This article is part of Football FanCast’s In Numbers series, which takes a statistical look at performances, season-long form and reported transfer targets…
While Bernd Leno is currently Arsenal’s number one, it is fair to say he has not been too convincing so far this season.
The Germany international has conceded 10 goals in his first six Premier League matches of the campaign, and he has been at fault for one of them already this term.
It follows on from a disappointing season last time out, where he made the joint-most errors that led to goals.
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Perhaps with this in mind, it has been said that Arsenal are continuing to target Newcastle United’s Freddie Woodman, who is currently on loan at Swansea City in the Championship – Arsenal fans should keep their eye on the Swans’ match against Reading this weekend to see him action.
The 22-year-old has had a fantastic season so far. He has started all eight of Steve Cooper’s side’s matches, and has conceded just five goals. With the Welsh side second in the table, only Leeds have shipped in less in the second tier.
In terms of clean sheets, he tops the Championship list with four alongside Kiko Casilla and Christian Walton. And Woodman can certainly claim to have had a big role in that. His 77.3% save accuracy has been beaten by just two shot-stoppers, Casilla and Brice Samba, in the Championship.
Leno, meanwhile, has an accuracy of 74.4%, meaning he is slightly edged out by the former England U21 international – albeit playing at a higher level.
With his feet, too, Woodman is slightly better than the former Bayer Leverkusen man. He has a passing accuracy of 76.1% compared to Leno’s 75.9%. There is not much in it, true, but it is still a difference all the same.
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So far this season, Reading have averaged 14.5 shots per game, with only three teams managing more.
Therefore, it is likely that Swansea’s number one will be busy between the sticks. It will be the perfect opportunity for Arsenal fans to see him action.
He is young, homegrown and is performing well. If he can continue like this, then the north London outfit may well formalise their interest.
Lucas Digne settled into the Premier League brilliantly following his summer arrival from Barcelona, turning in a number of excellent performances for the Toffees throughout the season and finishing his debut campaign with four goals and four assists from left-back.
The 25-year-old also scored some belters, with special mention going to his volley against Manchester United.
Sarah Halpin, who can be seen in the video above filling out her Panini Tabloid, stated that Digne was the best left-back in the league last season while she reminisced over Everton’s 4-0 victory over the Red Devils – their biggest win versus the Old Trafford outfit since 1984.
Check out Sarah’s thoughts on Digne and the Goodison Park romping in full in the video above.
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The Premier League Panini Tabloid is a special commemorative newspaper sticker collection celebrating the exciting new partnership between the greatest league in the world and the legendary name in football publishing, Panini. As the official collectable licensee to the Premier League, Panini are delighted to bring consumers a new era of collectables and the best collecting experience. See more here: http://bit.ly/PaniniFFCEditorial
After another difficult evening for Celtic in the Europa League, they’ve now discovered the extent of the injury that Callum Osmand picked up in another frustrating blow.
The Bhoys fell to a 3-1 defeat against Midtjylland and remain with just the one win to their name on the European stage this season – making qualification into the next round a mere fantasy at this stage.
Celtic schedule first interview with 37 y/o manager who dreams of Hoops job
The Bhoys are still on the hunt for their Brendan Rodgers replacement.
ByTom Cunningham
For all the good work that Martin O’Neill has done so far this season, not even the Northern Irishman could turn his side’s fortunes around outside of domestic action and he once again distanced himself from the permanent job.
What the defeat has certainly done is pile the pressure on Dermot Desmond and the rest of the Celtic board to get their next decision right and get it done sooner rather than later.
Ange Postecoglou pulled out of the race for the job in the early stages and that dealt the Bhoys an undeniable blow. Since then, however, other impressive candidates have emerged such as Club Brugge’s Nicky Hayen and Kieran McKenna.
Reports have even gone as far as to suggest that McKenna is open to the job in what could hand Celtic quite the boost. The Ipswich Town boss has struggled to get the best out of his side in the Championship so far this season, but no one will be forgetting the history that he made at Portman Road anytime soon.
