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It's impossible to know which Chelsea will show up these days.

Is it going to be the Chelsea who lost 4-1 to Liverpool and 4-2 to Wolverhampton Wanderers in back-to-back Premier League games? Or the Chelsea who beat a formidable Aston Villa 3-1 away from home in the FA Cup before doing the same to Crystal Palace in the next game?

Mauricio Pochettino clearly has some talent in his side, but if he can't get them to show it consistently, he might not be in the dugout for much longer.

This inconsistency is made all the more frustrating by the fact that one of their former players, who many considered a flop, has been a consistent goalscorer since leaving West London and has actually even outscored Cole Palmer this season.

Chelsea's club record signing in 2017

The player in question is none other than Spain international and former club-record signing Alvaro Morata.

The Spaniard signed for Blues in July of that year for around £60m after enjoying a fruitful 2016/17 season at Real Madrid, in which he scored 20 goals and provided six assists in 43 appearances for Los Blancos.

Appearances

48

24

Goals

15

9

Assists

6

0

Goal Involvements per Match

0.43

0.37

Unfortunately for the Chelsea faithful, he would never prove to be this effective in London, and while he did manage to score 15 goals and provide six assists in the 2017/18 season, this was as good as it was going to get.

The following season, he scored just nine goals in his 24 appearances for the Pensioners before he moved to Atlético Madrid on loan in January, where he managed six goals and one assist in 17 appearances.

While his overall record of 24 goals and six assists for the Blues wasn't horrendous, he was seen by many fans and pundits alike as an abject failure, with Rio Ferdinand saying on BT Sport after the 2018 Community Shield that (via Football 365) "from a centre half's point of view, he does not scare you" while Richard Dunne was even harsher, claiming the Spaniard was "a disgrace up front, he was awful."

So, with underwhelming performances and scathing reviews, the Madrid-born forward made his move to Atleti permanent in the summer of 2019 for £58m, although the West Londoners could undoubtedly do with his goals this season.

Morata's stats after leaving Chelsea

Now, life after Chelsea wasn't necessarily all plain sailing for Morata, as his first full season back in Spain was only marginally better than his first year in England, with 16 goals and five assists coming in his 44 games for Los Colchoneros.

It was this middling return that saw him sent back to Juventus on loan for two seasons so that Atleti could sign Luis Suárez, and while some players might've downed tools at the idea of being moved on once again, the former Real Madrid youngster put his head down and enjoyed a brilliant two years in Turin.

In his first season, he scored 20 goals and provided 12 assists in 44 appearances before scoring 12 goals and registering nine assists in 48 games the following season, meaning he averaged a goal involvement every 1.73 games for the Old Lady.

Following the end of his two-year loan deal, the "prolific" number nine, as described by talent scout Jacek Kulig, returned to Atlético and provided 18 goal involvements in 45 appearances for Diego Simeone's side last season.

44

16

5

0.47

44

20

12

0.72

48

12

9

0.43

45

15

3

0.40

33

19

3

0.66

Alvaro Morata's stats this season

While Morata's output across the four seasons following his move to Atlético is impressive, his performances this season have bordered on world-class.

The 31-year-old has seemingly reached a whole new level this campaign and has already found the back of the net 19 times and provided three assists in just 33 appearances.

Unfortunately for fans and Morata himself, he is currently set to miss up to ten games with a knee ligament injury, but should he be back by the end of next month – as he's expected to be – then there is no reason he couldn't end the season with 30 goal involvements.

Simeone clearly shares this sentiment, as in November, on the Spanish podcast El Larguero (via GOAL), the Argentine claimed: "Alvaro Morata is on par with Erling Haaland. In terms of goals and his numbers, he can certainly be compared to him."

While that comparison might be a step too far, Morata has enjoyed an impressive few years bouncing between Juventus and Atlético, and while he might not be the best striker in the world, his 19 goals would see him top Chelsea's squad if he was still in England

Appearances

33

28

Goals

19

12

Goals per game

0.57

0.42

The top scorer in Pochettino's squad at the moment is arguably one of the few Chelsea players who will end this season with their stock higher than it was at the start, Palmer.

