All posts by z3u9t.icu

On a day when some supporters decided to take action against the board with a protest at the start of the match, Celtic looked on course to drop points in the Scottish Premiership against Kilmarnock on Sunday.

The Hoops, who had drawn 0-0 with their city rivals before the international break, found themselves drawing 1-1 heading into stoppage time because of an equaliser from David Watson after Daizen Maeda had opened the scoring.

Given how the day started, the onlooking board members may have been fearing the reaction from the supporters if the full-time whistle had blown whilst the score was 1-1.

Fortunately, for them, the supporters, and the team, a stoppage-time penalty was awarded to the Premiership champions for a handball from James Forrest’s shot.

Kelechi Iheanacho stepped up to score from the spot with an emphatic penalty that thumped into the back of the net to win the match for the Hoops in the 96th minute.

It was a debut goal for the Nigeria international, signed on a free transfer the day after deadline day, and one that will hopefully tee him up for a successful season.

Why Kelechi Iheanacho's debut was a big positive for Celtic

Brendan Rodgers, who worked with the centre-forward at Leicester City in the Premier League, turned to the former Sevilla marksman in the 70th minute to replace Maeda whilst Celtic were winning 1-0.

There was nothing he could do, as a striker, to prevent Watson from equalising for the hosts from a corner, but his individual display showed plenty of signs of promise.

It was clear that the Nigerian number nine wanted to score. He was desperate to find the back of the net on his debut. Three of his nine touches on the pitch were shots: one was off target, one was blocked, and the third was the penalty that he scored to win the match.

Minutes

20

Touches

9

Shots

3

Goals

1

Passes completed

3/5

Duels won

0/2

As you can see in the table above, Iheanacho did lose both of his duels in the win over Kilmarnock, as he still looked a little bit short of full match sharpness, understandably.

The left-footed marksman had not played a competitive club match since Middlesbrough’s 2-0 defeat to Coventry City at the start of May in the English Championship, which means that it may take some time for the striker to get back to his best from a physical perspective.

With this in mind, Rodgers may slowly bed him into the team rather than chucking him in as a regular starter in the number nine position after his winning penalty on Sunday.

Iheanacho needs to build up his sharpness and that could come by alternating between being a starter and coming off the bench for a few matches before he is ready to fully kick on.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Meanwhile, there is a summer signing made by Celtic who should already be deemed to be undroppable from the best starting XI after he made a positive impression against Kilmarnock.

Rodgers opted to hand Sebastian Tounekti, who signed on a permanent deal from Hammarby on deadline day, a debut on the left wing and was rewarded with an eye-catching display from the forward.

Why Sebastian Tounekti is undroppable for Celtic

Unlike Iheanacho, the Tunisia international was ready to be dropped straight into the starting XI because he had played six times for Hammarby in all competitions in August, per Sofascore.

This meant that the winger was fully fit and match sharp by the time he arrived at Celtic just before the international break, which helped him to hit the ground running with an impressive debut.

Rodgers opted to start Tounekti on the left flank, moving Michel-Ange Balikwisha over to the right, and the Tunisian star caught the eye with his fearless and confident performance, despite playing on an artificial surface that may have come as a shock to some players who are not used to that kind of pitch.

The 23-year-old star, who lined up with fellow new signing Marcelo Saracchi behind him, did not register a goal or an assist in the 2-1 win for Celtic, but his general play was enough to suggest that he will be an exciting player to watch this season.

Minutes

88

58

Touches

67

34

Shots

5

0

Chances created

4

1

Dribbles completed

5/9

0/1

Duels won

6

1

As you can see in the table above, Tounekti was way better than Balikwisha, who had started on the left against Rangers before the break, with five more shots, five more completed dribbles, and four times as many chances created.

These statistics show that the Tunisia international carried a far greater threat in the final third by constantly looking to make things happen with shots, dribbles, and key passes, whilst the Belgian attacker was too timid in his play.

This is why Tounekti should be considered undroppable by Rodgers already, because he has done more in one match on the left wing than Balikwisha has managed in his first two starts for the club, with one chance created and zero shots against Rangers and Kilmarnock, per Sofascore.

Celtic writer John McGinley noted that the former Hammarby forward “likes being a problem” for opposition defences with his fearless approach to the game, which is partly why his performance against Kilmarnock was so refreshing to see.