Alas, before any manager can arrive, it’s up to O’Neill to get the Hoops back to winning ways and do so without recent Old Firm hero Osmand.
Celtic discover extent of Callum Osmand injury
As revealed by O’Neill at full-time, Osmand suffered a pulled hamstring against Midtjylland and will now be missing for at least a few weeks. It’s a major blow for the 19-year-old, who just took his place in Celtic’s Europa League squad off the back of putting Celtic out of sight with his effort in the Scottish League Cup semi-final against Rangers.
With Celtic’s attack already coming under fire this season, they now have the task of squaring off against Kilmarnock and others without one of their most promising talents.
Newcastle United and iconic centre-forwards go hand in hand. Both Hughie Gallacher and Jackie Milburn made massive impressions for the club during the first half of the 20th century.
The former helped the Magpies win the First Division title in 1926/27 and scored 143 goals in 174 matches, while the latter scored 200 goals for the club and won three FA Cups during his spell in the north-east.
The 1970s saw Malcolm Macdonald emerge as the next big thing, before Kevin Keegan and Peter Beardsley made their mark during the 80s.
Andy Cole’s spell on Tyneside was short, but boy was it sweet. He netted 68 goals in just 84 matches, but departed for Manchester United after only two years.
Elsewhere, Alan Shearer goes down as the best centre-forward in the club’s history. His ten-year stint with his boyhood team might have finished trophyless, but the Englishman broke Milburn’s scoring record in February 2006.
Supporters of the current generation have Alexander Isak, and what an impression he has made during his three years at Newcastle.
Alexander Isak’s Newcastle record
Eddie Howe made Isak the club’s record signing when he splashed out a staggering £63m to bring the Swedish hitman to the Premier League.
Fast-forward three years and the move is arguably one of the finest in the club’s recent history. Since joining, Isak has registered 73 goal contributions – 62 goals and 11 assists – across just 109 matches.
Newcastle striker Alexander Isak
He may have suffered from injury issues during his first campaign, but ever since, Isak has been a goal machine.
The 25-year-old enjoyed his best season yet during 2024/25. A tally of 27 goals in 42 appearances helped the Toon secure a Champions League place next season.
Furthermore, he also scored in the League Cup final against Liverpool, ending the club’s 70-year major domestic trophy drought. There is no doubt he will go down as one of the finest strikers in the history of the club.
Alexander Isak’s PL stats for Newcastle
Metric
2022/23
2023/24
2024/25
Goals
10
21
23
Assists
1
2
6
Shots per game
2.3
2.6
2.9
Goal conversion percentage
20%
27%
23%
Key passes per game
0.7
0.9
1.2
Via Sofascore
Compared to his positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues, Isak ranks in the top 8% for progressive carries and successful take-ons per 90 over the previous 365 days, while also ranking in the top 12% for non-penalty goals during the same period.
These statistics suggest that Isak is one of the best strikers on the continent and the longer Howe can keep hold of him, the better.
Of course, his performances have caught the eye of several teams, Liverpool included. The Anfield side have earmarked the 25-year-old as their number one striker target.
The Magpies are demanding a British record transfer fee of around £150m for the sale of Isak, which Howe will hope puts many teams off.
Regardless if he moves or not, Isak’s form over the previous three seasons places him in the bracket of one of the club’s most impressive signings of recent times.
Might Howe be looking to land the club their biggest signing since with a move for a current Premier League star?
Newcastle's search for a new forward
Despite actively looking to bolster their squad ahead of another campaign filled with European football, Howe hasn’t had much luck in the transfer market thus far.
He has targeted moves for both Anthony Elanga and James Trafford, but deals have yet to materialise for the pair.
Joao Pedro and Anthony Elanga – Newcastle
One move which may be close to finally being sealed is that of Joao Pedro. According to the Chronicle, Newcastle are now in advanced talks to sign the Brighton and Hove Albion star.
Discussions have been ongoing this week. The Magpies valued Pedro at around the £50m mark, although Brighton are holding out for a fee closer to £60m.
