All posts by z3u9t.icu

From a results perspective, the weekend was almost perfect for Arsenal.

Mikel Arteta’s side picked up all three points at home to West Ham United, and Liverpool lost to Chelsea, leaving the Gunners at the top of the Premier League table heading into the international break.

However, the North Londoners can never have a perfect weekend, as during their win over the Hammers, Martin Odegaard had to come off before half-time with an injury for the third league game on the spin.

With it being confirmed as an MCL injury, there is a real concern that the club’s captain could be out of action for a number of months rather than weeks.

However, while Odegaard’s absence is undoubtedly a setback for Arsenal, there are several ways in which Arteta could cope with it, including playing one of his most exciting talents, and no, not Eberechi Eze.

How Arteta could solve his Odegaard problem

The good news here is that, while there might not be a perfect solution to Odegaard’s absence, Arteta now has several ways to approach it with this squad.

Chalkboard

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

For example, while it might not be a popular option, he could bring Mikel Merino back into the starting lineup and play him in a more attacking role.

The Spaniard certainly isn’t as technically impressive as the Norwegian, but if the last year or so has proven anything, it’s that the former Real Sociedad star knows precisely where the goal is.

For example, in 53 appearances for the Gunners, the 29-year-old has scored ten goals and provided five assists, and since the start of last season, he’s scored six goals in nine caps for Spain.

An altogether more unconventional and unlikely option could be to start Bukayo Saka more centrally.

Now, before the pitchforks come out, this isn’t a suggestion in the vein of playing the Hale Ender on the left to make room for other players in the national team.

Instead, this would, in theory, give the Englishman far more time on the ball and, therefore, have an even greater influence on games than he already does.

Moreover, the 24-year-old has already shown an ability to use both feet, is best when cutting in from out wide, is far stronger than people give him credit fr and is arguably one of the team’s most creative players alongside their biggest goal threat.

In other words, while it would be an experiment, there isn’t an apparent reason why it wouldn’t work.

Finally, Arteta could just opt to play summer signing Eze in the most attacking midfield role.

However, while this might well be the option the manager chooses, it does mean that Gabriel Martinelli or Leandro Trossard will have to start on the left, and neither has been impressive when starting games this season.

Therefore, the boss should keep the former Crystal Palace star on the left and opt to start another outrageously talented gem in the middle.

The Arsenal star who should start in place of Odegaard

So, if Eze is going to stay out on the left, Saka on the right and Merino remains an impact sub, that leaves one clear option to start in place of Odegaard: Ethan Nwaneri.

The Hale End gem might not be getting as much game time as some would have expected, but with the captain now out of action, the next couple of months could be the perfect opportunity to get him in the starting lineup with some regularity.

Moreover, while the 18-year-old is certainly still raw and can make the wrong decision at times, his outrageous talent is simply undeniable.

Appearances

37

Minutes

1378′

Goals

9

Assists

2

Goal Involvements per Match

0.29

Minutes per Goal Involvement

125.27′

For example, despite not really being a winger and being so young, the Enfield-born monster managed to score nine goals and provide two assists in 37 appearances, totalling 1378 minutes, last season.

That works out to a goal involvement every 3.36 games, or more crucially, one every 125.27 minutes.

Furthermore, unlike some of his more senior teammates, who have been criticised for playing too safely in the past, the “phenomenal” prospect, as dubbed by former professional Stephen Warnock, is always looking to play the ball forward or for a goalscoring opportunity.

While there are certainly other differences in their game, this swashbuckling and brave style of play has to be one of the reasons the manager described him as “a little bit like Jack Wilshere.”

Ultimately, Arteta has several options when it comes to replacing Odegaard in this Arsenal team, but to keep the wings as strong as possible, he should opt to start Nwaneri.

Arsenal sold Hale End's answer to Gyokeres for £4m, now he's worth 464% more

As Viktor Gyökeres continues to find his feet at Arsenal, did the Gunners sell their own home grown version for just £4m, now worth 464% more?

Oct 6, 2025

Former Everton striker Wayne Rooney has revealed the best teammate he has during his time as a Blues player, with Pele even watching his debut at another club.

Rooney's love for Everton

For a while, Rooney’s reputation at Everton was damaged because of his decision to join Manchester United as a teenager, having emerged as the most exciting young player in the country.

