West Ham United have come forward to sign an “outstanding” striker, who is now likely to leave his club in the summer transfer window, according to a report.
Hammers set sights on striker after Forest defeat
Graham Potter would have been hoping the 2-0 victory over Manchester United would give his side the platform to have a strong end to the Premier League season, but his side fell to yet another defeat on Sunday afternoon, with Nottingham Forest prevailing 2-1 at the London Stadium.
Jarrod Bowen, who has been one of the only bright sparks for the Hammers this season, was once again on the scoresheet, netting his 12th Premier League goal of the campaign, with the England international featuring as a striker.
Bowen’s output this season indicates he could be capable of remaining the first-choice centre-forward in the 2025-26 campaign, rather than moving back out wide, with Potter currently short on options in that area of the pitch.
West Ham United's JarrodBowencelebrates scoring their first goal
However, with Michail Antonio now 35-years-old and Niclas Fullkrug failing to make an impact in his debut Premier League campaign, it could be wise to bring in another striker this summer, and a forward with top-level experience has now entered the frame.
According to a report from Italy (via Sport Witness), West Ham have now come forward to sign AS Roma striker Tammy Abraham, who is set to leave the Italian side permanently this summer, upon returning from his loan with AC Milan.
A deal will not be easy, however, with Abraham setting his sights on a move to a ‘top-tier club’, despite his recent struggles, and there are doubts over whether he would be tempted by a move to the London Stadium.
West Ham now racing to sign £84m striker who's been "blowing teams away"
The Hammers have set their sights on a striker, who is also being targeted by Arsenal and Aston Villa.
ByDominic Lund "Outstanding" Abraham could reignite career at West Ham
In truth, the 27-year-old is unlikely to be in a position to be too picky about his next club, given that he has hardly set the world alight in the Serie A this season, picking up just three goals and five assists throughout the campaign.
The Englishman could get his career back on track by moving back to his native country, however, and a move to the London Stadium could be a good fit for all parties, with Potter currently lacking options in the striker department.
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Despite his recent struggles, the “outstanding” former Chelsea man also has a lot of experience at the top level, having made 22 appearances in the Champions League, winning the competition during his time with the Blues.
As such, Abraham, who cost AS Roma £34m back in 2021, could be a solid signing for West Ham this summer, should he be willing to change his stance and move to a club of the Hammers’ stature.
Arsenal have been handed a key advantage in the race to sign a highly-rated forward this month, after discovering that he’s keen to link up with Mikel Arteta.
Arsenal "highly likely" to sign new forward in January
The Gunners boss has publicly confirmed that his side are actively pursuing a fresh forward option before deadline day on February 3rd, leading to multiple reports linking Arsenal with a host of high-profile strikers.
"Extremely quick" £60m striker is very keen on joining Arsenal in January
He’s believed to be increasingly keen.
7 ByEmilio Galantini
RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, Sporting Lisbon star Viktor Gyokeres, Galatasaray’s Victor Osimhen and Botafogo star Igor Jesus are just some of the reported Arsenal striker targets, as interim sporting director Jason Ayto weighs up the best possible option.
“We lost two very important players in Saka and Jesus, we lack goals and options in the front, it’s clear,” said Arteta on signing a centre-forward.
Arsenal’s next five Premier League games
Date
Wolves (away)
Today
Man City (home)
February 2
Leicester City (away)
February 15
West Ham (home)
February 22
Nottingham Forest (away)
February 26
“If we can get the right player, that’s what we’re actively looking at. They’ve [the players] all been there, we have very short numbers for many weeks, they recognise the situation. Sometimes I consult the players on signings, especially if they know them. It’s away from the computer and the data, they can sense it, they know about them.”
While talks are yet to advance over any of their targets as things stand, reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano has reassured supporters – saying it is “highly likely” that Arteta’s side to end up bringing in a new centre-forward before the January deadline.
Arsenal managerMikelArtetabefore the match
“It’s highly likely,” said Romano on Arsenal’s search for a striker to GiveMeSport.
“This is the expectation of Mikel Arteta, so I expect the club to back him and find a solution on the market even if big clubs are not available.”
Another heavily-linked striker comes in the form of Wolves star Matheus Cunha, who is yet to pen a fresh contract at Wolves despite apparently agreeing financial terms. The sticking point has reportedly been Cunha’s desire to include a relegation clause, with the Brazilian’s talks over a new deal stalling and handing a transfer opportunity to interested sides.
Reliable journalist Ben Jacobs writes that he won’t come cheap, though, and Vitor Pereira’s side could demand as much as £80 million.
Arsenal discover Matheus Cunha wants to join them in January
In better news regarding their pursuit of Cunha, as per GiveMeSport, Arteta has been handed a “significant boost” in the race for his services.
