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Tottenham Hotspur are in for a crucial summer window under Ange Postecoglou and have now set their sights on a prolific scorer to bolster the pedigree of their forward line.

Tottenham Hotspur's summer transfer plans come to light

Upon assessment, Spurs have endured a disappointing campaign littered with inconsistency, yet could still snatch a backdoor route to Champions League qualification via clinching the Europa League title in May.

Ange Postecoglou has needed to weather the storm this season and the Australian’s job security is said to be uncertain amid recent reports that Mauricio Pochettino could succeed the former Celtic boss.

Either way, he remains in position for now, and their transfer strategy this summer could begin with a move to north London for River Plate star Franco Mastantuono. Having made initial contact, the Lilywhites believe they could strike and deliver for a fee under his reported £38m release clause.

On the same token, Tottenham are in pole position for Wolverhampton Wanderers’ full-back Rayan Ait-Nouri, who is under contract in the West Midlands until the summer of 2026.

Sizing up potential targets on expiring deals could be a handy strategy, especially when factoring in the amount of finance left over to strengthen in other areas of the field.

Tottenham’s next five fixtures – all competitions
Chelsea (A)	Premier League
Southampton (H)	Premier League
Eintract Frankfurt (H)	Europa League
Wolverhampton Wanderers (A)	Premier League
Eintracht Frankfurt (A)	Europa League

Evaluating areas to bolster, Spurs’ forward line stands out more than most due to Dominic Solanke’s injury frustrations, which have limited the Three Lions international to 33 appearances this term.

Help could be on the way this summer, with Postecoglou now turning his attention to one of Europe’s most prolific goalscorers, as per recent reports.

Tottenham in talks to sign Lille forward Jonathan David

According to a report in France via Sport Witness, Tottenham are in active discussions to sign Lille forward Jonathan David following the Canada international’s excellent return of 23 goals and 10 assists in 41 appearances during 2024/25.

Arsenal and Manchester United are also on the case, while Borussia Dortmund provide further competition for his signature from the continent. Deemed an attractive option on the market due to his impending free agent status, the 25-year-old would favour a move to England over other destinations.

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Sean Markus Clifford

Mar 21, 2025

Labelled ‘magical’ by Alexandre Gangue-Ruzic, he has also been subject to a previous offer from West Ham United, but their interest has since fallen on deaf ears.

Continuing his fine spate of performances across the Channel, David also radiates a desire to bring others into play, with the forward creating 27 chances and completing 14 dribbles on league duty. Over the course of his career, he has struck 144 times in 327 outings.

In the midst of fierce competition, the onus now is on Postecoglou and Daniel Levy to sell him a project that cannot be refused even if Spurs end up heading into next season without the lure of continental football.

Manchester United are set to be snubbed by Jean-Philippe Mateta as they seek an alternative for number one target Liam Delap.

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• Manchester United to be snubbed by Mateta
• Delap had been number one target
• Search for alternative continues

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• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Mateta had been a long-time target for United, who are keen to bolster their squad with a new striker this summer, report Mail Sport. The Frenchman is inclined to stay at Palace, though, as they prepare for their first-ever European campaign.

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  Delap had been the main target for United, with technical director Jason Wilcox disappointed to miss out on the player having held a relationship with him from the Manchester City academy. The England Under-21 international is set to sign for Chelsea instead.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  United have also been offered PSG forward Goncalo Ramos. The 23-year-old fits the age profile the club are after and the report states it could be a deal worth keeping an eye on as the summer progresses.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MANCHESTER UNITED?

  United have already signed Matheus Cunha from Wolves and are set to follow that up by buying Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford. A new centre-forward is also a priority as Ruben Amorim faces a make-or-break campaign at the club.

With just 11 games to go in the Championship campaign this season, Leeds United currently sit three points clear of Sheffield United in their hunt to secure promotion – but doing so whilst winning the title.

The Whites’ form has been superb for large parts of the campaign, losing just three games to date, whilst also remaining unbeaten since the beginning of December.

