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Tottenham Hotspur kicked off life under Thomas Frank with a 3-0 win over Burnley this afternoon, hopefully being the first of many during the Dane’s tenure.

The Lilywhites produced a magnificent display, blowing away the opposition in the second half, restricting the visitors to just four shots on target throughout the 90 minutes.

In their 17th-placed Premier League finish last campaign, the backline held the side back massively, conceding 65 times in their 38 outings under Ange Postecoglou.

However, it was the perfect start to life under the new management team, keeping a clean sheet – something which they only managed on six occasions throughout 2024/25.

It was an afternoon to remember for numerous players in North London, undoubtedly staking their claim to the new boss over a regular starting role throughout the new season.

How things played out in Spurs’ win over Burnley

In his first league game in charge, Frank decided to operate with Richarlison in the number nine role – a decision that proved to be a masterstroke given his performance.

The Brazilian put the Lilywhites ahead just ten minutes into proceedings, with his superb first-time finish beating debutant Martin Dubravka in the Clarets’ goal.

However, his second effort was also a thing of beauty, acrobatically turning home new signing Mohammed Kudus’ cross – an effort that will certainly be one of the goals of the season.

Brennan Johnson added a third in the closing stages, breaking through one-on-one, before poking home and securing all three points in North London.

Richarlison certainly proved some of the doubters wrong with his showing against Scott Parker’s side, deserving of a consistent run in the side under the new boss, but he’s certainly not alone in that regard.

The Spurs player who should be a regular starter under Frank

The appointment of a new manager always brings about new ideas, changes to the system and the opportunity for players to stake their claim for a regular starting role.

As seen by his two-goal haul this afternoon, it’s safe to say Richarlison has demonstrated to Frank the talent he possesses when given the chance to operate in his natural position.

However, numerous other players appear to have done just that, potentially stopping the manager from making wholesale changes before the end of the transfer window.

After utilising a back five in the UEFA Super Cup against PSG on Wednesday, the Dane reverted to the Lilywhites’ more familiar 4-3-3 system – a decision which allowed Pape Sarr to impress once more.

The 22-year-old has enjoyed rapid development in North London over recent seasons, having the ability to be a key member of the 51-year-old’s squad if he can replicate such a display.

He featured for the entirety of the contest, completing three dribbles and winning ten duels – with both figures the highest of any player on the pitch for either side.

Sarr also managed to complete 83% of the passes he attempted, with six of which being into the final third – helping him grab the assist for Johnson’s second-half strike.

Minutes played

90

Touches

66

Distance covered

10.7km

Passes completed

83%

Dribbles completed

3

Duels won

10

Passes into final third

6

Tackles made

2

Clearances made

4

Recoveries made

4

The youngster’s all-round excellence is further highlighted in his tallies of two tackles, four clearances and four recoveries made, arguably being one of the standout performers in the win.

As a result of his showing, Sarr was handed an 8/10 match rating by Football London’s Alasdair Gold – with the journalist suggesting he could be a key member of Spurs’ squad this campaign.

Such a showing will certainly highlight to Frank the talent the Senegalese star possesses, having the chance to improve further under his guidance, given his tender age.

The midfielder and Richarlison were certainly the shining lights during the opening-day victory – hopefully creating many more moments of magic between them in the remaining 37 outings.

He's perfect for Eze: Spurs to make huge bid for "sensational" £42m star

Tottenham Hotspur look set to make a bid for star alongside Eberechi Eze.

1 ByEthan Lamb Aug 16, 2025

Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak has been involved in one the biggest transfer sagas of the summer, refusing to play for the Magpies as he looked to push for a move to Liverpool.

The Swedish striker has been training on his own for the majority of the summer transfer window, with the Reds having a £110m bid rejected for Isak’s services.

Under contract at St James’ Park, Isak has refused to play for Newcastle, but isn’t the first Premier League star to do so.

10 Premier League stars who refused to play for their clubs 10 Cristiano Ronaldo Man Utd

Cristiano Ronaldo’s return to Man Utd in 2021 didn’t exactly go to plan, as 18 months later he signed for Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr.

In the final days of Ronaldo’s second stint at Old Trafford, he was an unused substitute at home to Tottenham Hotspur. It later emerged that the Portuguese superstar refused to come on under Erik ten Hag and was demoted to train with the youth side.

