All posts by h79snht.top

It now feels more like a matter of when and not if Ange Postecoglou is relieved of his duties as Tottenham Hotspur manager.

The Australian coach has done well enough in the Europa League this year and stands one game away from the final, but in the Premier League, they sit in 16th place with 19 defeats to their name.

Understandably, then, there have been numerous reports in recent weeks linking a number of top-class managers with the club, with Andoni Iraola being one of the most notable.

Yet, while the Spaniard would likely do a brilliant job, a recent report has now linked the North Londoners with an even better candidate.

Tottenham's manager search

Before getting to the manager in question, it’s worth looking at a couple of the other names that have been linked with the Tottenham job in recent weeks, such as Niko Kovač and Oliver Glasner.

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The former would be difficult to take away from Borussia Dortmund, but it would almost certainly be worth the effort, as not only has he turned the side around, but he’s also got an impressive track record of winning major silverware with Bayern Munich and Eintracht Frankfurt.

Interestingly, Glasner has also got a track record of success with Frankfurt, winning the Europa League with them in 2022, and on top of that, he’s led Crystal Palace to the FA Cup final this season, which would have been unthinkable when he took over.

Yet, to be comfortably described as ‘far better than Iraola,’ Spurs potential hire would have had to do something even bigger than that in recent years, which is where Xavi Hernández comes in.

According to a recent report from Spain, Tottenham are one of several teams interested in hiring the former Barcelona boss.

Alongside the Lilywhites, the report claims that German giants Bayer Leverkusen and Saudi Pro-League side Al Hilal are also keen on the Spaniard.

As he’s currently unemployed, the World Cup winner has the luxury of joining whichever side he wants, so Daniel Levy and Co should do what they can to convince him, as he’d be an even better hire than Iraola.

Why Xavi would be a better hire than Iraola

So, if the decision Spurs have to make in the summer is between Xavi and Iraola, why should they go with the former?

First and foremost, while the Bournemouth manager did a great job getting Rayo Vallecano promoted to La Liga and has turned the Cherries into an upper mid-table Premier League side, he has no experience managing a huge club.

Moreover, this lack of experience at the top means we have no idea how he’d cope with the added pressure to get over the line in competitions.

In contrast, the former Barça boss led his former side to the title and Spanish in 22/23, which was their first in four years.

On top of that, when you compare their recent records, it further makes the case for the league winner, whom Joan Laporta dubbed “the best manager in the world.”

Xavi v Iraola current/last clubs

Manager

Xavi

Iraola

Games

143

84

Wins

91

34

Draws

23

20

Losses

29

30

Points per Game

2.07

1.45

All Stats via Sofascore

For example, he won 91 games in charge of the Catalan giants, drew 23, lost 29 and averaged 2.07 points per game, while the Cherries boss has won 34 games, drawn 20 and lost 30 since taking the job on the south coast, which comes out to 1.45 points per game.

Ultimately, while Iraola would be a good hire for Spurs, Xavi has the experience and record to suggest he’d be an even better one.

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Posts ByJack Salveson Holmes May 5, 2025

With the 49ers Enterprises looking to make their mark, Rangers are now reportedly set to sign a versatile forward who has become convinced by the Ibrox project ahead of the summer transfer window.

The 49ers' Rangers project

Set to complete their takeover of the Scottish giants, the 49ers will be hoping to turn things around at Rangers and transform the Gers into the dominant champions they once were. As seen at Elland Road and Leeds United already, too, the American owners are perfectly capable of leaving their mark on a club and achieving their goals.

However, with a new manager needed and Celtic’s Scottish Premiership dominance only growing stronger, the extent of the 49ers’ task at Rangers cannot be overstated. And they must get things right this summer.

To that end, a number of names have already been linked with the job at Ibrox. The likes of Rafael Benitez represent the experienced choice, whilst Steven Gerrard would perhaps be the one that splits the most opinions after how he left Rangers for Aston Villa in 2021. Meanwhile, other names such as Danny Rohl and Davide Ancelotti would certainly be intriguing to watch in their own right.

