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Tottenham Hotspur are now monitoring an “insane” midfielder, with a summer transfer possible if they are willing to pay the £50m+ asking price, according to Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg.

Tottenham planning midfield rebuild

Tottenham are planning to rejig their midfield in the summer transfer window, with manager Ange Postecoglou now making the call to cash-in on Yves Bissouma, in order to fund a move for Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton, who is expected to cost around £66m.

Bissouma has attracted interest from a number of Premier League clubs, namely Aston Villa, Crystal Palace and Everton, and the 28-year-old’s time in north London could be coming to an end, having played a more sporadic role in recent weeks.

Wharton is not the only midfielder on the shortlist, however, with AS Monaco’s Lamine Camara also of interest, while Spurs are also in the race to sign Sunderland’s Jobe Bellingham, who could be allowed to leave the Championship club for a big fee this summer.

Sky Sports: Tottenham express interest in signing "prolific" £66m striker

Spurs are now showing interest in a striker, who’s also being targeted by Arsenal, according to Florian Plettenberg.

ByDominic Lund Mar 4, 2025

Not only are Tottenham in the running for the Sunderland star, but they are also one of the clubs keen on signing a player who’s drawn comparisons to his brother Jude.

Plettenberg has recently confirmed Spurs are now “monitoring” Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder Hugo Larsson, who is attracting widespread interest ahead of the summer transfer window, with Arsenal, Liverpool and several other unnamed teams also keen.

A summer move is said to be a possibility, should Frankfurt receive a fee of at least €60m (£50m), with the German club expecting “concrete offers” to be put forward.

Tottenham Hotspur’s upcoming fixtures

Date

AZ Alkmaar (a)

March 6th

AFC Bournemouth (h)

March 9th

AZ Alkmaar (h)

March 13th

Fulham (a)

March 16th

Chelsea (a)

April 3rd

"Insane" Larsson could be an excellent signing

Freelance scout Ben Mattinson has lauded Larsson as being “very similar to Bellingham”, while also praising him for his engine and ability to drive the ball forward.

Postecoglou is well-known for his high-pressing, attacking style, which means it is important to have players with good stamina, indicating the Frankfurt star could be a perfect fit for the Australian’s system.

Not only that, but the Swedish midfielder has also proven himself to be a consistent goal threat, ranking in the 89th percentile for non-penalty goals per 90 over the past year, when compared to his positional peers.

At just 20-years-old, Larsson could be a fantastic long-term addition to Postecoglou’s squad, so it is promising news Tottenham could be in the race for his signature this summer.

Napoli have contacted Kevin De Bruyne's representatives over a potential move to Italy, according to a report.

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De Bruyne will leave Man City this summerNapoli keen on free transfer

Liverpool and Chicago Fire also want Belgian star

Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Belgium international De Bruyne will leave Manchester City when his contract expires at the end of the season and The Times claim Napoli are keen on a deal. Antonio Conte's Serie A title hopefuls have reached out to confirm their interest and a potential move would keep the 33-year-old in top-level European football given they have already qualified for the Champions League next season.

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However, Napoli are not the only team considering a move for the six-time Premier League champion. Liverpool are said to have made a shock approach that would keep him in England, while Major League Soccer outfit Chicago Fire are also in the running if De Bruyne opts to try something different.

DID YOU KNOW?

De Bruyne confirmed at the start of April he would not remain at the Etihad Stadium beyond the current campaign. He leaves having established himself as one of the greatest midfielders in Premier League history, scoring 72 goals alongside 119 assists.

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AFPWHAT NEXT FOR NAPOLI AND DE BRUYNE?

Napoli have stolen a three-point advantage at the top of Serie A with three games to play, with Conte closing in on a fifth Italian championship after previous successes with Juventus and Inter. De Bruyne, meanwhile, will continue his City farewell tour against Southampton on Saturday.

Everton and James Tarkowski made it a Goodison goodbye to remember in an affair full of drama as he slammed home at the death to snatch a point and dent what has seemed an inevitable Liverpool title charge.

