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Arsenal have now made contact with the entourage of an “incredible” striker, who they are now seriously considering making a move for in the summer, according to a report.

Gunners stepping up striker pursuit

Mikel Arteta’s side have been heavily criticised for not signing a striker last summer or during the January transfer window, with Gary Neville describing the decision as a “mystery” earlier in the campaign.

Since then, the Gunners’ hopes of winning any silverware this season have gone up in smoke, with Paris Saint-Germain’s 3-1 aggregate victory in the Champions League semi-final sealing their fate.

As such, you would think that Arteta will finally bite the bullet and sign a top striker this summer, and recent developments indicate the Spaniard is going to do exactly that, with the north Londoners now advancing in talks to sign Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres.

There has since been another update on the pursuit of more of a left-field target, with a report from Spain revealing Arsenal are now seriously considering a move for Botafogo striker Igor Jesus, who is also being targeted by West Ham United and Aston Villa.

Jesus is protected by a €100m (£84m) release clause in his contract, but the Brazilian side are believed to be willing to sanction a departure for a lower fee, and such is the Gunners’ level of interest, they have now made contact with his entourage.

The Brazilian is now among the north Londoners’ priority targets, despite the deal for Gyokeres edging closer to completion, with the striker’s performances since signing for Botafogo putting him in the shop window.

Arsenal receive "major" Viktor Gyokeres update amid Sporting deal-breaker

The Sporting CP star is a top target for Andrea Berta.

ByEmilio Galantini May 17, 2025 Jesus could be "incredible" signing for Arsenal

Journalist Zach Lowy branded the Botafogo forward as “incredible” back in December, having started 2024 with some impressive performances in the UAE, before forcing his way into the set-up of the Brazil national side after catching the eye in his home country.

The Cuiaba-born marksman led Botafogo to a league title triumph in 2024, and he has since started the new season in solid fashion, picking up three goals and one assist in eight Brazilian Serie A outings.

Competition

Appearances

Goals

Assists

Liga Portugal

33

39

8

Champions League

8

6

0

Taca de Portugal

6

4

3

Allianz Cup

3

4

0

Supertaca

1

0

2

That said, Jesus’ lack of experience in Europe means it would be a risk for Arsenal to sign the South American this summer, and a move for Gyokeres could make more sense, especially considering the Swede’s fantastic record in front of goal this season, netting 53 goals across all competitions.

Whenever Manchester City have lifted the Premier League title aloft during Pep Guardiola’s glittering reign to date, these major title wins have always been won on the basis of a stern defence, alongside possessing some top-notch attackers.

Indeed, City’s sizeable points haul of 98 come the end of the 2018/19 season saw just 23 goals given up. On the contrary, when fast forwarding to today’s choppy campaign, the usually stern champions have leaked a far higher 43 with three fixtures still left to play.

This could culminate in Guardiola changing up his defensive options soon to prepare for next season, with a fresh goalkeeper one target that’s surely on his mind.

Man City's pursuit of a new goalkeeper

The Spaniard has already been tinkering with his defensive set-up away from the potential of more new signings entering through the door, with faces such as Nico O’Reilly becoming a regular in the back four as an attack-focused full-back.

But, he won’t be done there when it comes to freshening up his XI, with goalkeeper targets such as Porto shot-stopper Diogo Costa reportedly on the agenda.

A move for Costa hasn’t got off the ground by all accounts, leaving City looking for other stoppers who could do a job over the expected departee of Ederson, with Paris St Germain star Gianluigi Donnarumma now listed as one of their main targets in between the sticks.

Indeed, reports from Italy suggest that Guardiola and Co are keen admirers of the 6 foot 5 ‘keeper who is just fresh off helping Luis Enrique’s men reach a Champions League final at the expense of Arsenal.

He could well be locking horns with the Gunners again very soon if a move to the Etihad comes to fruition, with City hopeful that a new presence in goal can work wonders, much like Vincent Kompany managed in defence over many celebrated years after joining way back in 2008.

Why Donnarumma could be the best defensive buy since Kompany

Obviously, it goes without saying that the Belgian centre-back is royalty in the light blue contingent of Manchester, with the now-retired defender a stalwart of many a successful City side even before Guardiola’s inspired arrival.

In total, the 89-time Belgium international would notch up a colossal 360 appearances for the Citizens, with a mammoth 167 wins also coming his way in the Premier League from 265 clashes.

