All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

It’s been a long time since the mood around Arsenal has been this positive.

Mikel Arteta’s side are through to the quarter-finals of the League Cup, flying high in the Champions League and currently top of the Premier League.

Moreover, even with the injustices they’ve had to contend with, the Gunners have looked far and away the most assured and confident team in the country.

However, the North Londoners cannot rest on their laurels and have the chance to put more pressure on their rivals with a game against Burnley this afternoon. To ensure his side gets all three points, Arteta must drop one of those who starred on Wednesday night.

The changes Arteta should make for Burnley

Starting at the sharp end of the pitch, and for as well as they did against the Seagulls, Arteta should obviously take Andre Harriman-Annous and Max Dowman out of the team for Viktor Gyokeres and Bukayo Saka.

Chalkboard

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

The latter is simply the side’s talisman, and the former, while he hasn’t scored enough in the league, does stretch opposition defences and create space for his teammates.

On the left, with Gabriel Martinelli confirmed to be out of contention, it would make sense to bring Leandro Trossard back into the team and move Eberechi Eze back into the midfield.

The former Crystal Palace star scored last time out in the league, and while Ethan Nwaneri looked good on Wednesday, Arteta will want more of a controller in the middle of the park in Martin Odegaard’s absence.

Coming into the midfield alongside the 27-year-old has to be Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi, as the former’s deadball wizardry should come in handy against a Clarets side that will likely sit deep, and the latter could help kickstart attacks from deep.

Finally, while they performed well in the week, Arteta should consider replacing most of his defensive unit for this game.

While David Raya, Jurrien Timber, and Gabriel Magehele pick themselves, the manager will have a decision to make for his second centre-back, as William Saliba remains a doubt for the game.

Fortunately, Cristhian Mosquera has been incredible this year, and therefore should start a second game in succession, as risking the Frenchman at this point would be foolish.

Last but not least, Arteta has a decision to make at left-back.

Arteta must start Arsenal's player of the season

It might sound harsh considering his sensational performance against Brighton, in which he provided an assist, but Arteta should drop Myles Lewis-Skelly, who club insider Hand of Arsenal has dubbed a “future captain,” for Riccardo Calafiori.

There are a few reasons why he should make this decision, but the primary one is the simple fact that the Italian has, in the words of Ray Parlour, one of Arsenal’s “players of the season.”

After a disappointing campaign last year, in which he was blighted by injury, the Italian international has come back like a man possessed so far this year and become a key part of the team in defence and attack.

For example, he has played in every league game so far, helping the team concede just three goals.

Additionally, he scored the only goal in the match against Manchester United and provided two assists against Leeds United for good measure.

Moreover, even though Arteta has a reputation for being a somewhat conservative coach, he allows the former Bologna star to maraud all over the pitch, so much so that the Telegraph’s Sam Dean described him as a “wild horse” and journalist James Benge called him “the most electrifying man in sports entertainment.”

Such appraisals of the 23-year-old are proven accurate by simply watching him play, but they are also more than backed up by his underlying numbers.

Shots Total

2.20

Top 1%

GCA (Defensive Action)

0.13

Top 1%

xG: Expected Goals

0.25

Top 4%

npxG: Non-Penalty xG

0.25

Top 4%

SCA (Fouls Drawn)

0.26

Top 4%

GCA (Shot)

0.13

Top 4%

Goals + Assists

0.39

Top 7%

npxG + xAG

0.31

Top 7%

SCA (Shot)

0.39

Top 7%

Goal-Creating Actions

0.65

Top 7%

Touches (Att Pen)

3.50

Top 7%

SCA (Defensive Action)

0.13

Top 10%

Assists

0.26

Top 13%

npxG/Shot

0.11

Top 16%

GCA (Live-ball Pass)

0.39

Top 16%

Goals

0.13

Top 19%

Non-Penalty Goals

0.13

Top 19%

Passes Completed (Medium)

18.78

Top 19%

For example, FBref ranks him in the top 1% of full-backs in the league for total shots, the top 4% for expected goals, the top 7% for goals plus assists, the top 10% for touches in the opposition’s penalty area and more, all per 90.