The England legend returned to Goodison Park later in his career, however, which went down well, and he has revealed in the past how much it hurt to leave the Blues first time around.

“I knew before Euro 2004 that I was getting touted to other teams because Everton needed the money. Certain individuals were going in to other clubs saying, ‘Would you take Wayne Rooney for £30 million?’. I was heartbroken. I mean, I loved the club and wanted to play for Everton but once I found that out, I was devastated.

“To be honest, I would have left at some point – of course, I would have to better myself and go and win trophies – but I was devastated. So I thought, you know what? Okay. I was getting pushed to join Chelsea because they were offering the most money but I didn’t want to go. I wanted to go to Manchester United. It was less money for Everton but that’s where I wanted to play.”

Rooney revealed "best" ever Everton teammate

Speaking to Everton’s X account in the past, Rooney revealed that Thomas Gravesen is the best player he shared a pitch with for the Blues: “I would probably say that Thomas Gravesen is the best player I’ve played with.”

Gravesen is a choice that will likely be met positively by Everton fans, with the Dane a hugely popular player during his time at Goodison.

He possessed both technical ability on the ball and tenacity out of possession, and his quality is highlighted by the fact that he earned a move to Real Madrid in 2005.

In fact, Pele was even present to watch his debut at the Santiago Bernabeu, and legendary manager Fabio Capello heaped praise on him at the time.

“He has been playing very well in front of the Madrid defence and is also very effective at helping build their attacks. He is turning into a very important player for them, as Madrid had problems in that position before he arrived. They were all over the place there. Now, with his arrival, there is more balance to the team.”

Watch out Grealish: Everton brewing teen star who outscored Ndiaye in 24/25

Everton’s youth academy is ready to reveal the latest homegrown hero.

ByAngus Sinclair Sep 19, 2025

If Gravesen were asked the same question, Rooney could easily get his vote, considering he is among the greatest English footballers of his generation, and it’s just a shame that they didn’t spend longer together at Everton.

After losing Mohammed Kudus earlier this summer, West Ham United could now reportedly lose another attacking star amid reports that Jose Mourinho is set to launch his opening move.

West Ham still seeking reinforcements

It’s not exactly been a headline summer at the London Stadium so far, but West Ham have at least managed to splash out on El Hadji Malick Diouf whilst also welcoming young forward Daniel Cummings and free agent Kyle Walker-Peters. The latter recently became the latest to arrive and will be hoping to enjoy a far better season than last time out, when he was relegated with Southampton.

There is, of course, still plenty of work to be done at the London Stadium, however. But with the Premier League season closing in, the Hammers could yet suffer another frustrating exit blow and lose yet another member of Graham Potter’s frontline.

Mourinho set to launch Summerville move

According to reports in Turkey, as relayed by Sport Witness, Mourinho is now set to launch a move to sign Crysencio Summerville for Fenerbahce this summer. The club’s director Devin Özek is reportedly set to travel to England in an attempt to secure a loan move for the winger, whilst the self-proclaimed Special One is also set to make contact.

West Ham launch approach to sign £25m+ ace who outscored Wilson last season

He outperformed Wilson last season…

ByTom Cunningham Jul 25, 2025

Whilst Summerville endured a debut campaign to forget at the London Stadium, Kudus’ departure opens the door for the former Leeds United man to finally make his mark. Given that he cost the Hammers as much as £25m, plus add-ons, last summer, all involved at the London Stadium should also be keen to hand him the time to eventually come good.

It wasn’t so long ago that Summerville was dubbed a “coup” for West Ham by former Leeds player Carlton Palmer and the winger will be desperate to prove that’s still the case

Palmer said last summer: “This is a really big coup for West Ham, given the likes of Chelsea, Liverpool and Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain were interested in the player.

“Summerville has decided to join West Ham, a fantastic bit of business for West Ham. As I said, he was a standout player in the Championship, still young.”

Whilst a lot of the Sunderland conversation this summer has centred on the number of new signings arriving through the door, the crop of talent already at Regis Le Bris’ disposal before this whirlwind business kicked off will feel they have what it takes to compete in the Premier League as well.

The likes of Chris Rigg – who is nearing an extended Black Cats deal – will be raring to go up a league having already proven himself in the Championship as a bold 18-year-old asset, whilst French marksman Wilson Isidor will be aiming to add to his 13 second-tier strikes in the challenging division.