The outlet claims Arsenal have discovered that Cunha wants to join them this month, with the Gunners in pole position ahead of fellow suitors Chelsea, Newcastle United, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur.
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However, that being said, Wolves remain determined to land the former Atlético Madrid star who’s scored 10 goals and assisted four others in all competitions so far this term – and in five different positions across the attacking third.
It could take a big-money bid from Arsenal to prise the “phenomenal” Cunha away from Molineux, but that was always going to be the case with any world-class forward midway through the campaign.
Unfortunately for Manchester United and their fans, it's already starting to feel like more of the same in the Premier League this season.
Erik ten Hag's men may have picked up all three points in their season opener against Fulham, but in the two games since, they haven't picked up any.
There is still clearly plenty of talent in this team, but with sides around them already starting to pull away, Ten Hag cannot afford to drop any more points against Southampton, and he must make changes.
Erik ten Hag
One of those changes should be to drop Marcus Rashford, as his underwhelming form from last season has seemingly carried over, and the manager has a solution on the bench.
Rashford's recent form
So the first thing to say is that when he's on song, Rashford is easily one of the most dangerous attackers in the Premier League, if not Europe, but therein lies the problem: he's not on song and hasn't been for some time.
For example, he followed up his incredible haul of 30 goals and 11 assists in 56 appearances in the 22/23 campaign with a disappointing return of eight goals and six assists in 43 appearances last season.
In other words, the Englishman went from averaging a goal involvement every 1.36 games to one every 3.07 games last year, and unfortunately, he's carried on that underwhelming form into this season.
Rashford's 24/25 stats
Appearances
3
Goals
0
Assists
0
Shots
0
Passes per Match
23
Offsides
3
All Stats via the Premier League
For example, in his three league games thus far, the 26-year-old has failed to score or assist a goal, and while he has created the odd chance for his teammates, he's just looked ineffective in attack.
There is undoubtedly still a quality player in there, but it feels like he could do with some time out of the team.
Manchester United's Marcus Rashford
Moreover, considering United are playing one of if not the weakest teams in the league tomorrow, it feels like the perfect opportunity to make a change and start one of the club's young and exciting wingers in his place.
Why Diallo should start
Yes, the youngster who should come back into the side is Amad Diallo, but he should do so on the right, meaning Alejandro Garnacho shifts over to the left, where he has started the majority of games in his career.
Now, nobody is claiming that the young Ivorian is a better player than Rashford at this point, but unlike the Englishman, he is not burdened with a combination of expectations for what fans know he can do and pressure due to what he has done.
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Moreover, while the former Atalanta gem is still young, 22 is old enough for him to be getting regular starts in the first team, and while he's still somewhat raw, he has looked good when given the opportunity to play.
For example, against Brighton & Hove Albion last month, he scored and looked dangerous in attack, and while last season saw him spend a lot of time out with injury issues, the campaign prior saw him light up the Championship with Sunderland.
In just 43 appearances, the Abidjan-born "superstar", as dubbed by football creator Liam Canning, scored 14 goals and provided four assists, meaning he averaged a goal involvement once every 2.38 games for the Black Cats.
Ultimately, while the step-up to Premier League football is significant, Diallo has shown he has the potential to thrive, and with Rashford still underwhelming, Ten Hag must take full advantage of a game against Southampton and start the Ivorian in place of the Englishman.
He's like De Jong: Man Utd have already sold their next Gomes for just £850k
A quality member of the Aston Villa squad is now open to leaving this summer as he ponders moving to a major European club, which will come as a concern for manager Unai Emery amid his chase for Champions League football next season.
Villa in driving seat for fourth after fantastic Premier League campaign
The Villans are now overwhelming favourites to seal a fourth-place finish and qualification for Europe's most prestigious competition next term.
Aston Villa now eyeing £11,000-a-week target who starred in UCL semi-final
He’s a player in-demand…
ByTom Cunningham
They've been locked in a tense battle with Ange Postecoglou's Tottenham for much of the season, but the north Londoners are now losing serious ground after three consecutive Premier League defeats, putting Villa in the ascendancy.
Spurs still possess a game in hand on Emery's side, though the gap between both sides is now much larger, so it would take a late capitulation from Villa for Tottenham to stand any chance of usurping them at this point.
Aston Villa's remaining matches
Tottenham's remaining matches
Brighton (away)
Liverpool (away)
Liverpool (home)
Burnley (home)
Crystal Palace (away)
Man City (home)
Sheffield United (away)
After a fantastic campaign, where critics have been taken aback by Villa's stellar form at times, the prospect of Champions League football in the Midlands next season is looking very real.