With the Scottish Premiership now concluded for another season too, the Gers may have their answer sooner rather than later over just who steps into the role. The end of the campaign also means the end of Barry Ferguson’s interim role in charge of the club, but he has reiterated his desire to take the permanent role more than once.

The interim boss told reporters in recent weeks: “Everybody’s got an opinion, I don’t care about people’s opinion, I know I can do the job. I know I’ve got a real good staff behind me. I’ve been asked this question two or three weeks in a row, I think it’s clear, it doesn’t scare me one single bit.”

Meanwhile, away from the dugout, it almost goes without saying that a large part of the 49ers’ project will be the recruitment that they go in pursuit of this summer, which looks set to start with a Paris Saint-Germain talent.

Rangers set to sign versatile PSG forward Oumar Camara

According to RMC Sport’s Fabrice Hawkins, Rangers are now set to sign Oumar Camara from PSG this summer, with the versatile young forward convinced by the project in Glasgow. The teenager has captained PSG’s U19 side this season, but is set to secure a surprising move to Scotland in the coming months – likely becoming the first signing of the 49ers era.

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Posts ByRoss Kilvington May 17, 2025

At just 18 years old, whether Camara would make an immediate impact at Ibrox remains to be seen. The winger, who can play on both sides, has enjoyed an impressive season at youth level, scoring nine goals and setting up another four in 25 games in all competitions. After failing to feature for the first team, however, the young Frenchman looks set to leave in pursuit of senior football.

Whether Camara’s reported arrival is a sign of things to come at Rangers will also be interesting to watch, as the 49ers attempt to build their project and turn things around at the Scottish club.

Crystal Palace have now registered their interest in signing an “incredible” Paris Saint-Germain forward this summer, according to a report.

Selhurst Park set for European nights after FA Cup win

Palace’s shock FA Cup final victory over Manchester City means Selhurst Park is set to host Europa League football next season, which could make a move to South London an attractive proposition for Oliver Glasner’s summer transfer targets.

The prospect of playing under Glasner must also be appealing, given everything the 50-year-old has achieved at Selhurst Park and with former club Eintracht Frankfurt, meaning the Eagles can afford to be a little more ambitious than usual in the transfer market.

Lyon attacking midfielder Rayan Cherki could be a statement signing for Glasner, given that Manchester City and a whole host of other top Premier League clubs have also been linked with the Frenchman, but he is not the only Ligue 1 forward of interest.

According to a report from Caught Offside, Crystal Palace have now registered their interest in PSG forward Lee Kang-In, and contact may have already been made to discuss the terms of a potential deal.

However, Palace may have to see off competition from some top clubs if they are to secure the South Korean’s signature, with Manchester United already making a move, while the likes of Atletico Madrid, Arsenal, Newcastle United and Napoli are also in the picture.

PSG have expressed a desire to keep hold of the 24-year-old, but talks have stalled, meaning he could now be heading for the exit door, and previous reports have detailed the French club value the winger at a fee of around £51m.

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Posts ByDominic Lund May 26, 2025 "Incredible" Kang-In could be statement signing for Palace

Palace are not the only Premier League club to win a shock trophy in the 2024-25 campaign, with Tottenham Hotspur emerging victorious in the Europa League, and captain Son Heung-min believes his compatriot has “incredible talent”.

The South Korea international has featured regularly for PSG en-route to the Champions League final this season, while also proving himself to be a regular source of goals and assists in Ligue 1, picking up 12 goal contributions in 30 matches.

Not only that, but the PSG ace is extremely composed in possession of the ball, as demonstrated by his performance across some key passing metrics over the past year, when compared to other attacking midfielders and wingers.

