Arsenal have prepared an offer to sign a “dominant” attacking gem who’s drawn comparisons with Brazil legend Neymar, with sporting director Andrea Berta already having a fee in mind to put forward.
Arsenal targeting two wingers and a striker this summer
Berta, who’s set to work in tandem on the club’s recruitment with manager Mikel Arteta, arrives at N5 with a glowing reputation after 12 successful years at Atlético Madrid.
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The 53-year-old was responsible for key transfer deals at the Wanda Metropolitano, including the signings of Jan Oblak, Marcos Llorente, Rodri, Antoine Griezmann, Luis Suárez, Yannick Carrasco and noteworthy names, with supporters now hoping he can replicate his excellent pieces of business in north London.
Ipswich Town (away)
April 20th
Crystal Palace (home)
April 23rd
Bournemouth (home)
May 3rd
Liverpool (away)
May 11th
Newcastle United (home)
May 18th
Arsenal’s board are set to back Berta with a significant transfer kitty this summer, which GiveMeSport estimates could be up to £300 million on as many as seven major signings before the beginning of 2025/2026.
Three items on their agenda include the potential acquisitions of a left-winger, right-winger and striker.
Arsenal have already held talks with the representatives of Nico Williams, who’s expected to leave Athletic Bilbao this summer, while it is also believed that they’re in ongoing communication with Bayern Munich winger Kingsley Coman’s agents as well.
Arsenal have also been told the price for Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres, according to Fabrizio Romano, with Berta sent a “clear” message in recent days/weeks that the Sweden international will cost around £60 million.
It is pretty evident that a new attacker or two will be coming to the Emirates Stadium, and it is now believed Berta has his eyes firmly on a rising star in Brazil.
Arsenal prepare bid for Atlético Mineiro starlet Gabriel Veneno
According to journalist Lucas Tanaka, that man is teenage forward Gabriel Veneno, who is earning quite the reputation in South America.
The 15-year-old right-winger has even drawn comparisons to Neymar due to his dribbling ability, with Future Ballers on X also branding Veneno a “dominant force” in one-v-one situations and an exceptional dribbler.
Tanaka believes Arsenal already have an offer prepared for Veneno, but he cannot reveal the exact nature of his bid for now.
“Here’s some exclusive information on Gabriel Veneno. The jewel of Atletico is considered a jewel by the people who follow the youth team,” said Tanaka on YouTube.
“Remember he’s in the under-16s, he’ll be 16 in July. He was called up to the Brazilian national team under-16s last year. If I’m not mistaken he’s an attacking midfielder who likes to play on the right wing, pulling inside.
“Gabriel Veneno is being watched and approached by a big European club, Arsenal.
“Arsenal in England is keeping an eye on Gabriel Veneno. I already have the value of the possible offer that they’re thinking of sending in the middle of the year, but I can’t give you the value yet.”
Celtic have had mixed success in the Scottish Premiership since the club returned to action after the final international break of the 2024/25 campaign.
The Hoops made a fast start to the last stretch of the season when they hammered Hearts 3-0 at Parkhead in their first game after the break, thanks to two goals from Daizen Maeda and one from Jota.
However, they followed that up by being beaten by bottom-of-the-league St. Johnstone away in the Premiership in their most recent match on Sunday.
It was a disappointing performance and result for the Hoops, who could have little complaints about the scoreline after they failed to produce the kind of quality supporters have become used to seeing from them in the final third.
The difference in Callum McGregor’s performance between the two matches illustrated the difference in Celtic’s play, and why the former Scotland international is so integral to Brendan Rodgers’ style of play.
Why Callum McGregor is integral for Celtic
In the 3-0 win over Hearts, the left-footed star completed a staggering 99% of his attempted passes – making 66 of 67 – and assisted Maeda for the opening goal with a through ball that split open the Jam Tarts defence.
The Scottish ace also won two of his three physical duels during the match, whilst also making two interceptions, and was not dribbled past a single time by an opposition player, which shows that he excelled in and out of possession.
Callum McGregor
This meant that McGregor was able to impact the game at both ends of the pitch, by effectively screening in front of the back four and using his quality on the ball to create the opening goal.
Against St. Johnstone, however, the captain played the full 90 minutes and did not create a single chance for his teammates despite having 79 touches of the ball and completing 94% of his passes.
Minutes
64
90
Key passes
2
0
Assists
1
0
Pass accuracy
99%
94%
Duels won
2/3
1/6
Interceptions
2
0
Dribbled past
0x
1x
As you can see in the table above, McGregor’s use of the ball and his actions defensively were nowhere up to the standards he set during the win over Hearts, as the Saints midfielders got the better of him far too easily in physical duels.
The difference in his performance correlating with the difference in results speaks to how integral he is to Celtic, because he is the heartbeat of the side and much of the team’s success depends on him playing to his level in the middle of the park.
Celtic midfielder Callum McGregor.