The former Manchester City prodigy has found the back of the net on 12 occasions across all competitions this season, and while that is undeniably impressive for anyone in their first season at a new club, it's even more remarkable considering he's just 21 years old.

However, that is still a considerably lower goal tally than Morata's and considering the next highest goalscorer in the team is Nicolas Jackson with nine goals, the Blues are clearly crying out for a new clinical number nine this summer.

Chelsea star with 144 touches was even better than Gallagher vs Palace

Another magnificent performance from the 23-year-old.

ByEthan Lamb Feb 13, 2024

Ultimately, the Blues might have thought they were doing the right thing selling Morata when they did, but he has since proven himself in both La Liga and Serie A, and with Chelsea's current goalscoring woes, Pochettino would probably love to have him at his disposal.

Manchester United have reportedly made their final decision on Mason Greenwood's future as part of their end-of-season review.

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INEOS makes a decision on Greenwood's futureBoard members deliberatedEnjoyed a stellar season with GetafeWHAT HAPPENED?

The resolution on Greenwood comes as part of United's comprehensive reflection period, which concluded this week. The review, which also confirmed Erik Ten Hag will continue as manager, was overseen by INEOS sporting director Sir Dave Brailsford, sporting CEO Jean-Claude Blanc, and United technical director Jason Wilcox.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Apart from determining Ten Hag's fate, a key focus of the review was the future of Greenwood. has now reported that United have decided Greenwood will not be reintegrated into the senior team squad and the club will instead put him on the market. The club has placed a valuation of approximately £50 million ($64m) on Greenwood and has communicated to interested parties their preference for a sale. This decision marks a significant turn in Greenwood's career trajectory, with his future at United now clearly defined by the club's strategic review.

DID YOU KNOW?

Greenwood spent the past season on loan at Getafe in Madrid, where his performances have reportedly attracted interest from several major European clubs. Atletico Madrid have shown keen interest in Greenwood, although their immediate priority is securing a No.9, with Girona’s Artem Dovbyk being a target. Despite their interest, a permanent move for Greenwood by Atletico appears unlikely due to financial constraints. Barcelona also expressed admiration for Greenwood’s abilities during his loan spell in Spain. However, their transfer priorities lie elsewhere, specifically in acquiring Athletic Club's Nico Williams. This leaves the door open for other potential suitors.

In addition to an outright sale, United are also open to the idea of another loan move. However, they prefer a structured loan deal that includes mechanisms to make the transfer permanent if certain performance-related conditions are met. This approach would ensure United retains control over Greenwood’s future while providing flexibility in the transfer market. Juventus and Atletico Madrid have both entered into discussions with United regarding a possible loan.

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GettyWHAT NEXT?

Recognising the likelihood of a loan move, United are going to trigger a one-year option on Greenwood’s contract. This extension will tie him to Old Trafford until 2026, ensuring that United retain leverage in any future negotiations regarding his transfer. For now, United have set the stage for a summer of significant changes, with Greenwood’s departure representing just one aspect of a broader strategic overhaul aimed at restoring the club’s competitive edge in both domestic and European competitions.

An update from BBC Sport claims that Derby County have moved to sign a "game-changer" of a striker in the January transfer window.

Derby eyeing new striker

The Rams have been linked with plenty of attacking players during the January transfer window, with manager Paul Warne seeing it as a key area to improve in before the end of the month. A recent report suggested that Derby have made a "very good" offer to sign a striker, but the individual in question wasn't named, leading to plenty of guesses from supporters. One player who it could potentially be is Sheffield Wednesday ace Michael Smith, who has been backed for a reunion with Warne after enjoying a successful time together at Rotherham United in the relatively recent past.

Another possible target is Bradford City forward Jake Young, who has scored 16 goals in 22 starts in League Two this season, as he enjoys a successful period on loan at Swindon Town. He was seen as an alternative to Corey Blackett-Taylor, however, who has now sealed a move to the Rams this month, which may end their interest in the former.

Now, another significant update has emerged regarding Derby's business in the January window, and it seems the whispers around Smith were in the right vicinity.