Statistic

Average per 90

Passes attempted

67.87 (99th percentile)

Pass completion %

87.2% (99th percentile)

Progressive passes

7.69 (98th percentile)

As such, Lee Kang-In could be a real statement signing for Crystal Palace this summer, but they could find it difficult to compete for his signature, given the size of some of the other clubs in the race.

When looking over their 2024/25 campaign in detail, Newcastle United will very much jot it down as an overwhelming success.

After all, the Magpies would end up lifting some much-needed silverware in the EFL Cup final to end a major trophy drought, whilst Eddie Howe’s Toon would also just about qualify for the Champions League once again when finishing inside the top five spots in the Premier League.

But, that doesn’t stop there being a slight bad taste in the mouth concerning Newcastle’s 1-0 defeat to Everton on the final day, with a number of players showing to Howe they might well struggle competing in Europe’s elite competition again.

Newcastle's key underperformers vs Everton

Thankfully, Aston Villa also lost on their travels to Manchester United, meaning the Magpies luckily secured that final coveted fifth position by one slender point.

Still, Howe won’t just completely disregard the defeat, with certain individuals having a poor day at the office to end their respective seasons on a whimper.

Anthony Gordon would only see out one half of football for the Magpies, and for good reason, with nothing working out for the ex-Toffees man whatsoever down the left flank when failing to register a single on-target shot at Jordan Pickford’s goal.

Moreover, Alexander Isak looked tired and lethargic as Newcastle’s main man up top, seen in his lack of drive and energy when completing zero successful dribbles, alongside further fluffing his lines when three efforts went astray.

Jacob Murphy also looked wasteful on the ball when giving up possession a hefty 13 times, but there was one poor display that will have irked Howe the most and made him now contemplate whether this figure will be able to cut in when Champions League nights return to Tyneside.

The 5/10 star not good enough for the Champions League

Newcastle fans will obviously be over the moon that their team clinched Champions League football, irrespective of this final-day slip-up.

But, the Magpies masses won’t feel too confident moving forward that Harvey Barnes can do the business on some grand stages in Europe next season, based on his lacklustre performance against David Moyes’ well-drilled visitors.

The former Leicester City man can boast an impressive tally of nine strikes and four assists across 40 overall games, but he did struggle to get going against the Toffees, with May in general seeing a worrying dip in form.

Much like Gordon down the opposing left wing, Barnes would also fail to register a single on-target shot to try and catch the formidable Pickford cold, alongside also displaying signs of Murphy’s rashness on the ball when completing zero accurate crosses or long balls.

Barnes’ poor performances all across May

Stat

Brighton

Chelsea

Arsenal

Everton

Minutes played

90

90

76

88

Final result

1-1 D

2-0 W

1-0 L

1-0 L

Goals scored

0

0

0

0

Assists

0

0

0

0

Touches

38

51

23

34

Accurate passes

17/21 (81%)

21/29 (72%)

13/14 (93%)

15/21 (71%)

Key passes

2

2

0

1

Accurate crosses

0/4

1/3

0/1

0/2

Accurate long balls

0

1/2

1/1

0/2

Shots

3

4

3

1

Successful dribbles

1/2

2/5

0

0/1

Total duels won

3/10

3/11

1/4

1/3

Stats by Sofascore

Looking at the table above, it’s even more clear that it’s been a rocky month for Barnes in general, as seen in the 27-year-old frustratingly ending the campaign with no goals or assists next to his name in May.

Consequently, the 5 foot 9 attacker nearly cost his team dear in their pursuit of Champions League action, with only 33 touches coming his way against Everton – actually a worse record overall than Toon goalkeeper Pope, who managed 38.

As a result, he would receive a dour 5/10 post-match rating from Chronicle Live journalist Lee Ryder, who stated simply that Barnes ‘didn’t deliver his best form’ against the Toffees.

Newcastle just can’t have these out-of-sorts performances popping up if they stand a chance at progressing far in the tricky competition, meaning Barnes could be warming the substitutes bench next season when fiercely contested mid-week ties are back on the Toon calendar.