Tounekti was willing to take the game to the hosts by taking players on and taking risks with the ball at his feet, which is exactly what supporters want to see players doing to win matches.

Whilst it is now down to the player to prove that he can deliver consistent performances on the pitch, the new signing’s showing on Sunday should mean that he is now undroppable from the starting line-up.

Rodgers may have unearthed Celtic's next Tierney & it's not Saracchi

Celtic may have found their next Kieran Tierney and it is not Marcelo Saracchi.

ByDan Emery Sep 14, 2025

Meanwhile, Iheanacho still needs to prove his fitness and quality on the pitch before he can be considered an undroppable member of the best XI.

Derby County are in the hunt for a winger before the transfer deadline and John Eustace may be about to get his wish with so little time remaining in the window.

Derby County drop points late on at Ipswich Town

Despite a valiant effort from the Rams, Jack Clarke struck 16 minutes into injury time from the spot as Derby had to settle for a share of the spoils in an enthralling encounter at Portman Road.

Reviewing events, Eustace praised his side for their spirited display against a side who were only recently relegated from the top-flight, albeit he was frustrated with the end result.

He told BBC Sport: “Really, really disappointed to concede [the equaliser]. I think that’s a world record amount of time ever added to any game. I’ve never seen that amount of minutes before.

“The lads battled, worked their socks off and we deserved the three points. What an effort that was from a group of players who are going to grow throughout the season. I think there some really good signs for where we want to get to and I was really proud of the effort.”

Reports suggest Derby are in with a fighting chance of signing Ben Brereton Diaz from Southampton, which would help Eustace to realise his ambition of laying claim to another wide option before the window closes.

Chesterfield Town attacker Armando Dobra is also a target for the Rams, meaning there are plenty of plates spinning with the deadline drawing closer at Pride Park.

With that in mind, Eustace and his men are ready to offer a contract to an experienced winger who could be the key to unlocking defences in the Championship.

Derby County ready to offer contract to Patrick Roberts

According to Alan Nixon via his Patreon, relayed by Football League World, Derby are set to offer a three-year contract to Sunderland winger Patrick Roberts, who could fulfill Eustace’s wish to land a winger before the window closes.

Earning a solitary Premier League appearance against Burnley, the former Celtic loanee has also featured against Huddersfield Town in the EFL Cup and may now be available due to experiencing limited minutes.

Derby County make 8-figure bid to sign international at the top of his game

This is their third bid for the player.

4 ByCallum Kemp Aug 21, 2025

Labelled “dynamic” by Regis Le Bris, Roberts created 65 chances in the Championship last term and played a major role in the Black Cats’ promotion from the second-tier, albeit he has fallen victim to their summer spending spree.

Derby could now look to capitalise on his availability, though it remains to be seen if other clubs come calling for the £12,500 per week earner over the coming hours.

Eustace has had a positive impact since arriving at Pride Park that will be a tempting draw for players, something that may play on Roberts’ mind when it comes to picking his next career challenge.

While the elusive centre forward is yet to arrive, there is no doubt that this has been a great summer for Arsenal in the transfer market.

There’s no Edu-like hesitancy from the recruitment team as Andrea Berta is here and he’s making a stamp on the Gunners.

With a move for Viktor Gyokeres continuing to rumble on in the background, Mikel Arteta’s side have added Kepa Arrizabalaga, Christian Norgaard, Martin Zubimendi and Noni Madueke to their ranks.

Yet, they aren’t done there. It feels like a matter of time before Gyokeres becomes an Arsenal player and a new centre-back in the shape of Cristhian Mosquera has already completed his media duties ahead of being announced.

But, another winger could also arrive before transfer deadline day.

Arsenal looking to further bolster their forward line

Two of the biggest rumours this summer have concerned Eberechi Eze and Rodrygo.

Eze, who was once in the Arsenal academy, has reportedly already agreed personal terms with the Gunners but club-to-club talks are yet to open between the north Londoners and Crystal Palace.

If the attacker does make the move to the Emirates Stadium, then it’s likely his £68m release clause will have been activated.

But, how about Rodrygo? Well, this saga is one that looks as though it could continue until the latter stages of the window.

Transfer Focus

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

The Brazilian played just 92 minutes at this summer’s Club World Cup and as a result, Xabi Alonso could well be looking to move him on from Real Madrid.

Arsenal have been at the table for a while now, but they are joined by Liverpool in the race. However, according to reports in Spain, the Gunners are now looking to steal a march on the Reds.