Michael Smith transfer update

According to BBC Sport Derby on X, Derby have tabled a loan offer for Sheffield Wednesday striker Smith, although the finances of the deal are looking slightly tricky.

"BBC Derby Sport understands Derby County have made a loan offer for Sheffield Wednesday striker Michael Smith including a significant wage contribution but we're told the Owls are demanding an excessive fee in return. Smith has made 14 league appearances this season."

Smith could be an excellent option for Derby, as they look to bring in extra firepower to give themselves the best possible opportunity of making the leap from League One to the Championship this season.

Granted, the 32-year-old has struggled to make an impact in a relegation-threatened Owls side of late, only scoring three goals in 14 Championship appearances this term, but he may flourish in the league below, especially under a manager that he knows so well in Warne. Former Wednesday boss Darren Moore has heaped praise on him in the past, saying:

“Michael Smith is a game-changer today. The quality showed at the end of it, and that’s what Michael is. He was in the right place at the right time and that’s what quality strikers do."

Related Derby have made “very good” offer to sign new forward

A bid is believed to have been submitted.

Posts ByHenry Jackson Jan 21, 2024

That seems like a good way to describe Smith, whose aerial ability and eye for goal can impact any game on his day, and he scored 37 League One goals in 2021/22 and 2022/23 combined – the first was at Rotherham and the other was with the Owls – showing that he can be a real force in the division that Derby are currently trying to get out of.

Nottinghamshire move a step closer to qualifying for the knockout stages of the Royal London Cup with a brutal batting display

ECB Reporters Network26-Apr-2019Nottinghamshire moved a step closer to qualifying for the knockout stages of the Royal London Cup with a brutal batting display against Leicestershire at Trent Bridge.For the sixth time in three years Notts went past 400 in one-day cricket, before closing on 433 for 7. Ben Duckett and Steven Mullaney led the assault upon the Foxes attack but the four other member of the Outlaws top order also hit punishing half-centuries. Duckett scored 86 from only 61 balls and Mullaney went even faster, bludgeoning 81 from 41 balls.The run chase was interrupted by rain, resulting in a revised target of 347 from 37 overs but the soaring run rate counted against the visitors, as wickets began to tumble at regular intervals. Luke Fletcher claimed figures of 3 for 53 as the Foxes were bowled out for 259 in 33.2 overs, leaving the home side as victors by 87 runs under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method.Earlier, Notts’ initial plans were thrown into disarray just before the toss when the in-form Ben Slater was withdrawn after picking up a slight niggle in the warm-up. His deputy at the top of the order, Chris Nash, proved to be an able replacement and an ideal foil for Joe Clarke as the hosts added 82 in the opening 10-over Powerplay.Clarke had been spilled on 26, driving Chris Wright to the finger-tips of Paul Horton at cover but he offered very little else to the fielding side until clipping to short fine leg for 55. Nash, who had helped add 108 for the first wicket, then fell to the spin of Colin Ackermann for 56.Duckett went through his full repertoire of shots, hitting boundaries all around the wicket as he reached his 50 from 41 balls. The left-hander dominated a third-wicket partnership of 106 with Jake Libby, before tamely ramping the ball straight into the hands of wicketkeeper Lewis Hill. Libby had reached his first one-day 50 from 45 balls and advanced his score to 66 before holing out.The impetus was maintained with a thrilling partnership of 91 in only 7.3 overs between Mullaney and Tom Moores. Both eventually lost their wickets to Gavin Griffifths, the most successful Leicestershire bowler with 3 for 92, leaving James Pattinson to club the 14th and final six of the innings.The Outlaws total was their second highest in history, falling just short of the 445 for 8 that they made against Northants in 2016.Mark Cosgrove and Harry Dearden put on 106 for the first wicket in only 13.2 overs as the Foxes tried to lay the foundations for an unlikely victory chase. Pattinson broke their stand, pinning Cosgrove lbw for 59, shortly before Mullaney bowled Ackermann.At 152 for 2 from 21.5 overs, a shower of rain forced the players from the field and left a revised target of almost 13 runs per over. Dearden, who had become the eighth player in the match to pass 50 fell in the quest for quick runs and was immediately followed back to the pavilion by two team-mates.Sharp work by Pattinson ran out Paul Horton for 36 and Arron Lilley was bowled first ball by Patel. Hill scored a defiant 21 from only 10 balls but was one of three wickets to fall in the same Fletcher over.The outcome means that Notts have taken maximum points from their first four matches for the first time since 2013. Leicestershire’s defeat leaves them on two points from five matches and unable to qualify from the group.