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Posts 1 ByBen Gray May 25, 2025

Crystal Palace are now showing interest in an “amazing” player, who is “expected” to leave his current club this summer, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

Palace eyeing centre-back amid Guehi uncertainty

Marc Guehi’s Palace future has been a hot topic for quite some time now, with a number of Premier League clubs believed to be keen on the centre-back, including the likes of Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur and former employers Chelsea.

There may have been feint hope that qualification for the Europa League could tempt Guehi into signing a new deal to remain at Selhurst Park, but there are now doubts over whether the Eagles will even be allowed to play in the competition next season.

The 24-year-old will, of course, be eager to play European football at this stage of his career, so the recent developments are likely to be a concern, although UEFA are yet to make a final decision on the matter and the feeling is Palace will be allowed entry onto the continental stage.

That said, the England international could depart regardless, meaning Palace could be faced with the very difficult task of replacing him this summer, and Romano has now revealed one of the targets they have in mind.

In a recent update on X, the transfer expert has revealed that Crystal Palace have now started to “show interest” in Juventus defender Tiago Djalo, who is “expected” to leave the Italian club after spending the 2024-25 season on loan at FC Porto.

The Eagles are said to have a three-man shortlist of centre-back targets for the summer, and Djalo is among them, but their interest appears to be tentative at this stage, given that they are yet to make any formal moves.

"Amazing" Djalo needs fresh start at new club

The 2024-25 campaign was far from ideal for the 25-year-old, featuring just eight times for FC Porto in the Liga Portugal, which is unlikely to have impressed parent club Juventus, and he is in need of a fresh start at a new club this summer.

Despite failing to make an impact in Portugal, there are some signs the Portuguese defender could be a solid signing for Oliver Glasner’s side, having once been lauded as “amazing” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig.

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Posts ByDominic Lund May 29, 2025

Moreover, the £24k-a-week centre-back showcased his passing and dribbling ability while on loan at Porto over the past year, although he was less impressive from a defensive point of view.

Djalo Statistics 24/25

Average per 90 (vs other centre backs)

Pass completion

93.8 per cent (99th percentile)

Progressive carries

1.76 (99th percentile)

Passes attempted

67.16 (90th percentile)

In truth, however, it will be a tall order for Palace to find any defender capable of replacing Guehi, and it would be a real gamble to pursue a move for Djalo.

Tottenham Hotspur and their transfer plans for the summer window are underway, starting with the permanent signing of Mathys Tel for £30 million, but they’re by no means finished with the Frenchman.

Spurs are poised for a crucial 2025/2026 campaign back in the Champions League, and new manager Thomas Frank is tasked with building off his predecessor’s Europa League triumph in Bilbao last month.

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Posts ByEmilio Galantini Jun 17, 2025

Ange Postecoglou brought an end to the club’s 17-year wait for major silverware with their 1-0 victory over Man United, which subsequently confirmed Tottenham’s spot in Europe’s most prestigious competition for next season.

The significant financial windfall awarded to them thanks to Spurs’ Champions League qualification is set to play a “huge” role in their summer recruitment drive, and they no longer have to operate under a ‘sell to buy’ policy (Michael Bridge).

Tottenham’s best-performing regulars in the Premier League – 2024/2025

Average match rating

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

Nevertheless, a rebuild is still anticipated, with Atlético Madrid eyeing up a move for star defender Cristian Romero and club legend Son Heung-min attracting serious interest from Saudi Arabia, amid credible reports 2024/2025 could have been his last at Tottenham.

There have been suggestions in the last few months that Tottenham could even sell Pedro Porro this summer, even if these claims were before their Europa League win, with the resurgence of Djed Spence playing a role here too.

Interestingly, football.london’s Alasdair Gold has recently revealed that Spence has a long-time admirer in new head coach Frank. Brentford held a long-standing interest in the Englishman, with bids even made for him in previous summers, so Spence could be a member of the squad who stands to seriously benefit from the Dane’s arrival.