McGregor, who has started 28 of his 29 appearances in the Premiership this season, provides a metronomic presence at the base of the midfield, controlling games for the Hoops, but allowed his level to drop against St. Johnstone and it contributed to the loss.
There is a former Celtic player, however, who has gone on to develop into being an even better player than the Hoops skipper in a deep-lying midfield role, as Ryan Christie has thrived since moving on from Parkhead.
How much Celtic sold Ryan Christie for
The Hoops reportedly sold the Scotland international to Bournemouth for a reported fee of £1.5m in the summer of 2021, having spent six years at Parkhead.
Christie made 151 appearances for the Premiership giants during his time in Glasgow, scoring 42 goals and providing 44 assists, before his move down south to the Championship – at the time.
During his time with the Hoops, the left-footed whiz predominantly played as either an attacking midfielder or as a winger as part of the midfield set-up, as he looked to impact games with goals and assists.
Christie was capable of the spectacular, as shown in the clip below, and even racked up an eye-catching tally of 21 goals and 16 assists in 45 appearances in all competitions during the 2019/20 campaign.
At that point, it seems unlikely that anyone would have predicted that Christie would go on to become an upgrade on McGregor in the number six position, as he was thriving as an attacker before his move to Bournemouth for £1.5m.
However, that is what has happened as the former St. Johnstone star has gone on to become an exceptional deep-lying midfield player in the Premier League at the Vitality.
Why Christie is now an upgrade on McGregor
Since signing for the Cherries, the bulk of the 30-year-old star’s appearances for the club have come as a defensive midfielder or a central midfielder, which is a big change from purely playing as an attack-minded midfielder or winger for Celtic.
If you compare Christie’s performances against McGregor’s over the past 365 days, whilst both now play in similar positions in midfield – unlike their time together at Parkhead, then it appears as though the left-footed ace would be an upgrade on the Celtic captain.
As you can see in the chart above, the Bournemouth star offers significantly more out of possession whilst also providing his team with more from an offensive perspective, when it comes to creating chances and building play that leads to shots.
Similar conclusions can be drawn by comparing Christie’s form in the Premier League to that of McGregor’s in the Champions League in the 2024/25 campaign, as shown below.
These statistics, this season and over the past 365 days, suggest that the former Bhoys ace would currently be an upgrade on McGregor in midfield, by doing more to help out his defence whilst also providing more creativity with his passing from a deep-lying role.
The Scottish ace was hailed by former Cherries defender Joe Partington earlier this year, as the former Celtic man was lauded for his consistency in the middle of the park.
Partington said: “Ryan Christie’s consistency this season is incredible. His level is so so high – his ability to look exceptionally in control of what he’s doing. I hope its not underwhelming to say he’s outstandingly basic.”
Bournemouth midfielder Ryan Christie.
He added: “His touch is always perfect, his pass is always the right weight at the right time at the right angle – he plays the pass to the right player in the right moment into the right space.”
Christie, who has started 27 of his 29 appearances in the Premier League, has consistency to go along with his quality on the pitch, and consistency has been an issue – albeit over just two games – for McGregor since the international break.
However, there is no guarantee that he would have developed in the way that he has if Celtic had kept him at Parkhead, as the midfielder may have stuck to his role as an attacker, rather than being moved further back into a number six position.
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Therefore, the Hoops may not see Christie as one that got away from them from that perspective, but he was still a quality player who was sold for a relatively small amount of money, which should be frustrating for the Scottish giants.
Off the back of a 30-goal season in 2022/23 under Erik ten Hag, it would have appeared ridiculous to suggest that just under two years later, Manchester United’s academy sensation, Marcus Rashford, would be lining up for anyone other than the Red Devils.
As it is, the Englishman – who left the club on loan in February – is now part of an Aston Villa side chasing FA Cup and Champions League glory, with a top-five finish also in reach for Unai Emery’s high-flying side.
Three goals and four assists have come the 27-year-old’s way in just 13 games in his new temporary home, with Emery even opting to start his red-hot forward ahead of compatriot, Ollie Watkins for Wednesday’s first-leg clash with Paris Saint-Germain.
There may be those ruing Ruben Amorim’s decision to let Rashford depart, although it’s worth remembering that the 2022/23 campaign was merely an outlier in what had been a turbulent last few years for the £300k-per-week star back at Old Trafford.
Rashford’s last five Man Utd seasons (all comps)
Season
Games
Goals
Assists
2024/25*
24
7
3
2023/24
43
8
6
2022/23
56
30
11
2021/22
32
5
2
2020/21
57
21
18
Stats via Transfermarkt
With Rashford already outlining his desire for “a new challenge” back in December, this is surely the beginning of the end for his United journey. Now, INEOS need to acquire a suitable replacement.
Man Utd's search for a new forward
The name doing the rounds at present is that of Wolverhampton Wanderers talisman, Matheus Cunha, with reports earlier this week suggesting that contact has already been made with the Brazilian’s agent, ahead of a potential summer swoop.