9 Raheem Sterling Liverpool

After coming through Liverpool’s academy and impressing at Anfield for the first team, Raheem Sterling wanted to leave the Reds in 2015.

Manchester City wanted to sign the winger and eventually did so for close to £50m, but it took Sterling to refuse to go and play for Liverpool in their pre-season tour. Sterling turned down numerous contract offers to stay with Liverpool and would go on to win four Premier League titles with City.

8 Paul Scholes Man Utd

Paul Scholes has gone down as a Man Utd legend, however, the former Red Devils midfielder actually refused to play a game under Sir Alex Ferguson.

He was dropped for a clash with Liverpool in 2001 but was set to play the next match, a League Cup fixture against Arsenal. Scholes refused to show up, though, and was fined heavily by those at Old Trafford.

7 William Gallas Chelsea

William Gallas didn’t just refuse to play for Chelsea when he was looking to leave Stamford Bridge, he also threatened to score an own goal, get himself sent off, or make deliberate mistakes if he was forced to play.

After five years with the Blues, the French defender was eventually sold to rivals Arsenal, although Chelsea did end up signing star left-back Ashley Cole from the Gunners.

6 Riyad Mahrez Leicester City

Riyad Mahrez signed for Man City from Leicester City in the summer of 2018, but in the January, the winger went on strike and refused to play for the Foxes as he pushed for a move to the Etihad.

The Algerian was fined by Leicester but did eventually return after going on strike and was welcomed back by both team-mates and supporters.

Leicester City

Man City

Games

139

145

Goals

39

43

Assists

26

37

Titles

1

4

5 Dimitar Berbatov Tottenham

Man Utd eventually signed Dimitar Berbatov from Tottenham on deadline day in 2008, however, the move wasn’t without controversy.

The Bulgarian striker got wind of Man Utd’s interest, however Spurs chairman Daniel Levy didn’t want to sell which ended up with Berbatov not playing for Tottenham against rivals Chelsea.

Levy and co complained about Man Utd’s move for the forward, but Ferguson got his man for £30m.

4 Dimitri Payet West Ham

After starring at Euro 2016, West Ham rewarded Dimitri Payet with a new contract and Irons supporters loved him during his time at Upton Park.

That was until the beginning of 2017 when Payet refused to play for West Ham as he tried to force a move back to Marseille. He got his wish, with the Hammers bringing in £25m, but his West Ham mural was quickly removed.

3 Kieron Dyer Newcastle

During his time at Newcastle, Kieron Dyer was involved in numerous controversies, including refusing to play under iconic manager Sir Bobby Robson.

Dyer didn’t play on the right side of midfield against Middlesbrough in 2004 and Robson was sacked by the Magpies weeks later. Dyer has since called that decision his “greatest regret” and admitted he “let Bobby Robson down”.

2 Carlos Tevez Man City

After swapping Man Utd for Man City, Carlos Tevez would win the Premier League at the Etihad, however, it wasn’t without drama.

He refused to come on in September 2011 against Bayern Munich in the Champions League, with Roberto Mancini banishing him from the squad. Tevez did return months later and helped City win their first ever Premier League title.

1 Leonardo Ulloa Leicester City

Shortly after winning the Premier League with Leicester City, Leonardo Ulloa refused to play for the Foxes again under Claudio Ranieri and felt “betrayed” by the Italian.

Ulloa was desperate to join Sunderland but didn’t get his wish, and after Leicester sacked Ranieri a month later in February 2017, the forward would return to the squad, even signing a new contract that summer.

Nottingham Forest are now reportedly willing to pay as much as £26m to complete the signing of a “superb” midfielder this summer.

Nottingham Forest confirm exit & Sels up for award

The Reds are preparing for the new Premier League season, but one player who has sealed a move away from the club is youngster Dale Taylor.

The 21-year-old attacker has completed a permanent move to Blackpool from Forest, with Head of Football Development & Talent Management, Craig Mulholland, wishing him well upon his departure.

“We are delighted to see Dale get such a positive move. His development journey at Forest has been strong and it is credit to Dale, and all of the excellent staff who have worked with him along the way. We have agreed a deal which is great for Dale, Blackpool and also provides us with a positive return on the investment the club has made over many years.”