Those reports suggest that Arteta views Rodrygo as ‘the ideal player to strengthen the left flank’ and as a consequence, they are preparing an €80m (£70m) bid to bring him to London. It’s unlikely that will be accepted as Madrid have set their asking price at €100m (£87m).

Why Rodrygo could be Arsenal's best left winger since Alexis

While the centre forward position at Arsenal has been a problem for two years now, arguably so has the wide left position in Arteta’s side.

Gabriel Martinelli scored as many as 15 Premier League goals in 2022/23 but since then, he’s not scored more than eight in a single league campaign. As for Leandro Trossard, he did find the net on 17 occasions in 2023/24, but as far as league goals are concerned, it was an inconsistent term in 2024/25 for the Belgian too.

Indeed, the former Brighton winger scored just eight in the top-flight, leading to concerns about the overall makeup of Arsenal’s attack.

It feels like a long time ago now that the Gunners had Alexis Sanchez dominating the left flank. Like Trossard, he also featured as the main centre-forward, but his quality far surpassed both him and Martinelli.

Cast your minds back to 2016/17 and you will recall just how magical the Chilean was, scoring as many as 24 Premier League goals. In all competitions, he found the net 30 times and supplied 18 assists too.

It’s numbers we’ve not seen from a forward player at Arsenal since Sanchez. Not even Bukayo Saka has enjoyed a season as good as that.

Well, Rodrygo could well be the type of winger who can emulate Alexis in north London. Like the Chile international, he’d arrive at the Emirates having played second fiddle to some major names in Spanish football.

Sanchez moved to Arsenal in the shadow of Lionel Messi and Co while Rodrygo is firmly behind the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Vini Jr.

Yet, his quality is clear for all to see. In 2022/23, he scored 19 goals in all competitions and possesses a dazzling dribbling ability akin to the club’s former number 17.

Goals *

0.6

0.3

Assists *

0.3

0.2

Key passes *

2.2

1.4

Big chances created

10

10

Crosses *

0.4

0.2

Successful dribbles *

2.8

2.4

Times fouled *

1.8

1.4

Taking a fraction of the data from the best individual seasons of both players’ careers, there are obvious differences, notably in terms of output.

That said, they created an identical number of big chances and their dribbling is very much on par, with Rodrygo only 0.4 down when it comes to their success rates.

To rubberstamp that ability, the Madrid star ranked among the top 20% of positionally similar players in Europe’s top five leagues last year for take-ons and the best 14% for progressive carries.

On that evidence, the Brazil international is a captivating star and even though he’s not too consistent with regards to goals and assists yet, he is still only 24. Alexis, in contrast, was 27 during that 2016/17 campaign. There is plenty of time left for him to develop yet.

A dream for Gyokeres: Arsenal chasing "one of the best 10s in the world"

The attacking midfielder would be unreal for Arsenal and Viktor Gyokeres.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jul 20, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur’s European success at the back end of this season is evidence that are capable of competing at the top level in the near future.

Thomas Frank will be the man to hopefully sustain their success in North London, taking the reins after Ange Postecoglou was dismissed despite the Europa League triumph.

The Dane will want to make his own mark on the first-team squad this summer, with numerous incomings and outgoings expected over the next couple of weeks.

Work is already being done behind the scenes to provide the 51-year-old with the tools for success as he undertakes his first year in charge as the Lilywhites manager.

Numerous players have already appeared on their radar over recent days, but no deals have yet been completed after the window reopened in the last fortnight.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new additions this summer

Bryan Mbeumo has been a player who has been largely touted with a move to join Spurs this summer, but it appears as though they will be missing out on his signature, after he agreed to move to Manchester United.

Mohammed Kudus is another Premier League talent on the club’s radar, with West Ham United willing to part ways with the Ghanaian, but he may cost a pretty penny given his £85m release clause.

However, another name has entered the mix over recent days, with Liverpool star Harvey Elliott a player they are closely monitoring, according to TBR Football.

They claim that Frank’s side have made an enquiry to land the 22-year-old forward, who could be available for a fee in the region of £40m during the summer window.

It also states that he is willing to depart Anfield this summer for regular game time, after the Reds forked out a staggering £116m to sign Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen.

Why Spurs’ £40m target is a bigger talent than Eze

Just like previous transfer windows, Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze has once again appeared on Spurs’ shortlist, as Frank looks to strengthen within attacking areas during the off-season.