The Glazers have been synonymous with an uneasy feeling for many Manchester United fans.

In their reign of ownership since the summer of 2005, the Red Devils have seen the highs of both domestic and continental trophies, yet also the lows of stagnant periods and poor signings. You could even look back at the start of the takeover all those years ago, and see that Malcolm Glazer had to really take on a power struggle as he wrestled for the majority ownership against shareholders and even protesting fans. It's a topic that has reaped sporting success, but also polarised many.

However, it seems as if there may be an imminent change, with Jim Ratcliffe's takeover supposedly expected to be confirmed this week.

However, while the news rounds work over time – and to focus on the sporting aspect – we at Football FanCast have taken a look at 15 players, ranked least to most expensive in an attempt to see Manchester United's most influential signings in this riches-infused era of much scrutiny.

15

Zlatan Ibrahimovic – 2016/17

From PSG, free

Some say that the best things in life come for free and in fairness, you'd be hard pushed to disagree with the well-known proverb in the case of Zlatan Ibrahimovic. I don't need to rattle on about Zlatan's goal record too in-depth, but let's just say the then-free agent brought that same tenacity to Old Trafford back between 2016-18. Despite many wondering if he'd continue his form after life as PSG's headline stealing maverick, he did just that in his brief stint with an in-transition United.

He had aged like a fine wine and immediately on entrance made an impact. He took up the number nine shirt, and built on his 156 goals in 180 all-competition games with the Parisians – scoring 29 in 53. There were trophies as well as goals, too – as Ibra helped United to the 2016 Community Shield, UEFA Europa League and EFL Cup. Success? Yes. Impact made? Yes.

14

Edwin van der Sar – 2004/05

From Fulham, £2 million

This key member of Ajax's Golden Generation arrived at Manchester United from Fulham on the 1st of August 2005 for £2 million. That fee looks ridiculous now, considering just how good van der Sar was, and of course how much the market has changed. At United, the former Ajax, Juventus and Fulham man totted up 263 total appearances and a remarkable 135 clean sheets in a six-year spell.

In that time too, the Dutch international was a marvellous foundation on which United built on to capture four Premier Leagues (three of those successive from 2006-07 to 2008-09), two Football League Cups (2005-06 and 2009-10), three FA Community Shields, a Champions League in 2008 and a Club World Cup victory that same year. His individual accolades stretch just as far, and it's no wonder why Alex Ferguson described him as the best goalkeeper to have played for Manchester United.

13

Ji-sung Park – 2004/05

From PSV, £4 million

Another signing from 2004/05's season, Ji-sung Park arrived a little under the radar and developed into one of the most underrated midfielders the Premier League has ever seen. With a tireless engine, excellent workrate, and endearing commitment to his team – United signed the South Korean following impressive displays with PSV Eindhoven in the Netherlands, as well as with the South Korean national team. The latter notably shocked in their home-shared 2002 World Cup.

Although slightly controversial their progression may have been – PSV cemented Park's underground status as he thrilled in Europe. UEFA included him in the shortlist for their 2005 UEFA Best Forward award of which included greats like Ronaldinho, Samuel Eto'o, Adriano, and Andriy Shevchenko. Such was Park's malleability under Sir Alex Ferguson, the South Korean enjoyed a career as a United stalwart – achieving the same trophy haul as his goalkeeper van der Sar. Ji-sung Park tallied up 208 total appearances for United.

12

Patrice Evra – 2004/05

From Monaco, £5.5 million

Sir Alex was really on the ball back in 2004/05, as the fourth featured signing here, and the third of the season comes in the shape of Patrice Evra. The Frenchman was another one of those to go on and thrive at Old Trafford – and embark on a long and fruitful career. Arriving from Monaco after a stellar season where his side were Champions League Runners-up to Jose Mourinho's Porto; Evra slowly evolved into one of the Premier League's toughest left-backs.