In other Forest news, goalkeeper Matz Sels’ superb 2024/25 campaign has been rewarded with a nomination for the prestigious Lachine Trophy – an award given to the best ‘keeper in Europe over a 12-month period. The likes of Alisson and Gianliugi Donnarumma are also up for the prize, among others.

Nottingham Forest eye £26m move for midfielder

In terms of transfer news, Sky Italia [via Sport Witness] claim that Nottingham Forest are happy to pay £26m to sign AC Milan midfielder Yunus Musah this summer.

The Reds are intending to “close the deal quickly”, securing the services of the 22-year-old in time for the start of the 2025/26 season.

Musah has the ability to be a brilliant signing for Forest if they agree to sign him, with the USA international already achieving so much in his career.

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The midfielder has already made 153 appearances in La Liga and Serie A combined, as well as winning 47 caps for his country, and scout Jacek Kulig has described him as “superb” in the past, too.

Forest need to add depth in the middle of the park, as they look to tackle both Premier League and European commitments this season, and Musah could be ideal, providing strong competition for the likes of Morgan Gibbs-White, Elliot Anderson and Nicilas Dominguez.

Yunus Musah’s international stats

Caps

Goals

USA

47

1

England Under-18s

8

2

England Under-17s

9

2

England Under-16s

8

0

England Under-15s

7

0

The American is still so young, despite already picking up a huge amount of experience, and he would feel like a statement signing by Nuno’s side, having made seven Champions League appearances for Milan last season.

When Liverpool announced the arrival of Hugo Ekitike earlier this week, it would have been easy to assume that the Reds had ended their search for a striker. But since then, there has been an almighty twist to the tale.

As reported by David Ornstein and the Daily Mail’s Craig Hope, Alexander Isak now wants to leave Newcastle United this summer and explore options elsewhere. The Swede was sent home from the Magpies’ friendly against Celtic amid all the speculation, before being left out of their Asia tour courtesy of a ‘thigh injury’.

However, it has since emerged that Isak was left out of the tour after his request to leave St James’ Park ahead of next season. It’s an undeniable blow for the Magpies – their biggest yet in a summer full of disappointment – but Newcastle’s loss could quickly become Liverpool’s gain.

Liverpool informed Newcastle before signing Ekitike that they were willing to break their club record for the second time this summer to sign Isak in a £120m deal. And whilst that becomes more difficult after splashing out £69m to welcome their new French forward, fresh sales could yet leave Liverpool in dreamland.

With the potential to have both Isak and Ekitike at their disposal, AI assistant Grok has predicted and ranked the different formations that Liverpool could use to incorporate the two forwards.

3 4-4-2 (dual strikers)

The natural way to accommodate two talented strikers would be to play the trusty and reliable 4-4-2. The sytem would be a new one for Arne Slot, but could be one worth playing if he is to get the best out of Isak and Ekitike.

In this formation, Isak would likely take up the role of primary goalscorer whilst Ekitike takes up the job of chief creator. The latter’s task would be to drop slightly deeper into the No.10 role or even the false 9 role that Liverpool fans will know so well from Roberto Firmino’s time at the club and provide the link between midfield and attack.

Isak, meanwhile, would be asked to do the very thing that only Mohamed Salah did better than him in the Premier League last season and that’s score goals. The big questions here, though, would be whether Slot would be willing to sacrifice his numbers in midfield and just where he would find a place for Florian Wirtz.

2 4-2-3-1 (Ekitike as No.10)

There is, of course, another way around this. Liverpool could simply revert to a 4-2-3-1 formation – which they used at times last season to great success – and utilise Ekitike as a No.10. The former Frankfurt forward would then have Isak in front of him and likely Cody Gakpo and Salah beside him.

Suddenly, Slot would have a scintilating front four all featuring at once. The last time that Liverpool had something close to such attacking quality were the few months prior to Philippe Coutinho’s exit when the Brazilian stood alongside Salah, Sadio Mane and Firmino. Years later, however, Anfield could be about to see that front four eclipsed.