The 26-year-old has been a key target for the Lilywhites, understandably so, after the England international managed to net eight goals and eight assists in the Premier League this season.

However, competition for his signature appears to be high, with North London rivals Arsenal also in the running to sign Oliver Glasner’s star man this summer.

It’s been reported that Eze currently has a £68m release clause in his current deal at Selhurst Park, but it remains to be seen whether he would prefer a move to Spurs or the Gunners.

However, they should look past a move for the attacking midfielder and pursue a deal for Elliott during the off-season, with the Reds star certainly a bigger talent.

The Liverpool ace is four years younger than the Palace star, having further time to develop, but also still managing to better the fellow target in numerous key areas.

Elliott, who’s been labelled “sensational” by journalist Jonathan Higgins, has posted a better goal per shot on target rate, handing Frank a better option in front of goal.

Games played

18

34

Goals & assists

3

16

Goals per shot on target

0.3

0.2

Pass accuracy

82%

74%

Key passes

2.4

2.1

Progressive passes

10.7

3.3

Carries into final third

2.7

1.6

Aerials won

33%

15%

He’s also completed more passes and made nearly three times more progressive passes per 90, having the tools to provide others with chances in front of goal – offering an added creative threat in the final third.

The youngster’s dominance doesn’t stop there, making more carries into the final third per 90 and coming out on top in more aerial battles, with his skillset making him a real all-round talent for the Lilywhites.

£40m for a player of his ability and potential could prove to be a potential bargain deal for Spurs, offering versatility to the frontline throughout 2025/26.

Given the difference and price tag between him and Eze, it is a no-brainer for the hierarchy to make a move for the Liverpool star in the coming weeks, having the chance to develop into an elite talent under Frank’s guidance.

A better signing than Mbeumo: Spurs plot move for "world-class" £76m star

Tottenham Hotspur are making moves to land a star who would be a better addition than Bryan Mbeumo.

ByEthan Lamb Jun 28, 2025

Chelsea have made a winning start to their Club World Cup campaign.

On Monday night, Enzo Maresca’s team easily swatted aside MLS outfit Los Angeles FC 2-0 in Atlanta, with Pedro Neto breaking the deadlock on the cusp of half time, before Enzo Fernández, teed up by debutant Liam Delap, made the points secure.

The major talking point was all the empty seats at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, with around 22,000 in attendance, but this is not a good look in a venue that holds up to 75,000; for context, Atlanta United average around 45,000 in Major League Soccer this season.

Nevertheless, Maresca won’t care about that one jot, as his team prepare to take on Flamengo at Lincoln Financial Field on Friday, after the Brazilian outfit were also 2-0 winners on Monday, beating Espérance Sportive de Tunis in Philadelphia.

Back at home, Chelsea continue to be busy in the transfer market, so are they about to land yet another wide-forward?

Chelsea's search for a new winger

Signing new forwards is clearly the order of the day for BlueCo this summer with Delap already in the door and Hugo Ekitike also touted with a move to Stamford Bridge.

Now, the Blues have another target in mind according to the latest reports.

As per David Ornstein of the Athletic, Chelsea ‘have made a verbal enquiry’ as they seek to sign Olympique Lyonnais winger Malick Fofana.

Meantime, French outlet L’Equipe add that Lyon value the forward at around £50m.

Transfer Focus

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

The 20-year-old began his senior career at Gent, before joining les Gones for a reported fee of £14.5m in January 2024, making 62 appearances for Lyon to date, scoring 15 goals and providing seven assists.

Jacek Kulig of Football Talent Scout labels him a “magnificent winger prospect”, so could he be set to swap France for West London?

Why Chelsea should sign Malick Fofana not Jamie Gittens

After deciding not to make Jadon Sancho’s loan from Manchester United permanent, paying a £5m penalty fee as a result, Jacob Steinberg of the Guardian reports that Chelsea are ‘prioritising’ signing a right-footed left-winger this summer.

Well, BBC Sport claimed last week that the Blues had seen a £42m rejected by Borussia Dortmund for 20-year-old Englishman Jamie Gittens, who they claim has already agreed personal terms.

But now, are the Blues turning their attention to Fofana, and who is actually the bigger prospect? Let’s find out.