Daniel Farke deserves a huge amount of credit for keeping the side competitive after numerous key departures over the summer after the play-off final defeat at Wembley.

The German will be looking to make it three second-tier title wins in England in the coming months, adding to the two he claimed during his time in charge of Norwich City.

However, if he is to achieve such a feat, he will likely rely on one player who’s so often produced the goods in the final third over the last couple of months.

Joel Piroe’s stats for Leeds in 2024/25

The striker role at Elland Road has been one that has brought about conversation over recent years, with numerous players struggling to fill the void in Yorkshire.

However, over the last few months, Dutchman Joel Piroe has nailed down the starting role in Farke’s side, repaying the boss for the faith shown in him to lead the line.

The 25-year-old has already netted 16 times in his 35 appearances, already scoring outscoring his tally from his debut campaign at the club following his £10m move in 2023.

However, Piroe hasn’t had his success without his doubters, often coming under fire for his displays, but it’s safe to say the supporters are reaping the rewards with his recent form in the final third.

Despite his impressive run for the Whites in recent times, he’s still valued lower than one player who the club may regret offloading after his form away from the club.

The former Leeds star who’s worth more than Piroe

Before their recent success over the last couple of years, Leeds found themselves in a tricky financial situation, which saw them offloading numerous first-team players to balance the books.

Lewis Cook was just one example who departed his boyhood side for just £6m, now starring for Bournemouth in the Premier League and potentially featuring in Europe amid the Cherries’ recent form.

However, another player who previously plied their trade in Yorkshire but is now playing in the top flight is winger Jack Clarke, who made his breakthrough for the Whites back in the 2018/19 season.

The now 24-year-old departed in an £8.5m deal to join Tottenham Hotspur after his breakthrough campaign but failed to make a single Premier League appearance during his time in North London.

He’s since recaptured his form at Sunderland, registering 28 goals and 21 assists for the Black Cats, leading to Sky Sports’ Dougie Critchley dubbing him “sensational” for his time at the Stadium of Light.

He’s since moved to Ipswich Town, once again joining a Premier League outfit, but has struggled to carry his excellent form to Portman Road, registering three goals and five assists to date – but has still seen an increase in his market value.

2021/22

Sunderland

20

1

3

2022/23

Sunderland

50

11

13

2023/24

Sunderland

42

15

4

2024/25

Sunderland

2

1

1

2024/25

Ipswich Town

26

3

5

Total:

140

31

25

Clarke is now valued at £12.4m by Transfermarkt, a figure that is higher than that of Piroe, who’s only valued at £11.5m despite his excellent goalscoring record this campaign.

Given the increase and recent form in England’s second tier, Leeds must regret parting ways with Clarke, potentially having another dimension in attack had they kept hold of the youngster.

Undoubtedly, he left at a time when financial problems were present in Yorkshire, but his ability in the final third could’ve provided the added cutting edge in their quest for promotion in the coming months.

Thorp Arch has an amazing 16-year-old who could end Bamford's Leeds career

Leeds United could finally move on from Patrick Bamford by unleashing this talent.

1 ByDan Emery Mar 4, 2025

Arsenal and Mikel Arteta have been given a bit of encouragement over signing a prolific striker, as his stance on a potential switch to London emerges.

Strikers who Arsenal could sign this summer

It is perhaps football’s worst-kept secret that the Gunners need a new number nine sooner rather than later, with current strike force Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus sidelined after picking up long-term injury problems.

Arsenal ready talks for £313k-per-week striker as they plan 8-figure bid

The Gunners could strike a bargain deal.

1 ByEmilio Galantini Mar 7, 2025

There are even suggestions that Jesus could be out until 2026 after he ruptured his ACL during Arsenal’s FA Cup third-round defeat to Man United, while Havertz won’t begin to return to action until pre-season preparations for next campaign.

Arsenal did attempt to reinforce Arteta’s centre-forward options in January, submitting a low-ball £40 million offer for Aston Villa star Ollie Watkins (The Times), but Unai Emery’s side rejected it out of hand.