“We are fighting with Tottenham to get fourth position and the Champions League. It is an amazing season, if we are finishing like that,” said Emery on the race for fourth ahead of Brighton on Sunday.
“There is still work to do and we are very motivated because we have in front of us very important matches. On Sunday is Brighton and next Thursday in Athens. Sunday is a very important match to try and get closer to our first objective in the Premier League.”
If Emery does seal fourth, it will arguably be easier for him to keep hold of his star players. Arsenal have been interested in Douglas Luiz for a long time, and previous reports have suggested that they could lodge a summer move as they seek new midfielders (Football Insider via FFC).
joao-palhinha-douglas-luiz-liverpool-opinion
Meanwhile, Arsenal are also thought to be fans of striker Ollie Watkins, coming as the Englishman enjoys his finest top flight campaign to date and as sporting director Edu seeks a prolific new goalscorer.
The Gunners could be spoiled in their potential attempts to lure away both of Emery's stars if Villa find themselves in the Champions League group stage pot for 2024/2025, but that isn't to say Villa will be completely immune to the prospect of players departing.
Diego Carlos open to leaving Villa as he ponders AC Milan move
Indeed, according to TEAMtalk, defender Diego Carlos is already eyeing an exit this summer.
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The Brazilian has suffered from a few injury problems during his time in Birmingham, like his hamstring issue most recently. However, when fit and available, Carlos has played a big role in Villa's success under Emery.
Diego Carlos in Premier League action for Aston Villa.
His form has attracted interest from AC Milan, who have earmarked the 31-year-old as one of their top targets. The Rossoneri have plans to bring in a quality new centre-half and are among the favourites to seal a deal for Villa's £100,000-per-week ace.
Carlos is apparently evaluating a move to Milan and is open to leaving Villa, which will come as a worry for Emery ahead of what could be a historic campaign next season.
Unlike some other English teams in Europe this season, Liverpool have already sealed their fate in the Europa League ahead of Thursday evening's clash with Belgian side Union Saint-Gilloise.
Jurgen Klopp's men have already qualified for the knockout phase and will finish top of Group E regardless of the result at the Stade Joseph Marien and with a huge Northwest Derby clash at Anfield against a wounded Manchester United to come on Sunday, Klopp will likely make changes to the starting lineup that faced Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Saturday.
With that in mind, here is Liverpool's predicted XI for their final Europa League group game, with five potential alterations from the win over the Eagles – amid Klopp's decision to leave the likes of Alisson, Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold behind for the trip.
1 GK – Caoimhin Kelleher
Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher.
Due to an injury Alisson sustained in the 1-1 draw with Manchester City, Caoimhin Kelleher was subsequently handed the reins between the sticks.
The Republic of Ireland international featured twice in the Brazilian's absence in the Premier League, with Liverpool winning both games, although Alisson has since returned from injury and started in goal on Saturday afternoon.
Nevertheless, Kelleher has been in the starting lineup four times in the Europa League this term and, given his Brazilian teammate is set to remain on Merseyside, will likely feature for the Reds in Belgium.
2 LB – Kostas Tsimikas
Kostas Tsimikas
There is a high chance that Kostas Tsimikas will be in Klopp's first eleven by default.
The Greek defender is Liverpool's only available left-back as a result of Andy Robertson suffering from a shoulder injury which he sustained back in October. It's unlikely that the manager will remove Tsimikas from the team given the lack of options in this area.
3 CB – Ibrahima Konate
joe-gomez-ibrahima-konate-liverpool-opinion
Van Dijk started at the back on Saturday against Palace and was Liverpool's best player, according to This Is Anfield – who handed the Dutchman a 9/10 match rating.
However, Klopp will want to keep the 32-year-old fit for Sunday's bout against Man United and thus could bring Ibrahima Konate into the team to get the Frenchman up to scratch, having recently recovered from a hamstring injury.
Konate could start at the back this weekend alongside Van Dijk so Klopp will want his £36m defender match fit, meaning the France international could take the skipper's place in the team for this one.
4 CB – Jarell Quansah
Jarell Quansah.
20-year-old Jarell Quansah has become a first-team regular at Anfield due to injury woes at the back. However, on Saturday, the youngster gave away a penalty for Palace's goal and was replaced in the 57th minute for Konate, having struggled throughout the game, failing to win a single tackle or ground duel while also coming out on top in merely 33% of his aerial battles.
Nevertheless, with Van Dijk set to be rested, Quansah could keep his place for Liverpool's final match in the Europa League group phase.
5 RB – Joe Gomez
jarell-quansah-joe-gomez-liverpool-opinion
Joe Gomez replaced Wataru Endo at half-time at Selhurst Park last week and the versatile defender had an excellent game, being handed an 8/10 match rating by This Is Anfield.