A classy performer that was just designed for the big occasion, as is seen in his wonder goal versus Leicester City clinching his fourth and final top-flight success – Kompany also offered some much-needed defensive solidity in spades, with a bumper 94 clean sheets tallied up in Premier League action.

Donnarumma will hope he can walk into the building and be as transformative for City’s fortunes, with Ederson only keeping a weak ten clean sheets this campaign from 34 overall contests.

PSG

152

151

50

AC Milan

251

265

88

Italy

72

63

29

Whereas, the Italy captain – away from his heroics against Mikel Arteta’s men – has managed to pick up one more clean sheet than his City counterpart lining up for PSG, adding to his ever-growing career clean sheet total of 167 subsequently.

Once heralded as “world class” when starring for his nation by commentator Matteo Bonetti, Donnarumma’s addition to the ranks could also help City reclaim their authority as serial trophy winners, with the 26-year-old currently six trophies deep into his stay in the French capital, away from terrorising England during Italy’s 2021 Euro success.

Lauded further by Enrique as “one of the best goalkeepers in the world”, City would really show they mean business if they landed the alert ‘keeper.

Just remember the trophy-winning difference Alisson made at Liverpool; Donnarumma could be their equivalent in the present day, boosting Pep’s defence just as Kompany did all those years ago.

The next Sane: Man City looking at signing "special" £33m winger for Pep

Pep Guardiola might be about to land his next iteration of Leroy Sane with this Manchester City buy.

ByKelan Sarson May 7, 2025

Not since the 1989/90 season had Manchester United lost 16 games in a single league season. That was until this campaign, one that’s seen the Red Devils plummet towards the relegation places.

Ruben Amorim’s side are perhaps fortunate that the three relegated sides, Southampton, Leicester and Ipswich, were all so poor.

Indeed, after a bruising 4-3 loss at the hands of Brentford on Sunday afternoon, United now sit 15th in the league on 39 points, one point above Tottenham Hotspur who have been equally as bad.

It’s strange, therefore, that they could both meet in the Europa League final in Bilbao if all goes well on Thursday night when Amorim’s men face Athletic Club in their semi-final second leg.

It’s safe to say, despite their first-leg aggregate lead, they will need to be a lot better than they were this weekend when a certain Luke Shaw hardly covered himself in glory.

How Luke Shaw let Man United down vs Brentford

Signed as one of the most promising young players in English football back in June 2014 for £27m, it’s safe to say Shaw has been a brilliant signing.

Despite that horrific leg break and his recent injury troubles, by and large, Shaw has lived up to the hype of one of England’s best left-backs of his generation.

The trouble is, it looks as though his days at United are now coming to a sorry end courtesy of those fitness issues.

The fact of the matter is that the defender has endured a nightmare few years on the treatment table, missing 48 games for club and country through injury last season and sitting out 62 games for club and country this term.

He has only played eight times this term and his second start of 2024/25, which was against the Bees this weekend, may well have been his final one in United colours.

After all, the 29-year-old struggled big time as the left-sided centre-back, hauled off after 45 minutes having nearly scored two own goals in that first period. Shaw did, sadly, find the back of the net at the wrong end of the pitch, and it was a moment that rather typified his struggles during the Erik ten Hag and Amorim eras.

Minutes played

45

Touches

30

Accurate passes

19/24 (79%)

Key passes

0

Shots

0

Successful dribbles

0

Clearances

2

Tackles

1

Interceptions

0

Duels won

1/3

Evidently struggling with a lack of fitness, perhaps the current incumbent of the manager’s position at Old Trafford should not have started him.

The same could be said for Patrick Dorgu.

Patrick Dorgu's performance in numbers against Brentford

What a puzzling, topsy-turvy first few months to Dorgu’s career in the north west this has been.

Amorim’s first signing, brought in from Lecce in Serie A, as a flying wing-back he looked tailor-made for the manager’s new system at United.

Chalkboard

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

While the 20-year-old still has plenty of time to come good, in the short term, it’s certainly not looking good for the young Dane.

He’s been riddled with inconsistency, something that has been typified by a red card against Ipswich back in February, a lack of goal involvements – he has just one – and his withdrawal at half-time on Sunday.