If Spurs decide they can afford to sell Porro for a substantial fee after all, despite his excellent performances towards the back end of last season, they’ll still need a new right-back to come in and rotate with Spence, especially with their hectic European fixture calendar.

Tottenham willing to "invest heavily" on Vanderson signing

According to a report from UOL, Monaco defender Vanderson is firmly on the Lilywhites’ transfer shortlist.

The Brazil international is currently being chased by Barcelona, though, who’ve intensified talks with the Ligue 1 side, and progress has been made in negotiations to lure Vanderson to the Camp Nou.

They’re counting on the 23-year-old’s preference to join the Spanish champions, with Monaco seeking a fee north of £30 million to part company with their highly-rated wing-back. However, Frank’s side could pose a real threat and hijack their deal.

UOL state that Tottenham are still in the running to sign Vanderson, whilst willing to “invest heavily” in his signing. Monaco also have a major incentive to sell to Spurs instead. Spanish taxes mean Monaco would lose around 15 per cent of their final sale value, but a transfer to England would mean they take a far less substantial loss in that regard.

Taking this into account, the “perfectionist” defender could be one to watch at N17.

Vanderson is a well-balanced modern full-back who has established himself as a reliable defender at Monaco since his move there three years ago. According to The Mail, Brentford actually held talks over a deal for Vanderson in 2021, so he’s a player who Frank has admired for quite a while.

As exit rumours continue to surround Emiliano Martinez, Aston Villa have reportedly opened talks to sign one of Monchi’s top targets who could be an instant upgrade on the Argentine shot-stopper.

Atletico Madrid & Man Utd targeting Martinez

Aston Villa have been stuck between a rock and a hard place this summer with that rock being PSR rules. Whilst in an ideal world they keep hold of Martinez this summer and continue to enjoy the World Cup winner’s talents, his sale would go a long way towards easing their PSR concerns.

The goalkeeper isn’t exactly short on interest, either. Manchester United and Atletico Madrid are both reportedly chasing Martinez’s signature this summer as Aston Villa continue to deliberate over a potential sale.

Of course, the worst-case scenario for Villa this summer would be Martinez joining a direct rival in Manchester United, but they may have little choice in the matter amid reports that he would now prefer a switch to Old Trafford if he is to depart.

It creates a tough choice for Villa once again. Either sell a 32-year-old player who has become a leader under Unai Emery or cash in for the sake of their off-pitch troubles and welcome a fresh option. Aston Villa must pick their poison this summer and hope that the remedy is an unexpected upgrade between the sticks.

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Posts 1 ByTom Cunningham Jun 25, 2025

To that end, it seems as though those in the Midlands are at least preparing for the worst case and have reportedly opened talks to sign what would be an excellent replacement for Martinez.

Aston Villa open talks to sign Chevalier

As reported by TeamTalk, Aston Villa have now opened talks to sign Lucas Chevalier from LOSC Lille this summer and are converging on a deal for the Frenchman’s signature. With a formal offer now the next step in any negotiation too, Monchi has reportedly already mooted a £40m bid to the Ligue 1 club in pursuit of their goalkeeper.

League stats 24/25 (via FBref)

Lucas Chevalier

Emiliano Martinez

Starts

34

37

Clean Sheets

11

8

Saves per 90

2.68

2.70

Save Percentage

74.4%

69%

At 23 years old, Chevalier enjoyed an impressive campaign as part of a Lille side that defeated Real Madrid in the Champions League table phase and reached the last 16 of Europe’s elite competition.

If the Villans have the option to solve their PSR problems by selling Martinez and signing Chevalier to replace him then it is a move they should prioritise this summer. The Lille star is too good to miss out on if they’re on the hunt for a new No.1.

Described as “excellent” by scout Jacek Kulig, Villa would be signing one of the best young goalkeepers around if they managed to lure Chevalier to the Midlands this summer.