Alas, there are some downsides to the 4-2-3-1. Where would Wirtz slot in? Liverpool broke the British transfer record to sign the German and for very good reason. There’s no disputing that he should be an instant starter. What’s more, there would be question marks over Ekitike’s ability to remain consistent as No.10 with such little experience in the role.

The Frenchman would be shoe-horned in more than anything and there’s certainly a better way for Slot to get the best out of every one of his stars if Liverpool sign Isak.

1 4-3-3 (Ekitike wide left)

Another option, and one that Slot is more familiar with, would be a 4-3-3 with Ekitike playing out wide. Forming a front three between Ekitike, Isak and Salah, the Reds would have their best trio since Mane, Firmino and Salah and one that would arguably be capable of putting up similar numbers.

Given that Luis Diaz could yet join Bayern Munich in a big-money deal this summer too, moving Ekitike into his left-wing spot would certainly make sense. There may be some concerns that the Frenchman lacks experience in the role, given that he played just 5% of his minutes at Eintracht Frankfurt on the wing, but he certainly has the creative talent.

With 12 assists to his name last season, Ekitike could provide a similar threat to Cody Gakpo by cutting in from the left-hand side using his physical stature. Isak, meanwhile, would once again benefit from the No.9 role, whilst Wirtz could take his much-needed role in midfield.

In terms of familiarity and player roles, utilising a 4-3-3 looks like the best way that Slot would be able to take a squad full of stars to a second-consecutive Premier League title.

It’s certainly an exciting time to be an Evertonian, something that very much has not always been the case in recent decades.

David Moyes’ men concluded the last campaign with three successive victories, thereby finishing 13th, the perfect way to wave goodbye to Goodison and commence the club’s new era.

From this season, the Toffees will now call the Hill Dickinson Stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock home, their first-ever Premier League fixture there coming up against Brighton & Hove Albion on the weekend of 23 August.

Ahead of the new campaign, Everton have been busy in the transfer market, so are they about to land another key target?

Everton's search for reinforcements

So far this summer, both Abdoulaye Doucouré and Dominic Calvert-Lewin have departed following the expiration of their contracts; the duo made a combined 439 appearances for the Blues.

In better news, star centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite has signed a new five-year contract, while centre-forward Thierno Barro is set to arrive from Villarreal for a reported £30m.

Now, according to Mick Brown of Football Insider, Everton are interested in signing Wilfred Ndidi from Leicester City this summer.

The Nigerian is available for as little as £9m, thanks to a ‘release clause’ which was activated following the Foxes’ relegation back to the EFL Championship.

Transfer Focus

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

Thus, he adds that Ndidi will definitely be on the move this summer, claiming many ‘top clubs across Europe’ are monitoring the situation, but Moyes is ‘prepared to rival other interested clubs for his signature’.

A deal could even be done for just £5m, according to GIVEMESPORT, who report that both the Toffees and Manchester United have started ‘working’ on a deal.

So, could the 28-year-old swap the East Midlands for Merseyside?

How Wilfred Ndidi would improve Everton

At the peak of his powers, Ndidi was extremely highly rated, with Adrian Clarke of the Premier League labelling him the division’s ‘most effective all-round holding midfielder’, adding that his ‘greatest strength is his uncomplicated style’.

This led to mass speculation that he would move to one of the country’s biggest clubs, Arsenal and Man United purportedly amongst those chasing his signature at the peak of his powers, but the Nigerian has remained loyal to Leicester, making over 300 appearances for the Foxes to date.

He’s represented the club in all three major UEFA competitions, as well as the EFL Championship, but, following yet another relegation, is seemingly pushing for a move.

So, how does he compare to the man he could be replacing in Everton’s midfield, namely Doucouré?

Appearances

28

33

Minutes

2,337

2,577

Goals

Zero

3

Assists

5

2

All statistics below are on a per-90 basis.

Shots

0.8

0.7

Chances created

0.7

1

Attempted passes

38.7

30.6

Forward passes

10.5

7.1

Passing accuracy %

82.35%

82.74%

Duels contested

13.8

10

Duels won

6.9

3.8

Ground duel success %

49.36%

36.67%

Tackles

3.3

1.7

Interceptions

1.2

0.4

Touches

57

43

As the table outlines, pretty much across the board, Ndidi’s statistics are more impressive than those of Doucouré.