Ultimately, while dropping Lewis-Skelly might seem harsh, Arteta simply has to start Calafiori in the league, as he has been nothing short of sensational this season.

Arteta's "foul magnet" is now looking like Arsenal's next Alexis Sanchez

The incredibly exciting talent could end up being as good as Alexis Sanchez for Arsenal.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Oct 31, 2025

Manchester United are now eyeing a “sensational” £52m Kobbie Mainoo replacement, having received the green light from Ruben Amorim.

Mainoo heading for the exit door amid Keane criticism

Amorim has been extremely reluctant to give Mainoo game time this season, but the Man United manager has the backing of Roy Keane, who recently suggested the midfielder hasn’t done enough in substitute appearances to force his way into contention.

Keane said: “He’s had opportunities recently and when he’s come on and got opportunities, he just looks a bit short for me. I wouldn’t be scratching my head thinking: why is he not in the team? I can see why he is not picking him at this moment in time.”

However, with an opportunity to play for England at the 2026 World Cup at stake, the 20-year-old cannot afford to sit on the bench for the entire season, and it has now been revealed that he is close to sealing a January exit.

Man Utd preparing bid for £43m Gabriel & Saliba "hybrid" demanded by Amorim

The Red Devils are now readying a big offer for a January signing, with Ruben Amorim personally very keen.

1 ByDominic Lund Oct 22, 2025

Napoli are now leading the race for the central midfielder, with the Italian club advancing in talks in recent days, and the academy graduate’s departure could exacerbate the need for Amorim to sign a new midfielder this winter.

As such, the United manager has now given a move for Atletico Madrid’s Conor Gallagher the green light, according to a report from Football Insider, which states the former Chelsea man is being targeted as a direct replacement for Mainoo.

The Red Devils are closely monitoring Gallagher ahead of the January transfer window, as club chiefs believe he would be a better fit in Amorim’s system than Mainoo, but there may be competition for his signature.

Crystal Palace and Tottenham Hotspur are also credited with an interest in the 25-year-old, although a deal could be expensive, considering he was recently valued at the £52m mark.

"Sensational" Gallagher could be solid Mainoo replacement

It would be sad to see Mainoo leave, given that the youngster progressed through the youth ranks, but Amorim clearly isn’t totally convinced by the Stockport-born ace, who has featured for just 118 minutes across six Premier League appearances this season.

In an ideal world, Man United would sign one of the best midfielders in the world to replace the starlet, but the Atletico Madrid maestro could be a solid option, given his previous exploits in the Premier League and battle-tested mentality.

During his time with Crystal Palace in the 2021-22 campaign, the Epsom-born midfielder displayed his attacking prowess, chipping in with eight goals and three assists in the top flight, while he is also solid defensively.

Indeed, Gallagher places in the 96th percentile for interceptions per 90 over the past year, when compared to his positional peers, proving that he is a well-rounded midfielder.

Liverpool needed a response after they were beaten in their own backyard by Manchester United at the weekend, thus condemning Arne Slot to three successive Premier League defeats.

And reply they did against Eintracht Frankfurt, winning 5-1 in the Champions League to end the losing run and turn toward a weekend trip to Brentford with fresh optimism

It was a rip-roaring attacking display. Defensive fragilities remain, but there are promising signs for Slot and co to grab onto and develop.

But for Mohamed Salah, the win in Germany was one of strife on an individual level. Left out of the starting line-up for the second Champions League match in a row, he entered late on and failed to get in on the action, finishing tamely when the opening was there to play Florian Wirtz in for a tap-in, thus handing the new recruit his first goal in red.

Salah's struggles continue

Salah has for so long been the indomitable hero at the front of Liverpool’s success. But this season, the 33-year-old is struggling, having scored only three times across 12 matches, and with no contributions across his past five.

Everyone anticipates his revival, but Liverpool’s win over Frankfurt came without the veteran in the starting line-up, and pointed toward a future beyond the legendary winger’s presence.