عبر كيليان مبابي، نجم نادي ريال مدريد، عن سعادته الكبيرة باللعب في إسبانيا، مدافعًا في الوقت ذاته عن مدرب منتخب فرنسا ديدييه ديشامب بعد الانتقادات.

فرنسا تستعد لمواجهة آيسلندا يوم الثلاثاء المقبل، ضمن منافسات تصفيات قارة أوروبا المؤهلة لكأس العالم 2026، في كندا والولايات المتحدة الأمريكية والمكسيك.

اقرأ أيضًا.. مبابي يتوقع الفائز بالكرة الذهبية 2025 بين يامال وديمبلي

وقال مبابي في مؤتمر صحفي اليوم الأحد عبر “تيلي فوت”: “أشعر أنني بحالة جيدة، لقد قضيت إجازة، وتمكنت من العمل بجد، والعودة بذهن صافي، إنها مجرد بداية الموسم، إنها بداية جيدة، كان لدي المزيد من الوقت هذا الصيف للاستعداد، أشعر أنني بحالة جيدة وأنا سعيد، لقد تأقلمت مع وصولي إلى مدريد ومن الرائع اللعب هناك، إسبانيا تكن لي احترامًا كبيرًا وأنا محظوظ لوجودي هناك”.

وعن ديشامب: ”إنه رمز لكرة القدم الفرنسية، لطالما حارب الانتقادات وحافظ على مبادئه، سنبذل قصارى جهدنا من أجل الفوز بكأس العالم مرة أخرى والعودة بالنجمة الثالثة”.

وأوضح عن كأس العالم: ”لم يتبق الكثير من اللاعبين الذين حصلوا على كأس العالم في قائمتنا الحالية، وهذا يظهر مدى كثرة المواهب في كرة القدم، نسعى دائمًا للفوز، كأس العالم بطولة مميزة وعلينا أن نبذل قصارى جهدنا لنحظى بأدنى فرصة للفوز بهذه البطولة”.

وحول مدرب ريال مدريد، تشابي ألونسو: “هناك الكثير من الوضوح من قبله، إنه متطلب للغاية ومتعطش للنجاح وينقل لك هذا التعطش، لا يزال علينا التحسن وعلينا جميعًا العمل”.

وبشأن الكرة الذهبية: “عثمان ديمبلي؟ بالنسبة لي، يستحقها، أتمنى أن يفوز بها، لقد دعمته منذ البداية وهذا طبيعي، سنرى لاحقًا، الأمر لا يعتمد علينا وكانت هناك أصوات للجائزة، سنرى وآمل أن يكون أشرف في مركز متقدم، سيكون ذلك رائعًا للمدافعين، يامال لاعب جيد جدًا، لكنه من برشلونة (يضحك)”.

وواصل: ”الفوز بالكرة الذهبية حاضر في ذهن كل لاعب، ويأتي ذلك من الحصول على الألقاب مع الفريق، لا أكسر أي قيود لهذه الجائزة، إذا كان لدي موسم ناجح وفزت بالألقاب، فأنا أريد الفوز بها أيضًا، يجب أن أركز على مساعدة فريقي والفوز بالألقاب”.

وعن ارتداءه الرقم 10 مع ريال مدريد اختتم مبابي: ”كان لدى النادي فكرة إهدائي هذا الرقم هذا الصيف ووافقت، الأمر بهذه البساطة”.

Lamine Yamal this, Lamine Yamal that. Arsenal have their very own budding wonderkid in the effervescent Ethan Nwaneri.

Making his Premier League debut in 2022 at the age of just 15, making him the top-flight’s youngest-ever player, Nwaneri has now become a household, truly bursting onto the scene in 2024/25.

The teenager is now 18 and has cemented himself as one of the best young players in Europe, having scored nine goals in his 37 senior appearances last season.

He scored in the Champions League, he scored against Manchester City and now he’s rivalling teammate Myles Lewis-Skelly for the PFA Young Player of the Season award.