Man Utd (away)

March 9th

Chelsea (home)

March 16th

Fulham (home)

April 1st

Everton (away)

April 5th

Brentford (home)

April 12th

Villa were said to be outraged by the timing of Arsenal’s approach for Watkins, which was on the eve of their pivotal Champions League clash with Celtic, but they were prepared to negotiate at a starting fee of around £60 million – a figure which Arteta’s side decided not to reach (The Times).

Arsenal then ended the winter window without obtaining a new goalscorer, with Arteta now forced to wait until the summer for his club to resolve the glaring lack of options up front.

In terms of their rumoured targets for next season, many high-profile names are attracting attention from N5, with Juventus striker Dušan Vlahović high on Arsenal’s transfer shortlist amid Italian reports the club are prepared to open talks.

Arsenal have retained their interest in signing Watkins as an option as well, while Newcastle United star Alexander Isak is believed to be a dream target for Arteta.

RB Leipzig starlet Benjamin Sesko also remains a very serious target for the north Londoners. The Slovenia international is dazzling in Germany yet again this season, having scored 17 goals in all competitions already, which is just one shy of his entire tally from last campaign.

Arsenal had a proposal to sign Sesko rejected last summer, with the 21-year-old deciding to remain at Leipzig on the condition of a gentlemen’s agreement they’ll allow him to leave this summer or in 2026 (Fabrizio Romano).

Benjamin Sesko has privately told Arsenal he'd like a move to London

Journalist Graeme Bailey, writing in a piece for The Boot Room, has shared an update on their chances of landing the sensation.

According to his information, Sesko has privately told suitors, including Arsenal, that he’d prefer a move to London. While this hands the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea a slight boost, Bailey also writes that other elite Premier League sides like Liverpool are still firmly in contention for his signature.

What comes as more good news, though, is that Leipzig will help to orchestrate his transfer and won’t stand in Sesko’s way as long as they’re satisfied with the final proposal. The Bundesliga outfit could even let him leave for a fee lower than his £58 million release clause.

Arsenal and Chelsea are also believed to be frontrunners for his signature as things stand, despite enquiries from Liverpool.

The striker, who’s been heralded for his “extremely quick” burst of pace, would suit English football down to the ground as a physically imposing frontman with an impressive scoring record.

قدم المدير الفني لمنتخب إسبانيا، لويس دي لا فوينتي، آخر التحديثات الخاصة بشأن منتخب بلاده قبل مواجهة فرنسا، خلال منافسات دوري الأمم الأوروبية.

ويلاقي منتخب إسبانيا خصمه منتخب فرنسا، ضمن منافسات نصف نهائي دوري الأمم الأوروبية، غداً الخميس، على ملعب “مرسيدس بنز أرينا” بمدينة شتوتجارت الألمانية.

الفائز من هذه المباراة، سيلاقي المتأهل من مواجهة ألمانيا والبرتغال، في نهائي دوري الأمم الأوروبية، الأحد المقبل، على ملعب “أليانز أرينا”.

اقرأ ايضاً.. ديشامب: ديمبلي يستحق جائزة الكرة الذهبية بنسبة 100%

وقال لويس دي لا فوينتي في المؤتمر الصحفي للمباراة: “أعتقد أنه يجب أن نكون منصفين في هذه المسابقة، علينا أن ندرك حقيقة أننا من أفضل 16 فريقًا في أوروبا، ونسعى للفوز بالبطولة، ليس من العيب أن نتذكر ذلك”.

وعن منتخب فرنسا، أوضح المدرب الإسباني: “ديشامب لديه قائمة من اللاعبين الرائعين، لديه ما يكفي لتشكيل ثلاثة أو أربعة فرق أساسية، لا أحد يستطيع النظر إلى الغيابات”.

وتابع دي لا فوينتي: “العمل الجماعي هو ما سيقوينا، علينا أن نكون قريبين، بدعم مستمر وتغطية جيدة، علينا أن نفوز في المواجهات الثنائية بشراسة وقوة، دعهم يقلقون بشأن أولمو، بيدري، فابيان، ميرينو، يجب احترام أسمائنا أيضًا”.