Gomez had four touches in the opposition's box, created one opportunity and won 67% of his ground duels in just one half of football and may have guaranteed a starting spot against USG on Thursday evening.
6 LCM – Ryan Gravenberch
Loanee Ryan Gravenberch earned one of his five Premier League starts at the weekend against Roy Hodgson's pragmatic side, but failed to make a real impact on the game. The two-time Eredivisie champion only had a 72% pass completion rate and failed to win a single tackle during the match.
However, with such a colossal game to come later in the week, Gravenberch will likely keep his place in the lineup again, particularly since he has started four of Liverpool's five matches in the Europa League this term.
7 DM – Wataru Endo
Liverpool midfielder Wataru Endo
On Saturday, Endo was replaced at half-time by Gomez, with the latter moving to right-back. In turn, Klopp pushed Alexander-Arnold inside to play as Liverpool's deepest-lying midfielder.
The head coach has allowed the academy product to drift into these spaces naturally from his wide position but the tactical change saw Alexander-Arnold feature primarily as a holding midfielder.
Endo was dispossessed twice by Palace and made just four passes into the final third in the first half as the Merseyside club struggled to move the ball forward. Meanwhile, the Englishman created six opportunities which was more than any other player on the pitch and played 14 passes into the attacking third.
That could then mean the Japanese international is replaced this weekend in that midfield pivot, although the summer signing will be spared the axe tomorrow night, with Alexander-Arnold staying at home.
8 RCM – Curtis Jones
wataru-endo-curtis-jones-opinion-liverpool
Dominik Szoboszlai didn't have the best performance of his stint at Liverpool on Saturday. The £60m summer signing had 63 touches of the ball but lost possession nine times in total, failing to create a single opportunity whilst having merely one shot at goal.
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With 15 minutes remaining, Klopp took the Hungary international off and replaced him with Curtis Jones. Within just over a minute on the pitch, the substitute grabbed the assist for Mohamed Salah's equaliser from a set-piece as the Reds cracked on to pick up all three points.
Furthermore, despite having such little time to get going, Jones won 67% of his ground duels, had two touches in the opposition's box and drew two fouls.
Klopp could look to rest Szoboszlai, who looked jaded at the weekend, by giving Jones a run in the team after his positive impact in the last match.
9 LW – Luis Diaz
jarrod-bowen-luis-diaz-liverpool-opinion
Given Klopp likes to keep his left-back in a deeper position, the left-winger has to hold the width on that side.
Admittedly, Luis Diaz seems to be the only player who can do this in the squad without being drawn inside and congesting the middle of the pitch, hence why he has started 14 matches for Liverpool this season which will likely rise to 15 away at USG.
10 CF – Darwin Nunez
cody-gakpo-darwin-nunez-liverpool-opinion
Against Palace, 0.48 of Liverpool's total 1.25 expected goals came from Darwin Nunez. The Uruguayan had two big chances and missed both. Coincidentally, the Reds scored twice once he left the pitch.
However, Klopp will need his number nine in good form ahead of a visit from the Red Devils and will be hoping Nunez can bag a few goals in Belgium to help bolster his goalscoring mood.
Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United have a history that goes back a long way. Football FanCast has everything you need to know about the fixture as the two teams prepare to meet in the Premier League.
While the form book is still taking shape, it is difficult to tell how each side comes into this fixture. United were rather fortunate to escape from their opening fixture against Wolves with three points.
Meanwhile, Spurs had to settle for a point against Brentford in their first match under new management.
Tottenham vs Man United: What's their head-to-head record?
Tottenham and United have met in 199 matches in their history, making their upcoming clash in north London number 200. It's a massive number of matches, of course, dating back to 1898.
In fact, Spurs have never faced anyone as often as they've faced United. But that doesn't mean it's their most successful fixture. United have won almost half of their 199 competitive meetings, with Spurs only just edging out the number of draws.
This fixture unquestionably belongs to the Red Devils.
Tottenham wins: 53 Draws: 51 Man United wins: 95 Tottenham vs Man United: What's their record at Spurs?
97 of the 199 fixtures have come in north London and it's certainly where Tottenham have had most of their luck. They've won 35 of them – nearly twice as many as they've managed at Old Trafford.
There have been 34 draws, too, leaving United with the spoils in the remaining fixtures. That's a positive record for Spurs, then, and few teams can boast that against United in their history.
Tottenham wins: 35 Draws: 34 Man United wins: 28 Tottenham vs Man United: What's their record at Old Trafford?
There have been 100 instances of this fixture at Old Trafford and, unsurprisingly, the figures swing in United's favour. Quite dramatically, actually.
They've won 67 of them – almost four times as often as Spurs do in Manchester. It's one that very rarely ends in a draw, either, with only 16 throughout the history of this tie.