Nwaneri then crowned his campaign off by winning the U21 European Championships with Lee Carsley’s England a week ago.

So, surely he’ll go on to become a modern-day Arsenal great, right? Well, he could actually leave.

The latest on Ethan Nwaneri's future at Arsenal

Cast your mind back to the summer of 2023, before Nwaneri signed his first professional deal at the Emirates Stadium, and there were rumours that the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City could land the talented youngster.

Thankfully for those of an Arsenal persuasion, Nwaneri stayed to develop under Mikel Arteta’s watchful eyes.

However, his first pro deal actually expires in a year’s time and according to Fabrizio Romano, he wants assurances over game time before committing his future to the club.

It’s a worrying development for the Gunners, particularly as Romano actually reveals that Chelsea have been showing interest in the player and could move if he fails to agree a new deal in north London.

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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Well, with assurances over playing time in mind, perhaps signing another creative midfielder might not be the best idea if they want to keep him.

Arsenal targeting move for a new no.10

One of the club’s main targets this summer has been Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze. Some reports suggest that personal terms have already been agreed but club-to-club talks are yet to take place.

A potential alternative could be RB Leipzig midfielder Xavi Simons. That’s according to Italian journalist Orazio Accomando, who has revealed that Andrea Berta is ‘working to deliver another coup’ for Arsenal.

He reveals that ‘talks are ongoing’ with Leipzig over a deal and although no fee has been mentioned, previous reports have indicated it may take £68.8m to prise him away from the Bundesliga.

Why Xavi Simons is bad news for Ethan Nwaneri

While a certain Emmanuel Eboue isn’t always the voice of football, he has delivered one statement that reveals why Arsenal need to do all they can to keep hold of Nwaneri.

“I think Ethan can be better than Yamal if he works hard and respects the game,” the former Arsenal defender once commented.

Whether or not you believe that remark, it shows the considerable amount of hype the teen has been generating.

“The touches he produces in and around the box, I don’t want to say it, but it’s like Messi,” Joe Cole also once said.

Losing him, therefore, would be a colossal blow. So, Arsenal need to present him with game time. Where is that most likely? Well, at the moment, he’s done a mighty fine job playing second fiddle to Saka on the right wing but he’s an attacking midfielder by trade, a central player blessed with close-touch control and a goalscoring ability.

During the 2023/24 season, his final as an academy player, Nwaneri played 18 times as a no.10 and scored 13 goals in the process. His best position is clearly there but he has to get past Martin Odegaard first.

Ethan Nwaneri career by position

Position

Games

Goals

Assists

Attacking midfield

45

20

7

Right wing

20

4

2

Centre-forward

9

11

2

Left wing

1

0

1

Stats via Transfermarkt.

Despite scoring just three Premier League goals last term, the club captain isn’t going to be moved aside very easily. Thus, if the Gunners sign Simons too, Nwaneri surely isn’t going to get much of a look in his favoured role.

That isn’t to say the Dutchman wouldn’t be a good signing though. Born out of Barcelona’s famed La Masia, Simons was once a wonderkid with the world at his feet, just like Nwaneri.

However, after never making the grade as a senior pro at Barca and struggling for game time at PSG after moving to France, he’s gone the long way round to find a home in senior football at Leipzig.

During his time with the German outfit, the 22-year-old has cemented himself as “one of the best 10s in the world” in the words of one data analyst.

Why? Well, he’s not only a brilliant creator, but he’s also full of goals. In 2023/24, the young Netherlands international scored ten and supplied 15 goals. In 2024/25, he found the net on 11 occasions and registered eight assists.

Simons vs Nwaneri in 2024/25 – League only

Stat (per 90 mins)

Simons

Nwaneri

Goals

0.42

0.40

Assists

0.40

0.20

Shots

2.09

2.42

Key passes

2.13

1.62

Progressive passes

5.86

3.33

Shot-creating actions

4.52

2.93

Progressive carries

3.56

4.65

Successful take-ons

1.38

3.74

Stats via FBRef.