وبسؤاله عن أن إسبانيا المرشحة الأوفر حظًا للفوز باللقب، أجاب: “في هذه البطولة، لدينا ثلاثة أبطال عالم وبطل أوروبي واحد، لا يوجد مرشحون للفوز هنا، ألمانيا والبرتغال وإسبانيا وفرنسا كأنها مباريات نهائي كأس العالم، ستكون هذه المباريات حاسمة، والنتيجة متقاربة جدًا”.

وعن العودة إلى شتوتغارت وألمانيا، أكد: “نحن سعداء للغاية، ذكرياتنا رائعة بسبب حصد كأس أمم أوروبا العام الماضي، لقد كانت 45 يومًا رائعة، كل شيء إيجابي، نشعر باحترام الجماهير الألمانية، نحن سعداء باللعب هنا مرة أخرى، متحمسون جدًا للاعتماد على القوة الكروية للمنتخب الإسباني”.

وبخصوص التوصيت على جائزة الكرة الذهبية: “سأصوّت لـ لامين يامال للفوز بالكرة الذهبية، وفابيان رويرز، وبيدري، بالنسبة لي، هم الأفضل، جميعهم يمتلكون كل المقومات اللازمة للترشح للكرة الذهبية، صوتي سيكون لهم، أو أي لاعب إسباني مرشح”.

وتابع تصريحاته عن لامين يامال قائلاً: “لديه مسيرة رائعة، لكن مسؤوليتنا هي الاهتمام بأدق التفاصيل، معجب بكرة القدم التي يقدمها لامين، وأتوقع له مستقبلًا باهرًا، إنه شخص مسؤول جداً ورائع، لديه كل شيء، ناديه، عائلته، وسنكون دائمًا إلى جانبه”.

وعن معايير الكرة الذهبية، اختتم حديثه: “أحب لاعبي كرة القدم العظماء، كرويف، مارادونا، بيليه، ميسي، أُعطي الأولوية لقدرات اللاعب وجودته، ولكن كل ذلك يجب أن يُكمّله لقب، أُفضّل اللاعبين الذين يُشكّلون معيارًا في كرة القدم العالمية”.

Arsenal are now eyeing a move for a “ridiculous” Premier League player, who has a £55m release clause which will become active in the summer, according to a report.

Arteta keen to strengthen spine of his team

During the January transfer window, there was plenty of discussion about whether the Gunners need to bring in a striker if they are to make a real push for the Premier League title.

Everton’s dramatic late equaliser against Liverpool last night will certainly give the north Londoners renewed hope about winning the league, but there will still be concerns that the lack of a top striker could cost them.

As such, it seems likely Mikel Arteta will revisit a move for a forward at the end of the season, with the likes of Benjamin Sesko and Alexander Isak among the main players linked with moves to the Emirates Stadium.

However, it is not the only area in which Arteta is looking to strengthen, with Martin Zubimendi in line to be brought in to bolster the manager’s midfield options, and there are now reports he could also be keen on bringing in a new centre-back.

£50m forward seriously considering exit after Arsenal express real interest

He’s highly versatile.

ByEmilio Galantini Feb 12, 2025

Gabriel and William Saliba have formed a formidable partnership over the past few seasons, but Arsenal are now eyeing a move for a younger option, with AFC Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen said to be of interest.

That is according to a report from The Boot Room, which states Huijsen has a £55m release clause, which is set to become active at the end of the season. News of the clause’s existence has attracted the attention of a number of top Premier League clubs, with Liverpool and Chelsea also being named as potential suitors.

Bournemouth remain confident the 19-year-old will remain at the Vitality Stadium, but it remains to be seen whether his head is turned amid the widespread interest.

Arsenal’s upcoming Premier League fixtures

Date

Leicester City (a)

February 15th

West Ham United (h)

February 22nd

Nottingham Forest (a)

February 26th

Manchester United (a)

March 9th

Chelsea (h)

March 16th

"Ridiculous" Huijsen has made great start to life in England

The teenager could hardly have asked for a better debut season, having established himself as a key player for a Bournemouth side who are making an unexpected push for Europe.