It would be an excellent first signing to make this summer for Howe, especially considering that the Brazilian has plenty of experience in the Premier League and will be ready to hit the ground running.
Brighton forward Joao Pedro
Dare I say it, but he might be the biggest signing the club have made since Isak.
Why Newcastle must sign Joao Pedro
The Magpies have made some impressive signings since the arrival of Isak in the summer of 2022.
Anthony Gordon joined the club in January 2023, while Sandro Tonali followed that summer. Both have since proven they are excellent signings, but Pedro’s arrival could take the club to new heights.
Since making the move to England more than five years ago, the forward has scored 54 goals and grabbed 18 assists across spells with both Watford and Brighton. For comparison, Gordon had scored just seven goals in 78 games at Everton, prior to making the switch.
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In the Premier League, 32 of these goal involvements were recorded, indicating that he will have no problem performing in the top flight under Howe; that much is certain.
When compared to his positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues, Pedro ranks highly over a range of performance metrics.
Joao Pedro celebrates for Brighton & Hove Albion.
Indeed, not only does he rank in the top 12% for assists (0.28) and shot-creating actions (3.33) per 90, but the Brazilian also ranks in the top 4% for progressive passes (3.6) and for progressive carries (3.05) per 90 over the previous 365 days.
These stats prove that while he is a major threat in the opposition penalty box, Pedro is also capable of generating chances for others while successfully getting the ball into dangerous areas.
He was even hailed by commentator Kevin Hatchard for his “magical” ability on the ball, and this is a move that Howe must be desperate to get over the line sooner rather than later.
If so, it will surely give the whole club a major boost. The St James’ Park faithful will hope that once one player has been signed, the rest will follow.
Keeping Isak will be vital if Newcastle want to go far in the Champions League next term, while aiming for another trophy win.
Should an offer too good to turn down arrive, however, Pedro would make for a more than able replacement heading into the 2024/25 campaign.
Self proclaimed "world-class" star has now "agreed" terms to join Newcastle
Nottingham Forest are now keen on signing a “complete” forward after watching him in action recently, but there will be plenty of competition for his signature from rival Premier League clubs, according to a report.
Forest planning for the summer
Forest are enjoying a remarkable season in the Premier League, surpassing all expectations and pushing for Champions League qualification, which may mean their most important task this summer will be keeping hold of their best players.
However, new targets are also being identified, with Nuno Espirito Santo seemingly particularly keen on strengthening in the attacking third, given that a number of forwards have been linked with moves to the City Ground.
Contact has been made over a deal for Corinthians striker Yuri Alberto, while the Tricky Trees are also eyeing a move for AS Roma’s Tammy Abraham, who is currently on loan at AC Milan.
£25k-p/w Nottingham Forest star being targeted by PL rivals with Murillo
One of the Tricky Trees’ best-performing players this season is now being targeted by a fellow Premier League club.
ByDominic Lund
Matheus Cunha was also heavily linked with Forest in the January transfer window, and the Wolverhampton Wanderers star is not the only Brazilian on the list of targets.
According to a report from The Boot Room, Nottingham Forest are now keen on signing Marseille forward Luis Henrique, who has put in some impressive displays in Ligue 1 this season.
In light of Henrique’s performances in France, he has been tipped to receive a Brazil call-up, and he could also be in line for a move to the Premier League, with a number of clubs believed to be queuing up.
Newcastle United and Everton are also credited with an interest in the forward, with all three clubs watching him in action in recent weeks, so there could be plenty of competition for his signature this summer.
Henrique impressing for Marseille
Marseille boss Roberto De Zerbi is clearly very pleased with the Brazilian’s performances this season, having singled him out for praise earlier this month: “He is having a fantastic season. He shows us that he is a complete player, with or without the ball. In terms of finishing, he scores goals. He is young and has to be determined to keep improving. He is one of the most important players for OM.
As such, it may be difficult to prise the left-winger away from Marseille this summer, especially considering the French side are in a strong negotiating position, as he is under contract until the summer of 2028.