Appearances

41

48

Minutes

2,280

2,790

Goals

11

12

Assists

6

5

Goals – xG

+5

+6.7

Expected assists

4.4

3.5

Shots on target %

54%

40.3%

Progressive carries

157

161

Attempted take-ons

83

232

Take-on success %

39.8%

44.8%

Shot-creating actions per 90

3.43

3.57

Goal-creating actions per 90

0.61

0.45

Average SofaScore rating

7.24

7.05

As the table outlines, Gittens is much more of a prolific dribbler; in fact, across Europe’s top five leagues, only six players attempted more take-ons, according to FBref.com.

However, Fofana is a significantly more of a direct goal-threat, underlined by the fact he registered more assists and a higher amount of expected assists, as well as goal-creating actions per 90 and a better shots on target percentage.

​​​​​​​

Jacek Kulig of Football Talent Scout believes the Belgian international possesses “enormous potential” and has a “big future ahead”, while Brandon Liss of Total Football Analysis outlines how Fofana likes to hold width on the left side, tasked with taking on opposition full-backs, “working tirelessly” and demonstrating “excellent work rate”.

Meantime, Astorre Cerebróne of Breaking the Lines asserts that Fofana ‘has huge potential’, describing him as an ‘explosive winger​​​​​​​’ who ‘combines well with teammates’ and is a threat in front of goal.

Lyon are currently under pressure to sell and fast because they have been provisionally relegated to Ligue 2 due to financial irregularities, a situation that remains up in the air.

Thus, if Chelsea are able to take advantage of Lyon’s predicament and get a deal done, Fofana is unquestionably a top-class talent.

Maresca must sign an upgrade on 5/10 Chelsea dud who lost the ball 10 times

Chelsea beat LAFC 2-0 in their first game of the Club World Cup.

3 ByKelan Sarson Jun 17, 2025

In an attempt to get their summer business underway, Aston Villa have now reportedly joined the race to sign a 19-year-old Ligue 1 sensation who’s available at a cut-price this summer.

How much Aston Villa can spend this summer

With the transfer window now open, Aston Villa would usually be ready to spend in normal circumstances. This time around, however, they must act with caution. At risk of PSR sanctions more so than most Premier League sides, the Villans may need to sell at least one star name this summer if they want to ease their profit and sustainability problems.

That’s not to say Aston Villa can’t spend at all, though. Football finance expert Kieran Maguire recently offered insight into just how much those at Villa Park can splash out as things stand. He told BBC Sport: “Without any outgoings, it appears Villa will be at the bottom end of the £50-100m spending range.”

The dream XI Aston Villa could build: No Rashford, £135m quartet all sign

Aston Villa boss Unai Emery will be a busy man this summer…

ByRoss Kilvington Jun 7, 2025

Whether the Midlands club decide to increase that figure through player sales remains to be seen. The likes of Emiliano Martinez and Morgan Rogers have already been linked with summer departures, but both sales would undoubtedly weaken Unai Emery’s squad as they go in pursuit of Champions League football once again next season.

How they choose to spend that rumoured £50-100m will also be interesting. To that end, the rumours have also been coming thick and fast. Names such as Fares Chaibi have threatened to steal the headlines, as have the likes of Nicolas Jackson in what would be quite the move from Chelsea. Both may be within the Villans’ price range, albeit a limited one, which instantly makes them two names to keep an eye on.

They’re not the only targets in Villa’s sights, however. Moncho and co. are also reportedly battling to sign a Ligue 1 sensation to add to Emery’s side in the coming months.

Aston Villa join race to sign Atangana

According to Bild in Germany, as relayed by Sport Witness, Aston Villa have now joined the battle to sign Valentin Atangana alongside West Ham United and Eintracht Frankfurt. The 19-year-old midfielder enjoyed an impressive season in a struggling Stade Reims side who were eventually relegated from Ligue 1.

Whilst that relegation would have disappointed the teenager, it may well provide him with a route to bigger and better things this summer. In a far weaker position in negotiations following relegation, Reims could now sell Atangana for as little as €10m (£8m) this summer.

Dubbed a “fantastic modern holding midfielder” by scout Jacek Kulig, Villa’s interest in Atangana should come as little surprise. His arrival would hardly break the bank or exceed their PSR limit and would undoubtedly offer Emery the chance to work with a future star.

Rangers are among the clubs who are interested in signing a legendary player in the summer transfer window, according to an exciting new update.

What's going on with Rangers' manager search?