Every Premier League club's record sale (timeless)
It would appear that the Red Devils are putting together a contingency plan in case they aren’t able to land the 25-year-old, however, with GIVEMESPORT outlining that Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo is also under consideration.
As per the report, Amorim and co are on ‘red alert’ after assessing the data surrounding Mbeumo’s displays for the Bees this season, with there said to be ‘increasing confidence’ that the Cameroon international could reignite United’s misfiring forward line.
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The piece outlines that while it would take a sizeable offer to land the 25-year-old, believed to be in the region of £50m, the wing wizard could be up for grabs as he enters the final year of his contract at the Gtech Community Stadium.
Capable of operating off the right flank or through the middle, the France-born sensation could represent the perfect addition to Amorim’s attacking ranks, ahead of next season.
How Mbeumo compares to Rashford & Elanga
Not only have United seen Rashford find form again away from the Theatre of Dreams, but another academy graduate – Anthony Elanga – has also dazzled since moving to Nottingham Forest on a £15m deal back in 2023, having notably scored the decisive goal in stunning fashion against his former club last week.
The Swedish speedster has racked up 29 goals and assists in 74 games since moving to the City Ground, albeit with Amorim seemingly refuting claims that it had been a mistake to sell the winger, after he was given a “chance” to impress back in Manchester.
Even so, there is a lingering frustration over the decision to cash in on the 22-year-old on the cheap, albeit with the signing of Mbeumo allowing those of a United persuasion to forget all about Elanga – and Rashford – due to his status as “one of the best players in the Premier League”, according to Sky Sports’ Dan Bardell.
Brentford's BryanMbeumolooks dejected after the match
Indeed, the former Troyes starlet – who joined Thomas Frank’s side in 2019 – has scored 16 goals and provided a further five assists in the top-flight in 2024/25 to date, coming close to bettering Rashford’s best ever tally of 17 league goals, which he achieved in 2019/20 and 2022/23.
Described as “unplayable” at times by the aforementioned Frank, Mbeumo has lit up the division in recent times, with the left-footer ending last term with 15 goals and assists to his name, despite being hampered by injury.
Mbeumo vs Rashford vs Elanga – PL in 24/25
Stat (per 90)
Mbeumo
Rashford
Elanga
Goals
0.52
0.35
0.27
Assists
0.16
0.21
0.37
Progressive carries
3.33
2.55
3.61
Progressive passes
3.75
2.34
3.10
Pass completion
67.1%
73%
65%
Shot-creating actions
3.78
3.46
3.69
Successful take-ons
1.23
1.21
1.00
Tackles
1.10
0.92
0.78
Interceptions
0.42
0.35
0.23
Stats via FBref
Interestingly, too, the two most statistically similar forwards to the Brentford talisman in the league, as per FBref, are actually Rashford and Elanga, with Mbeumo possessing the searing pace of the latter, as well as the centre-forward instincts of the former – seemingly the perfect hybrid.
As indicated in the table above, it is the Bees man who comes on top across a string of attacking and defensive metrics in 2024/25, indicating that while he may possess the characteristics of his two Premier League counterparts, he would actually represent an upgrade as far as Amorim is concerned.
With 54 goals and assists in 129 top-flight games to date in English football, Mbeumo would represent the ready-made solution that United are desperately craving in the forward line.
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Trent Alexander-Arnold scored the winner as Liverpool defeated Leicester City on Sunday afternoon, which now means winning the Premier League title this month has fallen into Arne Slot’s hands.
Should Arsenal lose against Crystal Palace at the Emirates on Wednesday, Liverpool will be crowned. If not, Anfield will be charged with a frenzy next weekend, the Reds knowing victory over Tottenham Hotspur will seal the deal.
There was something poignant about Trent’s winner, the ecstasy of moving within an inch of the trophy tempered by the knowledge that the boyhood hero, the homegrown superstar, probably scored his final goal for Liverpool.
Trent is set to leave Liverpool
Liverpool fans were divided in opinion after Alexander-Arnold scored and celebrated with such undiluted emotion at the King Power Stadium.
The more optimistic among us suggested the vice-captain’s celebration bespoke a passion that will see him renew terms, devote the remainder of his prime years to his boyhood club.
But this doesn’t feel likely. Fabrizio Romano has already corroborated an overload of Spanish reports in recent months that the England international will indeed sign for Real Madrid this summer, and it would take a remarkable turn of events for that to change now.
Trent Alexander-Arnold – Liverpool Stats by Competition
Competition
Apps
Goals
Assists
Premier League
255
18
65
Champions League
60
2
13
FA Cup
13
1
3
Carabao Cup
10
0
6
Europa League
5
0
2
Club World Cup
2
0
1
Community Shield
2
1
0
CL Qualifying
2
0
1
UEFA Super Cup
1
0
0
Stats via Transfermarkt
Sadly, wishing for a thing doesn’t make it so, and all the pointers suggest that Liverpool’s number 66 is poised to leave when his contract expires in a few months.
One of those pointers is that FSG have already mapped out plans to sign a replacement. He’s been one of the Premier League’s standout full-backs this season.