So while things are quite mixed at Spurs, you can feel pretty confident when predicting a home win for United.
Man United wins: 67 Draws: 15 Tottenham wins: 18 Tottenham vs Man United: What's their record on neutral grounds?
Spurs and United have met twice at Wembley Stadium and in two different competitions. The first came in 2009 as the two competed in the EFL Cup final.
The game went through 120 minutes before heading to penalties, where United triumphed 4-1 to win the trophy. They'd then meet again nine years later in an FA Cup semi-final – albeit when Spurs were using Wembley as their temporary home.
Nevertheless, United once again came out on top, though within normal time on this occasion. Dele Alli had Spurs in front, but Alexis Sanchez and Ander Herrera scored in a 2-1 win.
Tottenham vs Man United: What's their Premier League record?
Spurs and United have met on 62 occasions since the start of the Premier League – and it won't surprise anyone to learn that the latter have been utterly dominant in that span.
United have won 39 of these fixtures, losing only 10. There have only been 13 draws, in fact.
Boosting those numbers is the fact that United didn't lose to Spurs from 2001 through 2012. It's one of the most dominant runs in Premier League history – Spurs managed only five points against them in that span.
Tottenham vs Man United: Which team has the most goals?
Well, it's United, as you may have guessed. They've scored 319 goals in 199 games, with Spurs replying with only 259.
Though, Spurs hold a sizeable lead in their home games. They've scored 156, having conceded 124 to United when the fixture takes place in north London. That's not quite as impressive as United's own home record, however.
That reads as such: 100 games, 190 goals, 100 conceded. United are nearly outscoring Spurs 2:1 in Old Trafford fixtures, then – and that's even with their 6-1 defeat a few years ago.
Tottenham vs Man United: What happened in last season's fixtures?
United won the first meeting last season. It took place at Old Trafford and ended up being a fairly routine result for the Red Devils. Fred put them 1-0 up just after half-time before Bruno Fernandes finished to make it 2-0 on 69 minutes. It finished that way to give United the three points.
Things weren't so straightforward at Spurs, however. Jadon Sancho had United 1-0 up after only seven minutes and Marcus Rashford sent them into the break 2-0 up with a goal on 44 minutes.
However, Spurs hit back 10 minutes after the restart through Pedro Porro. That set the stage for Son Heung-min to equalise on 79 minutes and split the points with United.
Tottenham vs Man United: What is Marcus Rashford's record?
Rashford typically does well in this one. He's faced Spurs 14 times in his career so far, with 13 coming in the Premier League. He's managed five goals against them in that span, all of which came in the top flight.
Only Leicester City, Liverpool and Chelsea have conceded to Rashford more often than Spurs. Combined with his eight wins, this is a fixture that usually leaves him happy.
Read more about Rashford's record vs Spurs HERE…
Tottenham vs Man United: What is Son Heung-min's record?
Son has faced United 17 times in his career, though two of those did come while he was at Bayer Leverkusen. He played two Champions League group-stage ties against them – losing both, but registering an assist in one.
Things haven't been too much better in the Premier League. There have been 14 meetings with United, where Son has lost eight of them. He's only won four of his 17 meetings, actually – not a fine record.
But Son does have four goals and an assist against the Red Devils for Spurs. Encouragingly, they've all come in his last six Premier League fixtures against United, while he scored in the most recent meeting.
Tottenham vs Man United: What is Tottenham's biggest win?
Tottenham's record win over United is, as you might have guessed, 6-1. Though, you may not have known that they've done this twice against the Red Devils.
The first occurrence was all the way back in 1932 when both teams played in the Second Division. Spurs won 6-1 at home in a game that wasn't nearly as high-profile as their later effort.
Of course, Tottenham went to Old Trafford and won 6-1 in October 2020. United actually took the lead in that one – Bruno Fernandes scored after just two minutes from the penalty spot. Then Spurs went a bit mad.
They were 2-1 up inside eight minutes thanks to goals from Tanguy Ndombele and Son. Harry Kane then scored with 30 minutes on the clock and Son found another seven minutes after that.
The second half was a little more mellow – Spurs only scored twice more. Serge Aurier bagged one before Kane got himself a second to complete the scoring.
Tottenham vs Man United: What is United's biggest win?
Again, we're split between two results here. United have never managed a win as big as Spurs' 6-1 scoreline, but have won by four goals in this fixture on three occasions.
The first came in 1965 in what was the first truly legendary United team. George Best, Bobby Charlton and Denis Law all featured in a 5-1 win – Charlton opened the scoring and Law scored twice.
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The next occasion came in 2002 as United won 4-0. David Beckham and Ruud van Nistelrooy each bagged a brace in a dominant win at Old Trafford.