Another fervent Ferguson devotee (something he has taken into his punditry), Evra amassed 379 appearances for United and won a whopping total of 14 trophies.

11

Nemanja Vidic – 2005/06

From Spartak Moscow, £7 million

Arriving after our triplet of brilliance from 04/05, Serbian future-icon Nemanja Vidic came in from Spartak Moscow on the 25th of December, 2005. Alex Ferguson initially scouted the battling defender back in 2003 when he was just 21. By this point, he had trailblazed through both Red Star Belgrade and Spartak Subotica, before moving to the Russian Premier League as their rumoured most expensive defender ever. He must've been good right?

Well, United took the £7 million punt, and it returned defensive greatness that helped win ten honours in 381 total appearances.

10

Chris Smalling – 2010/11

From Fulham, £11 million

Chris Smalling's journey from non-league to Manchester United via Fulham is as charming as life after the historic English club. Where United wasn't perhaps a bad time in his career, what's impressive was the defender's choice to take to the continent, which after 323 appearances – isn't something English players have always been thoroughly renowned to do.

Smalling arrived a prodigy at United, but steadily developed into an Old Trafford favourite – playing for a transitioning club with Sir Alex's eventual departure after 26 seasons. Smalling, now 33, plays for Roma in Serie A – and has added to his two Premier Leagues, three Community Shields, EFL Cup and Europa League trophy; with the inaugural UEFA Conference League title in 2021-22. In that victory, he also firmly cemented himself in the competition's Team of the Season.

9

Michael Carrick – 2006/07

From Tottenham Hotspur, £14 million

In 2006, Michael Carrick had worked up quite the reputation as a quiet force in midfield. Similar to Park, but a little further back – Carrick could pass the ball excellently of course, yet he did the little bits too – that don't often get the plaudits. He laid the dancefloor for other creatives to dance on, and on so many occasions too.

After joining United for £14 million in July 2006, Carrick's displays as part of the Red Devils' machine saw him steadily become the most decorated English footballer of all time. Carrick's United spell was 464 outings strong, and brought 18 trophies. Interestingly, now he takes on a managerial career. Clearly as a player he knew how to get silverware – but will Carrick the gaffer repeat anywhere near this?

Trophy/competition	Winning Years
Premier League	2006–07, 2007–08, 2008–09, 2010–11, 2012–13
UEFA Champions League	2007-08
UEFA Europa League	2016-17
FA Cup	2015-16
Football League/EFL Cup	2009-10, 2016-17
FA Community Shield	2007, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2016
FIFA Club World Cup	2008

8

Antonio Valencia – 2009/10

From Wigan Athletic, £16 million

Antonio Valencia is perhaps of Wigan Athletic's most cultured signings. An Ecuadorian winger-full-back-extraordinaire at the JJB? Barclays heritage, you could say. Valencia built on the hype and mystery after joining from Villareal on-loan then permanently, where just one full season was enough for Manchester United to want him.

Adept at both darting forward and helping the attack, he was also a unit who could provide lung-busting covering runs. Valencia, like many on this list, epitomise the hard workers that Sir Alex needed. Of course, he'd have his stars – but a Rooney or van Persie, would be nothing without a Valencia for instance. The former Ecuadorian captain wore United colours on 339 occasions and won nine honours in Manchester. Valencia didn't score often, but when he did – they tended to be magnificent.

7

David de Gea – 2011/12

From Atletico Madrid, £18.9 million

David de Gea signed for United on the 29th of June, 2011. He was brought in as a replacement from Atletico Madrid for the retiring Edwin van der Sar – and even bore likeness to the Dutch great over his formative years, which was furthered by the press dubbing him 'van der Gea'. He joined for a British record fee of £18.9 million, but did he warrant such?

Well, despite the press-mauling of de Gea's latest form before his departure into free agent obscurity, we'd say yes. An agile, cat-like shot-stopper – de Gea was key in so many trophy-wielding Man. United peaks. In 545 appearances, de Gea achieved a reputable 190 clean sheets and won eight major honours – most notably the 2012-13 Premier League title.