The Mali international did score three goals last season, to the Nigerian’s zero, and created 0.3 more chances per-90, but that’s about all he has going for him.

Ndidi comes out on top in terms of shots, despite being deployed a lot deeper in midfield, as well as passes, duels, tackles, interceptions and touches, which is ultra-impressive, considering he was playing for a largely hopeless Leicester side.

Jacek Kulig of Football Talent Scout labelled him “an absolute beast”, while Mak Pakhei of Total Football Analysis describes him as ‘physically strong’ and a duel-winning monster, noting that he was one of Leicester’s ‘most crucial players’ when they were regularly finishing in the top five and won the FA Cup in 2021.

So, if Everton are able to convince him to move to Merseyside, for around £5m-£9m, Ndidi would represent an absolute bargain.

Everton hold advanced talks to sign "superb" free agent in bargain deal

The Toffees have stepped things up…

ByTom Cunningham Jul 5, 2025

In an attempt to get their summer business going, Aston Villa have reportedly submitted an opening offer to sign a defensive target for Unai Emery whose release clause expires soon.

Aston Villa set for tough Newcastle opener

If Aston Villa are keen to find out where their squad is at in the early stages of next season then their opening day Premier League meeting with Newcastle United will hand them the perfect chance to do exactly that. The Villans have been handed a tough start against one of last year’s top five, but Emery will also be well aware that victory over the Magpies would send quite the statement.

Aston Villa vs Newcastle United

16/08/2025

Brentford vs Aston Villa

23/08/2025

Aston Villa vs Crystal Palace

30/08/2025

Everton vs Aston Villa

13/09/2025

Sunderland vs Aston Villa

20/09/2025

Once the Midlands club have got Newcastle out of the way, they have the chance to enjoy a far more routine run on paper. Away trips to Brentford, Everton and Sunderland represent realistic opportunities for three points, whilst the visit of Crystal Palace should also be seen as a game that the Villans are favourites to win.

It’s the type of start that Aston Villa could need following what could be a difficult summer amid PSR concerns. Despite their growing success over the last couple of years, Villa’s spending in the years prior could yet force them to sell at least one key man in the coming months before they can focus on potential incomings.

That said, their PSR concerns have not stopped the rumours from arriving when it comes to additions. Names such as Jesus Rodriguez have already threatened to steal the headlines and now those at Villa Park have also reportedly set their sights on signing a defensive addition.

Aston Villa submit opening Lucumi offer

According to Corriere dello Sport, as relayed by Sport Witness, Aston Villa have tabled an opening offer to sign Jhon Lucumi from Bologna this summer. That initial bid was below the defender’s reported €28m (£24m) release clause, however, and is unlikely to be entertained by Bologna anytime soon.

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Whether the Villans go again in pursuit of the defender remains to be seen. Bologna certainly hold all of the cards if those in the Midlands decide against triggering Lucumi’s release clause, which reportedly expires on July 10.

Given that they need to be in the market for bargain deals amid their PSR concerns, Aston Villa should think again about returning for Lucumi this summer. For just £24m, until July 10, they can sign a “composed” centre-back who can play with both feet to an “excellent” standard, according to analyst Ben Mattinson.

Arsenal transfer chiefs are not about to give up their pursuit of new attacking signings any time soon.

In comparison to the previous two Premier League seasons – where they scored 91 and 88 over the course of 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 respectively – Mikel Arteta’s side only managed a meagre 69 over the domestic campaign just gone.

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Their lack of firepower, which was largely down to injuries to attacking players and the absence of a prolific striker, was a key aspect of Liverpool running away with last season’s domestic crown.

Arsenal transfer spending under Arteta (via Sky Sports)

Money on new signings

19/20 – winter

£0

20/21 – summer

£81.5m

20/21 – winter

£900k

21/22 – summer

£156.8m

21/22 – winter

£1.8m

22/23 – summer

£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

23/24 – summer

£208m

23/24 – winter

£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

24/25 – winter

£0

Bukayo Saka was out for months in total during 24/25, while Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus and Martin Odegaard also suffered from lengthy lay-offs. This has made the signing of potential forward reinforcements a vital item on sporting director Andrea Berta’s to-do list this summer, and that applies both further forward and in the wide area.