Everton

Game stats

Liverpool

36%

Possession

64%

10

Shots

6

3

On target

4

3

Bookings

3

2

Corners

3

Everton player ratings Jordan Pickford – 6

Although the England number one had little to do, it was a frustrating evening for Jordan Pickford who parried Curtis Jones’ effort into the path of Salah as Liverpool found what they believed to be the winner.

Jake O'Brien – 8

One of O’Brien’s best performances in an Everton shirt as he continues to make up for a slow start in a rejuvenated run under David Moyes, he was unfortunate not to end the game with three points.

James Tarkowski – 8

Dominant up against Luis Diaz and then against Darwin Nunez, Tarkowski enjoyed an evening to savour, equalising with a thumping finish at the death to send Goodison Park into bedlam.

Jarrad Branthwaite – 7.5

Just like his centre-back partner, Branthwaite enjoyed a fine evening, and continues to rediscover last season’s form as he made what seemed like a million clearances.

Vitaliy Mykolenko – 5.5

Back from injury, the Ukraine endured a quiet evening and summed that up with a late cross into the stands just when Everton needed a pinpoint delivery.

James Garner – 6

Although not as prominent as his teammates, Garner still managed to push his side onto the front foot in what could have resulted in victory on another day.

Idrissa Gueye – 7.5

Among those who deserved three points at Goodison Park, Idrissa Gueye took control in the middle of the park in a scrappy affair, breaking up play throughout.

Jesper Lindstrom – 6

Did well to keep Andrew Robertson busy and push the Liverpool frontline into their defensive half, albeit whilst failing to make his mark on the scoresheet.

Abdoulaye Doucoure – 7

Moving up next to Beto at times, Doucoure handed Virgil van Dijk a rare uncomfortable game, but loses marks for heading a crucial chance wide of the mark. Sent off after the full-time whistle to add to the drama.

Iliman Ndiaye – 6

Earning the free-kick which led to Beto’s opening strike, Ndiaye left his mark before limping off in tears midway through the half. Everton will certainly be hoping for a swift return.

Beto – 9

One of the best games that he has enjoyed at Goodison Park, Beto handed Ibrahima Konate a nightmare at times in a true derby battle, whilst also netting his third goal in two league games.

Substitutes: Jack Harrison, Carlos Alcaraz, Tim Iroegnunam

Liverpool player ratings Alisson – 7

The Brazilian would have been left angered by his side’s lack of sharpness for Beto’s goal, but otherwise enjoyed a quiet game on the shot-stopping front.

Conor Bradley – 6

In a game full of angst, Conor Bradley was among several who received a booking from Michael Oliver, before he tested the referee’s patience with one foul too many for Arne Slot, who hooked the right-back on the hour mark.

Ibrahima Konate – 6.5

Losing a crucial aerial battle in the dying embers, Konate will be desperate to move on from what was a difficult evening at times up against Beto.

Virgil van Dijk – 7.5

Unusually scrappy by his standards and forced to shift out of first gear by a resilient Beto and Doucoure, but still mopped up with aplomb several times.

Andrew Robertson – 6

Again Liverpool’s achilles heel at times, Robertson – like many – failed to escape Oliver’s book and faced the same fate as Bradley when Slot introduced Kostas Tsimikas.

Ryan Gravenberch – 6.5

By his standards, the Dutchman struggled to take control of proceedings and instead found himself sucked into a scrappy affair before Slot brought his game to an end on the hour mark.

Alexis Mac Allister – 7

Found an excellent equaliser by heading home despite his unlikely aerial prowess. Mac Allister is creating a habit of enjoying important moments.

Dominik Szoboszlai – 6.5

Entering the derby in fine form, Szoboszlai struggled to gain control at times up against a frantic Everton midfield. Tested Pickford with a fine effort in the first half.

Mohamed Salah – 8

For a moment, it looked as though the Egyptian King was set to bow out at Goodison Park with one last royal goodbye, only for Tarkowski to spoil his moment.