United also won 4-0 away at Spurs back in 2007. Once again, it was down to a legendary side, with Cristiano Ronaldo opening the scoring and Nemanja Vidic adding a second before goals from Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs rounded off a big win.
Tottenham vs Man United: What are the recent results?
Things have been all United across the last five meetings. The most recent match – happening in late April – finished 2-2, however, with Spurs hitting back after falling behind 2-0.
The other fixture last season was a 2-0 home win for United, though, and that was the last of a string of four back-to-back wins for the Old Trafford side.
The previous season saw a 3-2 win for United at home and a dominant 3-0 win away at Spurs. Before that, they'd won 3-1 at Spurs – though that was the same season that they lost 6-1 at home to Tottenham.
What is interesting, though, is that game is the only time Spurs have beaten United at home since 2018. It's usually a happy hunting ground for United, or at least has been as of late.
Tottenham vs Man United: When is it?
Tottenham host United on Saturday 19th August at 5.30pm UK time. As always, it's one of the most notable fixtures of the Premier League season and one where both teams have a lot to prove.
Spurs go into it having undergone big summer changes. Ange Postecoglou will want to generate some early momentum if he's to turn things around at Tottenham.
Of course, he'll have to do it all without Harry Kane following his departure to Bayern Munich, while there is a fresh feel to the team given ex-captain Hugo Lloris has also left, while the likes of Guglielmo Vicario and James Maddison made their debuts last weekend.
United still very much have Erik ten Hag as boss, but they've still made some big changes. They, too, changed their long-time goalkeeper as David de Gea left and André Onana has come in.
Mason Mount is another big-money signing, while Rasmus Hojlund will hopefully be the striker they've been searching for once he reaches full fitness.
Both teams have the top four in their sights this season and can send an early message in the race with a win in this one. It promises, as ever, to be an intriguing clash.
Arsenal have now "agreed personal terms" with Brighton & Hove Albion's Moises Caicedo, according to a recent report from Ecuadorian outlet Teradeportes.
Who will Arsenal sign this summer?
The Gunners are searching for a new central midfielder, with Granit Xhaka set to depart, and they have identified Declan Rice as a key target, having recently agreed personal terms with the West Ham United captain.
With Mikel Arteta keen on bringing in three new midfielders this summer, Mason Mount has also been identified as a potential target, although the Chelsea midfielder now appears to be poised to complete a move to Manchester United.
As such, Arsenal may have to turn their attentions elsewhere, and they could look at signing Manchester City's Ilkay Gundogan, who will be available on a free transfer later this month, upon the expiration of his contract.
Another midfielder the Gunners have been linked with is Caicedo, and according to Terdapatores, they have now "agreed personal terms" with the Brighton star, who has made a move to the Emirates Stadium his "priority."
However, there will be competition for the Ecuadorian's signature from some other Premier League clubs, with Chelsea "willing to pay a higher figure" than Arsenal, although they will not be able to offer him European football of any description next season.
Liverpool are also name checked as potential suitors, however the Reds have not made the £15k-per-week youngster a priority signing, as they do not want to meet Brighton's asking price.
Who will Caicedo sign for?
Given that Arsenal have Champions League football to offer the 21-year-old, and the report claims he favours a move to north London, they should be well-placed to win the race for his signature this summer.
If the Gunners do sign the central midfielder, he could be an excellent addition to the squad, given his stellar defensive abilities, making 100 tackles in the Premier League last season, the second-highest amount of any player in the top flight.
Moises Caicedo playing against Chelsea
Hailed as "incredible" by members of the media, the Ecuador international also excels in his distribution of the ball, ranking in the 94th percentile for his pass-completion rate per 90 over the past year.
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With Arsenal set to return to the Champions League next season, Arteta needs to bolster his squad with players who can make his side competitive in Europe's elite competition, and Caicedo has proven he is capable of making the step up.
With the transfer windows in Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Portugal still open, among others, Arsenal still have a chance to sell players.
Mikel Arteta watched on as Marquinhos, Kieran Tierney, Thomas Partey, Nuno Tavares, Kieran Tierney, Jorginho, Albert Sambi Lokonga and Takehiro Tomiyasu departed the club permanently, but most of the aforementioned were for free.
Arsenal’s confirmed summer signings
Price tag
Kepa Arrizabalaga
£5m
Martin Zubimendi
£60m
Christian Norgaard
£15m
Noni Madueke
£52m
Cristhian Mosquera
£13m
Viktor Gyokeres
£55m
Eberechi Eze
£67.5m
Piero Hincapie
Loan
Andrea Berta, meanwhile, agreed loan deals for Oleksandr Zinchenko, Karl Hein, Reiss Nelson, Fabio Vieira and Jakub Kiwior, with the latter’s exit freeing up space for Arsenal to pull a “masterstroke” by signing Piero Hincapie.