Real Madrid forward Rodrygo is a top target for Arsenal in that regard, and they’ve already held reported talks this summer over a move for the Brazilian. However, his £77 million price tag and high salary make him a very ambitious target.

The Gunners have looked at alternatives, like Brighton’s Kaoru Mitoma, as per Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg last month.

Alongside Mitoma, another Premier League star under serious consideration at Arsenal is West Ham United’s Mohammed Kudus.

Arsenal plan bid for Mohammed Kudus after talks with him

The Ghanaian has an £80m-plus release clause which is reportedly active from July, but amid West Ham’s eagerness to offload him so they can fund their own transfer plans, Graham Potter’s side would accept around £60 million.

That is according to Graeme Bailey, who also told TBR this week that Arsenal have held talks with Kudus in the last week.

As a result of these discussions, Arsenal are now believed to be plotting a potential bid for the former Ajax star, but it is unclear what his stance would be on a move across London to the Emirates.

Kudus was deployed in a wide variety of roles under both Julen Lopetegui and Potter last term, including as a second striker, centre-forward and CAM, as well as on either flank as a winger/midfielder.

He bagged five goals and four assists in 35 total outings, but what’s more impressive is the player’s outstanding take-on ability.

As per WhoScored, only Man City sensation Jeremy Doku completed more successful dribbles per 90 than Kudus in the top-flight last term, indicating he could offer Arsenal an entirely different dimension.

Arteta also wouldn’t lose Kudus to the Africa Cup of Nations midway through 25/26, as would be the case with many other African stars, considering Ghana failed to qualify for the first time since 2004.

While there was nothing riding on Sunday afternoon’s game between Arsenal and Southampton, it was still a frustrating match for the Gunners, one that told the story of how this season has gone.

Draws have been Mikel Arteta’s downfall, as have conceding from set-pieces. A draw looked likely until the 90th minute when Martin Odegaard fired home a rare goal, but that defensive ineptitude from set-plays came back to bite them again.

The visitors took the lead through Kieran Tierney but a second-half goal from Ross Stewart at a corner looked as though it has handed the Saints just their 13th point of an arduous campaign.

Truth be told, Southampton deserved to take something from the game for all their endeavour, but in a classic tale of their own season, they couldn’t hold on.

So, what do we discuss from this one? Perhaps we’ll start with a host of farewells for those at Arsenal.

Arsenal's triumphant send off

It’s safe to say this was not the strongest of lineups from Arteta, who selected the aforementioned Tierney at centre-half, Ethan Nwaneri on the right and Raheem Sterling on the left. Oleksandr Zinchenko even featured at left-back.

The performance of all four of those players was rather mixed, although for Tierney, it was a heroic send off.

The Scot is set to leave the Emirates Stadium behind this summer at the conclusion of his contract and having appeared in front of the home support one last time a week ago, concluded his Arsenal journey with a goal on Sunday.

What he was doing popping up inside the box is anyone’s guess but the defender got across his man and steered the ball home from close range after Ben White had picked him out.

While Tierney enjoyed his final day in Arsenal colours, Sterling certainly did not.

Upon signing for the club, he revealed that we were ‘going to see the best’ of him. That couldn’t be further from the truth.

The winger, on loan from Chelsea, is set to return to his parent club and will do so having failed to score in the Premier League all season.

His performance at St Mary’s summed up his sorry loan spell. The England international had just a solitary shot and didn’t create a key pass before he was subbed off in the 63rd minute.

Minutes played

63

Touches

30

Accurate passes

15/15

Key passes

0

Accurate crosses

0/1

Shots on target

0

Shots off target

1

Successful dribbles

1/2

Possession lost

4x

Tackles

1

Elsewhere, it may also have been a final day out in Arsenal colours for Thomas Partey, whose contract expires at the end of the season.

Reports suggest that the club would like to keep him in north London but there has been no breakthrough in contract talks just yet.

Of the rest of the Arsenal starters, it feels likely that it was Zinchenko’s final outing too.

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Why Arsenal must get rid of Zinchenko

When the £30m Ukrainian signed for the club in 2022, it marked a bit of a revolution in the Arteta era.

He joined alongside Gabriel Jesus that summer from Manchester City and it looked like the two missing pieces of the jigsaw had been added.