6

Robin van Persie – 2012/13

From Arsenal, £24 million

Treading on the lines of treachery, Robin van Persie joined Manchester United from top six rivals Arsenal in August 2012. Despite receiving £24 million for their star forward, Arsenal were no doubt a little dumbstruck – and van Persie became a critical part of the side that won the Premier League in 2012-13, as he netted a prolific 26 goals in 38 PL games and a hattrick that even sealed the title. That tally also found him with the Golden Boot ahead of Luis Suarez and Gareth Bale.

The Dutchman wouldn't win the Premier League again, but would still chip in with vital goals – to notch a total of 58 in 105 all-competition outings – and help stock his personal accolade shelves with FIFPro XI inclusions, 2012-13's goal of the season award, and even the Premier League 100 Club's Greatest Goal Award.

MatériaMais Notícias

Os corpos das cinco das seis vítimas que morreram em um acidente aéreo neste domingo com a delegação do Palmas Futebol e Regatasforam liberados do Instituo de Medicina Legal de Palmas (IML) na manhã desta segunda. O corpo do atleta Guilherme Noé ainda não foi liberado pelo IML, que aguarda a chegada de parentes para reconhecimento. Quatro jogadores do Palmas, o presidente do time e o piloto da aeronave morreram no acidente. A informação é do “G1”.

> Confira a classificação atualizada do Brasileirão 202 e simule os resultados

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Os atletas Lucas Praxedes, Guilherme Noé, Ranule Gomes e Marcus Molinari, que teve passagem pelo Santos, faleceram no acidente deste domingo. O presidente do Palmas FR, Lucas Meira, foi a quinta vítima do clube que morreu. Além dos membros da delegação do Palmas, o piloto da aeronave, Wagner Machado, também foi uma vítima do acidente.

A delegação do Palmas FR estava saindo de Palmas (TO) para Goiânia (GO) para enfrentar o Vila-Nova pela Copa Verde. Diversos times do Brasil prestaram solidariedade às vítimas.

نجح المحترف المصري عمر مرموش في صناعة هدفين لصالح فريق آينتراخت فرانكفورت، في مباراته الجارية حاليًا في بطولة كأس ألمانيا.

ويخوض آينتراخت فرانكفورت مباراته في إطار منافسات دور الـ64 من بطولة كأس ألمانيا، وذلك ضد نظيره آينتراحت براونشفايش.

وتمكن عمر مرموش من صناعة الهدف الثاني الذي سجله آينتراخت فرانكفورت، في الدقيقة 56، وذلك عن طريق زميله هوجو إيكتيكي.

  أسيست عمر مرموش الأول في مباراة فرانكفورت وآينتراخت براونشفايش

ولم يكتفِ مرموش بذلك، بل صنع الهدف الرابع الذي جاء في الدقيقة 88 عن طريق اللاعب إيجور ماتانوفيتش. أسيست عمر مرموش الثاني في مباراة فرانكفورت وبراونشفايش

وتشير النتيجة في الوقت احالي إلى تقدم آينتراخت فرانكفورت على صعيد النتيجة بأربعة أهداف دون رد، حيث بات الفريق قريبًا من التأهل إلى دور الـ32 من منافسات الكأس، موسم 2024/25.

Arsenal could already be poised to welcome the January transfer window, as Mikel Arteta weighs up his options to bolster his squad in preparation for the second half of the 2023/24 campaign.

Journalist John Cross relayed that the Gunners will look for improvements to their midfield in January, naming Aston Villa maestro Douglas Luiz as a primary target, however the Brazilian isn’t the only midfielder that the north Londoners are said to be eyeing.

Arsenal January transfer targets – Martin Zubimendi

A report from football.london last week revealed that Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi is admired by the Gunners, adding that Arsenal were joined by Barcelona in holding an interest in the 24-year-old in the summer.

Renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano also touched upon the links this week, describing the Spaniard as being a player that is “really appreciated” by Arteta, branding him a player “perfect for their [Arsenal’s] project”.