Amorim admitted after the 3-0 win last Thursday that Dorgu was feeling fatigued and thus, it was perhaps strange to see him selected on the right-hand side of United’s attack a few days later.

Clearly still lacking a bit of fitness, just as Shaw was, it was no surprise that he only lasted 45 minutes against the Bees.

Manchester Evening news reporter, Samuel Luckhurst, was one to criticise his display, dishing out a 4/10 match rating and writing: ‘Defended dozily at the far post for Schade’s headed goal. Only started in the absence of a senior right winger.’

Minutes played

45

Touches

28

Accurate passes

12/16 (75%)

Key passes

0

Shots

0

Dribbles

0

Ground duels won

1/3

Aerial duels won

1/2

Clearances

2

Interceptions

0

Tackles

0

Defending dozily just about sums up United’s day as they were left to bemoan their tendency to hand over straightforward chances to Brentford.

Unsurprisingly, Dorgu left the field having had fewer touches (28) than goalkeeper Altay Bayindir (57) and Shaw (30), but more alarmingly, considering he was playing as a wing-back, he didn’t have a single shot, didn’t make a key pass and lost two of his five duels. He didn’t score an own goal like one of his teammates but it was a similarly haphazard and timid display.

With Amad now back and scoring, giving him a runout at the expense of the Denmark international on Thursday certainly seems like a viable solution here.

He'd be amazing with Amad: Man Utd battling to sign £63m "animal"

Man Utd could be targeting a perfect partner to Amad Diallo this summer

ByRobbie Walls May 4, 2025

There might still be a chance for Arsenal to end the season with a bang in the Champions League, but that hasn’t stopped the onslaught of transfer rumours in recent weeks.

With the Gunners’ need for attacking reinforcements impossible to ignore, it would be fair to say that Viktor Gyokeres has emerged as one of the most significant links.

It’s not hard to see why the club would be interested in signing the Swedish international, as so far this season, he’s scored a simply sensational 52 goals and provided 12 assists in 48 appearances for Sporting CP.

However, if recent reports are to be believed, another striker from the continent has emerged as a target, a striker who may well be a better signing than Gyokeres.

Arsenal's search for a new striker

A number of strikers, such as Ollie Watkins, have been linked to Arsenal in recent weeks.

The Aston Villa ace was a surprise target for the club towards the end of the winter window and is supposedly available again this summer.

The former Brentford ace may be on the older side of players the club likes to target, but with 16 goals and 13 assists in 50 appearances this term, he’d undoubtedly make the team more dangerous.

Transfer Focus

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

At the other end of the age range, the club continue to be linked with Benjamin Sesko.

The 21-year-old Slovenian international is reportedly available for close to £58m and has bagged 20 goals and provided six assists in 42 appearances this year.

That said, it could be argued that he still lacks enough experience to make it at a club like Arsenal, which couldn’t be said about Jonathan David.

According to a recent report from TEAMtalk, the Gunners are one of several teams interested in the Canadian international.

Alongside the North Londoners, the report has revealed that Liverpool, Newcastle United and West Ham United are all keen on the striker, who’ll be available for free at the end of the season.

However, Inter Milan appear to be leading the race for his signature as things stand.

It’ll likely be a complicated deal to get done, but given his ability, it’d be more than worth fighting for, especially as he could be a better signing than Gyokeres.

Why David would be a better signing than Gyokeres

So, the first thing to say is that if you were to base this solely off their goal tally, then Gyokeres appears to be the better signing.

However, what is incredibly important to remember here is that while his output is out of this world, the Swede is playing in the Portuguese league, which is ranked as the seventh best in Europe, while Ligue 1, where David plays, is in the top five.

Moreover, while the former Coventry City was in the Championship just a couple of years ago, the Canadian ace was still with LOSC Lille and still tearing it up.

Appearances

48

40

47

46

Goals

19

26

26

25

Assists

0

4

9

11

Goal Involvements*

0.39

0.75

0.74

0.78

For example, since the start of the 21/22 campaign, the 61-capped goal machine, whom journalist Tony Marinaro dubbed “one of the best strikers in the world,” has scored 96 goals and provided 24 assists in just 181 club appearances.

That means that across four seasons of top-flight football in a top-five league, the New York-born star has averaged a goal involvement every 1.50 games – talk about consistency.