Of course, he will have plenty of competition in the attacking positions to contend with, as plenty more fresh recruits are expected to join the Stadium of Light ranks up top before the chaotic transfer window slams shut.

Sunderland showing strong interest in £22m attacker

Sunderland have never looked back this summer after both Jobe Bellingham and Tommy Watson deserted Wearside in quick succession, with more cash expected to be splurged soon to boost the newly promoted side even more.

Leicester City attacker Bilal El Khannouss is now reportedly on the Black Cats’ radar, with French outlet L’Equipe even going as far as to suggest that Le Bris’ men are out in front for the Moroccan’s coveted signature, ahead of the likes of West Ham United and AS Monaco.

Alongside shopping close to home, Sunderland also has their eye on some promising attacking talents in Ligue 1, with a report from journalist Graeme Bailey revealing that the Premier League new boys are showing a “strong interest” in OGC Nice forward Evan Guessand.

Both Leeds United and Brentford are also keen on the £22m-rated attacker’s services, with the report further revealing that Guessand would be tempted by a switch to England as he weighs up leaving his current employers.

Off the back of a promising season in France, Guessand might well explode into life even more under Le Bris’ tutelage on Wearside, as the Nice number 29 attempts to replicate Isidor’s rapid rise at the Stadium of Light, considering Isidor was also once viewed as being a slightly risky star to sign last summer.

How Guessand could be the next Isidor

In the end, Isidor would instantly settle in right at the top of the Championship, which was a surprise considering the Rennes-born forward never tasted the high intensity of the English game before linking up with Le Bris and Co last August, initially on loan.

Still, that wouldn’t matter as Isidor led the line with confidence for promotion chasers all season long, culminating in him collecting 13 Championship strikes. Before this breakout moment, however, the towering 24-year-old only had a mediocre 48 career strikes next to his name as a nomadic presence playing out in Russia and France.

24/25

42

13

9

23/24

38

7

2

21/22

25

1

3

20/21

3

0

0

19/20

1

0

0

Guessand had an equally formative experience with Nice this season just gone, with the powers that be at the Cote D’Azur club having to exercise plenty of patience before fully reaping their rewards, as seen in the 6-foot-3 striker registering a blistering 13 strikes in all competitions last campaign, after only eight goals had been tallied up over the prior three seasons.

Even more could soon come from Guessand, therefore, knowing what Le Bris has managed to do for a striker with a similar approach to himself in Isidor, with Isidor also a lofty presence coming in at 6-foot-1, but equally content with speeding through on goal to finish off a well-crafted counter-attack.

The £22m attacker has even been hailed as “electric” by U23 football scout Antonio Mango for his devastating burst of pace, which might well work in his favour in such a demanding and taxing league like the Premier League.

Le Bris will see Guessand as a project – much like he did with Isidor – and if the success story of the former Zenit St. Petersburg man is anything to go off, landing the Ivorian might well be deemed a capture as impactful as Habib Diarra and Enzo Le Fee joining for some mega bucks down the line.

Mepham upgrade: Sunderland plotting deal for "incredible" £18m star

Sunderland are reportedly interested in signing a star who would be a big upgrade on Chris Mepham.

ByDan Emery Jul 12, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur will be expected to be fighting for Europe once again next season, with Thomas Frank the man who’s been tasked with taking the side back up the table.

The Dane was appointed as the Lilywhites’ new boss last month after owner Daniel Levy decided to fork out £10m to prise him out of his contract at Brentford.

He’s showcased in the Premier League that he’s capable of overachieving, helping the Bees register a top-half finish despite losing top scorer Ivan Toney last summer.

He will likely have much bigger funds to spend after taking the reins in North London, needing to make the changes he desires if he is to be a success in the role.

Frank has already wasted no time in identifying key options to help him in his quest at the club, already edging ever closer to landing his first signing since replacing Ange Postecoglou.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new additions this summer

Mohammed Kudus has been a player of huge interest in recent weeks and a deal for the West Ham United star was officially confirmed by the club on Thursday evening.

£55m appears to be the golden number between the two clubs, with the Ghanaian now arriving as Frank’s first addition this summer.

However, other moves have also been made in recent days, with Morgan Gibbs-White set to put pen to paper after the Lilywhites activated his £60m release clause at Nottingham Forest.

Another Premier League star could be inbound too, with Yoane Wissa potentially following Frank to Spurs, according to BBC Sport.