Freelance scout Ben Mattinson has lauded the former Roma man for his “ridiculous” technical quality going forward in the past, and he has also proven himself to be astute defensively.

The Amsterdam-born defender ranks in the 96th percentile for interceptions per 90, and the 89th percentile for blocks and clearances, when compared to his positional peers over the past year.

However, given that Arteta has Saliba and Gabriel at his disposal, there is no pressing need to bring in a new centre-back, and Huijsen would be unlikely to settle for a bit-part role, given that he is receiving regular game time for Bournemouth.

As such, bringing in a new central midfielder and striker should remain Arsenal’s priority for the summer transfer window.

Aston Villa advanced through to the next round of the FA Cup on Sunday evening to put their poor form in the Premier League firmly to one side.

Villa would ultimately get the better of Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham Hotspur by a single goal in a 2-1 win, with Jacob Ramsey and Morgan Rogers sharing out the strikes in the slim Cup victory.

Whilst there would have been many pleasing elements from the performance for Unai Emery to latch onto when it comes to those who started the game, the main excitement from the clash came from the many star-studded substitutes the Spaniard made, which included Marcus Rashford making his hotly anticipated debut.

Marcus Rashford's Aston Villa debut in numbers

Although his time at Manchester United has turned sour – leading to this last-ditch loan switch taking place – there’s no doubt that Rashford is a top Premier League performer when at the very peak of his powers.

Indeed, the Manchester-born attacker hasn’t just amassed 201 goal contributions at Old Trafford by chance, with the 27-year-old keen to hit the ground running when substituted late on versus Spurs.

Rashford vs Spurs

Minutes played

24

Touches

22

Accurate passes

13/14 (93%)

Key passes

0

Shots

0

Successful dribbles

1/2

Ground duels won

3/5

Aerial duels won

1/1

Tackles

2

Stats via Sofascore.

Rashford was only gifted 24 minutes of action by Emery in this clash, but he still showed off his class in flashes with one successful dribble proving to be too tricky for Pedro Porro to thwart, on top of the fact the new Villa number nine also won four ground duels to show off his commitment to his loan employers.

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

Expand Collapse Aston Villa have a more exciting signing than Rashford

Emery will no doubt continue to use Rashford here and there as a top-quality option to boost his already entertaining attack.

However, it was another of his fresh faces in Marco Asensio who really stole the show against the visitors from North London to solidify the fact he might well be an even better capture than the Red Devils outcast.

Villa supporters wouldn’t have believed their luck come the end of the transfer window when both Asensio and Rashford arrived through the door on short-term deals, with the loan move for the ex-Real Madrid man a real coup based on first impressions.

Asensio’s career G/A numbers by position

Position

Games played

Goals scored

Assists

RW

148

30

15

LW

132

22

22

AM

90

19

22

CF

18

5

5

CM

4

0

0

SS

1

0

1

LM

1

0

0

Sourced by Transfermarkt

Across his far more memorable spell on the pitch, the versatile midfielder amazingly completed all 15 of his passes, alongside also bamboozling many a Spurs defender with his repertoire of skills.

One of those stylish bits of play nearly resulted in a debut assist coming the well-travelled 29-year-old’s way, with a sublime flick moments after his introduction seeing Rogers then fire over a subsequent effort.

Whilst Rashford does know the English game inside and out, it’s safe to say his damaging experiences at Old Trafford as of late might well have left some lasting bruises that will have dented his confidence, whilst Asensio already looks confident and assured mere minutes into his first taster of his new surroundings.

Asensio vs Spurs

Minutes played

24

Touches

20

Accurate passes

15/15

Key passes

1

Dribbles

1

Crosses

2

Duels won

2/3

Possession lost

2

Interceptions

1

Tackles

1

Stats via Sofascore.

Alongside that, Emery will also feel comfortable chucking Asensio into his starting lineups moving forward in a whole plethora of different positions, with the 38-time senior Spain international capable of playing all across the attack, notably featuring on either flank on over 100 occasions.