With a release clause of €60m (£52m), the “incredible”, as lauded by U23 scout Antonio Mango, midfielder will not be cheap to acquire, but could well prove to be worth every penny.

How Martin Zubimendi compares to Declan Rice

The next midfielder that Arsenal sign will take up the role of partnering £105m summer signing, Declan Rice, as his current partner Thomas Partey continues to struggle with injury.

What’s interesting about the suspected pursuit of Zubimendi is that the 24-year-old is a player similar to Rice, as supported by Football Transfers, who listed the Englishman as the closest match to the Sociedad sensation, with Jude Bellingham also mentioned.

Declan Rice

Martin Zubimendi

91.2%

85.1%

6.96

5.06

1.41

1.26

2.11

1.69

1.41

1.43

0.97

1.85

7.57

5.48

The table above highlights the similarities in strengths between the two midfielders for their form in the 2023/24 Premier League and La Liga, reinforcing that the Spaniard has the ability to compete at the level of Arsenal’s star midfielder.

Once dubbed a “class act” by Mango, the Spain international has been likened to Sergio Busquets for his 'serenity' in midfield, with his ability to anticipate threat outweighing his need to be physically intrusive, via scouting site The Analyst.

The Analyst touched upon the Arsenal target's playing style that sees him only 'intervening when necessary, rather than trying to enforce his presence at all times', a trait recognisable in Rice’s game, who pops up to retain possession without asking.

A stylish ball player and subtle yet mighty presence in the engine room could be Arteta’s key to finding the perfect balance in midfield, with the 24-year-old possessing the quality to act as the anchor alongside Rice to allow the England international to roam.

Another key element to Zubimendi’s rise at Sociedad is his suitability to play in a pivot in midfield, similar to how his role would look if the Gunners were to acquire his signature to accompany the former West Ham captain.

No one in Real Sociedad’s side averages more interceptions than the £52m star this season in La Liga, with him averaging a comprehensive 1.3 per outing to reinforce his intelligent reading of the game in the engine room, via WhoScored.

Still a relatively young asset, the Spaniard could be the ideal capture for Arteta to complete his midfield build with, even if his hefty release clause may pose an issue for the Gunners' hopes of signing him in January.

Burnley have interested in a deal to sign an exciting new player, but a report has revealed that they aren’t the only club keen in securing his services.

Burnley's season so far

The Clarets have made a hugely disappointing start to the new campaign having won just one, drawn one and lost ten of their opening 12 Premier League games, meaning that they currently find themselves at rock bottom of the top-flight table.

Victories

Draws

Defeats

Luton Town (2-1)

Nottingham Forest (1-1)

Manchester City (3-0)

Aston Villa (3-1)

Tottenham Hotspur (5-2)

Manchester United (1-0)

Newcastle United (2-0)

Chelsea (4-1)

Brentford (3-0)

Bournemouth (2-1)

Crystal Palace (2-0)

Arsenal (3-1)

The Turf Moor outfit are only five points away from safety so they are more than capable of surviving relegation between now and the end of the season, but with the poor run of form and results on their return to the highest division, they may need to strengthen their squad at the start of next year should they want to give themselves a chance.

Vincent Kompany has seemingly set his sights on Barnsley’s central midfielder Callum Styles who has plied his trade at the Oakwell Stadium since 2018 having joined from Bury where he’s since gone on to make a total of 142 appearances to date.

The Hungary international still has another just under two years remaining on his deal (Barnsley contracts), but having impressed during his displays since the beginning of the new term, the 23-year-old has caught the eye of the hierarchy in Lancashire ahead of January.

Burnley considering move for Callum Styles

According to TEAMtalk, Burnley are contemplating a swoop for Styles, but there are six other admirers who are also keen to strike a deal for the talisman at Barnsley.

“TEAMtalk has been informed that recently promoted Premier League pair Burnley and Sheffield United, as well as Championship outfit West Bromwich Albion, have all shown an interest in the versatile 23-year-old, who is set to go to the Euros with Hungary next summer. We can also reveal that European sides such as Union Berlin, Anderlecht, Braga and Lens have shown an interest in Styles.”