Finally, on top of having a more extensive track record, the 25-year-old would make far more sense from a financial perspective, as a lack of transfer fee would free up so much money to be spent elsewhere, either on wingers, midfielders or even another defender.

Ultimately, either Gyokeres or David would be a good signing for Arsenal this summer, but from experience to cost, the Canadian international would be a better one.

He's like Saka & Salah: Arsenal plan talks to sign £55m Ballon d'Or nominee

The free-scoring international could be just what Arsenal need.

1 ByJack Salveson Holmes Apr 28, 2025

The mood around Arsenal is a jubilant one at the moment.

Mikel Arteta’s side have made it to the semi-finals of the Champions League for the first time since the 08/09 season, and should they manage to get past Paris Saint-Germain, they may have the chance to avenge their 2006 heartbreak if Barcelona get past Inter Milan in their semi-final.

However, should that happen, they’ll need to come up with a way of containing the simply sensational Lamine Yamal, who looks destined to pick up the mantle once carried by Lionel Messi in Catalonia.

Interestingly, the North Londoners may already be trying to sign their own version of the young Spaniard, as recent reports have linked them with another tremendously exciting youngster from the continent who has been compared to the European Champion this season and has even been touted as a future Ballon d’Or winner.

Arsenal's transfer targets.

Before getting to the exciting youngster in question, it’s worth going over some of the other stars touted for a move to the Emirates in the coming months, like Rafel Leao.

Transfer Focus

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

According to reports earlier this month, the AC Milan superstar could be available for about £86m, and while that is an eye-watering sum of money, he could well be worth it, as in just 44 games this year, he’s scored 11 goals and provided 11 assists.

A far cheaper winger who is supposedly on the Gunners’ radar ahead of the summer window is Bayern Munich star Kingsley Coman.

The Frenchman could be available for around £39m and, in just 1603 minutes of action this term, has managed to amass a reasonable enough tally of ten goal involvements.

However, with the former PSG ace set to turn 29 in the summer, he would not be an investment for the future, unlike Rayan Cherki.

Yes, according to a recent report from Spain, Arsenal are one of several teams incredibly interested in signing the Lyon star this summer.

Alongside the North Londoners, the report claims that Manchester City are also keen on the 21-year-old, but having already held talks with the Frenchman, the Gunners are seen as the more likely destination as things stand.

A potential price is not mentioned in the story, but according to other reports from late last year, Lyon have set a minimum asking price of €30m, which is about £25m.

It could be a complicated transfer to get over the line, but given Cherki’s immense talent and potential, it’s one well worth fighting for, especially as he’s been compared to Yamal.

How Cherki compares to Yamal

So, before getting into the other reasons why Arsenal should be signing Cherki this summer, it’s worth examining this comparison to Yamal and where it comes from.

In this instance, it stems from FBref, which looks at players in similar positions across Europe’s top five leagues, the Champions League and Europa League then creates a list of the ten most comparable players for each one and, in this instance, has concluded that the Spaniard is the seventh most similar attacking midfielder or winger to the Lyon gem.

The best way to see where this comparison has come from is to look at the underlying metrics in which the pair rank closely, including, but not limited to, non-penalty expected goals plus assists, passes into the penalty area, through balls, carries, goal-creating actions and more, all per 90.

Non-Penalty Expected G+As

0.74

0.72

Passes into the Penalty Area

3.46

3.02

Through Balls

1.03

1.05

Goal-Creating Actions

0.87

0.97

Tackles in the Defensive 1/3

0.16

0.19

Successful Take-On %

48.8%

49.2%

Carries

43.8

44.2

Ball Recoveries

4.05

3.84

Now, while being compared to arguably the best youngster in world football is undoubtedly one reason why Arsenal should sign the Lyon-born monster, it’s not the only one.

Another would be his unreal level of output, as in just 39 appearances this season, totalling 2721 minutes, he has scored 12 goals and provided 18 assists.

That means the “future Ballon d’Or winner,” as dubbed by The Athletic’s Alex Barker, is averaging a goal involvement every 1.3 games, or every 90.7 minutes, which is frankly absurd for someone so young, and we even saw a glimpse of his quality when he scored against Manchester United on Thursday night.

Ultimately, Cherki looks set to become one of football’s next superstars, so if Arsenal can sign him for the reported price this summer, they simply have to go and get him.