They claim that talks have been held over a deal to land the Congolese international striker, who managed to score 19 times in his 35 league appearances last campaign.

The report also states that the player himself is extremely keen on a move to link up with his former boss, but they are demanding a fee in the region of £50m to part ways with the 28-year-old this summer.

Why Spurs’ £50m target would be the dream CF for Kudus

Soon-to-be Spurs star Kudus is a player who will undoubtedly bring excitement to the fanbase in North London, given his spell in England with West Ham.

The 24-year-old has registered 19 goals over the last two years since his move from Ajax, often catching the eye with his mazy runs and incredible solo efforts.

He’s often scored numerous times after dribbling past the opposition effortlessly, but arguably his best strike was his bicycle kick against Manchester City in the 2023/24 campaign.

His pending move to the Tottenham Hotspur stadium would be a big-money one, no doubt, but one that would be worth every penny if he can replicate his form from the London Stadium.

Kudus could also link up with Wissa if he also completes a move, with the pair having the prospect of helping the Lilywhites rise up the Premier League table in 2025/26.

The Brentford star, who’s been labelled “remarkable” by journalist Zach Lowy, managed to score four goals with his head last campaign, something which could fall perfectly into the Ghanaian’s hands given his cross success rate of 26% last season.

Wissa also managed to register 1.3 shots on target per 90, able to link up with the £55m addition next season, especially considering his tally of 1.2 chances created per 90.

Games played

35

Goals scored

19

Shots on target per 90

1.3

Aerials won

46%

Pass accuracy

80%

Touches in opposition box

5.2

Fouls won

1.6

The Congolese star has further impressed by winning 46% of the aerials he’s entered, a superb record considering he’s not the tallest of players, standing at just 5”9.

Whilst it may be an expensive addition at around £50m this summer, it’s evident that Wissa would be a phenomenal addition given his previous spell in England’s top-flight.

The prospect of the Brentford talent linking up with Kudus in North London is one for the fanbase to get excited about, with the club potentially possessing two of the division’s leading talents going into 2025/26.

A better signing than Eze: Spurs set to make bid for "magical" £20m star

Tottenham Hotspur appear to have ended their pursuit of Eberechi Eze with a move for another talented star.

ByEthan Lamb Jul 10, 2025

Leeds United have officially confirmed that central midfielder Joe Rothwell and left winger Manor Solomon have moved on from the club at the end of their respective loan deals.

They both spent the 2024/25 campaign on loan at Elland Road and contributed to the team winning the Championship title, earning promotion to the Premier League in the process.

Rothwell will not be returning to West Yorkshire on a permanent deal, though, as Rangers have reportedly agreed a deal with Bournemouth to sign the midfielder on a permanent basis.

The central midfielder played 36 times in the Championship for Leeds last term, and the club are reportedly eyeing up a midfield replacement who would come in as an upgrade for Daniel Farke.

Leeds eyeing Serie A midfielder

The Whites have set their sights on a former Premier League star who could come in and be an upgrade on Rothwell in the middle of the park next season.

According to Tutto Mercato Web, Leeds United are one of the teams pursuing in a deal to sign Juventus central midfielder Douglas Luiz this summer.

Transfer Focus

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

The report claims that there are several Premier League sides keen on a swoop for the former Aston Villa man, but the Whites are the only team to have made an official enquiry at this moment in time.

Juventus are said to be exploring their options as they look to shed some wages during the summer transfer window, and a loan with an obligation to buy appears to be on the cards for Luiz.

The Brazil international is reportedly valued at £30m by the Italian giants, though, and it remains to be seen whether or not Leeds are willing to pay that price, even in an initial loan with an obligation for next summer.

Why Luiz would be a Rothwell upgrade for Leeds

Described as “one of the best [midfielders] in the world” by Sky Italia, if the Championship champions can get a deal over the line for the Brazilian midfielder, then they could land a big upgrade on what they had with Rothwell, who has yet to prove himself at Premier League level.

Both players played in the English top-flight, for Bournemouth and Aston Villa respectively, in the 2023/24 campaign and it was night and day between their performances.

Luiz, who was hailed as “phenomenal” by pundit Lee Hendrie, showcased his quality at the very top level for the Villans that term, and that earned him a move to Juventus in the summer of 2024.