His efforts as an adaptable presence playing at the Santiago Bernabeu resulted in three illustrious Champions League titles heading Madrid’s way, on top of three La Liga title successes also being achieved, meaning Asensio won’t be fazed whatsoever playing on Europe’s biggest stage for Emery’s men either.

The 29-year-old has even been labelled as “world-class” in the past by one of his former Spain managers in Vicente del Bosque, with this signing one that might take Villa to the next level on its own, away from the other statement deal of Rashford.

Related Cost £0, now worth 2x more than Malen: Aston Villa hit gold with magic ace

The Villa star has been impressive under Emery.

Posts ByJoe Nuttall Feb 8, 2025

Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand believes that Arsenal's 3-0 lead over Real Madrid "won't be enough" to reach the Champions League semi-finals.

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Article continues below

Article continues below

• Gunners secured stunning 3-0 win
• Second leg set for Spain next week
• Ferdinand does not believe tie is over

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• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Ferdinand has claimed that Real Madrid can overturn a 3-0 deficit against Arsenal in their Champions League quarter-final second leg at the Bernabeu. Two sensational free-kicks from Declan Rice and a fine finish from Mikel Merino have put Mikel Arteta's side in an incredible position to reach the semi-finals, but Ferdinand isn't so sure.

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  Real, of course, boast some of the finest attacking talent in the world, with the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr and Karim Benzema all at Carlo Ancelotti's disposal. Ferdinand, as such, believes they can cancel out Arsenal's advantage.

• WHAT RIO FERDINAND SAID

  Speaking on his Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast, the former England defender said: "I don't think three goals is going to be enough. Look, I don't know how good this version of Real Madrid is. But I do know that when you've got the forward players that they've got, you can score three goals at home against Arsenal. If this was September or October, I'd say done and dusted, but this time of year, knockout stages, they find a little bit more."

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Arsenal may rotate against Brentford on Saturday ahead of next week's second leg against Madrid.

Tottenham Hotspur are believed to be targeting the loan signing of a forward from Barcelona, with under-pressure Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou still on the hunt for his first outfield transfer as we approach the business end of January.

Spurs eye new attacker after failed Randal Kolo Muani deal

The Lilywhites were involved in a high-profile race with Juventus for Randal Kolo Muani’s signature recently, but they eventually lost out to the Old Lady.

Tottenham now in pole position to sign "super" £30m Premier League forward

Spurs are the “biggest competitor”.

1 ByEmilio Galantini Jan 22, 2025

Tottenham held discussions with PSG over Kolo Muani, after the France international was deemed surplus to requirements by Luis Enrique and allowed to depart the Parc des Princes before February 3rd.

Leicester City (home)

January 26

Brentford (away)

February 2

Man United (home)

February 16

Ipswich Town (home)

February 22

Man City (home)

February 26

The 26-year-old, who bagged a sensational 15 goals and 14 assists in all competitions during his best season at Eintracht Frankfurt, was deemed one of the best versatile forwards available on the market (David Ornstein), so Spurs officials will have been very disappointed to miss out on his services.

Now, Postecoglou’s side have re-entered the market for another wide player, as they look to back their manager who’s been forced to cope with a serious injury crisis at N17 throughout the campaign.

Tottenham are believed to be the main contenders to sign Tyler Dibling from Southampton, according to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, but his English colleague Lyall Thomas has since reported that the 18-year-old will command a hefty £55 million transfer fee.

The price quoted for Dibling could be too much for Tottenham mid-season, but there is another potential loan option in the form of Barcelona forward Ansu Fati.

The Spain international spent 2023/2024 on loan at Brighton, where he scored four goals and bagged one assist in 30 total appearances, since returning to the Camp Nou and enduring a very mixed season.

Fati has suffered from a few injury problems this term, which have largely kept him out of Hansi Flick’s first-team, and he’s failed to make any real impact when available.

Tottenham make proposal to sign Ansu Fati on loan

As per one Spanish media source, Tottenham could offer the £227,000-per-week attacker a route back to the Premier League.