Arsenal’s struggle to sell players for significant fees was well-documented across the summer, with Berta making the club just £9 million from transfer fees, even if certain loan deals like Kiwior’s include an obligation to buy in 2026.
It is a problem that needs to be addressed, as Arsenal’s record sales remain: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to Liverpool, Folarin Balogun to Monaco and Cesc Fàbregas to Barcelona — who all left for under £40 million.
Winger Leandro Trossard is still out of contract in 2027, so he could be one that Arsenal listen to offers for outside the UK window.
According to a new report from Turkey, Besiktas are handing Arsenal the chance to make some money off his exit before the forward’s deal expires in under 24 months.
Arsenal in talks to sell Leandro Trossard with Bestikas bid made
As per news outlet Sozcu, Sergen Yalçın’s side have made a bid for Trossard, with Berta preparing a response to the offer as both clubs negotiate a potential £19 million transfer.
Arsenal are apparently looking to cash-in on Trossard, despite just agreeing to give him a pay rise, and if Berta does agree to sell the Belgian, then it could perhaps free up space for the Gunners to move for Rodrygo in January.
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Arsenal were heavily linked with a move for Rodrygo in the summer, but a move was reportedly dependent on one of Trossard or Gabriel Martinelli leaving, which didn’t happen.
Losing Trossard, a versatile attacking option proven in the top flight, without a January replacement would undoubtedly weaken Arteta’s chances in the title race, even after a summer of serious spending on star new attackers in Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyokeres and Eberechi Eze.
Liverpool are now keen on signing a “brilliant” Premier League forward, with a deal likely to be possible for a fee of around £65m this summer, according to a report.
Reds set sights on new forward
Arne Slot could hardly have asked for a better debut season at Anfield, with his side surpassing all expectations to win the Premier League title, but there have been some claims the manager will need to make a number of changes this summer.
Jamie Carragher believes Slot should make five or six additions to his squad, saying back in March: “He needs a centre-back as back-up to the two that we have, he’ll need a right-back with Trent Alexander-Arnold likely to leave.
“I think he needs a centre midfielder to replace Endo, someone younger and that he trusts, a centre-forward to play and a left-winger.”
He'd be incredible with Gakpo: Liverpool line up move for £45m "machine"
Liverpool need to sign some full-backs in the transfer market this summer.
1 ByAngus Sinclair
With Trent recently confirming his intention to leave, signing a new right-back will be an important task for the recruitment team, but there is also a need to strengthen in attacking areas, given an overreliance on Mohamed Salah and Luis Diaz.
That is according to a report from Caught Offside, which states Liverpool’s current dependence on Salah and Diaz could lead them to make a move for Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo, who they have been closely monitoring.
Brentford's BryanMbeumocelebrates after the match
The Reds are keen on signing Mbeumo, given his exploits for the Bees in the Premier League this season, but he is unlikely to come cheap, with his current club set to hold out for a fee in the region of £60m – £65m.
There may also be fierce competition for the Cameroonian’s signature, with Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United expressing an interest.
"Brilliant" Mbeumo enjoying incredible campaign
The Brentford star has been prolific in front of goal in the Premier League this season, finding the back of the net 18 times in 35 matches, while also providing seven assists, which is perhaps why he has been compared to a current Liverpool forward.
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TalkSPORT’s Jason Cundy has lauded the 25-year-old as a “mini Salah”, while he has also received very high praise from football writer Samuel Luckhurst.
Much like the Egyptian, the France-born forward specialises at right-wing, but he has also featured as a centre-forward on a number of occasions this season, indicating he could also be able to replace Darwin Nunez, who could be shown the exit door.
Mbeumo is unlikely to displace Salah at right-wing anytime soon, but his goalscoring exploits and versatility indicate he could be a fantastic option for Slot at striker.
Celtic have been on fire in the Scottish Premiership so far this season and appear to be on course to land a fourth straight title in the division, and a second under Brendan Rodgers since his return.
The Hoops secured a 4-1 win over Ross County away from home on Saturday, with Kyogo Furuhashi scoring twice and Arne Engels and Luke McCowan getting themselves on the scoresheet.
It was a result that initially sent them 18 points clear at the top of the table, before Rangers cut the gap to 15 points on Sunday, and the Bhoys have a healthy lead to hold onto in the second half of the season.
This means that the Hoops could afford to concentrate their efforts on getting as far as possible in the Champions League and on winning the SFA Cup, potentially fielding stronger line-ups in those competitions and rotating players in league matches.
Rodgers will also have an eye on the January transfer window, which opened for business at the start of this month, with a view to potentially bolstering his squad.