Last season, the Egyptian legend scored 34 goals and assisted 23 more across all competitions. He was the leading force of Slot’s title charge and won the full gamut of individual accolades.

The drop-off has been stark, and though Salah wasn’t performing with his same gusto and athleticism last season, he was sharper than ever and incredibly prolific. That wellspring has dried up, and it’s uncharted territory.

Goals

0.77

0.25

Assists

0.48

0.25

Shots taken

3.23

1.77

Shot-creating actions

4.51

2.65

Touches (att pen)

9.50

5.30

Pass completion (%)

70.6

69.0

Progressive passes

3.84

3.28

Progressive carries

4.14

3.16

Successful take-ons

1.55

0.13

Ball recoveries

2.70

3.16

There is the fact that Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak’s respective arrivals have reshaped Salah’s role somewhat, with the elite marksmen commanding the box as Darwin Nunez and, in a makeshift role, Luis Diaz did not last season.

Salah is getting old. While he is still underperforming the expected level, the £400k-per-week superstar is entering the autumn of his glittering Premier League career.

And, with this in mind, Liverpool will need to identify a new proverbial talisman. Perhaps they already have.

Liverpool's new version of Salah

Salah will forever be remembered as one of the most iconic forwards in Liverpool’s history. He is one of the greatest Premier League players of all time.

It is only October, and the clinical winger will surely find form again soon, but there’s a sense he might struggle to outscore Ekitike, who looks every bit the perfect successor as Liverpool’s new star forward, even when pitted against a phenomenon like Isak.

Liverpool signed the 23-year-old Frenchman from Frankfurt this summer for an initial £69m fee, and he netted on his return to Die Roten this week to make it six goals (and an assist) for Slot’s side this year.

He’s brilliant. Ekitike is a deadly finisher, but he’s also so much more than that, with journalist Peter Bolster putting it perfectly.

The Liverpool writer said, “Ekitike’s got the pace of Torres, the touch of Crouch, the flair of Sturridge and the intelligence of Firmino.”

That’s quite a player, and it’s indeed fair to suggest that Liverpool’s slick striker may well be undroppable right now, especially when considering he started from the bench as the Red Devils struck a shocking blow against the Premier League champions last year.

With the rangy forward also ranking among the top 13% of positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past 12 months for shot-creating actions and the top 3% for successful take-ons per 90 (as per FBref), it’s clear that the aforementioned Bolster’s effusions might just have some substance.

His rapid running, seamless link-up play and silky movements around the final third all emphasise the calibre of talent Liverpool have signed, and like Salah before him, he is resurgent after previously falling by the wayside for a top European outfit.

Salah flopped at Chelsea. This is well-documented. But Ekitike, too, has tasted regret for a superpower, having left Reims for Paris Saint-Germain at the start of his career only to score four goals across 33 matches before being shipped out to Frankfurt in the Bundesliga.

There he made his name and was tutored into the player he is today. It is a similarity he shares with Salah, and he is a better player because of it.

Salah is too much of a world-class sensation to not rediscover his goalscoring form in the coming months, and with a player like Ekitike beside him, a stunning partnership could be forged to maintain the African’s levels across the final two years of his illustrious career in English football.

But Ekitike is coming for the crown. Few expected this would be so when Isak completed his British record move from Newcastle United to Merseyside, but the Sweden international has his work cut out if he is to shift ahead and stand as Liverpool’s star striker.

Perhaps the most exciting part is that Ekitike is only going to get better and better. Without a doubt, he has what it takes to take the baton from Salah’s hands when that rueful day comes.

Mac Allister upgrade: Liverpool preparing huge offer to sign £69m "monster"

Arne Slot’s Liverpool midfield is malfunctioning this season.

1 ByAngus Sinclair Oct 21, 2025

It’s been a fairly positive international break for Newcastle United and one player has now been the subject of high praise from former Manchester City star Micah Richards.