The 27-year-old talent only started three of his 19 appearances in the Serie A last season, though, and that appears to have opened the door for Leeds to improve their squad.

Appearances

11

35

Sofascore rating

6.55

7.27

Goals

0

9

Assists

0

5

Tackles + interceptions per game

0.9

2.4

Duels won per game

1.5

4.1

As you can see in the table above, there is no debate over who the better Premier League central midfielder is between Rothwell and Luiz, as the Brazilian offers far more to the team in possession and defensively.

That is why Rothwell was loaned out to Southampton in the Championship for the second half of the season, before joining Leeds on loan in the summer, and why Luiz ended up at Juventus.

He is a proven Premier League performer who has the ability to hit the ground running at Elland Road as a star who has been there and done it at that level.

Therefore, Leeds could significantly improve their squad and provide the likes of Ethan Ampadu and Ao Tanaka with real competition for their places in the XI by signing the Old Lady midfielder on loan for next season.

He'd be the next Chris Wood: Leeds pushing to sign £21m star after Bornauw

Leeds United are set to sign Sebastiaan Bornauw, and are also pushing to land a new striker.

ByDan Emery Jul 1, 2025

Liverpool are in a ruthless mood this summer and after welcoming Florian Wirtz for a British-record fee, Richard Hughes is reportedly set for talks to sell one of Arne Slot’s star and has already contacted his potential replacement.

Liverpool not done after record Wirtz deal

Unlike in the past, Liverpool are not just sitting back and admiring their silverware. They’re gunning for more. Jeremie Frimpong arrived first to replace Trent Alexander-Anrold, but the biggest headlines were still to come as Wirtz followed his former Bayer Leverkusen teammate to Anfield in a British-record £116m deal.

The German is ready to take the Premier League by storm too, telling Liverpool’s official media channels: “I’m really excited to have a new adventure in front of me. This was also a big point of my thoughts: that I want to have something completely new, to go out of the Bundesliga and to join the Premier League.

“I will see how I can perform there. I hope I can do my best. I spoke also with some players who played there and they told me that it’s perfect for me and every pitch is perfect, you can enjoy every game. I’m really looking forward to playing my first game.”

Even after Wirtz, however, Liverpool are not done there. It has been a summer full of business for Richard Hughes, who is making up for lost time following a quiet debut year in Merseyside. Up next looks set to be Milos Kerkez, whilst reported talks to sell one star man could lead to another big-money incoming.

Liverpool set to hold talks to sell Nunez

According to Fabrizio Romano, reporting on Saturday afternoon, Liverpool are set to hold talks with Napoli next week over the sale of Darwin Nunez. The Italian club reportedly see the forward as their dream target and are now looking to learn more about the details of a potential move.

The sale of the struggling forward could be good news for those in Merseyside, who have reportedly already contacted Hugo Ekitike over a deal to replace Nunez this summer.

Liverpool hold talks to sign "fantastic" star loved by Jordan Henderson

The Reds are making more moves on the market.

2 BySean Markus Clifford Jun 21, 2025

When speaking about the Frenchman, Romano recently told the Market Madness Podcast: “Well, I think for Ekitike this could be a possibility to go to Liverpool, because there were calls from Chelsea two weeks ago. Man United, in recent days, also made contact with the agents to understand the situation.

“But for Liverpool, this is also a possibility. Liverpool also spoke to the agents. Also, Liverpool considered Ekitike an interesting opportunity. And so that’s the name I would keep in their shortlist.”

Minutes

2,563

1,133

Goals

15

5

Assists

8

2

Expected Goals

21.6

5.8

As the numbers show, Liverpool would once again be landing an instant upgrade this summer to continue what is likely to go down as their best-ever transfer window, even if the Frenchman could cost £85m.

With Junior Firpo currently set to leave as a free agent later this month, Leeds United have reportedly joined the race to sign a Bundesliga standout who’s worth just £8m this summer.

Junior Firpo set to depart Leeds

After four years at Elland Road, Firpo has just 24 days remaining as a Leeds player unless anything dramatic happens between now and the end of the month. With his contract expiring, the Whites have missed their chance to cash in and will now watch on as one of their most experienced players departs as a free agent. With or without the chance to cash in, however, Leeds must find a replacement this summer.

Daniel Farke is one of many who are well aware of Firpo’s importance in Yorkshire, having told reporters when asked about the defender’s contract situation at the start of last season: “If I’m honest I haven’t thought about this scenario so far because it was such a difficult summer for other things.

