.”
Despite the window being closed, Leeds are plotting a move to sign free agent Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain after he was released from Besiktas, and he would potentially ease their midfield issues after injuries to Ao Tanaka and Ethan Ampadu.
Leeds make £40m forward like Ronaldo top January target, 49ers plot offer
He’s registered 65 goal involvements in the last two seasons.
2 ByCallum Kemp Sep 7, 2025
Manchester City youngster Nico O’Reilly is also on the Whites’ radar, though reports suggest it may be difficult to entice him away from the Etihad Stadium in January.
Nevertheless, bolstering the engine room will be important to their survival prospects in the Premier League, and a more realistic target has now been identified following his recent exploits.
Leeds United want to sign West Bromwich Albion star Isaac Price
According to EFL Analysis, Leeds are keen to sign West Bromwich Albion midfielder Isaac Price, who is also wanted by the likes of Burnley, Brentford, Crystal Palace and Fulham.
Of course, his exploits for Northern Ireland against Germany in World Cup qualifying have earned widespread attention. The 21-year-old gave Real Madrid’s Antonio Rudiger a torrid evening, winning more duels and tackles up against the German and getting him booked, while his stunning volley to equalise against a high-profile opponent was worth the entrance fee alone.
At club level, Price has registered three goals and two assists in five appearances across all competitions this term with the Baggies, establishing himself as a regular on the scoresheet due to his box-crashing tendencies.
After offering Rudiger a tough outing, Leeds appear to have taken notice of his displays and could look to tempt him away from the Hawthorns while he is in reach.
Newcastle United have made it through the storm that was the summer transfer window, and Saturday’s controlled victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers has got the ball rolling for Eddie Howe’s side.
The Premier League proved a happy playground for the Magpies last season, who also won the Carabao Cup and have qualified for the Champions League, which looms very large indeed.
It’s a shame that Alexander Isak won’t be with the Toon, but the Sweden striker forced his way out and signed for Liverpool in a record-breaking deal.
In different circumstances, Elliot Anderson continues to go from strength to strength away from St. James’ Park, and while the homegrown talent would have been a perfect fit in this United side, Howe moved to sign some kind of replacement in Jacob Ramsey.
Ramsey could be Howe's new Anderson
It’s been over a year since Anderson left Newcastle for Nottingham Forest in a £35m deal, forcibly cut away by PIF because of PSR.
It’s fair to say the 23-year-old has been thriving of late, awarded the Man of the Match award in each of his first two Three Lions caps and playing an instrumental part for a high-flying Tricky Trees outfit, hailed by analyst Ben Mattinson as a “midfield warrior” and a “powerhouse carrier with a bit of passing range”.
However, Howe signed Ramsey from Aston Villa in a £42m package this summer, and while the dynamic midfielder is currently sidelined with injury, he has the skill to play a similar role: athletic and dynamic, he offers a forward-thinking skillset.
If Ramsey can overcome his current fitness setback, an ankle injury, then he could become a real player for Howe’s side.
And should he reach his potential at the club, where would this leave Joe Willock?
Why Newcastle must now sell Joe Willock
Regarding numbers, Newcastle are hardly overloaded in the middle of the park. Sean Longstaff was sold to Leeds United for £10m this summer, and Isaac Hayden departed on a free transfer.
But Willock might find his playing time reduced with Ramsey now in the ranks. Once an attacking midfielder, the former Arsenal prospect has been fashioned into more of a number eight, but injuries and subsequent struggles for form have kept him on the periphery over the past few years.
25/26
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An energetic and tenacious midfielder, the 26-year-old Willock has been frustrated by hamstring and achilles injuries in recent times, but when on the field he has left plenty to be desired, having been branded as “disappointing” a year ago by The Athletic’s Chris Waugh, who was discussing how the Englishman needed to step up, as his ball-carrying ability was a cut above his teammates’ own skills.
That’s no longer the case. Ramsey is a high-level dribbler, and his big-money addition certainly suggests that Howe is willing to invest time and effort into shaping him into the player he ought to become.
If that means that Willock needs to be sold, it’s a sacrifice the manager might be willing to make. After all, Willock earns a healthy salary of £80k per week, which isn’t as much as the £120k-per-week Ramsey, but is actually double the £40k-per-week earnings of Anderson over at the City Ground, as per Capology.
The key points here are twofold: Ramsey is valued, entrusted with a big role in the squad and expected to deliver in the years to come; Willock himself earns a fair wage, but his diminished returns of late suggest Newcastle might not be getting bang for their buck.
The lad’s natural talent was never up for dispute. He’s a sharp playmaker with the movement and vision to make things happen. He’s the complete package. But Newcastle have other such players, and even with Anderson long sold, the arrival of Ramsey issues a warning to Willock, who has only played 25 minutes of football so far this season.