On that evidence, he is the ideal player to provide competition for an out-of-form Odegaard.

Now, while he would certainly add an undoubted amount of extra quality to the Arsenal side, Arteta and Berta must weigh up what this move means for Nwaneri, particularly with Chelsea registering an interest.

The Gunners feel like they’re in a win the title at all costs scenario, but they must think of the long-term here too. Either way, it’s not as though Nwaneri, one of England’s best young prospects, couldn’t help them win a title now either.

Just look at Lewis-Skelly. Also aged 18, he is now a regular starter and starred in the Bernabeu as Arteta’s men defeated Real Madrid.

This will be an intriguing dilemma should Arsenal decide to further their interest in Simons.

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Posts ByMatt Dawson Jul 6, 2025

Fernando finishes with nine in the match to wrap up innings-and-204-run victory

ECB Reporters Network02-Jul-2024

Ben Coad ripped through Derbyshire’s second innings•Getty Images

A six-wicket haul by Ben Coad carried Yorkshire to a crushing victory over Derbyshire by an innings and 204 runs on the third day of the Vitality County Championship match at Chesterfield.The pace bowler marked his return from a back injury by taking 6 for 30 with Sri Lankan paceman Vishwa Fernando claiming 4 for 58 to finish with 10 wickets in the match.Derbyshire were bowled out for 171 before tea with the only real resistance coming from skipper David Lloyd with 57 and Ross Whiteley who bludgeoned five sixes in his 52.Jonny Tattersall made 107 before the visitors declared on 451 for 9 leaving Derbyshire to score 375 to make Yorkshire bat again but Coad and Fernando ran through them in less than 43 overs.It was the first time Yorkshire had won back-to-back championship matches by an innings since June 2015 when they beat Nottinghamshire and Durham.The overcast conditions made it a good day for bowling but Yorkshire batted on to secure a fifth batting point and to allow Tattersall to complete his third first-class hundred.He reached three figures by steering Daryn Dupavillon behind point for his 13th four before the fall of three wickets for four runs left Yorkshire in danger of missing out on maximum bonus pointsJordan Thompson was lbw playing across the line at Luis Reece who then beat Coad’s big swing in his next over.When Tattersall pulled Dupavillon into Reece’s hands at mid-wicket, Yorkshire were still three runs short but an edge by Fernando to the third man boundary achieved their first target of the day.Derbyshire’s objective was to show some fight after the debacle of the first innings but they lost both openers without a run on the board.The first ball from Coad was in the channel forcing Mitch Wagstaff to play and Tattersall dived across to hold the edge.When Fernando trapped Reece on the crease in the next over, Derbyshire’s hopes of taking the game into the fourth day were already crumbling and by lunch, they were staring at a crushing defeat.Brooke Guest was pinned in front by another full length ball from Coad and after Lloyd pulled Fernando for six when he switched ends, the Sri Lankan struck again by trapping Wayne Madsen lbw.At lunch, Derbyshire were 57 for 4 but Lloyd showed some defiance after the interval, cutting and driving Fernando for two fours in an over before driving George Hill back down the ground on his way to a 73 ball 50.Lloyd and Aneurin Donald shared Derbyshire’s first 50 stand of the match but it ended when Donald played down the wrong line at Coad and had his off stump knocked back.Whiteley survived a sharp chance when a leading edge off Coad flew high to third slip but in his next over, he moved one away to have Lloyd caught behind.Coad completed a five wicket haul by swinging one back in to have Alex Thomson lbw and the next ball took the edge as Zak Chappell pushed forward to give Tattersall another catch.Sam Conners narrowly survived the hat-trick ball at which point Whiteley decided to go down swinging, driving Coad for a big six before dispatching Dan Moriarty for two more maximums.The left-arm spinner was driven and pulled for two more sixes in his next over but Whiteley then pulled Fernando to mid-wicket to give Yorkshire a memorable victory.