Newcastle stars shine on international duty

To no surprise, Nick Woltemade has been the main Newcastle name in the headlines. The German continued his good form from club level by scoring for his nation as they edged past Northern Ireland. It’s now five goals in all competitions for Newcastle’s record signing since arriving at St James’ Park and he looks unlikely to slow down anytime soon.

It’s also been a strong international break for Bruno Guimaraes. The Brazilian started both games for his nation as they smashed South Korea 5-0 before falling to an unexpected 3-2 defeat against Japan. However, the fact that he kept hold of his starting place as Carlo Ancelotti’s reign commenced, is a positive sign ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

There was one player that certainly didn’t enjoy his time away from Tyneside, though, and that’s Anthony Elanga. The winger has been part of a struggling Sweden side yet to win a game in World Cup qualifying and only saw his nation’s misery continue in defeats against Kosovo and Switzerland.

Newcastle star who's becoming a "fan favourite" could be Howe's new Joelinton

Newcastle have recruited wisely since Eddie Howe arrived four years ago.

ByAngus Sinclair Oct 15, 2025

Given that the former Nottingham Forest winger is also yet to score for Newcastle, the last thing he needed was more frustration with his country. He, as well as Eddie Howe, will be hoping for an upturn in form when the Magpies return to action.

That said, the same doesn’t apply to one of his teammates, who is beginning to rediscover his best form and earn deserved praise as a result.

Micah Richards: Gordon "next level" compared to Rashford

Left in awe of the Newcastle winger after he scored his second goal for England in a 5-0 thrashing of Latvia, Richards claimed that Gordon is the “next level” above Marcus Rashford, who is on loan at Barcelona from Manchester United after putting pen to paper on a £12m-a-year deal.

Heaping praise on Gordon, Richards said: “I think Gordon. I think Gordon. And that’s why I was talking about Rashford, because Rashford’s doing well at Barcelona, as I’ve mentioned, but Gordon, I think he’s took his game to the next level.

“I think he’s always been a confident boy. He’s always been able to go both ways. He’s played a little bit up front in that number nine role.

“He’s definitely best out, out wide, but I think his final ball’s getting a lot better. Don’t forget, when he goes down that side, he’s coming on to his left foot, but some of the balls he put in tonight, they were a lot better than I’ve seen previously. So I think he did well tonight.”

After their dismal Premier League season in 2024/25, it’s no surprise that Manchester United have spent big in the transfer window in an attempt to hand Ruben Amorim the tools for success.

The 40-year-old could only achieve a 15th-placed finish after taking the reins from Erik ten Hag in November, finally having the opportunity to make his own mark on the side this summer.

He’s taken action and cleared out the deadwood within the first team squad, before splashing over £130m on the additions of Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha – arriving from Brentford and Wolves, respectively.

Benjamin Sesko could be another player to make the move to Old Trafford, after the 22-year-old agreed personal terms with the Red Devils after making a £74m bid for his services.

However, despite the prospect of the Slovenian making a move to link up with Cunha and Mbeumo, Amorim clearly wants more additions, making key moves in other areas of the pitch as a result.

The latest on United’s hunt for additions this summer

Douglas Luiz is a player who reemerged on United’s shortlist earlier this week, with the Juventus midfielder set to depart his current side before the end of the window.

The Brazilian is also on the radar of Everton and Nottingham Forest this summer, with the Serie A side demanding a permanent transfer rather than a loan move.

However, another midfielder has emerged on their shortlist in recent days, with Brighton and Hove Albion star Carlos Baleba a player in their sights, according to L’Equipe.

They claim that Liverpool and Arsenal are also interested in a move for the 21-year-old before the end of the window – which finishes on the 1st of September.

Despite the interest from elsewhere, the report claims that the Red Devils are currently the side in pole position for his signature, with a £100m transfer fee mooted – a figure that would be a club record.

Why United’s £100m target would be perfect for Bruno

Bruno Fernandes ended the most recent campaign with 38 combined goals and assists for United last season, by far and away the most in the first-team squad.

Such a tally undoubtedly pushed the side away from any relegation battle, whilst helping them reach the Europa League final – in which they fell at the final hurdle against Tottenham Hotspur.