Luis Diaz – 4

Continuing Liverpool’s number nine problem, Diaz struggled to get into the game and continued to look like a player shoehorned out of position.

Cody Gakpo – 6

Unusually quiet despite recent form, Gakpo followed the initial trend of a frustrating night for Liverpool’s frontline before being replaced by Darwin Nunez.

Substitutes: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Kostas Tsimikas, Darwin Nunez, Curtis Jones

Hayley Matthews briefly threatened in the chase but was cut off by a superb catch from Grace Harris

AAP18-Oct-2022Brisbane Heat openers Georgia Redmayne and Grace Harris have set a franchise-record opening stand to set up a 21-run win in the WBBL clash with the Melbourne Renegades.Redmayne and Harris combined for a stunning 165-run stand in Mackay that featured scintillating shots all around the ground and slick running between wickets. The partnership was the highest for any wicket in the Heat’s history and the third-best in WBBL history.Heat have a strong record against the Renegades and their 180 total was the fourth best in their history, with three of those coming against their Melbourne opponents.The powerful Harris gave the innings early impetus with three boundaries in the opening over. Redmayne, a stylish left-hander, started sedately but warmed to her task. Her timing and placement throughout the innings was impeccable. She started the final over within reach of a century but was at the non-striker’s end for the final two deliveries.Renegades began their innings with a flourish, opener Hayley Matthews racing to 35 from 19 deliveries. She was looking dangerous before Harris flung herself to the left to take a splendid diving catch in the covers.The required run rate blew out to over 12 with six overs remaining and the Heat cruised to their second win in a row. Impressive legspinner Amelia Kerr was the pick of the Heat bowlers.

MatériaMais Notícias

Ajuíza Paloma Moreira de Assis Carvalho,do Foro Central Criminal da Barra Funda do Tribunal de Justiça de São Paulo, acatou a decisão do Ministério Público, e arquivou o caso dosuposto estupro envolvendo Robson Bambu, do Corinthians.O defensor do Timão e o seu amigo, Wellington Ferreira Barros, conhecido como Pezinho, eram acusados de estupro de vulnerável.

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-Nos termos da manifestação do representante do Ministério Público, feitas as devidas anotações e comunicações, homologo o pedido de arquivamento destes autos de inquérito policial, sem prejuízo do reexame da matéria, nos termos do disposto no artigo 18 do Código de Processo Penal – sustentouPaloma em sua decisão.

Na segunda-feira (16), opromotor do caso, Márcio Takeshi Nakada, justificou o pedido de arquivamento do caso pelo Ministério Público afirmando que não houve indícios suficientes nem justa causa para a deflagração de ação penal contra o atleta e seu amigo.

Com a decisão da juíza, o caso está encerrado. Robson Bambu trabalha normalmente com o resto do elenco alvinegro. Ele inclusive foi titular no empate por 1 a 1 com o Boca Juniors, na Bombonera, pela Libertadores.

> TABELA – Confira e simule os jogos do Timão no Brasileirão

Sobre o caso

No dia 3 de fevereiro a ocorrência que associava Robson Bambu ao crime de estupro foi apresentada por uma mulher de 25 anos, que se apresentava como a vítima.

De acordo com a denunciante, ela estava em uma casa noturna, no bairro do Tatuapé, na Zona Leste de São Paulo, com uma amiga, e lá conheceram Robson e um amigo do jogador, cujo o apelido é Pezinho.

Ambas então foram para um hotel com a dupla, a suposta vitima com Pezinho, e a amiga dela com Bambu. No local, todos admitiram inicialmente que mantiveram relação sexual de forma consensual. Porém, a suposta vitima mudou a sua versão posteriormente, dizendo que estava inconsciente no momento do ato.

A mulher foi submetida a um exame toxicológico que não apontou substâncias alcoólicas, ainda que ela tenha admitido a ingestão de alguns copos de vodca. O que foi encontrado foi o registro de canabidiol, principal elemento da maconha. A denunciante disse que fumou um vaper (espécie de cigarro eletrônico), mas não sabia se nele havia a droga.