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However, should the 23-year-old move to the City Ground, there is every indication he could be a fantastic signing, having amassed seven goals and four assists in Ligue 1 this term.
Luis Henrique for Marseille.
Nuno is not short on top-quality wide players, with Callum Hudson-Odoi and Anthony Elanga both enjoying impressive seasons.
However, if Forest qualify for Europe next season, they will need strength in depth, and Henrique’s performances for Marseille suggest he could be a solid addition to the squad.
Tottenham Hotspur meet Aston Villa in the Premier League this afternoon, and though fans were delighted with a win over Manchester City in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday, this is a different test entirely.
Unai Emery’s high-flying side perch five points ahead of Spurs, who have only won four of their nine top-flight fixtures thus far. They were defeated by Crystal Palace, who were previously winless, last weekend.
While Ange Postecoglou and his squad are hardly in dire straits, there is a feeling that defeat in north London against the Villans – for the second season running – would place a sour taste in the fanbase’s proverbial mouth.
It’ll be a tough test indeed, there are no two ways about it. Aston Villa are unbeaten on the road in the Premier League this term and have only been beaten by Arsenal, way back in match-week two.
Moreover, Micky van de Ven has picked up another injury and faces a spell on the sidelines. Fans can only hope that it doesn’t prove to be a detrimental blow.
Micky van de Ven's injured – again
Van de Ven is a fantastic footballer, endowed with the highest calibre of athleticism and keeping things crisp from Tottenham’s backline, one of the sharpest distributors in the Premier League.
The 23-year-old has been plying his craft in the English capital for over one year now, joining from German side Wolfsburg in a £43m deal in August 2023. He’s been brilliant; it’s quite easy to forget how porous Spurs were in defence before his advent.
Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven
Indeed, the Dutchman ranks among the top 1% of centre-backs in the English top flight this season for assists, the top 14% for pass completion, the top 11% for progressive passes, and the top 14% for successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref. Such metrics underscore the complete nature of his skill set.
He’s a singular player, irreplaceable, even. His lightning-quick pace and muscular physique make him the prototypical defender to nullify Aston Villa’s frontline, with the likes of Ollie Watkins and Jhon Duran, once he is inevitably unleashed past the hour mark, certain to be emboldened by his absence.
Tottenham worries have been compounded by the potential absence of Cristian Romero too, with Postecoglou revealing that the Argentine titan was left feeling “a bit sore” following the victory over City.
That eventuality is bound to send a frisson of fear lancing through Lilywhites supporters near and far. Although, saying that, it’s not all doom and gloom.
Radu Dragusin is set to start in central defence, regardless of Romero’s fitness. The 22-year-old Romanian won his only ground duel against City on Wednesday, as per Sofascore, also making five clearances to keep the visitors at bay.
Who else to promote to the rearguard? Archie Gray is one option, but he’s young and inexperienced, and would not fare well in a moonlit position against a team like Villa.
Ben Davies, then.
Ben Davies could replace Van de Ven – again
Davies has been at Tottenham for some time. In July 2014, the Wales international arrived from Swansea City in a swap deal worth £10m.
He’s been a loyal servant down N17. A decade later, Davies, now aged 31, has made 335 appearances for the north Londoners, scoring nine goals and supplying 23 further assists.
An 89-cap international, he’s as experienced as they come and hardly averse to playing from the outset in the Premier League – albeit, Postecoglou is yet to dispatch him in the league this season.
That said, Davies has played every minute of Tottenham’s Europa League campaign so far, keeping a clean sheet at centre-back against AZ Alkmaar last time out.
As per Sofascore, he’s completed 91% of his passes across those three fixtures while averaging 85 touches per game. This bodes well for Davies’ potential replacement of Van de Ven, for he’s not afraid to star at the centre of the action in central defence and is a top-class passer besides.
Chalkboard
Football FanCast's Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.
He’s also proven himself to be capable of stepping in for the Netherlands star last season, proving to be something of a hero during the threadbare spell of Spurs’ 2023/24 season, when Van de Ven was sidelined throughout the winter period.