Liverpool already chasing Trent replacement
As per Caught Offside, Liverpool have set Nottingham Forest’s Ola Aina in their sights as they prepare for life without Alexander-Arnold.
The Nigerian defender has been in fine fettle for high-flying Forest this season and is months away from the end of his £40k-per-week contract, and may well be tempted by a bumper pay rise with the soon-to-be champions.
Ole Aina
With Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur also lurking, Forest are piecing together a long-term offer to keep the 28-year-old at the club for the remainder of his prime years, but Anfield presents an enticing package indeed.
How Ola Aina compares to Alexander-Arnold
Nottingham Forest are sixth in the Premier League with just over one month of the 2024/25 campaign left to play. Nuno Espirito Santo has worked wonders, and Aina has been one of his most vital cogs.
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The one-year deal that Aina was tethered to when he joined Forest in July 2023, after his contract with Italians Torino expired, rather candidly comments on the hesitance behind the signing.
Though he’s currently set for free agency this summer, the City Ground side have been confident that an extension could be secured. The minutiae of the potential transfer is unclear, but Liverpool’s pull is a powerful thing.
Nottingham Forest's OlaAinacelebrates after the match
Such a rumour might feel somewhat deflating, but Aina really has been among the finest full-backs in Europe this season, so important as the Tricky Trees chase down unexpected Champions League qualification.
His ability is uncontestable. In fact, the experienced ace has been described as “the best right-back in the Premier League” this season by former Nigeria international Julius Aghahowa.
It’s hard to dispute it. Defensively, at the least, Aina has been a force to be reckoned with, keeping 11 clean sheets across 30 top-flight fixtures while recovering 5.3 balls, winning 4.2 duels and making 2.8 tackles and interceptions per game, as per Sofascore.
He’s not averse to attacking play either. Aina has scored twice this term, the first of which carried Trent-esque technique as West Ham United were flattened by the ranged missile.
Moreover, he’s averaging a dribble per game this year, which is working out to a 55% success rate. Not bad going. Alexander-Arnold, for example, succeeds with just 48% of his ball-carrying attempts.
What about Conor Bradley? Here we find the crux of the argument. The reasoning behind FSG launching a bid for a wide defender at the north end of their 20s who simply doesn’t bring more than a mite of playmaking prowess that Alexander-Arnold will take with him as he capers off to Madrid.
Liverpool right-back Conor Bradley
Bradley has so much potential, and with Slot pleased with the Northern Irishman’s progress, it would take quite the right-back to oust him over many years.
Instead, by signing Aina, a sort of balance could be struck, keeping the finely-worked equilibrium on Anfield’s pitch at a productive angle.
To clear the fogs, so to speak, let’s have at how Aina compares to Alexander-Arnold, and how they look when their Premier League metrics from the current campaign are collated.
There’s plenty to unpack here, but we’ll try and simplify it.
First and foremost, it might appear like Aina pales in comparison to Liverpool’s star man, but it’s important to remember that Forest operate without possession. In fact, Nuno’s system has bred the least amount of possession in the Premier League this year, remarkable given they currently lie within the Champions League qualification zone.
Alexander-Arnold creates far more than Aina and curiously makes more tackles, but the Forest star’s duel success, athleticism and ability to take on and beat his man shines a light on his skill and how that could be perfect to slot in to compete with Bradley.
Ola Aina with Chris Wood for Nottingham Forest.
The confluence of styles that Bradley and Aina would project down the right flank could give Slot the right blend to tackle the forthcoming campaign.
Aina wouldn’t replace Alexander-Arnold’s supreme creativity; Liverpool must sign a new attacking midfielder to compensate for the loss of his playmaking.
However, this would balance, dynamise, you name it, Liverpool’s defence, giving Slot what he needs to challenge at the top once again while allowing Bradley to jockey for a place with a contrasting, older profile.
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To put it mildly, this season has not gone well for Tottenham Hotspur.
In fact, unless Ange Postecoglou can mastermind a European miracle over the next month or so, it looks set to be the club’s worst in several generations.
However, while the form and performance of the squad have been far from ideal, they have had to deal with an absurd number of injuries, specifically in defence.
Tottenham Hotspur's Dominic Solanke with manager AngePostecoglouafter the match
So, it’s not surprising that the North Londoners have been linked with several brilliant defenders, such as Marc Guéhi, over the last few months, although they may already have their own version of the Englishman out on loan.
Why Spurs would want Marc Guéhi
On transfer deadline day earlier this year, Spurs reportedly made a shock £70m bid for the Crystal Palace star.
Crystal Palace's MarcGuehiin action
While the South Londoners turned it down due to their inability to find a replacement in time, it indicated that the Lilywhites were serious about their interest.
In fact, due to the massive sum offered to the Eagles, Spurs writer John Wenham later claimed he expects the club to return with another offer in the summer when it’ll be easier for Palace to replace him.