As divergências principais no depoimento, no entanto, apareceram na manhã seguinte do suposto crime, onde a possível vitima afirmou acordar com Robson sobre ela, introduzindo a mão nas partes íntimas dela. Ainda segundo a versão da mulher, Pezinho estava no mesmo local e via tudo com consentimento.

Robson, contudo, nega que isso tenha acontecido. Segundo o jogador, ele, o amigo, a denunciante e a amiga dela chegaram ao hotel por volta das 6h30, foram para os quartos separados e por volta 10h30 acordou, porque precisava visitar alguns apartamentos – o jogador havia retornado ao Brasil e acertado com o Corinthians dias antes, e ainda procurava um local para residir em São Paulo.

Após duas tentativas de ligação para o quarto de Pezinho e a suposta vítima, que, de acordo com o zagueiro corintiano, não foram atendidas, ele foi até o cômodo, a mulher estava deitada e se irritou ao saber que já era perto das 11h, pois ela tinha um compromisso comercial e havia perdido o horário.

Contudo, de acordo com o Bambu, a confusão começou minutos depois, no quarto do jogador, quando a suposta vitima se exaltou, queria jogar água na amiga para acordar, e foi impedida.

No depoimento, Pelezinho, amigo de Robson Bambu, admitiu que ofereceu ajuda à denunciante, por conta do valor do dia de trabalho perdido, mas que ela teria dito para ele que gostaria de uma boa quantia de dinheiro.

O caso, então, foi levado à justiça pela mulher.O Ministério Público solicitou o arquivamento do inquérito, e ajuíza Paloma Moreira de Assis Carvalho, do Foro Central Criminal da Barra Funda do Tribunal de Justiça de São Paulo, acatou a decisão.

Tanto o clube como o jogador não se posicionaram após a conclusão. Caso uma das partes emita uma nota sobre o assunto, a matéria será atualizada.

Robson Bambu segue treinando e sendo relacionado para partidas normalmente. Até aqui, o jogador tem cinco jogos disputados pelo Timão.

An intriguing January transfer update has come out of Aston Villa in the last 24 hours, following NSWE’s talks to seal another winter window signing before deadline day on February 3rd.

Unai Emery hints at more January signings for Aston Villa

Donyell Malen has already arrived at Villa Park in a £21 million deal from Borussia Dortmund, alongside right-back Andres Garcia from Spanish Segunda Division side Levante, but more incomings are entirely possible this month.

Related Aston Villa offered "smart" signing who just scored in the Champions League

He’s one to watch…

Posts ByTom Cunningham Jan 23, 2025

Diego Carlos has departed for Turkish Super Lig side Fenerbache, leaving Emery short of a centre-back, and the Villa boss has stated in his latest press conference that they’re still very much open to doing business.

“We are open to trying to improve the squad until the last moment, and as well, we are open in case someone is leaving,” said Emery on January transfers.

Aston Villa’s next five Premier League fixtures

Date

West Ham United (home)

Tomorrow

Wolves (away)

February 1

Ipswich Town (home)

February 15

Chelsea (home)

February 22

Crystal Palace (away)

February 25

“Of course, Diego Carlos left in the last week, and we have to replace him, and of course we are as well focusing on which players could be potential players to replace Diego Carlos.”

As Emery confirms that Villa are in the market to sign a replacement for Carlos, links understandably still surround a potential move for Sevilla defender Loic Bade.

NSWE have been tipped to move for the Frenchman, who won a silver medal at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, throughout this transfer window – but the potential deal is far from plain sailing.

Villa have even threatened to walk away in talks for Bade, according to some reports, while others suggest that Emery’s side rejected a bid from Sevilla for highly-rated 21-year-old midfielder Lamare Bogarde during discussions (Pete O’Rourke).

Bade, who stands out as a mainstay in Sevilla’s starting eleven, would be an ideal replacement for Carlos – given he currently ranks among their top six players in La Liga according to WhoScored – averaging a solid 4.1 clearances per 90 and their joint-second highest rate of tackles on average.