The £80k-per-week ace is of course not as good as Van de Ven. He’s not as mobile, and nor is he blessed with the same athletic prowess. Having said that, though, the Welshman’s metrics do align quite nicely when contrasting them against his Spurs positional peer, as you can see below.
Micky van de Ven vs Ben Davies (past 365 days)
Stat
Van de Ven
Davies
Pass completion
93%
90%
Passes attempted
72.1
71.6
Progressive passes
4.90
5.54
Shot-creating actions
0.72
1.14
Progressive carries
0.72
1.42
Successful take-ons
0.52
0.28
Stats via FBref
Davies might not carry some of the same natural-born properties as Van de Ven, sure, but he’s a reliable and robust defender who doesn’t earn as much match action as perhaps he deserves.
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Only last season, as stated, the defender stepped in for his peer and produced some composed and cultured performances in the face of adversity, starting 12 matches, completing 91% of his passes, and winning 68% of his ground duels.
Tottenham defender Ben Davies
So then, he’s not just competent on the continent, against ostensibly lower-level opponents. Davies is assured and will not find his fluency knocked by an absence from the Premier League field.
In fact, the long-serving Spurs man’s industriousness may well blend nicely with the more dynamic defending of Dragusin, sure to start against Villa later on today.
Of course, Romero’s unavailability is not something that Tottenham supporters would hope for, but it’s perhaps a testament to Postecoglou’s project that he’s created a team with ample cover for such conundrums.
Davies has what it takes to send Emery’s outfit packing, and he should be unleashed. Who knows, if Romero does receive the green light, maybe his particular profile would be best served in the starting line-up, instead of Dragusin.
Spurs thought they'd signed the new Mousa Dembele, then he left for free
The promising star couldn’t make it work at Spurs.
Aston Villa have got the ball rolling in recent days after winding around PSR sticking points in recent weeks. Douglas Luiz's transfer to Juventus has yet to be concluded but is edging toward completion, with Samuel Iling-Junior and Enzo Barrenechea headed to Villa Park.
Circumnavigating financial issues has left Unai Emery unable to enjoy the kind of thrilling start to the transfer window that last season's top-four Premier League finish called for, though a deal in excess of £35m has also been agreed for left-back Ian Maatsen and Everton's Lewis Dobbin is in advanced negotiations with the Lions.
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery
All told, there's a lot going on. Staying within spending regulations and preventing a damaging points deduction next season is paramount, yes, but Villa need to ensure competitivity in the Champions League, with a centre-forward now being considered.
Villa eyeing new striker
As per i news, Aston Villa are among the clutch of Premier League clubs interested in signing LOSC Lille striker Jonathan David, though currently trail Manchester United, who have made contact with the player's representatives.
LOSC Lille striker Jonathan David
Lille president Olivier Letang confirmed last week that the Canada international is available for transfer with just one year left on his current deal – offers in the £25m ballpark will be met with consideration.
Why Villa are interested in Jonathan David
Aston Villa boast one of the best forwards in the Premier League in Ollie Watkins, but Chelsea's efforts to sign Jhon Duran would leave Villa Park a little light up front, so signing a replacement is paramount.
It goes without saying that Champions League football will bring thrill to Villa Park but it will also bring rigours that a lack of depth will succumb to, leaving Emery's squad leached and lethargic in the later stages of the campaign. Duran is young but he's been highly effective as Watkins' understudy, with talent scout Jacek Kulig claiming that he has "the potential to become a top striker".
David, who scored 26 goals and added nine assists from 47 matches for Lille in 2023/24, would be the perfect replacement. Still only 24, he's been hailed an "unbelievable finisher" by journalist Austin Ditlhobolo, ranking among the top 17% of strikers across Europe's top five leagues last season for non-penalty goals scored per 90 (FBref).
Ligue 1: Top Scorers 23/24
Rank
Player
Goals
1.
Kylian Mbappe
27
2.
Jonathan David
19
2.
Alexandre Lacazette
19
4.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
17
5.