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It’s not hard to see why the North Londoners are so interested in the former Chelsea star either, as on top of simply providing more cover at the back, he’s also got an abundance of top-level experience.
For example, even though he’s still just 24 years old, the 6 foot monster has already racked up 212 first-team appearances across his career, with 151 of those coming for Palace, 59 with Swansea City and two with the Blues.
Moreover, he has 23 senior England caps to his name and was arguably one of the Three Lions’ top performers at the European Championships last year.
However, even if he costs less than £70m, he’s still going to cost a lot of money, which could go elsewhere if the club promotes one of their own up-and-coming talents, who also happens to be a tremendously exciting non-nonsense centre-back.
Spurs' answer to Guéhi
It’s evident that Spurs are in the market for a new centre-back this summer with links to Dean Huijsen also surfacing in recent weeks. However, they could forget about him and Guehi with the player we want to discuss here.
For those of you familiar with the Spurs youngsters out on loan, it’ll probably come as no surprise that the player in question is the incredibly promising Luka Vušković.
The Croatian wonderkid signed for the Lilywhites back in September 2023, but as he was still 16 years old at the time, post-Brexit rules meant he couldn’t yet join up with the club.
Instead, he’s spent the last year and a half on loan, with this season seeing him join Belgian outfit KVC Waterloo, where he has been sensational.
So, starting with the defensive side of his game, as that’s what matters most after all, and his statistics make for pretty reading.
For example, according to FOTmob, he sits in the top 5.7% of centre-backs in the league for aerial duels won, the top 6.9% for recoveries, the top 8% for blocks and the top 16.1% for percentage of duels won, all per 90.
Appearances
32
Minutes
2743′
Goals
7
Assists
2
Goal Involvements per Match
0.28
Minutes per Goal Involvements
304.77′
However, what really makes the “freak talent,” as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, stand out is his attacking ability.
For example, in just 32 appearances, totalling 2743 minutes, the 6 foot 5 “monster,” as dubbed by Mattinson, has scored seven goals and provided two assists.
That means the 18-year-old is currently averaging a goal involvement every 3.55 games or every 304.77 minutes from centre-back.
Ultimately, Spurs may need a new defender this summer, but with how well Vušković is playing, they may not need to break the bank on someone like Guéhi.
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Spanish giants Atlético Madrid now want to sign a £200,000-a-week Arsenal player as the Gunners begin talks over a new contract, according to a recent report.
Arsenal desperate for a new striker this summer
One of the main reasons why the Gunners were unable to mount a serious title challenge with Liverpool was because of the lack of goals in the team. There are not many weaknesses in Mikel Arteta’s squad, but the lack of a number nine has cost them in the last 18 months to two years, especially once injuries compounded the issue.
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Therefore, it is no surprise to see that Arsenal are already looking at the market and trying to find the best possible number nine who will fit into their team. Benjamin Sesko and Jonathan David of RB Leipzig and Lille, respectively, have been linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium for a while now. Meanwhile, it was reported over the weekend that the Gunners have made an enquiry over the possibility of signing Christopher Nkunku, who looks set to leave Chelsea at the end of this campaign, given his lack of game time.
Reports have also stated that Arsenal are in advanced talks in a deal to sign Nico Williams from Athletic Club this summer. The Spain international has a release clause worth £50 million, and the Gunners are willing to trigger it to get a deal done.
Williams may not be the only high-profile arrival at the Emirates, as Arsenal are now willing to make a bid worth £69 million to sign Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting CP. This figure would be a lot lower than his release clause, which is reportedly worth £86 million.
Atlético Madrid want to sign £200k-p/w Arsenal ace
These potential arrivals will cost the Gunners a lot in terms of fees and wages, and there is an expectation that some players will have to be let go – Thomas Partey could be one.
According to Marca, relayed by The Mirror, Atletico Madrid are interested in signing Partey amid talks over a new deal with Arsenal.
Partey, who is out of contract at the end of the season, is currently in talks with the Gunners over extending his stay beyond this campaign. However, Arsenal need to act quickly, as Atlético are keeping a close eye on the situation and will be ready to make a move should an agreement not be found. They are not the only team interested either, as Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain are also keen, and the player himself is said to be open to joining Barcelona.
Partey, who has been labelled a player “Arteta loves”, has been a key player for Arsenal since arriving from Atlético back in 2020. This season the midfielder has played 31 games in the Premier League, 27 of which he has started. The Ghana international has also started 10 of the 11 Champions League games the Gunners have played, and he will be looking to add to that as Arsenal face PSG this week.
Apps
31
Goals
4
Assists
2
Touches
65.0
Big chances created
3
Key passes
0.5
Passing accuracy per game
46.5 (89%)
Tackles per game
2.5
Interceptions per game
1.0
Balls recovered per game
3.9
Arsenal appear keen to tie Partey, who earns a weekly wage of £200,000 at the Emirates, to a new contract, but it’s been reported that the player’s entourage are in active talks with other clubs, meaning he could be ready to move away from the London side.