Members of the media have also called the 6 foot 3 defender a “quality” centre-back, highlighting why Emery and co are targeting him to reinforce Villa’s backline.

Now, as per journalist Pete O’Rourke, Villa are not giving up in their attempts to land his signature.

Aston Villa poised to make new bid for Loic Bade

Writing for Football Insider, the reporter claims that Villa are set to submit a fresh bid for Bade, after getting the green-light from Emery to carry on pursuing a deal for the former Ligue 1 star.

They’re expected to go back in with another proposal after seeing their first offer rejected, writes O’Rourke, with Sevilla open to selling given their precarious financial situation.

Following these January talks for the 24-year-old, other reports state that Bade could cost around £25 million, but Villa won’t want to pay over the odds, considering just how careful they’re being with PSR right now as well.

Looking to sharpen their attack in 2025, Manchester United are now reportedly plotting a move to sign an impressive forward who their scouts just watched shock Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga.

Man Utd transfer news

The Red Devils have plenty of work to do when 2025 arrives, as exposed by their recent inconsistency under new manager Ruben Amorim. What certainly hasn’t helped the former Sporting boss, however, is the comments of Marcus Rashford. Attempting to rebuild and finally turn things around at Old Trafford, the last thing that Amorim needed was one of his star players setting his sights on a fresh challenge.

Sending clubs around Europe on red alert, Rashford now seems destined to leave Old Trafford as a case of what might have been given the impact that he made when he first broke through into the Manchester United side. As one star departs, however, another could swiftly arrive.

According to Graeme Bailey for The Boot Room, Manchester United are now plotting a move to sign Benjamin Sesko after sending scouts to watch the RB Leipzig striker score within just two minutes against Bayern Munich, only to eventually find himself on the wrong end of a 5-1 mauling in the Bundesliga.

Aston Villa now eyeing "relentless" £25m ace who's scored 15 goals in 24/25

He’s enjoying an excellent season.

By
Tom Cunningham

Dec 21, 2024

Reportedly valued at €70-75m (£58-62m), Sesko certainly won’t come cheap but if Manchester United are looking to sharpen what has been a blunt attack at times this season, then splashing out on a striker of his calibre may well be the way forward.

"Weapon" Sesko is ready for big move

Having decided to stay put last summer instead of completing a move to Arsenal, Sesko has since solidified his place as one of the most exciting rising stars in European football. And now, one year on from rejecting the Gunners, he’s more ready than ever to depart Leipzig and complete a move to the biggest stage, which is where Manchester United could come in.

Just 21 years old, Sesko has been the star of the show ever since joining RB Leipzig and that has only remained the case in the current campaign with 11 goals and three assists from 23 games in all competitions. Earning deserved praise as a result, Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig dubbed the Manchester United target “the Slovenian weapon” back in October.

Signing Sesko would certainly be one way to steal the headlines away from Rashford’s potential exit and there’s no doubting the impact that he would also make on the pitch.

Jude Bellingham posted on social media after Romeo Beckham was pictured imitating his famous goal celebration outside Wembley Stadium.

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Romeo Beckham paid tribute to BellinghamFormer Brentford winger attended England gameReal Madrid star responded to gesture onlineFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Bellingham seemed to enjoy Beckham Jr. copying his trademark arms outstretched move. The son of the former England captain was at England's 2-0 win over Albania on Friday night and took to Instragram to post his tribute to the Real Madrid midfielder.

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"When at Wembley it's only right," Beckham posted as a story with a picture of himself doing the celebration, tagging Bellingham's account. Bellingham didn't pull out the celebration himself on the night, but did set up the opening goal for teenage debutant Myles Lewis-Skelly.

Romeo Beckham/ InstagramWHAT JUDE BELLINGHAM SAID

Bellingham didn't respond with much, but reposted the story to his own with laughing and heart emojis.

GettyDID YOU KNOW?