He's like Isak & Mbappe: Arsenal chasing Europe's "most inform player"

The incredible international would make Arsenal far more dangerous.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Apr 18, 2025

Not only are Manchester City pushing for a Champions League spot at the end of the season and looking to win the FA Cup, but they are in the final throes of Kevin De Bruyne’s City career.

What an incredible decade it has been for the Belgian in Sky Blue. They have had an incredible amount of success, with De Bruyne at the heart of it all. He has made 414 appearances for the club so far, scoring 106 goals and grabbing an outrageous 176 assists. The peak of the project was in 2022/23, when they won the treble.

Now, City have the unenviable job of replacing the 33-year-old and have already been linked to Morgan Gibbs-White as an option.

The latest on Man City's pursuit of Gibbs-White

It certainly seems as though the Citizens could go all in for Nottingham Forest’s talismanic midfielder, Gibbs-White.

The 25-year-old has been sensational in Garibaldi Red this term, which could earn him a move to the current Premier League champions.

According to the highly reputable David Ornstein, the East Mancunian outfit is one of the players ‘among multiple options’ on City’s list, with players they ‘will consider to replace’ De Bruyne this summer. Another name mentioned was Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz.

It has been an excellent campaign for Gibbs-White in 2024/25, with him and his Forest teammates looking set to qualify for the Champions League.

In total, he has five goals and nine assists in 27 games. City were on the end of one of those assists, a superb cross-field pass to Callum Hudson-Odoi which the winger was able to score from.

At this stage, a price for the England international is unclear. However, he is valued at a price as high as £59m by Football Transfers, and the Citizens could have to pay as much as that if they want to sign him this summer.

Incredibly, Pep Guardiola’s side have a player in a similar position worth even more than Gibbs-White.

Man City's "freak" talent could save them millions on Gibbs-White

In and around the England set-up, the signing of Gibbs-White could certainly be a wise one for City who need to replace De Bruyne and hand the likes of Phil Foden and Jack Grealish more competition.

However, they may already have someone who can fill in behind the striker.

Indeed, it was a busy January transfer window for the Citizens, with Omar Marmoush being one of the headline signings for £59m from Eintracht Frankfurt. The Egyptian, described as a “freak” by football scout Antonio Mango, has hit the ground running at the Etihad Stadium and could be someone who helps to replace the output of the departing De Bruyne.

In just 13 appearances for the East Mancunian outfit so far, Marmoush already has six goals and an assist. That included an unstoppable hat-trick against Newcastle United, with all three goals coming in a span of 15 minutes.

One of the impressive things about the former Eintracht Frankfurt star is his ability to play across the frontline. He has already featured as a left-winger and a number 10, the same position as Gibbs-White plays. In Erling Haaland’s absence due to injury, Marmoush has also slotted in at centre-forward.

It has been a fantastic campaign for the 26-year-old so far with the new City recruit on fire for Eintracht before his move to the Premier League, scoring 20 goals and assisting 14 in just 26 games.

With that being said, it might be no surprise that his underlying numbers on FBref compared to other forwards this season are exceptional.

For example, per 90 minutes, he averages 1.06 goals and assists and 0.86 goal-creating actions, which rank him in the top 3% and 1% of attackers, respectively.

Goals and assists

1.06

97th

Key passes

1.92

97th

Shot-creating actions

4.89

99th

Goal-creating actions

0.86

97th

Take-ons completed

1.97

98th

Marmoush’s talent is undeniable, and he has the numbers to back it up. Thus his value has shot up even from the time he joined City. As per Football Transfers, the attacker is now valued at £75.m.

That is almost £20m more than what City paid for him just weeks ago, and almost £20m more than what Gibbs-Whote is valued at. It is safe to say that the signing of the Egypt star has been a good piece of business from the Citizens, who certainly struck gold on this deal.

Bigger talent than De Bruyne: Man City lead race to sign £87m "superstar"

Manchester City have a huge task in replacing Kevin De Bruyne this summer but have wasted no time in the window.

ByEthan Lamb Apr 8, 2025

Aston Villa could make a move for an “excellent” striker in 2026, amid Ollie Watkins’ struggles to make an impact.

Villa lay down marker with victory over Arsenal

Villa secured their seventh win on the spin in all competitions on Saturday, courtesy of a 2-1 victory against Premier League leaders Arsenal, which came in dramatic fashion, with Emiliano Buendia firing home a late winner to send Villa Park into raptures.