Willock is no longer a spring chicken, and given the strength of Newcastle’s starting midfield trident and the addition of Ramsey, it would appear his days are numbered on Tyneside, should he want to play regular minutes during the prime years of his career.
Given that he earns a pretty penny – double as much as Anderson at Forest – the need to ship him out is only heightened, especially with the likes of Lewis Miley waiting in the wings.
Not just Isak: PIF must rue selling "public enemy number 1 for Newcastle fans"
Howe could have benefitted from this talent’s qualities at Newcastle this season.
Tottenham Hotspur have agreed a deal to sign a very fast England youth international, according to The Athletic.
Tottenham and Levy making transfer moves ahead of Frank’s first season
Spurs and Daniel Levy decided to part ways with Ange Postecoglou, despite the Australian ending their long wait for a trophy by winning the Europa League last season.
New manager Thomas Frank is the man tasked with improving Tottenham’s Premier League displays, and he has already been backed in the transfer window with the permanent addition of Mathys Tel.
The Frenchman spent the 2024/25 season on loan at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and has now sealed a £30 million permanent switch from Bayern Munich that was reportedly approved by Frank himself. Talking after signing Tel, Frank said:
J League sensation Kota Takai is also heading to north London this summer, with Tottenham agreeing on a £5m deal to sign the 20-year-old Japanese defender.
Tottenham vs Burnley
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Man City vs Tottenham
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Tottenham vs Bournemouth
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West Ham vs Tottenham
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Brighton vs Tottenham
September 20
Tottenham hope Takai will compete as a first-team player, following in the footsteps of Lucas Bergvall, Destiny Udogie and Pape Sarr, and by the looks of things, another exciting youngster will be on the way to Spurs this summer.
Tottenham agree deal to sign England youth international
According to The Athletic, Tottenham have also agreed a deal to sign teenage striker Oliver Boast from Leeds United.
Called ‘one of Leeds’ prized academy assets’, Boast has said yes to a move to Spurs, with Tottenham and Levy set to pay a seven-figure fee for the 16-year-old instead of going to a tribunal.
Boast is currently behind Harry Gray, the younger brother of Archie Gray, in Leeds’ academy pecking order, so will instead link up with Archie and other talents at Spurs.
Already an England youth international at U16 level, Boast is described ‘as a modern No 9, who can lead the line and can play as a lone striker’. It is added that the forward’s ‘speed has been described as one of his best attributes, as he runs off the shoulder of the last man and gets in behind opposition defences’.
Tottenham match £60m offer for player with transfer likelihood revealed
Spurs are attempting to back Thomas Frank.
ByEmilio Galantini Jun 27, 2025
As per Transfermarkt, Boast scored 10 goals in 21 appearances for Leeds’ youth sides last season, and you’d expect he will go straight into Spurs’ U18 side for the 25/26 season, looking to catch the eye of Frank and break into the first-team set up over the coming years.
Derby County are now keen on signing “one of the best” Championship defenders on a free transfer this summer, according to a report.
Eustace looking to put own stamp on his Derby squad
It was a huge risk for John Eustace to leave Blackburn Rovers mid-way through the 2024-25 campaign, but the manager accomplished his initial goal of keeping Derby in the Championship, and he is now looking to put his own stamp on the squad.
Having only narrowly avoided relegation to League One, it could be a case of needing to strengthen in multiple areas if the Rams are to stand any chance of competing in the upper echelons of the table next season, and several targets have already been picked out.
Bid made: Derby County make offer for 23 y/o Eustace loves and get reply
The Rams are in the market for reinforcements…
BySean Markus Clifford May 18, 2025
Lincoln City’s Ethan Erhahon is of interest in central midfield, while Thierry Small has emerged as a target at a left-back, although the defender could be tempted to remain at Chartlon Athletic if his side are victorious in the League One play-off final on Sunday.
According to a report from Football League World, Eustace may also be looking to raid his former club this summer, with two Blackburn Rovers players now entering the frame as potential targets, namely Danny Batth and Andi Weimann.
Batth’s current deal is set to expire this summer, meaning he will be available on a free transfer, but Blackburn still retain some hope of keeping hold of the centre-back, having offered him a one-year contract extension.
Eustace is said to be determined to bring some fresh faces to Pride Park this summer, and he will have more money to play with than Paul Warne in the transfer market, which suggests the Rams could kick on next season.
Derby County manager JohnEustace
"Colossal" Batth "one of the best" in the Championship
The defender may be in the latter stages of his career, considering he is now 34-years-old, but he is showing no signs of slowing down, making 41 appearances for Blackburn in all competitions last season.