Zinchenko was a fine addition and looked a million dollars playing in that inverted full-back role. However, as voiced by certain sections of the media, he has proven himself to be too much of a “liability” from a defensive point of view.

You can’t criticise the left-back’s technique or touch. That was evident against Southampton when he plucked a high ball out of the sky with remarkable composure, stopping it dead in his feet. He didn’t do a whole lot wrong this weekend, but then again, he also didn’t produce anything too positive against the division’s worst side.

Minutes played

70

Touches

86

Accurate passes

60/63 (95%)

Key passes

1

Accurate crosses

2/3

Ground duels won

2/3

Aerial duels won

1/1

Possession lost

6x

Interceptions

1

Tackles

2

At the technical side of the game, he is outstanding; very few left-backs can do what he does. Sadly for the 28-year-old, his time at the club is likely now going to come to an end.

Back in January, the Ukraine international was attracting interest from Borussia Dortmund but whether their interest is still there, remains to be seen.

Zinchenko would undoubtedly still make for a fine squad player, although with the emergence of Myles Lewis-Skelly and the presence of Riccardo Calafiori, he simply isn’t going to get much game time.

It perhaps said it all on Sunday that without Odegaard starting, Arteta preferred Nwaneri as the more advanced midfielder, rather than Zinchenko, something the manager had tried with relative success in games against PSV Eindhoven and Brentford in the latter stages of the season.

While he did score against PSV, that is now likely to be his last goal in the red and white of Arsenal.

After 91 appearances for the Londoners, it’s time for him to move on.

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The incredible international would be unreal for Arsenal.

ByJack Salveson Holmes May 20, 2025

Liverpool are in the market for savvy additions this summer and club officials have come back impressed from a recent scouting trip involving a defender in Europe’s top-five leagues.

Liverpool step up their hunt for reinforcements

The Reds are marching towards the summer window safe in the knowledge that they will be one of the finest Premier League destinations for potential recruits following a successful league campaign. Arne Slot arrived with a vision and delivered with flying colours, which is a theme the Dutchman will be keen to follow up on once the transfer window opens for business.

Mapping out a summer that could see mass changes engulf his squad, Liverpool have lined up Real Madrid sensation Rodrygo as an ambitious venture despite his steep £85 million valuation. On the same token, the Merseyside giants have submitted an enquiry to Monaco involving defender Vanderson amid Trent Alexander-Arnold’s departure on a free transfer.

Earning a controversial reception against Arsenal after coming off the bench, the Three Lions international’s successor will have considerable pressure on their shoulders to take on the creative void needing filled once the 26-year-old moves to Real Madrid.

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Truthfully, it will probably take several additions and a tactical rethink to solve the intriguing conundrum, but Slot has already shown his adaptability over the course of the season.

Before anything else, the Dutchman will value flexibility and depth in his mission to dominate English football. Alterations are a necesarry evil of progression, though adequate cover will be needed to replace any outgoing figures.

Now, Liverpool are lining up a swoop for an impressive defender who could be available on a cut-price deal, according to reports.

Liverpool impressed after Jhon Lucumi scouting mission

According to TBR, Liverpool officials have scouted Bologna defender Jhon Lucumi and his intermediaries have been in contact with several clubs to inform them of his situation heading into the summer window. Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, Brighton & Hove Albion, Brentford, Crystal Palace and Leeds United have also watched the 28-cap Colombia centre-back in action as his contract runs into its final 12 months in Italy.

Jhon Lucumi’s statistics in 2024/25 – all competitions

Appearances

41

Goals

1

Assists

1

Juventus and Inter Milan have joined the hunt for his signature, though Liverpool have identified the 26-year-old as an ideal candidate to strengthen their defensive ranks after another solid term at Bologna. Labelled a “phenomenon” by Vincenzo Italiano, Lucumi has been a dominant presence in the Italian top-flight this campaign, winning an average of 3.8 duels per match.

Expectedly, Bologna don’t want to lose one of their star assets on a free transfer next summer, hence why they would be open to a sale in the correct circumstances. Heeding that, Liverpool could now move to complete a bargain transfer to kickstart a trail of exciting recruitment under Slot’s stewardship.

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

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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.

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