Unai Emery was delighted with the result, despite also making it clear his side must keep their feet on the ground, saying: “Today we must be happy, the supporters, Aston Villa fans and ourselves because we did the job we needed.

“Of course, we got three points and we are, in the Premier League, the most difficult league in the world, more or less, now feeling strong and feeling comfortable.

“But this is a race for 38 matches and we are on 15.”

It is difficult not to get too carried away, with the Villans now just three points behind Arsenal, but Watkins may need to get back to his best if Emery’s side are going to make a serious push for the Premier League title.

The Englishman has scored just three goals in 15 league outings, and Aston Villa are now lining up a move for a new striker in 2026, with a report from Tuttosport (via FC Inter News) revealing they could launch an attack to sign Bologna’s Santiago Castro next summer.

Nottingham Forest are also in the race for the centre-forward, and a deal could be on the expensive side, with the Italian club potentially set to demand €40m – €50m (£35m – £44m) for his services.

Ideally, Bologna would like to keep hold of the 21-year-old, and they are planning to offer him a bumper new contract in the coming weeks, in order to ward off the interest from elsewhere.

Emery's a fan: Aston Villa willing to make mega-money bid for £52m "baller"

The Villans are lining up a winter move for a new midfielder.

ByDominic Lund 5 days ago Castro could be "excellent" addition to Villa's attack

Donyell Malen has proven himself as a solid option at striker this season, scoring seven goals in all competitions, but Villa may still have room to bring in another centre-forward, given that the Dutchman regularly features out wide.

Castro has proven he could be a viable target with some of his displays this season too, having scored five goals in all competitions, two more than Watkins, while he also showcased his ability to create chances last term, leading to high praise from scout Jacek Kulig.

The Argentinian hasn’t been prolific since moving to Bologna, chipping in with 16 goals and 10 assists in 71 outings, but he is still very young, having only turned 21 in September, and Villa should continue to monitor his performances between now and next summer.

How will Sunderland respond to their Craven Cottage setback?

Unfortunately, for the Black Cats, their return to the Premier League after the international break was rather subdued, as Regis Le Bris’ men slipped to a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Fulham.

They could put things instantly right, though, with a welcome return to home soil up next versus AFC Bournemouth, with the Wearside giants yet to lose at their beloved Stadium of Light so far this season in league action.

The games come thick and fast after this clash with the Cherries, too, with a Tyne-Wear Derby even on the menu as an early Christmas treat in mid-December.

Before you know it, the January transfer window will also reopen, as Sunderland already begin to be linked with some high-profile captures.

Sunderland looking to spend more big money

Le Bris will be hopeful that Wilson Isidor can break his four-game goalscoring duck when Andoni Iraola’s men come to town.

If he does continue to fire blanks, though, Sunderland could be prepared to splash the cash on a flashy, new striker recruit in January, as AC Milan forward Santiago Gimenez begins to be tipped for a move to England, for around the £26m price range.

He, of course, isn’t the only Serie A talent on the Premier League newcomers’ agenda, however.

Indeed, the main rumour rumbling on, heading into the bumper window, is Matteo Guendouzi potentially returning to England with the Black Cats, with a £26m move also being reported on for the Frenchman to link back up with his ex-Lorient manager in Le Bris.

There is a slight spanner in the works, though, with Italian journalist Enrico de Lellis stating – via a relayed report from Sport Witness – that the Lazio star isn’t keen on joining the newly promoted side, even with an offer allegedly being on the table for his services.

De Lellis said: “Guendouzi has an offer from Sunderland, but the player doesn’t want to go there.”

Transfer Focus

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

The Mackems could well have to battle it out with Antonio Conte’s Napoli for his signature, as per further words from de Lellis, but fighting it out with some elite clubs in the past hasn’t stopped the Black Cats from landing other statement signings, as Le Bris aims to land his next Le Fee in Guendouzi.

How Guendouzi can be Le Bris' next Le Fee

Once allegedly on the radar of Arsenal, Le Fee would end up being a major coup of a loan signing for Le Bris and Co. during their promotion heroics last season.

Le Fee’s classy displays – which included this goal being expertly put away during the tense run-in – gave the Black Cats just that extra bit of pizazz to seal a dramatic return to the Premier League, as the French boss now hopes Guendouzi’s arrival can gift Sunderland another calm and controlled performer, like Fee, in their ongoing bid to punch above their weight in the top-flight.