The Gers are continuing their search for their next manager, as they look to get their appointment spot on after the disappointing reign of Philippe Clement.

Davide Ancelotti is still a leading option to take charge at Ibrox ahead of next season, having left his role as assistant manager at Real Madrid. Only 35, the Italian may want to test himself in management, going his own way rather than working alongside with his legendary father, Carlo Ancelotti.

Meanwhile, Rangers are also believed to have held talks with former Ajax boss Francesco Farioli about becoming their next manager, following a sad end to the season for his side, being pipped to the Eredivisie title by PSV Eindhoven.

The likes of Russell Martin and Steven Gerrard are also among the front-runners to come in and hopefully guide the Gers to greater heights moving forward, and it is essential that the club pick the right man, during a period in which they have only won one Scottish Premiership title since the end of the 2010/11 season.

Whoever is given the job will know the importance of adding to their squad, and a hugely exciting transfer rumour has now emerged.

Rangers lining up stunning summer signing

According to The Daily Record [via Ibrox News], Rangers are keen on signing Leicester City legend Jamie Vardy this summer, with the 38-year-old now a free agent.

There is plenty of interest in the striker,however, including from some Premier League clubs, so it may not be easy for the Gers to strike a deal.

At 38, Vardy clearly isn’t the force he used to be, not possessing the electric pace of old, but that’s not to say he couldn’t still be an effective signing for Rangers.

The Englishman still scored nine goals in the Premier League last season, in a team that got relegated, and Gary Lineker paid tribute to him recently, calling him “inimitable”.

Vardy has the character to be a hero at Ibrox, always enjoying goading opposition fans, but most importantly, he remains a good goalscorer who could add firepower to Rangers’ squad.

49ers not messing: Rangers advancing free transfer to sign 29 y/o defender

He could be the first arrival of the 49ers era.

ByTom Cunningham May 31, 2025

Signing him on a one or two-year deal would make sense for the Gers, during which time he could have the potential to be a cult hero, doing his best to get his hands on the Scottish Premiership trophy.

Arsenal’s season of disappointments has finally come to an end.

While it would be fair to say that they probably exceeded expectations in the Champions League, Mikel Arteta’s side certainly underdelivered in the Premier League.

Now, injuries and suspensions certainly played their part in this, but many of the Gunners’ first-team stars have been seriously underwhelming, including the reigning Player of the Year, Martin Odegaard.

In fact, if recent reports are to be believed, the Norwegian’s lacklustre form could cost him his place in the team next season, as one of the league’s most exciting midfielders has now been touted for a move to the Emirates.

Arsenal transfer news

With yet another trophyless season under their belt, it seems as if Arsenal are determined to make significant additions to the team this summer, as the last few weeks have seen them linked to a number of seriously talented players, such as Eberechi Eze and Kaoru Mitoma.

Transfer Focus

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

The former has a release clause worth around £68m in his current contract, and while that is a lot of money, he’s certainly worth it, as on top of playing a key role in Crystal Palace’s FA Cup triumph, the Englishman has scored 14 goals and provided 11 assists in 43 games this season.

Mitoma could end up costing the Gunners around £80m and has amassed a reasonable enough tally of ten goals and four assists in 36 games.

However, another name has now entered the picture, someone who could end up being the perfect upgrade on Odegaard: Morgan Gibbs-White.

Yes, according to a recent report from former scout Mick Brown via Football Insider, Arsenal are now interested in signing the Nottingham Forest star this summer.

The report claims that Arteta views the Englishman as the ‘perfect option’ to add some added drive and tenacity to the Gunners’ midfield next season, although he could be an expensive addition, with prior stories claiming he could cost around £100m.

It would likely be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but given Gibbs-White’s immense ability, it’s one worth pursuing, especially as he could be the perfect upgrade on Odegaard.

How Gibbs-White compares to Odegaard

So, the first thing to say is that even though Gibbs-White is talented and capable enough of playing in several different positions, from right-wing to central midfield, his best and most played position is undoubtedly attacking midfield.

Moreover, the ten position is where he has truly excelled and reached another level for Forest this season, so were he to move to Arsenal in the summer, it seems like a sure bet that he would come in to play as the most attacking player in the midfield.

Therefore, his most significant competition for game time at the Emirates would be Odegaard, so how do the pair stack up against one another?

Well, when it comes down to their pure output from this season, which is ultimately what matters most and what the Gunners need to focus on, it’s the Tricky Trees star who comes out on top.