The Englishman is a real stalwart of the Championship, making a total of 353 appearances in the second tier, and his experience could be of great value to a Derby side looking to kick on next season.
Once lauded as “colossal” by journalist Josh Bunting, the former Sunderland man was also described as being among the Championship’s top defenders last season, courtesy of an impressive performance against promotion-winning Burnley.
As such, Batth could be a shrewd signing on a free transfer, and the Rams will be hoping the experienced defender is keen on a reunion with his former manager.
Arsenal have been blessed with some utterly superb strikers in the past.
From Ian Wright in the early 1990s to the legendary Thierry Henry in the 2000s and even Robin Van Persie in the early 2010s – although the less said about him, the better.
However, while the team are in a far better place than they were five or six years ago, it would probably be fair to say that the last great striker who played for the club left in 2022, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Fortunately, Mikel Arteta and Co finally seem to be addressing the squad’s need for a clinical number nine, as recent reports have touted one of Europe’s most exciting strikers for an imminent move to the Emirates, a striker who’d be Arsenal’s best since Aubameyang.
Arsenal's striker search
Given Arsenal’s lack of goalscoring threat this season, it’s hardly surprising that the last few weeks have seen a number of top strikers linked with the club, such as Evann Guessand and Serhou Guirassy.
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 could reportedly be available for just £25m this summer, and while he might not be particularly well known to Premier League fans, his tally of 13 goals and 10 assists in 42 games for OGC Nice suggests he’d be worth picking up.
Guirassy, on the other hand, has a release clause worth £59m in his contract, but that too might prove to be more than fair, as in 45 appearances for Borussia Dortmund this season, he’s racked up a stellar haul of 34 goals and nine assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.04 games.
However, to ensure they sign someone who’d be their best striker since Aubameyang, the Gunners might want someone even more prolific than the Guinea international, someone like Viktor Gyokeres.
According to a recent report from Monday’s print edition of Portuguese outlet O Jogo, as relayed by Football Transfers, Arsenal have made massive progress in their pursuit of the Swedish international.
In fact, the report goes a step further, revealing that the North Londoners have struck a €65m – £55m – deal with Sporting ‘to sign the striker’ and that they will ‘officially complete the signing’ next week.
It’s a lot of money to spend on a forward from outside a top-five league, but given Gyokeres’ simply unreal record, it looks like it’ll be money well spent, especially as he could be the club’s best nine since Aubameyang.
Why Gyokeres will be Arsenal's best striker since Auba
While he left in unceremonious fashion and wasn’t exactly lethal towards the end of his time in North London, it cannot be forgotten that for much of his time at Arsenal, Auba was a tour de force in front of goal.
For example, he became the fastest player in club history to hit 50 Premier League goals in July 2020, and then, even with his downturn towards the last 18 months of his time at the Emirates, he left the club with a brilliant record of 92 goals and 21 assists in 163 games.
Since he left, Arteta has used Alexandre Lacazette, Gabriel Jesus, and Kai Havertz as his starting strikers, and while they’ve all done well enough here and there, none of them have been or are particularly prolific.
Appearances (*at Arsenal)
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26
29
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35
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Goal Involvements per Match
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157.54
For example, the Frenchman left the club with 71 goals and 35 assists in 206 games, while the Brazilian has amassed 26 goals and 20 assists in 96 games, and the German has 29 goals and 13 assists in 86 games.
In contrast, Gyokeres has been simply unstoppable since moving to Lisbon in the summer of 2023.
In 101 appearances for the Portuguese champions, the goalscoring “monster,” as dubbed by data analyst Ben Mattinson, has put the ball in the back of the net on 96 occasions and provided 28 assists, which equates to a sensational average of 1.22 goal involvements per game for just under two years.
Moreover, the Stockholm-born phenomenon has also been a dangerous outlet for the Swedish national side, as in just 26 appearances, totalling 1568 minutes, he has scored 15 goals and provided six assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.23 games, or every 74.66 minutes.
Ultimately, while Arteta has had some talented forwards in his squad since Auba left, Gyokeres looks like he could be the first one to match the Gabonese icon’s ability, making his supposed signing look like a masterstroke.
Arsenal ready big bid to sign "unbelievable" £68m upgrade on Odegaard
The incredible international would be unreal for Arsenal.
As Manchester United prepare to head into the defining game of their season on Wednesday night, a key dilemma for manager Ruben Amorim to contemplate is the centre-forward berth, amid the continued woes of young Rasmus Hojlund.
Despite showcasing flickers of life with goals against Bournemouth and Athletic Club in recent weeks, the 22-year-old has still scored just ten goals in all competitions this season, with just four of those coming in the Premier League.