Like his fellow compatriot, though, who struggled to get going at Lazio’s fierce rivals in AS Roma, Guendouzi hasn’t always had it his own way during his bumpy career.

He was discarded by Arsenal at the close of the 2021/22 season for his “petulance” often getting the better of him, as per the words of ex-Gunners defender Lee Dixon.

Thankfully, since his Emirates departure, Guendouzi has managed to turn into a goal-and-assist machine in Serie A with 16 goal contributions collected, with an expectation he will return to the Premier League and be capable of delivering on the big stage, much like Le Fee showed off when he converted a penalty against Brentford in late August.

Games played

10

Goals scored

2

Assists

1

Touches*

57.2

Accurate passes*

41.5 (89%)

Ball recoveries*

4.3

Total duels won*

3.0

He has also put his hot-headedness, which became his undoing in North London, to better use in Italy, with an energetic 4.3 ball recoveries averaged per Serie A clash this season, backing up claims that he is a “monster” by scout Jacek Kulig.

Amazingly, Guendouzi’s high ball recovery numbers put him on the same pedestal as another of Arsenal’s reinvigorated ex-roster in Granit Xhaka, who has 4.6 ball recoveries averaged next to his name. Le Bris will surely be champing at the bit at the prospect of both his ex-Lorient youngster and his standout captain battling it out together from the centre of the park, away from any Le Fee comparisons.

It could well be a deal that’s hard to pull off, but Sunderland’s ambition has previously been rewarded in Le Fee, who joined the ranks permanently in the summer for £19.3m.

For around £6m more, this feels like a transfer fight worth persisting with.

Isidor upgrade: Sunderland open talks to sign "unstoppable" £26m striker

Sunderland are reportedly keen on a move for a striker who could come in as an upgrade on Wilson Isidor.

ByDan Emery Nov 27, 2025

Manchester United are building for the future under Ruben Amorim, and he now appears to have made key decisions on two of his most high-profile Old Trafford stars.

The Red Devils have made a reasonable start to the Premier League campaign and could well make a push for the European slots if they can maintain momentum, though that is something that will be challenged over the festive period due to the African Cup of Nations.

Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo and Noussair Mazraoui are set to depart next month, leaving roles to be filled in the squad during a busy schedule that is set to be fraught with intense action.

Still, Premier League sides have known the competition is part and parcel of their squad planning, making it an issue they should be able to handle without the need for mass panic.

Signings in January will be important and there is an obvious need for midfield reinforcements, especially with Casemiro drawing closer to the end of his contract at Old Trafford.

Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Joao Gomes is the latest name on Manchester United’s list, and discussions are said to be progressing well over a potential move to work under Amorim’s stewardship in January.

Rob Edwards has signalled his desire to keep the Brazilian at Molineux. Nevertheless, that hasn’t stopped the Red Devils making tracks, even if there could be a twist in the tale regarding the state of play on their engine room, courtesy of Fabrizio Romano.

Fabrizio Romano delivers contract update on Casemiro and Maguire

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano has confirmed that Amorim wants both Casemiro and Harry Maguire to stay at Manchester United, providing they reduce their wages in line with the club’s new salary structure.

He said: “My understanding is that the situation of Casemiro is a really similar situation in terms of strategy to Harry Maguire.

“Casemiro and Harry Maguire are out of contract in the summer of 2026 and for Manchester United, they are two really important players, especially now.

“We have to say congrats to Casemiro. In this video let’s focus on Casemiro, because he’s been able to change his situation at Manchester United.”

Later, he added: “So now the desire is from Man United, obviously, to continue with Casemiro, but in different conditions. So the salary he has right now is a salary that Manchester United don’t want to pay in the future, not because of Casemiro or Maguire, but because they want to change the salary structure.”

Between them, a pay packet of £540,000 per week is a major chunk of the Red Devils’ wage list, and with both edging closer to the twilight of their respective careers, it may be worth looking at younger reinforcements as their contracts look set to expire.

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Conversely, experience is vital and cannot be understated. Over the coming months, it would be a smart decision to tie down both stars if they can agree to a wage reduction.

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe will be chewing on his pencil over the November international break as he works toward solutions that are so badly needed.