Romeo is the Beckham child that has most closely followed in their father's famous footsteps. He spent a year at Arsenal's academy but changed sport to tennis after being released at 13, before going back to football aged 18. The winger landed contracts at Inter Miami and Brentford, but has been without a club since leaving the latter at the end of last season. Older brother Brooklyn has been a self-proclaimed 'photographer' and 'chef', while younger brother Cruz has pursued music. Little sister Harper, 13, is still in school but is believed to be a big football fan.

India captain Mithali Raj conceded that they performed below expectation at this World Cup, pinning their failure to advance to the semi-finals on an inconsistent start to the competition. India lost three of their first five matches before beating Bangladesh and taking their semi-final chances to the last ball against South Africa but narrowly missed out on the knockouts.Their last-ball loss ended a competition in which they scored the highest total – 317 for 8 against West Indies – were bowled out for one of the lowest – 134 against England – and were involved in two of the most tense matches in the group stage, against Australia and South Africa.”There’ve been ups and downs,” Raj said in summation at her final press conference of the event. “We did well against West Indies but we lost against England, Australia and even New Zealand. We didn’t really put up a fight in those two games (England and New Zealand). Overall, we could have done better in the initial phase of the tournament.”Related

• An identity crisis, and the promise of a brighter tomorrow

• More Australian dominance, and veterans leave the building

• Emotional Devine glad to have inspired next gen

• Report: du Preez stars in dramatic chase to knock India out

• Dunkley on England's comeback: 'Proud of ourselves'

After an authoritative opening win against Pakistan, India were dismissed for under 200 against New Zealand and were unable to string together successive wins. Like Sophie Devine, who dissected New Zealand’s performance yesterday and identified a lack of awareness in key moments, Raj pointed to similar problems with India when she identified two examples where India could have pressed home an advantage against South Africa but didn’t. “We could have added more runs in the death overs when we batted. With the start we got and the way we built the innings, we could have got many more runs having wickets in hand,” she said. “And then the most important couple of overs where when [Chloe] Tyron came in, the asking rate was around nine and she got it to seven. That was the moment that tilted the match in their favour.”The absence of Jhulan Goswami, who was forced out of the match after picking up a side strain in training, doubtless affected India’s ability to defend their score but Raj was full of praise for the death-overs’ protagonist Deepti Sharma, who nearly pulled off victory. Sharma had to defend six off the last over, conceded four off her first four balls and then had Mignon du Preez caught at long-on but had overstepped. “She had a lot of clarity of where she needed to bowling the last over but somewhere these no-balls haven’t been working in India’s favour,” Raj said.From the sidelines, Goswami looked on, unable to hide her disappointment, fuelling speculation that she has not just played her last World Cup, but perhaps her last game for India. Raj could not confirm that but said she regretted that India couldn’t give Goswami a longer run at this tournament. “I really wanted to win this game so that we could give her another game to play in the semi-finals but it didn’t go our way,” she said.Similarly, there are whispers around Raj’s future also doing the rounds. While she announced that the 2022 World Cup would be her last ODI tournament, she has not confirmed if or when she is stepping away. “It would not be appropriate for me to comment on that, considering the game we just played. The emotions are still there. It needs to settle down before I can have clarity on that,” she said.She did, however, indicate that changes are inevitable, especially after a World Cup. “They will be generations of playing coming and going. After every World Cup, there is always a change in the team and the dressing room. There will be fresh faces in, there will be some experienced players in, every team has to go through this process of rebuilding after the World Cup, especially the one-day World Cup, so that they prepare for the coming World Cups in another four years,” she said. “We are no different. We will also go through the same transformation.”Asked if she thought India’s result would have an effect on the progression of the women’s game in the country, Raj indicated that she hoped not and that the board would continue to support the development of the sport.”The BCCI has done a great job to give us series last year against the best sides. They’ve done their bit of giving us preparation that would be ideal,” she said. “It is disappointing for all of us but moving forward we have very talented youngsters and I am sure the coming tournaments we will have a strong side. We look forward to building and rebuilding and trying to give our best whenever we compete in the next big event.”Every ICC event is an opportunity for the team to do well because these events are followed by everybody around the world, an opportunity for cricket lovers to look up to women cricketers to play the best standard and it’s our job as players to put our best standard out there so that many young girls take up the sport. We look forward to doing our best in these events.”