Will Celtic be crowned champions of Scotland again as soon as this weekend?
Following their 5-1 demolition of Kilmarnock, the Hoops are 15 points clear of fierce rivals Rangers with only five matches to go, and boasting a goal difference that is just the 42 superior.
Celtic's CameronCarter-Vickersand Callum McGregor with teammates celebrate after winning the League Cup
So, even a draw against Dundee United on Saturday will secure a 13th Scottish Premiership title in just 14 seasons, rubber-stamping the title at Tannadice, just as they did in 2008 under Gordon Strachan as well as three years ago when Ange Postecoglou was in charge.
So now, as attention turns towards the summer plans, with a crucial Champions League play-off in August looming large, could Celtic save themselves a few quid in the transfer market by giving a young star, impressing out on loan, an opportunity?
Celtic's interest in Million Manhoef
As previously reported this month, Celtic are ‘eyeing’ a move for Stoke City winger Million Manhoef.
The 23-year-old Dutch U21 international joined the Potters from Vitesse Arnhem in January 2024 for a reported fee of £3m, scoring 11 goals and registering five assists in 51 appearances for the EFL Championship club to date.
His performances have earned rave reviews, including from Dean Jones, who told Give Me Sport that Manhoef is “the sort of player that will get fans off their seats”, while Jacek Kulig of Football Talent Scout labelled him both “quality and versatile”.
As a result, journalist Graeme Bailey believes Manhoef is valued at £10m by Stoke, which would make him one of Celtic’s most-expensive signings of all-time, so could the Scottish champions save their money by reintegrating a youngster currently impressing out on loan on the other side of the world?
Celtic's forgotten sensation out on loan
Back in June 2023, Celtic signed a 21-year-old by the name of Marco Tilio from Melbourne City for a reported fee of £1.5m.
This was, at the time, a record outgoing transfer fee for an A-League player, with Beth Limb of Total Football Analysis believing Celtic had secured a great deal for such a talented player.
Well, so far, this has not transpired, with Tilio making just two appearances in hoops to date, making his debut during a one-minute cameo against Motherwell in November 2023, before seeing 27 minutes off the bench against Hibernian 11 days later.
Instead, he has been loaned back to Melbourne City, for whom he’s now made 102 appearances, really starting to rediscover his best form this season after a long spell on the sidelines due to a hamstring injury.
So far this year, the Australian international has scored four A-League goals, actually making him the Sky Blues’ joint-top scorer, with this season-by-season breakdown outlining his career so far.
Marco Tilio season-by-season statistics
Season
Appearances
Minutes
Goals
Assists
2024/25
14
1,002
4
3
2023/24
7
287
1
Zero
2022/23
29
2,092
10
6
2021/22
32
2,016
8
8
2020/21
22
1,139
2
5
2019/20
5
31
1
1
All statistics courtesy of Transfermarkt
As the table shows, Tilio has started to somewhat show the form that convinced Celtic to sign him in the first place.
Melbourne City winger Marco Tilio.
He was a “prolific goalscorer” during his first spell at Melbourne City, as per one source, form he has begun to rediscover, with Liam Bryce of the Herald believing that he certainly has the talent to ‘flourish’ in Glasgow, while Emma Kemp of the Guardian outlines that Tilio is always capable of producing a ‘moment of magic’.
So, given Tilio’s undeniable talent, he should certainly be given an opportunity at Celtic, suggesting they don’t need to go into the market and spend big on a new winger.
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Enzo Maresca’s Blues started the season in red-hot form, dispatching teams and finding themselves second in the Premier League just before Christmas.
However, since then, Chelsea have struggled, dropping points to bottom-half sides and now finding themselves sixth and on the fringes of Champions League qualification.
Cole Palmer has struggled for form in recent months, playing in the middle of the park behind the striker, often dropping deep to receive the ball and aid Chelsea’s progression through the lines.
Whilst his goal-scoring numbers have dropped off, his creativity remains effective, having the joint highest xA (expected assists) in the Premier League this season with 7.9 xA.
With six games to go, it remains in the balance whether the Blues can obtain a precious top five spot, securing Champions League football for next season, in their ability to do so may well impact their ability to sign players this upcoming summer.
Chelsea favourites to sign Bundesliga sensation
According to reports from CaughtOffside, Chelsea are now leading the race and are favourites to sign Borussia Dortmund superstar, Jamie Gittens this summer.
Other Premier League clubs such as Liverpool have shown interest and scouted the 20-year-old winger, but it looks like the Blues may be ahead in the race.
With Jadon Sancho’s future currently in question, the Blues could opt to send the winger back to Manchester United, freeing up funds to acquire Gittens – who has been touted at around £85m – from Dortmund and reinvent the left side of their attacking unit.
Jamie Gittens for Borussia Dortmund.
Gittens has made 44 appearances for the German outfit this campaign, netting 12 goals, providing five assists and totalling 2,648 minutes played. The English winger came through Manchester City’s academy, much like another one of Chelsea’s superstars.