For example, in 38 appearances across all competitions, totalling 3142 minutes, the “exceptional” 25-year-old, as dubbed by Pep Guardiola, scored seven goals and provided ten assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.23 games, or every 184.82 minutes.

Appearances

38

45

Minutes

3142

3447′

Goals

7

6

Assists

10

12

Goal Involvements per Match

0.44

0.4

Minutes per Goal Involvement

184.82

191.5′

In contrast, the North Londoners’ captain scored six goals and provided 12 assists in 45 games, totalling 3447 minutes, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.5 games, or every 191.5 minutes.

Unfortunately for the Norwegian star, the difference is even more stark when we just look at their Premier League record, as his tally of 11 goal involvements in 30 games comes out to an average of one every 2.72 games.

In contrast, the Forest ace’s haul of 17 in 34 appearances comes out to one every other game.

Ultimately, Arsenal need to add more goals and assists to their midfield next season, and while Odegaard may well get back to his best, Gibbs-White has shown that he can do just that.

Therefore, even though it’ll cost a king’s ransom, the North Londoners should do what they can to bring him in.

£45m star who's shades of Patrick Vieira must never play for Arsenal again

The international ace has served Arsenal well, but it’s time to go.

ByJack Salveson Holmes May 27, 2025

Everton manager David Moyes is prepared to enforce sweeping changes this summer after guiding his team, hitherto imperilled, toward safety since re-joining in January.

Incomings will flood through the gates at some stage, but for now, some house-keeping. Ashley Young, Asmir Begovic and Abdoulaye Doucoure are among the first-teamers set to depart when their contracts expire next month.

The biggest presence, Doucoure, has done a lot for Everton, not least scoring against Bournemouth on the final day of the 2022/23 campaign to preserve the club’s long-sustained Premier League status, but he’s 33 next year and the top earner besides at £130k per week.

With Dwight McNeil and Charly Alcaraz in the fold (the latter should sign after his loan spell), number ten isn’t actually the priority position for Moyes though.

However, signing a new striker is definitely an urgent job for the Toffees as they step into the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton need a new striker

Dominic Calvert-Lewin is out of contract at the end of the season, but the 28-year-old striker has not been named as one of the outgoing players.

If Everton are to keep him on the books, it shouldn’t come at the expense of a fresh signing, for Calvert-Lewin has only scored three goals across 25 Premier League games this term.

Beto has been a man reborn under Moyes’ wing, but is still prone to some misfires and Armando Broja, whose loan spell at Goodison Park has been ruined by injury, will return to Chelsea after this weekend’s culminating fixture against Newcastle United.

Everton desperately need to sign a new number nine, having only scored 41 goals in the league this season; the three relegated sides are the only ones to have bagged fewer.

While it’s easier said than done, Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher believes one of English football’s most sought-after stars would be wise to make the move to Bramley-Moore Dock in the coming months.

Carragher urges Moyes to sign PL star

On Monday Night Football, following Liverpool’s defeat at Brighton, Carragher was critical of Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap’s potential transfer to Manchester United.

As per The Athletic, the 17th-place Red Devils have held executive meetings to determine whether a deal for the Englishman is feasible, with Chelsea also keen.

Moyes has been candid about his side’s own hopes of completing a move, and it’s something Carragher seems to agree with, believing the 22-year-old’s development would be best served in a talismanic berth on Merseyside.

Delap has a £30m release clause in his contract, which became active after the Tractor Boys’ relegation was sealed toward the end of April.

Though it’s been a pretty miserable campaign for Kieran McKenna’s newly-promoted team, Delap can hold his head high after scoring 12 goals from 32 starting appearances in the Premier League, praised as being “very strong” and a “powerful runner” by Newcastle boss Eddie Howe, who seems keen.

Delap’s physicality and natural-born clinical edge may well see him become Everton’s finest centre-forward in a long time, perhaps even since the days of Romelu Lukaku.

Lukaku joined Everton from Chelsea for £28m (a similar fee) in July 2014 after a successful season-long loan spell at the outfit, and though he’s plied a nomadic career for himself, the 32-year-old devoted four prolific campaigns to the Blues cause.

Delap differs from the well-known Lukaku, but he’s similarly brutish in applying his physicality, eager to outmuscle his opponents and marry that presence with a deceptive swiftness and a sharp shooting sense.