Indeed, it is believed that Spurs have made a proposal to sign Fati on loan from Barcelona, which would include an option to buy. The Catalans could be tempted by this offer, as they actively seek to find the 22-year-old a new club.

However, Tottenham would need to take on a hefty portion of his wages, and Fati is apparently more in favour of remaining at his current club despite his squad status.

Nevertheless, Postecoglou’s men have apparently “set their sights” on signing Fati before the deadline.

And just like that, Arsenal are well and truly back in the Premier League title race.

Mikel Arteta’s side went into the North London derby last night knowing that any dropped points would effectively end their domestic season and made sure that did not happen.

It might not have been the best display of finishing from the men in red, but the defence and midfield were immaculate and kept Tottenham Hotspurs’ dangermen from doing much of anything, especially the sensationally talented Dejan Kulusevski.

The Swedish international has been incredible this season, and while he was anonymous last night, we imagine the Arsenal faithful would be delighted to have a player like him in their team.

Fortunately, recent reports have touted another Premier League star who’s won comparisons to him this season with a move to the Emirates in what could be a game-changing transfer.

Arsenal target Kulusevski-esque attacker

According to a recent report from French outlet RMC Sports, Arsenal are one of several clubs interested in Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo.

Transfer Focus

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

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Alongside the Gunners, it has been revealed that fellow Premier League sides Manchester United and Spurs are keen on the attacker and that they could move to sign the Cameroonian before the month is out.

However, the report has also claimed that it will take a ‘big cheque’ to tempt the Bees into selling, something in excess of €50m, which comes out to about £42m. None of the interested parties have made a bid yet but they have been in contact to ‘gather information’ about what it could take to complete a deal.

That claim seems to have been backed up by Arsenal insider Connor Harrison who has revealed in the last 24 hours that the Gunners have been speaking to his agent since last summer.

It could be a complicated transfer to get over the line, but given Mbuemo’s immense ability and Arsenal’s need for attacking reinforcements, it’s one well worth pursuing, especially as he’s won comparisons to Kulusevski this season.

How Mbuemo compares to Kulusevski

So then, before we look at some of the other reasons why Arsenal should be doing all they can to sign Mbuemo this month, let’s examine this comparison to Kulusevski and where it has come from.

It primarily stems from FBref, which compares players in similar positions in the Premier League this season, then creates a list of the ten most comparable players for each one, and, in this instance, has concluded that the Swede is the fourth most similar attacking midfielder or winger to the Cameroonian.

We can better understand how this conclusion was reached by looking at the underlying metrics in which the pair rank closely, including, but not limited to, non-penalty expected goals plus assists, shots, live passes, goal-creating actions, tackles won and more, all per 90.

Mbuemo & Kulusevski

Statistics per 90

Mbuemo

Kulusevski

Non-Penalty Expected G+As

0.46

0.45

Shots

1.67

1.71

Live Passes

31.3

30.5

Goal-Creating Actions

0.48

0.48

Tackles Won

0.81

0.86

Carries

28.1

31.1

All Stats via FBref for the 24/25 PL Season

However, while comparisons to a player of the Spurs ace’s calibre – who already has 16 goal involvements to his name this season – is certainly encouraging, it’s obviously not the sole reason why Arteta and Co should be signing the Brentford star this month.

One of the other most significant reasons is his own attacking output, as in just 25 appearances this season, the “unplayable” 25-year-old, as dubbed by Bees boss Thomas Frank, has scored 13 goals and provided four assists, meaning he’s averaging a goal involvement every 1.47 games.

On top of that, the “incredible” former Troyes star, as dubbed by manager Thomas Frank, can play off the right and down the middle, which could see him provide competition for Bukayo Saka – when fit – and Kai Havertz, thus ensuring nobody’s level can drop.

Ultimately, Arsenal are crying out for a forward signing this month, and from how unbelievably well he has played this season, Mbeumo could be the perfect one, and their own Kulusevski to boot.

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Posts ByEmilio Galantini Jan 16, 2025