Gittens vs Palmer comparison
Palmer was, of course, signed from Manchester City back in 2023, joining the Blues for a fee of around £40m plus £2.5m in add-ons. That signing has proven to be well worth the investment made, with the 22-year-old already making 82 appearances for Chelsea, scoring 39 goals and providing 24 assists in 6,575 minutes played.
Goals
0.41
0.41
Assists
0.10
0.24
xG
0.19
0.54
xAG
0.13
0.31
Progressive Carries
5.58
3.25
Progressive Passes
2.07
6.24
Shots Total
2.56
3.65
Goals/Shot
0.16
0.09
Key Passes
1.09
2.54
Shot-Creating Actions
3.66
5.93
Successful Take-Ons
3.73
1.46
Carries into Pen Area
3.08
1.15
When comparing the underlying metrics of both young England stars, you can see how each of their games differ. Gittens clearly excels at carrying, looking to be direct with the ball at his feet, beating players 1v1 and attacking the box. Meanwhile, Palmer looks to express himself through creative passing, creating for himself and others, whilst also not being afraid to pull the trigger.
The 20-year-old has already been described as the “next English diamond” by Saul Morris, via Football Talent Scout, back in 2023. Since then, we have seen Gittens go on to produce some excellent form with Borussia Dortmund, thus earning him recognition from clubs back in England.
If Gittens does join Chelsea, the ex-Manchester City academy duo could be a lethal combination in attack, with Palmer dropping deep and finding those incisive passes in behind opposition defences, allowing Gittens to attack the box and get those shots off.
All the signs then point to this exciting deal proving to be the Blues’ best since snapping up Palmer in 2023.
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Chelsea would have been expecting a tricky contest against Arne Slot’s Liverpool, but would have remained hopeful of a positive result off the back of the Reds potentially dropping the ball after being crowned Premier League champions a week ago.
The Dutchman would make considerable alterations – seen in the likes of Jarell Quansah starting at the back ahead of Ibrahima Konate – yet the manner in which Enzo Maresca’s Blues brushed aside the Reds 3-1 was still impressive, considering that was only Liverpool’s third loss of the season to date.
Now, Chelsea are only four points off Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal in second spot, away from their pursuit of a Champions League position.
To clinch a top-five place though, Maresca will know he needs Cole Palmer and Enzo Fernandez performing at the same unbelievable levels they managed against Liverpool for the rest of the campaign to come.
Fernandez & Palmer's importance to Chelsea
Before exploring Fernandez’s superb day at the office further, Palmer would end up clinching the three points right at the death for Chelsea, meaning he’s now in an illustrious list of past Blues goalscorers.
It was a top-drawer showing from the former Manchester City attacker throughout, with Palmer notching up four key passes as a constantly creative menace, on top of beating Alisson from the penalty spot with an ice-cold finish.
Whilst it’s expected that Palmer will be able to bury chances considering he’s up to 15 Premier League strikes now, Fernandez’s composure was a joy to behold too during the 3-1 win, with this perfect touch and finish after just three minutes setting the tone for Chelsea to collect all three points.
Much like his electric teammate, however, the South American is a team player for the Blues cause, with four duels won, displaying the ugly side of his game, away from nearly adding to this seven assists in the league when collecting two key passes.
Both players are stalwarts under Maresca and for good reason, but there’s another standout performer who is equally as paramount to Chelsea right now, away from this spectacular duo.
Performance in Numbers
Want data and stats? Football FanCast’s Performance in Numbers series provides you with the latest match analysis from across Europe.
The Chelsea star who is as important as Fernandez & Palmer
The West Londoners really do seem to be entering their stride at the best possible time, considering the Blues have now won their last three Premier League clashes on the trot, even with Slot’s intimidating Liverpool in their way.
These victories are made to look even more impressive when you take into account Moises Caicedo – who usually lines up in the centre of the park – has had to be drafted into the right-back position as of late, but the £115m star’s versatile nature has just managed to shine through regardless.
Minutes played
90
Goals scored
0
Assists
0
Touches
53
Accurate passes
29/31 (94%)
Key passes
1
Accurate crosses
1/1
Accurate long balls
1/1
Clearances
5
Blocked shots
1
Interceptions
1
Tackles
2
Total duels won
7/10
The expensive 23-year-old is beginning to prove his worth as a full package, with Caicedo exiting the field of play after the 3-1 win with only two misplaced passes next to his name, leading to a 94% pass accuracy being calculated.
But, he also battled well – much like Palmer and Fernandez – when necessary, with a high seven duels won across the course of his stellar 90 minutes, away from winning the hosts that late decisive spot-kick when moved back into the midfield areas.
Handed out an 8/10 post-match rating by London Evening Standard journalist Malik Ouzia, it looks as if Maresca will continue to pick Caicedo alongside Palmer and Fernandez for the foreseeable, knowing full well this trio are ready for the potential Champions League challenge that awaits.
Before anything is set in stone, however, Chelsea will just need to keep picking up the wins, with a very tough fixture away at Newcastle United up next, one that will show off the character of Maresca’s camp.