Burnley could land "creative spark" in Styles

During his time at Barnsley, Styles has posted 21 involvements (13 goals and eight assists) in 142 outings, so he’s proven that he’s capable of contributing to efforts in the final third, and it’s no surprise considering that he has the versatility to operate in nine different positions over the grass. (Callum Styles stats- Transfermarkt)

Since the start of his career, the left-footed ace has been deployed at left-back, everywhere across the midfield and in three roles across the attacking frontline which has seen him described as a “creative spark” by journalist Josh Bunting.

Furthermore, Styles shares the same representative, Wasserman, as Jack Cork and Hannes Delcroix (Burnley agents), so this existing connection that his management already have to the club could give the board a small advantage over their fellow competitors should they try to get a deal over the line in January.

Surrey appear unstoppable on their title march after deposing of the defending champions in three days

Matt Roller at Chelmsford06-Sep-20181:55

Surrey make it eight and promotion race hots up

ScorecardNot since 1999 have Surrey won eight Championship games on the bounce, and their current run certainly has a once-in-a-generation feel to it. That run owed much to the dual spin threat of Saqlain Mushtaq and Ian Salisbury; this time, it has been all about the seamers.On the third day at Chelmsford, led by Morne Morkel and the evergreen Rikki Clarke, they bowled Essex out for the second time in just over three sessions to go 43 points clear at the top of the Championship, and look certain to secure the pennant before the final round of games. Ravi Bopara offered staunch resistance with an unbeaten 81, but despite being some way short of their bullish best, Surrey’s pace attack was simply too good.For some time this fixture had been earmarked as a final test of Surrey’s credentials. Away from home against the reigning champions, it should have been a tough challenge; instead, they cruised to victory with a full day to spare.Surrey have proved over the course of the year that Championship cricket requires a squad rather than just a team. They have used 20 players, and that Tom Curran, who did the early damage, was playing for just the second time in this competition this season, showed their impressive level of depth.Curran was fearsome in his opening burst, running in with his collar up and his hair slicked back. He trapped Varun Chopra lbw early, before beating Tom Westley’s outside edge time after time and eventually ending his difficult stay at the crease by sending his off stump cartwheeling.It seems a long time since Curran made his Test bow at the MCG back in December, and his youngest brother Sam has overtaken him in England’s long-form plans this summer. But Tom remains a fine bowler at the Championship level, and his first spell of the day was a reminder of his worth in red-ball cricket. He bowled with hostility and an extra yard of pace, and found enough movement off the seam to keep Essex guessing.The middle-order destroyer was again Clarke. He made good use of a helpful pitch to remove Dan Lawrence and Nick Browne, both caught in the slips off back-of-a-length balls that lifted sharply, before Rory Burns’ stunning catch in the gully accounted for Ryan ten Doeschate to leave Essex five down going into lunch.At that point, the only question was whether or not Essex could make Surrey bat again, and thanks to Bopara and some old-fashioned tail-end slogging from Jamie Porter and Sam Cook, they did. Bopara was the only Essex batsman throughout the game to look comfortable at the crease, as he rotated the strike well and scored fluently both sides of the wicket. When he brought up a 76-ball half-century, he had hit just three boundaries; it was an innings that highlighted the importance of ticking over against quality bowling.But in truth, Bopara’s knock served only to delay the inevitable. Morkel returned to remove Simon Harmer for a pair, and then ended Porter’s fun after a couple of lofted boundaries off Clarke, before Bopara and Cook added 18 to leave Surrey needing two.The impact Morkel has had on this Surrey team cannot be overstated. His Championship debut was the first game of this eight-match winning run, and it would be brave to suggest that is in any way coincidental. He now has 42 wickets at 14.57, and has terrorised Division One batsman up and down the country. He did not bowl as well as he can here, but a couple of sharp bouncers to Michael Pepper and Porter showed that his pace has by no means dropped.Surrey now go to New Road next week to play bottom club Worcestershire in the knowledge that a win will effectively, if not mathematically, seal the title with two games to spare. On the basis of this run, they will be worthy winners.