In fact, the Premiership leaders are reportedly looking at a potential addition to their options at the top end of the pitch ahead of the second half of the season.
Celtic eyeing in-form striker
According to The Express, Celtic are eyeing up a possible swoop to bring Brondby centre-forward Mathias Kvistgaarden to Parkhead this month.
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The report claims that the Hoops have already made contact with the Danish star’s camp in January to discuss whether or not deal would be viable ahead of the second half of the 2024/25 campaign.
It adds that Rodgers is looking to bolster his attacking options and the Superliga star, who was hailed as “phenomenal” and “super consistent” by U23 scout Antonio Mango earlier this season, has seemingly been identified as a potential recruit.
Celtic managerBrendanRodgerscelebrates after winning the League Cup
The outlet adds that Celtic have been tracking the young star for the past 18 months and that there are also clubs in England keeping tabs on his situation, which means that they could face some competition for his signature if they decide to press ahead with a move.
It also reveals, though, that a January deal for Kvistgaarden is only likely if Kyogo Furuhashi exits Parkhead, amid interest from MLS side Atlanta United, as the Danish ace is seemingly viewed as a replacement for the Japan international.
24/25 Premiership
Kyogo Furuhashi
Appearances
21
Goals
10
Big chances missed
17
Big chances created
0
Assists
3
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, the current Celtic centre-forward, who scored twice against Ross County, has been wasteful in front of goal in the Premiership this season.
Kyogo has also been fortunate to record three assists in the division, with zero ‘big chances’ created for his teammates, and this suggests that there is the potential for the Hoops to improve their team by signing a more ruthless forward who also offers more creativity.
Why Celtic should sign Mathias Kvistgaarden
The 22-year-old attacker has been in fantastic form in the Danish top-flight this season and his form suggests that he could come in as an upgrade on the Japanese striker for Celtic.
Kvistgaarden produced eight goals and five assists in 18 Superliga starts in the 2023/24 campaign, and has taken his performances to another level this term.
The Denmark U21 international, who scored against Iceland in his last international outing, is a forward who combines clinical finishing with creativity for his teammates in the centre-forward position.
24/25 Superliga
Mathias Kvistgaarden
Starts
12
Goals
10
Big chances missed
6
Big chances created
4
Assists
4
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, Kvistgaarden has contributed to a whopping 14 goals in 12 starts in the Danish top-flight so far this season, with only six ‘big chances’ missed to go along with his ten goals.
These statistics show that the Celtic target is a ruthless and consistent finisher who can also create high-quality opportunities for his fellow forwards, which Kyogo has failed to be this season.
Celtic'sKyogoFuruhashi celebrates with the trophy after winning the League Cup
The Brondby star is not the only forward linked with a move to Parkhead, though, and he could thrive as part of a double deal for the Hoops this month, alongside Sarpsborg winger Sondre Orjasaeter.
Sky Sports journalist Anthony Joseph recently reported that Celtic are in talks with the Norwegian side over a potential deal for the left-sided attacker, who could join to form a partnership with Kvistgaarden if the stars align.
Why Kvistgaarden and Orjasaeter could be an exciting pairing
Celtic could have an exciting and new-look front three in the second half of the season if all the pieces fall together and Kyogo moves on, followed by Kvistgaarden and Orjasaeter coming through the door.
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As aforementioned, the potential Kyogo replacement has the potential to be a lethal number nine for the Scottish giants, given his goals to ‘big chances’ missed ratio in the Superliga this season.
The Brondby striker could thrive at Parkhead if the team is able to provide him with ‘big chances’ on a regular basis and that is something that Orjasaeter could help with, as he is a creative winger who looks to cut inside off the left to provide his teammates with opportunities to score.
In the 2024 Eliteserien campaign, the Hoops target showcased his creativity quality and the direct threat he can provide on the left flank, as shown in the table below.
2024 Eliteserien
Sondre Orjasaeter
Appearances
28
Goals
5
Big chances missed
5
Assists
5
Big chances created
12
Dribbles completed per game
2.4
Stats via Sofascore
Orjasaeter created a whopping 12 ‘big chances’ in 28 matches for the Norwegian side, whilst no current Celtic winger or midfielder has created more than eight this season.
This suggests that the winger has the qualities required to form a lethal partnership with Kvistgaarden in the final third, because he could consistently create chances for the striker to find the back of the net.
Bigger deal than Engels: Rodgers plots Celtic move for Kuhn 2.0
Celtic are reportedly interested in the star who would cost more than Arne Engels did.
ByDan Emery
Therefore, Rodgers could overhaul his attack and find a new star duo for Celtic by signing both of them in the January transfer window, or by waiting until the summer to bring them in.