The Portuguese international has been a consistent presence in the side since his arrival back in January 2020, making 290 appearances for the club, often featuring in an attacking midfield role.

However, he may struggle to feature in a deeper role next season, with Cunha and Mbeumo expected to operate in the number ten roles behind the striker.

He will subsequently have to feature as part of the central midfield department, potentially benefiting massively from the potential addition of Baleba in the next few weeks.

The Cameroonian would be the perfect ball-winning option that could allow the 30-year-old to still cause havoc with the ball at his feet within the attacking areas.

Baleba, who’s been labelled “phenomenal” by one analyst, made 2.3 tackles per 90 last season, along with 1.4 interceptions – having the talent to break up the play at the heart of the side.

1. Carlos Baleba

1.6

2. Matthijs de Ligt

0.9

3. Harry Maguire

0.6

= Casemiro

0.6

4. Lisandro Martínez

0.4

= Christian Eriksen

0.4

5. Diogo Dalot

0.3

= Noussair Mazraoui

0.3

However, he also thrived with the ball at his feet, completing 88% of the passes he attempted, with 3.7 of which being into the final third, allowing Bruno to be provided with the opportunity to impress once again in 2025/26.

His talent on the ball is further highlighted by his tally of 58% of take-ons completed, whilst also possessing an excellent long-range strike that saw him find the net on three occasions last time around.

Whilst £100m appears to be a mammoth sum of money for a player with just two years’ experience in England’s top-flight, it’s a signing that would massively bolster the options at Amorim’s disposal.

If he can thrive in and out of possession like he has at the AMEX, it would be the perfect signing for Bruno, who can still thrive despite dropping into a deeper role next campaign.

Amorim can get Sesko firing at Man Utd by signing 'one of the world's best'

Manchester United could yet continue their heavy spending under Ruben Amorim this summer.

ByEthan Lamb Aug 7, 2025

Everton are looking to strike on the market and could now have moved ahead of their rivals in the race to sign a midfielder with Premier League experience, according to a report.

Everton ready to bring in new recruits

The Toffees have added Carlos Alcaraz and Thierno Barry to their ranks as they begin to step up their hunt for reinforcements, and they could now look to fight Manchester United for the signing of Leicester midfielder Wilfred Ndidi in a bargain £9 million deal off-set by his relegation release clause.

Shedding some light on the situation, Pete O’Rourke stated: “I think he will leave Leicester this summer. Obviously, this release clause in there makes it easier for clubs to try and sign Ndidi.

“I think it could be one of the bargains of the transfer window due to that £9million release clause. I’m not surprised Everton have been having a look at him. There’s also interest from Crystal Palace, Fulham and Manchester United as well. There will also be interest from abroad, as Juventus are very much interested in the midfielder.”

In recent weeks, Everton have also made an enquiry to sign Aston Villa midfielder John McGinn, though they were rebuffed in their approach despite being willing to pay £30 million for the Scotland international.

Abdoulaye Doucoure and Orel Mangala have left vacancies to be filled within David Moyes’ engine room, and the Friedkin Group have their sights on premium arrivals to replicate their impact at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton’s first five Premier League fixtures

Leeds United (A)

Elland Road

Brighton & Hove Albion (H)

Hill Dickinson Stadium

Wolverhampton Wanderers (A)

Molineux

Aston Villa (H)

Hill Dickinson Stadium

Liverpool (A)

Anfield

With that in mind, the Toffees could now burst ahead of their rivals to bring in a midfielder who has already enjoyed plenty of success in the Premier League.

Everton in active negotiations to sign Douglas Luiz

According to TEAMtalk, Everton are in active negotiations to sign Juventus midfielder Douglas Luiz, and they could now leap ahead of several rival suitors in the race for the Brazil international.

Moyes views the former Aston Villa man as an ideal addition to solidify his engine room due to his top-flight experience and quality in possession, and he may be available for a bargain fee of £21.6 million after a disappointing campaign in Turin.

Everton now want to sign new Premier League 26 y/o with Moyes a "big fan"

The Toffees are in the market for reinforcements.