It may be too early to say with any authority, but it is starting to look like Arsenal might be returning to their incredible best.

The North Londoners were in a sorry state before the international break, with just one win in their previous five games, but since then, they’ve beaten Nottingham Forest in the Premier League and Sporting CP in the Champions League.

Moreover, with eight goals in these games, it looks like the club’s troubles in front of goal have subsided somewhat, but there is always room for improvement.

Games

12

5

2

Wins

6

3

2

Draws

4

1

0

Losses

2

1

0

Goals For

21

8

8

Goals Against

12

2

1

That seems to be the club’s opinion anyway, as recent reports have now linked one of the most exciting strikers in Europe with a move to the club, a striker who’s been compared to Harry Kane and could spell big trouble for Gabriel Jesus’ future in N5.

Arsenal transfer news

According to recent reports in Italy, Arsenal have maintained their interest in Atalanta striker Mateo Retegui.

The report claims that alongside the Gunners, there are now ‘many big clubs’ keen on signing the Italian marksman next year.

This increased interest in the exciting forward has unsurprisingly increased the price tag on his head, and according to the report, it has now more than doubled from €22m to at least €45m, which is around £38m.

Transfer Focus

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

In all, signing Retegui could prove complicated and costly, but given his form this season and the comparisons to Kane, it would be well worth it, even if it would be bad news for Jesus.

Retegui's comparison to Kane and Jesus

So, before we look at how Retegui stacks up against Jesus, who he’d surely be competing with for the place just behind Kai Havertz, where has this comparison to Kane come from?

Well, it stems from FBref, which compares players in similar positions in the Champions League, then creates a list of the ten most comparable players for each one, and in this instance, has concluded that the Englishman is the fifth most similar striker to the Italian this season.

To better understand how this conclusion was reached, we can examine the underlying metrics in which the pair ranked closely, metrics including but not limited to non-penalty goals plus assists, shots on target, shot-creating actions, blocks, clearances and carries, all per 90.

Non-Penalty Goals + Assists

0.63

0.60

Shots on Target

1.57

1.80

Goals per Shot

0.15

0.11

Shot-Creating Actions

4.06

4.00

Blocks

0.31

0.20

Clearances

0.31

0.40

Carries

24.1

22.8

On top of these statistical parallels, there are more surface-level similarities between the pair, such as the fact they’re both right-footed and the Englishman is 6 foot 2 while the Italian is 6 foot 1.

However, while this comparison to arguably the best striker in the world is undoubtedly encouraging, how does the former Genoa ace stack up to Jesus?

Well, from a pure output perspective, it’s not even close as in his 16 appearances this season, totalling 579 minutes, the former Manchester City star has scored one goal and provided one assist, equating to an average of a goal involvement every eight games, or every 289.5 minutes.

In contrast, Atalanta’s “lethal” marksman, as dubbed by Italian manager Luciano Spalletti, has scored 14 goals and provided three assists in 19 appearances, totalling 1153 minutes, meaning he’s averaging a goal involvement every 1.11 games, or every 67.8 minutes – talk about efficiency.

Appearances

19

16

Minutes

1153′

579

Goals

14

1

Assists

3

1

Goal Involvements per Match

0.89

0.12

Minutes per Goal Involvement

67.8′

289.5′

Ultimately, there just isn’t a competition between Retegui and Jesus, so should Arsenal have the chance to sign the San Fernando-born machine in 2025, they must take it, and who knows, he might even be able to displace Havertz from the starting number nine role.

2 wins, 0 goals: Arsenal's frustrating £45m star is having a nightmare week

The talented international is becoming surplus to requirements at Arsenal.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Nov 27, 2024