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Steven Gerrard is probably the most influential and peerless Liverpool affiliate of the 21st century, and that reputation isn’t going to budge.
Maybe, Trent Alexander-Arnold stood a chance of knocking his hero away from top spot, but he’d have needed to devote the entirety of his career to his boyhood club to achieve this, and instead will sign for Real Madrid on a free transfer aged 26.
Trent’s decision heightens the situation going on at both of Liverpool’s defensive flanks. Andy Robertson, 31, still has a year left on his deal but has waned in influence and security this term, and heirs are being considered ahead of the transfer window.
Despite the issues Liverpool have faced at left-back, Cody Gakpo has still managed to go from strength to strength on the left wing, lacking the desirable stream of creative support though he has.
Cody Gakpo's season in numbers
It’s interesting that Gakpo should have hit his smoothest stride in a Liverpool shirt this season despite Robertson’s declining creative output.
Liverpool's Cody Gakpo wins the Premier League
This isn’t to say that the left-back has completely lost his way, but there’s no question things have been taken down a notch. That’s not true in Gakpo’s case, though, with his efforts this year leading to a return of 17 goals and six assists across all competitions, including 29 starts.
A shrewd and dynamic grtasp of the fundamentals had led Jurgen Klopp to play the Dutchman across a wide range of roles last season, but Arne Slot has shaved the fat off Gakpo’s game, limited him to a goalscoring duty off the left flank.
Cody Gakpo – Liverpool Stats by Position (23/24)
Position
Apps
Goals
Assists
Centre-forward
27
12
4
Left winger
12
3
3
Right winger
7
1
0
Central midfield
7
0
0
Stats via Transfermarkt
It’s paid dividends, with pundits Joe Cole and Peter Crouch agreeing that he has “gone up another level” in his countryman’s tactical set-up.
As per FBref, the 25-year-old ranks among the top 5% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for non-penalty goals scored per 90, highlighting Slot’s success in sharpening his clinical edge into something keen and deadly.
Cody Gakpo celebrates for Liverpool
Robertson still plays his part, crisp in possession and with a close-knit connection with Virgil van Dijk, but Liverpool are ready to sign an upgrade who could take Gakpo to the next level.
Liverpool chasing new left-back
Following the latest from TEAMtalk, Liverpool are indeed ready to address their left-back conundrum after Robertson’s up-and-down season, with Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez at the top of the shopping list.
With the Cherries, who are pushing for Europe, ready to sell the 21-year-old for a £45m figure, this is one FSG will be giving their full consideration to.
However, Kerkez is the prototypical modern full-back and would make Slot’s system that much better.
Imagine Gakpo & Milos Kerkez together
Gakpo is chiefly a goalscorer, but he’s also a forward of impressive physicality, causing problems for opponents and getting stuck in with duels and dribbles.
Kerkez will take his game to the next level.
The Bournemouth man might only be young but he’s made quite the name for himself across the past year, posting two goals and five assists in the Premier League this year, creating eight big chances, as per Sofascore, winning 60% of his ground duels and averaging 4.5 ball recoveries per game.
Also ranking among the top 14% of full-backs in the English top flight this term for progressive carries per 90, as per FBref, the Hungary international has the burners to apply pressure on his opponents ahead of him, thus allowing Gakpo the time and space to find better positions and maybe lift his goal tally even higher next year.
It’s worth noting Robertson, having failed to register a goal contribution in the league this year, has averaged 0.2 dribbles per game, evening out to one every five matches.
Luckily, Gakpo has stepped up and produced the goods, impressively winning 56% of his ground duels, completing 60% of his dribbles and missing just six big chances in the Premier League, as per Sofascore, having converted nine strikes.
With something young and hungry behind him, overlapping and proving a general thorn in his opponents’ sides, Kerkez is exactly what Liverpool need, having already been singled out as a “machine” by Sky Sports’ Izzy Christansen for his tireless and combative performances.
Kerkez’s strengths as an attacking full-back are exactly what Slot needs, perhaps demonstrating a style of football that Robertson would have been able to match and even surpass back in his pomp, but Father Time has crept up on the Scotland skipper after so many years of gruelling service at Liverpool.
While Robertson should keep his place in the Liverpool squad (meaning Kostas Tsimikas will need to be sold), Kerkez should find himself taking the first-choice spot, not only completing the defence and restoring some much-needed creativity to the wide positions but driving Gakpo’s journey even further into the limelight.
Milos Kerkez for Bournemouth
Athletic and adventurous, Kerkez has dazzled for Bournemouth this season, a core part of Andoni Iraola’s efforts and, just maybe, success in securing a place on the continent for the first time in the Vitality Stadium’s history.
But Liverpool need a new left-back, and he fits the bill. Bringing such pace and potency down the channel, such energy and enthusiasm, Kerkez would be sure to elevate Gakpo’s game to the next level, striking the perfect balance that could see Slot defend his Premier League crown.
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