As you can see below, Delap has maintained a comparatively superior level of prolificness to Everton’s existing strikers, also matching a combativeness that can be observed through high numbers in the duel.

Matches (starts)

36 (32)

29 (14)

25 (19)

Goals

12

8

3

Assists

2

0

1

Goal conversion

18%

16%

6%

Shots (on target)*

1.9 (0.9)

1.6 (0.8)

1.9 (0.8)

Big chances missed

10

12

14

Pass completion

62%

58%

64%

Key passes*

0.6

0.3

0.3

Dribbles*

1.1

0.7

0.4

Duels won*

4.3

5.0

5.0

And, of course, he’s far more progressive in his ball-carrying, something perhaps more clearly underscored by data-led platform FBref, who record Delap to rank among the top 13% of strikers across Europe’s top five leagues this term for progressive carries and the top 8% for successful take-ons per 90.

Lukaku has been noted to ‘run like a wrecking ball’ by The Athletic’s Carl Anka in his heyday, and given the success Everton gleaned from the goal machine’s inward tactical database, extracting the raw quality of his skill set and building a team perfectly framed to promote his talent, Delap may well be curious at following suit to kick on over the next few years.

Given that the goalscorer used to be on Manchester City’s books as an academy player, a further similarity with Lukaku can be found, amid his initial stint at Chelsea. Let’s not forget too, the Belgian had one of the most fruitful spells of his storied career at Everton, posting 87 goals and 27 assists across 166 displays.

Described as a “wrecking ball” earlier in the campaign by Sky Sports’ Lewis Jones, just like Lukaku, Delap has what it takes to become a bona fide superstar in English football.

But would moving to Manchester be the most prudent for him right now? Old Trafford has proven to be a hotbed for stagnation and even regression over the past decade, and this is a player who needs balmy conditions so he can continue to foster his skills.

Imagine him & Ndiaye: Everton could see £12m bid accepted for PL midfielder

Everton are ready to make a series of signings for David Moyes this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair May 19, 2025

Newcastle United have now submitted a significant bid for an “incredible” player, with Eddie Howe of the belief he would be a perfect fit in his midfield, according to a report.

Newcastle pushing for the Champions League

Regardless of whether Newcastle secure Champions League football, the 2024-25 season will always be remembered fondly by fans, having finally ended their 70-year wait to win a major honour, but they still remain in a strong position to seal a top-five finish.

The Magpies are sitting pretty in fourth place, two points clear of Nottingham Forest with just three Premier League games left to play, although their remaining fixtures are on the more difficult side, with matches against two direct rivals now on the horizon.

Newcastle’s remaining Premier League fixtures

Date

Chelsea (h)

May 11th

Arsenal (a)

May 18th

Everton (h)

May 25th

It could prove to be a difficult task, but should Howe’s side qualify for Europe’s elite competition, they should be able to attract some top players in the summer, with the likes of Bayer Leverkusen defender Jonathan Tah and Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo believed to be of interest.

According to a report from Spain, Newcastle are also interested in a new midfielder, having submitted a €25m (£21m) bid for Girona maestro Yangel Herrera, who they are now determined to win the race for.

Atletico Madrid and top-five rivals Nottingham Forest are also interested in signing Herrera this summer, but the Magpies have now taken a firm step towards securing his signature, having put a strong offer on the table.

Howe believes the Venezuelan would fit perfectly into his side, and the manager is looking to introduce some additional quality into an already impressive midfield, with the likes of Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali attracting interest due to their performances this season.

Newcastle identify "incredible" £65m Prem forward as ideal summer target

The Magpies have expressed an interest in signing a Premier League attacker this summer.

ByDominic Lund May 6, 2025 Herrera could be "incredible" signing for Newcastle

While Howe is not short on top-quality midfield options, there are clear signs the 27-year-old is a well-rounded midfielder, who could play an important role for the Magpies in a potential Champions League campaign next season.

The central midfielder has caught the eye in front of goal for Girona this term, registering four goals and three assists in La Liga, including a well-taken headed effort against Celta Vigo back in September.

Not only that, but the former New York City FC man impressed with his tackling ability in the early stages of his career, while also catching the eye due to his pass-success rate in the final third during the 2023-24 campaign.

Lauded as an “incredible player” by journalist Zach Lowy, there are plenty of signs that Herrera could be a success at a major European club, so it is a promising development that Newcastle have now made a concrete approach.