Wissam Ben Yedder
16
Stats via Ligue 1 Uber Eats
Not just a sharpshooter, the Canadian also ranks among the top 3% for pass completion, speaking highly of his technical, staccato-fired distribution, combining and conducting in attacking phase to maintain a fluent, all-together kind of advance.
For Villa, who ranked 16th in the Premier League last season for long balls, this kind of snappy, straightforward passing would prove to be a welcome addition to the build-up structure.
Jhon Duran for Aston Villa
By selling Duran to Chelsea, Villa Park would frankly lose some raw power, and prodigious gusto, that scant few targets could effectively imitate upon arrival, but David is a refined and polished goalscorer who would bring some maturity and experience needed for the forthcoming European campaign.
Duran, aged 20, scored eight goals in all competitions last term and notably dissembled Liverpool's defence in the penultimate game, bagging twice to all but confirm a seat at Europe's elite table.
But starting just three top-flight fixtures, he's clearly still got much to learn. David's 84-goal return from 183 matches for his French club highlights the kind of attacking prowess Emery would be adding to his team, providing Villa with the finished article as opposed to a talent such as Duran, who will likely need several seasons yet before offering the full package.
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David would be an excellent replacement for Duran, taking 2.3 shots per game in Ligue 1 last season and missing only 15 big chances despite scoring 19 goals. That's the mark of a clinical striker.
Canada's Jonathan David
The Aston Villa transfer target is also wonderfully two-footed, with 22 of his 71 Ligue 1 goals scored by his weaker left foot (44 with his right, five with his head). Duran, conversely, bagged all five of his Premier League strikes with his left, suggesting David would offer a greater sense of fluidity and more angles in his attacking game.
For a bargain £25m fee, Villa must surely move to snap David up and bolster their frontline with his clinical qualities – especially if Duran is sold to Chelsea for the mooted £40m price.
He's a dream for Maatsen: Villa really interested in signing £40m star
This coveted player is expected to leave his club this summer.
Newcastle United are bang in the mix for an exciting new addition come the summer transfer window, with his currently club said to be happy for the opportunity to cash in.
Newcastle transfer news
The Magpies continue to be linked with new signings, even though the January transfer window has closed, with summer reinforcements now being looked at by Eddie Howe and Dan Ashworth, following a season that has been disappointing on the whole, with FFP affecting their ability to spend last month.
Hoffenheim midfielder Anton Stach is one player who has been backed to complete a move to St James' Park at the end of the season, being seen as someone who can add further influence in the middle of the park, averaging 3.1 tackles per game in the Bundesliga this season, which is more than any other Newcastle player.
Dan Ashworth speaking with Steve Cooper.
Sheffield United youngster Oliver Arblaster in another player who has been mentioned as a long-term addition, with the 19-year-old spending last season on loan at Port Vale, not to mention winning a combined nine caps for England Under-20s and Under-18s.
These aren't the only Newcastle-related stories doing the rounds, however, and it looks as though an attacking ace could be on the cards, with extra depth needed amid injury problems for Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson.
Newcastle want Matias Soule
According to TuttoMercatoWeb [via Sport Witness], Juventus are pleased that Newcastle are interested in signing Matias Soule, with the Serie A giants watching with "interest and satisfaction" at his progress on loan at Frosinone this season, seeing it as a reason to cash in on him.
Matias Soule for Juventus against Benfica.
Both the Magpies and Crystal Palace are credited with interest in the 20-year-old, and they "could soon make concrete offers" for his services in the summer transfer window. The report says that he is valued at "at least €40m (£34.2m)", so he wouldn't be arriving on the cheap as the Old Lady look to offset some financial issues of their own.
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Soule could be looked at as an excellent long-term signing by Newcastle, with his impact at Frosinone outlined by a tally of 10 goals in 21 Serie A appearances this season. Capable of playing up front, off the striker as a number ten or on either wing, he has been hailed by manager Eusebio Di Francesco, who has compared him to Italy attacker Domenico Berardi:
"In certain aspects, he resembles Berardi, but he must learn to shoot on goal more often. He doesn’t lack qualities and has excellent dribbling, but in the game, he needs to be more lucid when making his choices. My thought is that his talent should not be limited; with time and experience, he will improve in many aspects."