ByTom Cunningham Jul 9, 2025

After a return of 27 appearances across all competitions, Olympic gold medallist Luiz is also being tracked by Fulham, Manchester United and Aston Villa. Still, Everton appear to be the ‘most active’ club when it comes to pursuing a transfer with the Toffees ‘serious about making a move’.

Now, it is expected that they will up their bid to bring him to Merseyside in the coming weeks and hope to convince the Rio De Janeiro-born star that his future lies under the guise of Moyes.

Previously, Luiz has been labelled “amazing” by Roy Keane and clearly has a lot left to give at the elite level and a change of clubs could be the perfect tonic to reignite his career.

Crystal Palace are now lining up a £27m double swoop for a “terrific” defender and a “monster” midfielder, according to a report.

Palace eyeing new defender with Guehi exit increasingly likely

Marc Guehi has just one year remaining on his contract at Selhurst Park, meaning this summer is Palace’s last chance to cash-in for a large fee, and Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg has now revealed the centre-back is edging closer to the exit door.

As such, Oliver Glasner faces the difficult task of finding a replacement for his captain, but there has now been a breakthrough in the pursuit of Sporting CP’s Ousmane Diomande, with widespread recent reports suggesting the Eagles are closing in on a deal.

The signing of Diomande could be viewed as a real coup, given that the likes of Newcastle United and Real Madrid have also been named as interested parties, but the Sporting ace is not the only centre-back of interest.

According to a report from The Sun, Crystal Palace are now lining up a double swoop for Middlesbrough centre-back Rav van den Berg and midfielder Hayden Hackney, which could amount to £27m.

Palace scouts have been watching the Boro duo in action at the U21 European Championship, with Hackney playing a role in England’s triumph, picking up one assist in four appearances throughout the tournament.

Boro boss Rob Edwards is eager to keep hold of the midfielder, but a sale for a large fee could help the manager fund his own summer transfer business.

Hackney and Van den Berg could be savvy signings for Palace

Palace have displayed a good eye for signing top Championship talents in the past, with Eberechi Eze arriving from Queens Park Rangers and going on to score the winner in the FA Cup final against Manchester City.

There are also signs the Middlesbrough duo could go on to be successes in the Premier League, with Hackney being lauded as a “monster” by one analyst, picking up five goals and three assists in the Championship last term.

At 23-years-old, the defensive midfielder is at a good age to be a long-term success at Selhurst Park, and the same can be said about 20-year-old Van den Berg, who received high praise from Michael Carrick last season.

Wow: Crystal Palace now hold direct talks to sign £15m Brighton "playmaker"

The Eagles have approached a Brighton player over a potential move to Selhurst Park this summer.

ByDominic Lund Jun 29, 2025

“He’s a terrific individual, really grounded and humble, terrific character and great attitude. He has a real calming influence but quite sure of himself in a really good way.”

Palace should have a sizeable transfer kitty if the Guehi sale goes through, and the Middlesbrough starlets could be bargain signings at a combined £27m.

Everton have enjoyed plenty of success when it comes to signing players from the EFL since 2004.

Tim Cahill was the first real star to move from the Championship to Everton that summer, before the likes of Joleon Lescott, Phil Jagielka, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, and Dwight McNeil have followed throughout the years.

It is a place where talented players can be signed for a reduced fee, especially if a club has just suffered relegation.

The transfer window is already weeks old and only Carlos Alcaraz has signed permanently. The Toffees faithful will be hoping David Moyes can change this sooner rather than later by welcoming in another player from the EFL.

Everton eyeing Championship starlet

A move for Villarreal striker Thierno Barry looks close to being sealed and this could act as a catalyst for more incomings.

Barry looks set to cost around £34.5m, but there is no doubt that he is exactly the type of signing Everton needs.

Now, according to Football Insider journalist Pete O’Rourke, a move for Ipswich Town starlet Omari Hutchinson could be next.

The journalist stated the player would love the chance to return to the Premier League, with the publication specifically name-checking the Toffees as one possible destination.