“You know how much I rate Junior [Firpo] and Sam [Byram] and how important they are for us. Junior played a really good game against Burnley, after long travel, improved defensive skill and turning into a leader. Great will to improve further.”

49ers lining up summer swoop to sign "resilient" relegated star for Leeds

He could get an instant return to the Premier League.

ByTom Cunningham Jun 6, 2025

Set to lose one of his leaders nonetheless, Farke must ensure that his replacement, whoever that is, steps up in Firpo’s place. Those at Elland Road cannot afford to get things wrong this summer with the Premier League looming.

None of the last six promoted clubs have survived their first season in the Premier League, but Leeds will be desperate to end that trend. The 49ers look likely to back them in pursuit of that too, given recent links to the likes of Gustavo Hamer and now a talented Bundesliga star who would replace Firpo.

Leeds racing to sign Anthony Caci

According to Foot Mercato, Leeds are now racing Borussia Dortmund to sign Anthony Caci from Mainz 05 this summer. The full-back, who can play on both sides of the defence or even in midfield, has been a standout in the Bundesliga across the last eight months and has more than played his part in Mainz’s shock sixth place finish.

Valued at just €10m (£8m) by Mainz, Leeds would be landing a bargain deal by beating Dortmund to Caci’s signature this summer. There’s even a strong argument that the Whites would be landing an upgrade on Firpo and not just a replacement.

Minutes

2,684

2,616

Assists

7

10

Tackles Won

40

34

Ball Recoveries

131

114

Whilst keeping up with Firpo on the creativity front, Caci outperformed the Leeds man in a number of key areas. Having proven himself in Germany’s top flight, the Frenchman has more than earned the opportunity to do the same in England’s top division.

At just £8m, Caci would undoubtedly be a bargain buy and one that the 49ers should do everything to seal should Firpo depart this summer.

Will Chelsea spend big again this summer?

Since being taken over by Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital three years ago, the Blues have signed over 35 senior first-team players for in excess of £1bn, but are showing no signs of slowing down.

The Blues have already completed the signing of Liam Delap from Ipswich for £30m, meaning he will be eligible to feature at the Club World Cup, with Enzo Maresca’s side kicking off their campaign against LAFC next Monday.

Before that match in Atlanta, could Chelsea sign another young attacker?

Chelsea's search for a new wide-attacker

BlueCo are incredibly busy trying to improve the squad before the Club World Cup gets underway with Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan reportedly closing in on a move to Stamford Bridge.

Yet, he’s not the only player who could arrive before Chelsea’s American adventure.

According to a report by RMC Sport, Chelsea have agreed personal terms with Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens on a whopping seven-year contract.

Transfer Focus

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

This comes after David Ornstein of the Athletic reported that the Blues have submitted an official bid, although Florian Plettenberg of Sky Sports Deutschland claims that Chelsea’s initial bid of €29.5m was “rejected”, with die Schwarzgelben “demanding” closer to £51m.

Jacob Steinberg of the Guardian has previously documented that adding a ‘right-footed left-winger’ to their squad, having previously assessed Nico Williams and Alejandro Garnacho, but Gittens has emerged as the first-choice target.

So, it appears to be just a matter of time until this deal gets done, although they only have until 7pm (BST) on Tuesday to finalise the transfer, if Gittens is going to feature at the Club World Cup.

How Jamie Gittens could unleash Liam Delap

Neel Shelat of Total Football Analysis outlines how Delap has all the attributes to be a top-class penalty box poacher, so why would Gittens’ arrival be the dream signing for him?

Well, Felix Johnston describes the 20-year-old winger as “electric”, praising his “variation with crosses” and ability to make threatening “back post” runs.

Meantime, Lebohang Mwamuka of Breaking the Lines believes Gittens has the ability to become a ‘regular creator from wide areas’, given that he is “strong with both feet… dynamic” and possesses “remarkable dribbling’.

Jacek Kulig of Talent Football Scout agrees, believing Gittens’ ‘potential is extremely high’, noting that his primary strengths are dribbling, ‘decision-making and movement’.

So, let’s analyse Gittens’ statistics in the Bundesliga this season.