Matias Soule's Serie A stats this season
Total
Appearances 21 Goals 10 Assists 2 Dribbles per game 3.3 Key passes per game 2.4 Tackles per game 1.3 Pass completion rate 81% Newcastle need to be in a situation where they are planning for both the present and future, and Soule ticks both of those boxes, being experienced enough to make an impact from the off, but also someone who should only get better as the years pass. Newcastle could now sign another top striker as PIF prepare for busy summer
The Magpies could make up for a quiet January transfer window.
ByTom Cunningham
Primarily a right-sided forward, it could even be that the Argentine is considered a direct replacement for Miguel Almiron, should the Magpies attacker move on at the end of the season.
Arsenal are set to enjoy a quick turnaround after Sunday's taxing clash with rivals Tottenham Hotspur, as they now face cup action with a trip to Brentford.
Although on paper it marks another gruelling outing for Mikel Arteta's men to face, their task has been made slightly easier by Everton of all teams, who showcased the fragility of Thomas Frank's team with a battling win at the Gtech Community Stadium on Saturday. Given they were a side who lost just two home games in the whole of last season, perhaps they will not be so unbeatable again this year.
However, this is a notion that the Gunners will have to work for, with the Bees always willing to provide a workmanlike challenge to whomever they face.
Fortunately, a bright start to the new campaign for the visitors suggests they will rise to the challenge, as they find themselves fifth in the Premier League table having yet to taste defeat. Then, as they kickstarted a new Champions League term, they would run riot as the Emirates played host to the 4-0 demolition of PSV Eindhoven.
With their Spanish manager surely seeking to win every competition available, it is unlikely that he will dismiss the EFL Cup. So, with changes expected, the side will still remain strong.
Who could start for Arsenal vs Brentford?
The only issue that arises regarding Arteta's potential squad selection is the speed with which they have been asked to prepare for the latest game, with tonight's clash marking their third fixture in just seven days' time.
As such, some of their stars simply must be rested, whilst there are also numerous injuries to contend with.
Gabriel Martinelli missed the weekend's north London derby due to a hamstring complaint, but it was noted that he was touch and go in the run-up. Although the Brazilian could be fit, it is unlikely he will be risked.
Nottingham Forest'sBrennanJohnsonin action with Arsenal's Gabriel Martinelli
Another absentee from that match was Leandro Trossard, who "felt a muscle tightness" in training before, as Arteta noted. Again, he is one unlikely to be risked.
Both Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka actually started the game but had to be withdrawn due to separate injuries. Their manager would even suggest that the latter could miss their match with AFC Bournemouth at the weekend, noting: "He was limping quite badly after the match. We had to get him off the field, which is never a good sign as well. He hasn’t been able to participate in the session."
Arsenal's EFL Cup performance
Round Exited
Scoreline
22/23 – Brighton and Hove Albion
Third
1-3
21/22 – Liverpool
Semi-Finals
0-0 & 0-2
20/21 – Manchester City
Quarter Finals
1-4
19/20 – Liverpool
Fourth
5-5 (9-10 pens)
18/19 – Tottenham Hotspur
Quarter Finals
0-2
With a true selection headache to contend with, as well as a floodlit ground synonymous with statement victories over the last 12 months, Arsenal will not have it easy as they seek to kickstart a cup run.
How good has Bukayo Saka been this season?
That absence of Saka could prove to be a true hammer blow for the Gunners, who have relied heavily on the exploits of the England international this season.
In fact, such is his importance and ever-presence within the side, their draw with Spurs marked the 86th consecutive league appearance for the 22-year-old, a club record.
And it should come as no surprise to note why, given last term saw him finish on 14 goals and 11 assists in the Premier League alone, with his dynamic exploits down the right flank very nearly spearheading them to a first title since 2004.