Fortunes have gone somewhat askew at St. James’ Park this season, with the club’s away form laying waste to Howe’s hopes of progress after a testing summer transfer window.

But it may be that the ramifications of that Alexander Isak-dominated summer are still being felt. However, tactically, things aren’t right, and the wider struggle of the summer market has led to the current issues which must be overcome if the Magpies hope to make it another positive campaign.

Where PIF have gone wrong in the transfer window

Newcastle have fallen by the wayside, but it’s hardly too late for them to pick themselves back up. But there’s no question that PIF have to learn from their recent transfer struggles, with those brilliant windows of Howe’s early reign something of a distant memory.

In 2024, Newcastle failed to sign a right-sided forward, a glaring gap in the squad. That has now been amended through the £55m addition of Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest, but Elanga has blanked across 16 matches for the club, and with concerns over his form, questions must be raised over the extensive scouting that led to his signature being obtained.

Interestingly, Nick Woltemade’s fine form at centre-forward has eased the Isak blow, and before the season, that would have been viewed as the biggest issue. Newcastle’s attacking problems stretch more toward the creative side, with Anthony Gordon joining Elanga in having failed to register a goal contribution in the Premier League this season.

For a team whose 97 big chances created were bettered only by Liverpool in 2023/24, this is a real concern. This year, United have only created 14 from 11 matches, placing them 12th for that statistic. Gordon and Elanga must be doing a lot more, with the recruitment having felt they had hit the jackpot when shaping this wide duo.

While Newcastle have added exciting talents to their ranks this summer, Malick Thiaw and Jacob Ramsey among those with plenty of scope for growth, this is frankly an ageing squad and one whose freshen-up needs to go a lot further.

Tactical issues this season have been suggestive of this, and considering the company Newcastle are keeping in regard to the average age of their starting 11, it wouldn’t be unfair to suggest that younger profiles are needed for balance and continuity.

Everton

13th

28.0

Aston Villa

6th

27.9

Newcastle

14th

27.6

Fulham

15th

27.6

Burnley

17th

27.1

The need for depth and quality on the defensive flanks is alarming. Kieran Trippier at right-back is 35 years old and out of contract at the end of the season, and Tino Livramento has been unfit at times and deployed as a makeshift left-back at others.

This is largely because of Lewis Hall’s own unavailability this season. But with the 22-year-old drawing strength and fitness once again, we are turned toward the situation of one of Howe’s mainstays.

The Newcastle star now on borrowed time

Newcastle comprise players of myriads shapes and sizes and skills. Some are renowned as being among the best in the world, but some are of a shrewder nature, like Dan Burn, who returned home from Brighton for around £12m at the start of the manager’s reign and has since become one of his mainstays.

After all, it is only the skipper, Bruno Guimaraes, who has featured more prominently for Howe’s Newcastle than him.

1

Bruno Guimaraes

170

2

Dan Burn

165

3

Fabian Schar

163

4

Jacob Murphy

150

5

Joelinton

145

The 32-year-old has done more than endear himself to the Toon fanbase since arriving, but he’s getting on a bit and has been guilty of some suspect performances at left-back this season.

Naturally a central defender, Burn ranks against Premier League full-backs this term among the bottom 6% for shot-creating actions, the bottom 29% for progressive passes and the bottom 4% for progressive carries per 90, as per FBref.

In the first five matches of the season, he was in the centre. Six appearances since have seen the England international deployed as a left-back, and this is inhibiting Newcastle’s flow and overarching connectivity.

Quite simply, Burn is not a natural left-back, even though he has played ample football in the moonlit role. He is a centre-back. 6 foot 6 and cool and composed.

Hall is far more dynamic and energetic in his role, and this will not only widen and add a dimension to Newcastle’s backline, but it could revive the likes of Gordon up ahead.

The boy from Blyth has been a revelation at Newcastle, and, pound for pound, “one of Newcastle’s best signings” since Howe arrived, as has been said by reporter Andy Sixsmith. A small fee and an immortalising contribution at Wembley last season have made sure of that.

But Howe will be putting a spoke in his own wheel if he continues to persist with Burn on the flank, limiting his side’s progression and mobility and dynamism at the back.

With this in mind, the modern legend might find himself slipping into his obscurity over the coming months, and perhaps that will lead to a departure to make way for this new chapter on Tyneside.

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