The Europa League – or European competition in general – has been a welcome solace for the Dane following his £64m switch in 2023, although even his 11 goals on the continent to date should not cloud Amorim’s judgement considering the wretched campaign that the former Atalanta man has endured.
Against Chelsea on Friday night, for instance, the struggling striker won just two of 11 duels and lost the ball on 13 occasions, with there a very real debate to be had over whether the former Sporting CP boss can find a wildcard solution to replace the club’s number nine in Bilbao.
As for the long-term, meanwhile, Hojlund’s woes have indicated that signing an upgrade is essential this summer. On the evidence of recent reports, that work has already begin, amid the speculation surrounding Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap.
Latest on Man Utd's interest in Liam Delap
While a deal for Wolverhampton Wanderers man Matheus Cunha appears to be edging ever closer to an agreement, the suggestion is that United are also looking to raid the Premier League for young Delap, following an encouraging first campaign in the top-flight.
Cunha, Delap, Amorim
Despite playing his part in a side that has slipped back into the Championship under Kieran McKenna, the 22-year-old has still managed to rack up 12 league goals thus far, with no player back at Old Trafford even reaching double figures, by contrast.
Reportedly available for just £30m this summer amid the presence of a relegation clause in his contract, the England U21 star represents an affordable option ahead of next term, with The Athletic’s Laurie Whitwell outlining that talks have already been held with the player regarding a move.
As per Whitwell, however, the Red Devils are set to face competition from the likes of Chelsea, with Delap set to engage in negotiations with a number of suitors before making his decision.
The suggestion is that the club could afford to sign both Cunha and the former Manchester City starlet, even if Champions League qualification is not secured. That said, might it be worth stretching the budget just a little further?
Man Utd chasing Delap alternative
Having signed Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee in successive summers, the decision to plump for another young striker like Delap could prove another mistake for those at Old Trafford, with the club simply needing to get it right in the centre-forward department.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast
According to reports in Spain, the Red Devils are seemingly in the mix for a prolific alternative, amid claims that they are among the Premier League clubs to have made an approach for Sporting sensation, Viktor Gyokeres.
As per the report, while it is Arsenal who remain in the ‘best position’ to sign the 26-year-old, United are said to have emerged as a ‘strong competitor’ of late, amid the forward’s prior relationship with Amorim.
Sporting Club's Viktor Gyokeres.
The suggestion is that the former Coventry City man will end up back in England this summer, with Fabrizio Romano having outlined in recent days that he could be available for around €65m (£55m),
That extra £25m, in relation to Delap, would prove worth the investment for a player who could prove to be the next Ruud van Nistelrooy.
Viktor Gyokeres
Why Gyokeres could be the new Van Nistelrooy
It is not too difficult to argue that not since the days of Van Nistelrooy have United truly had a reliable goalscoring presence at the club, with the clinical Dutchman chalking up 150 goals in 219 games in all competitions, including 95 in just 150 Premier League outings.
Signed from PSV Eindhoven in 2001 for a then British-record fee of around £19m, having seen a deal collapse a year earlier due to injury, the beloved striker hit the ground running in a United shirt, having scored twice on debut against Fulham.
In truth, the then-24-year-old had picked up where he left off in his homeland, having netted 77 times in just 90 games for PSV, after previous stints with Den Bosch and Heerenveen.
Any fears over whether he could cut it in English football were swiftly eased, with Van Nistelrooy proving that a goalscorer of that ilk can deliver the goods wherever they are plying their trade.
Hopefully, the same can be true of Gyokeres, with the “ball-striking monster” – as hailed by analyst Ben Mattinson – enjoying a similar record to what Ruud recorded at PSV, having netted 96 times in just 101 appearances in Lisbon.
Competition
Games
Goals
Assists
Liga Portugal
33
39
8
Taca de Portugal
6
4
3
Champions League
8
6
0
Allianz Cup
3
4
0
Supertaca
1
0
2
Competition
Games
Goals
Assists
Liga Portugal
33
29
9
Taca de Portugal
6
6
4
Europa League
9
5
2
Allianz Cup
2
3
0
Like Van Nistrelrooy too – who provided 20 assists in Eindhoven, as per Transfermarkt – the former Coventry hero can also create chances for others too when leading the line, having chipped in with 28 assists of his own.
In essence, Gyokeres is the complete striker, possessing that ability to lead the line on his own in impressive fashion, much like Van Nistelrooy was able to do in Sir Alex Ferguson’s 4-5-1 formation in the early 2000s.
The “hottest striker in Europe” right now, as per ESPN’s Mark Ogden, the one-time Brighton and Hove Albion asset is in simply blistering form. A reunion with Amorim could represent the dream alternative to chasing Delap, even if it comes at a greater cost.
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