Minutes

1,776

149th

Goals

8

32nd

Assists

3

71st

Progressive carries

113

4th

Attempted take-ons

171

1st

Successful take-ons

77

2nd

Carries into penalty area

63

1st

As the table outlines, there are few better dribblers in the Bundesliga than Gittens, ranked first for attempted take-ons and carries into the opposition penalty area, behind only Liverpool-bound Florian Wirtz for successful take-ons.

In fact, across Europe’s big five leagues, the Englishman ranks seventh for attempted take-ons as well as seventh in the Champions League for the same metric. Thus, Gittens’ dribbling and creative abilities would surely get the best out of centre-forward Delap.

The duo have actually played together on nine occasions before, seven of which have been with England’s U21s, while they were briefly teammates in Manchester City’s academy too, with Delap assisting Gittens for a goal against Liverpool’s U18s in September 2019.

Thus, if the pair are reunited in West London later this summer, they could form quite the devastating attacking duo.

Talks ongoing: Chelsea mainstay could be forced out if they sign "elite" player

There is set to be real shake-ups at Stamford Bridge this summer.

ByEmilio Galantini Jun 8, 2025

Arsenal once again failed to get over the line in the Premier League or Champions League this season, so to ensure they achieve their goals next year, the club look set for an incredibly busy summer.

For example, while no signings have officially been announced, it’s been widely reported by the likes of Fabrizio Romano that Martin Zubimendi is incredibly close to joining the North Londoners in the coming weeks.

The Spanish international has been a key component of Real Sociedad’s midfield for years, played a crucial role in Spain’s European Championships triumph last year, and is still just 26 years old.

In short, the San Sebastian-born international will be an excellent addition to the Gunners’ squad, but if recent reports are to be believed, the club are now targetting someone who’d be even more exciting.

Arsenal transfer news

The good news is that, over the last few weeks, Arsenal have been linked with a host of incredibly exciting players, so before getting to the star in question, it is worth examining a few of them, like Benjamin Sesko and Antoine Semenyo.

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 been a long-term target for the Gunners and is reportedly available for close to £70m, which might end up being a bargain for someone described as “the new Erling Haaland” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, who scored 21 goals and provided six assists in 45 games this season.

Semenyo, on the other hand, may cost just as much as the Slovenian and managed to rack up a reasonable enough tally of 13 goals and seven assists in 42 appearances for Bournemouth this season.

However, it now looks like the North Londoners are interested in an even more prolific Premier League-proven attacker: Bryan Mbeumo.

According to a recent report from transfers expert Romano, Arsenal are now one of several English teams seriously keen on the Brentford star.

Romano claims that alongside the Gunners, Manchester United and Newcastle United are also big fans of the Cameroonian international, who, according to other stories from the last few weeks, could be available for around £60m.

It would be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but one well worth fighting for, especially as Mbeumo would be a more exciting addition than Zubimendi.

Why Mbuemo would be a more exciting signing than Zubimendi

Okay, so the first thing to say is that for the aforementioned reasons, like his experience and track record of performing in big moments, Zubimendi would be an important and exciting signing for Arsenal.

However, it’s also true that Mbeumo would be an even more exciting addition to the team this summer for a host of reasons, chief among them being his unreal output.

For example, despite playing for a mid-table – at-best – team, and who were without their star striker for half of last year, the former Troyes star managed to end the 23/24 season with an impressive haul of nine goals and seven assists in 27 appearances, totalling 2079 minutes.

That means the Avallon-born dynamo managed to maintain an average of a goal involvement every 1.68 games, or every 129.93 minutes, which is undeniably impressive.

Yet, somehow, instead of plateauing or even regressing, the often “unplayable” international, as dubbed by manager Thomas Frank, did even better this season.

Appearances

27

42

Minutes

2079′

3577′

Goals

9

20

Assists

7

9

Goal Involvements per Match

0.59

0.69

Minutes per Goal Involvement

129.93′

123.34′

In 42 appearances, totalling 3577 minutes, the 25-year-old phenomenon scored 20 goals and provided nine assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.44 games, or every 123.34 minutes.

On top of his outrageous output, the 18-capped attacker can also play up top or as a second striker, and if there is anything we know about Arteta, it’s that he likes players who can excel in more than one position.

Ultimately, Zubimendi could be an incredibly important cog in the machine next season, but goals and dynamic attacking phases of play are what get fans on their feet, and for that reason, Mbeumo would undoubtedly be the more exciting signing for Arsenal.

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