Despite falling painfully short, he is set to emulate such blistering form again this year, having already scored four and assisted four across eight games in all competitions, even marking his Champions League debut with a goal and an assist.
There is little Saka cannot do, and as such the winger has been lauded by many. Arteta has been particularly effusive in his praise for a man who lives his life devoted to winning: "He sets himself new targets and new demands year by year. He seems to complete those because he is extremely hungry and willing to learn and improve.
"He wants to be the player that decides games every three days. He's a very focused boy and does everything right – the way he prepares himself, the way he trains, the way he lives his life."
To potentially be without such an outstanding star marks a tough challenge for the staff to contend with, but fortunately in Reiss Nelson, they have an alternative who is more than capable of stepping up in moments of need.
How good is Reiss Nelson?
After all, some of the club's brightest moments last campaign came courtesy of the 23-year-old, with captain Martin Odegaard even naming his late winner at home to AFC Bournemouth as the Norwegian's best memory in an Arsenal shirt thus far.
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Although chances were limited throughout that term, with the £100k-per-week livewire failing to make a single league start, when handed an opportunity he often took it.
For example, as Saka was forced off in last season's win over Nottingham Forest, the Hale End graduate filled his boots with ease, scoring twice and assisting another to complete the 5-0 rout.
A former teammate of his, Alex Iwobi, actually sought to praise the mindset that allows the former Feyenoord loanee to thrive despite a lack of starting opportunities: "He was a joke in training,” the Nigeria midfielder told The Beautiful Game Podcast. “He used to do bare tricks, sometimes they’d say to him ‘Reiss it’s only three touch’ and he’d still be twisting up man but still creating a chance.
"I think before we played them and he wasn’t even playing, he was just chilling, and I have to respect that, every time he’s come on to play he’s delivered, I think he’s been the most impactful sub this season, so I have to give it to him.
Arsenal forward Reiss Nelson.
“For someone to be able to do that and not be playing regularly, to have that elite mindset to know that you’re going into a game and I’m going to do my thing and make sure I help the team win, I have to rate it.”
Now surely set to be handed a chance to shine by Arteta, the 5 foot 9 maverick could stamp a true first-team claim by starring in the absence of all of their key figures.
Manchester United’s summer transfer plans won’t be affected by the ongoing takeover saga, Sky Sports report.
What’s the latest Man United news?
The Glazers are still yet to make a concrete decision when it comes to a potential Old Trafford sale, with Sheikh Jassim and Sir Jim Ratcliffe still waiting to see if their bids have been successful.
The Red Devils and Erik ten Hag are also yet to bolster the squad with any new signings, and there has been previous speculation that there are concerns from Old Trafford that the takeover process could derail Ten Hag’s summer plans.
Sky Sports shared an update from Old Trafford regarding the takeover saga, claiming that the Glazers are still considering offers from Jassim and Ratcliffe. However, they have learned that the club’s transfer plans “won’t be affected” as there is “enough cash available” currently to bolster Ten Hag’s squad, within FFP rules, in what is a positive transfer update.
“The Glazer family are still considering bids from Sheikh Jassim and Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
“According to sources close to United, summer recruitment won’t be affected by the results, with enough cash available to enable United boss Erik ten Hag to invest in the team, although Financial Fair Play rules will limit what can be spent.”
Who could Man United sign this summer?
There could be plenty of incomings and outgoings, with up to 13 players reportedly up for sale at United this summer. Should a number of players move on, that could increase the funds available to Ten Hag.
A key target in recent weeks has been Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount, with the Red Devils making a number of offers, with a £55m bid still on the table.
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Alongside a new midfielder, a new goalkeeper could also be on the cards, with David de Gea’s future still up in the air with his contract set to expire at the end of the month. Inter Milan’s Andre Onana looks to be the key target to potentially come in as first choice for De Gea, with a bid being readied in Manchester.
Should a couple of high-profile additions come in over the next few weeks such as Mount and Onana, it may relieve some stress for Ten Hag with pre-season just around the corner, and by the looks of it, nothing is stopping that from happening, so supporters will be hoping to see some activity over the coming weeks.