The Englishman has a release clause in his contract worth £35m and this is surely an enticing proposition for Moyes.

Considering the club’s success at poaching talented players from the Championship in recent years, this is a move the Toffees should be all over in the coming weeks.

With Iliman Ndiaye on one wing and Hutchinson in the middle, Everton could provide Barry with plenty of opportunities next term.

Why Omari Hutchinson could be Ndiaye 2.0 at Everton

Ndiaye was particularly impressive for the Toffees last term. Following his summer arrival from Marseille, the Senegal international scored 11 goals, including nine in the Premier League.

These efforts played a huge part in the club preserving their top-flight status, and he will be key for Moyes next season.

Hutchinson, who was hailed as “dazzling” by Statman Dave in 2024, is cut from a similar cloth and despite not being able to get on the ball as much during Ipswich dismal Premier League campaign, he did shine for England at the U21 European Championships this summer.

Goals

1

Assists

1

Key passes per game

1.8

Big chances created

3

Successful dribbles per game

2

Shots per game

1.5

He scored in the final against Germany, which saw his country defend their title, and a move back to the Premier League now seems inevitable.

Interestingly enough, Hutchinson could perhaps become Ndiaye 2.0, as the Senegal star is his fourth-most comparable player according to FBref.

Last season, the pair registered similar statistics across a range of metrics, including shots (1.57 vs 1.3), shot-creating actions (2.82 vs 2.41) per 90 minutes, successful take-ons (51 vs 68), touches in the attacking penalty area (92 vs 83) and carries into the penalty area (37 vs 32), suggesting the pair offer plenty in the final third.

Ndiaye settled in nicely at the club last term, eventually ending it as their top scorer across all competitions.

Should Hutchinson swap East Anglia for Merseyside, there is every chance he could sparkle under the tutelage of Moyes next term.

It could turn into an excellent signing. That much is certain.

Everton now ready to pay £5m+ to sign new star with same agent as McNeil

The Toffees are ready to take advantage…

1 BySean Markus Clifford Jul 7, 2025

The wait for a new centre-forward continues to drag on, but Arsenal’s summer transfer activity is now in full swing, with Brentford’s Christian Norgaard all but confirmed to be the next addition of the Mikel Arteta regime.

This shock, swift deal for the 31-year-old Dane – which will likely cost in the region of £15m, including add-ons – has come as a bolt from the blue, in truth, with the Gunners targeting a Premier League proven replacement for the departed Jorginho, alongside the reportedly departing Thomas Partey.

At a time when supporters are almost begging for new reinforcements to pep up the forward line, the arrival of the defensive midfielder is not exactly the most glamorous or exciting of moves. That said, increasing the strength in depth in the centre of the pitch is nothing to be sniffed at.

Indeed, the north London side have seemingly already bolstered their midfield ranks with the capture of Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi, with the Euro 2024 winner set to move to the Emirates as a matter of when and not if.

Formerly a leading target for Liverpool, before turning down the Reds, the 26-year-old has been the centre of a drawn-out saga across the last 12 months or so, with it yet to be seen if the Spaniard will indeed live up to the billing.

The hope will be that those moves are just the start of a hectic window for Arteta and co, with even more eye-catching deals reportedly being lined up.

Latest on Arsenal's search for a new defender

An already impressive defensive unit – which shipped just 34 Premier League goals last season – could be strengthened even further over the coming months, if Arteta gets his way, with a handful of standout targets having already emerged.

Recent speculation has indicated that the Gunners could well be in the mix for Crystal Palace and England star, Marc Guehi, albeit with it yet to be seen whether the ex-Chelsea man – who has just 12 months remaining on his existing deal – would be willing to battle it out with Gabriel and William Saliba for a starting berth.

Elsewhere, meanwhile, Arteta’s love of a versatile asset could see Arsenal’s interest in a certain Jorrel Hato be ramped up in the near future, with journalist Graeme Bailey providing the latest on their pursuit of the Ajax starlet.

Transfer Focus

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

The transfer insider has outlined that while it is Chelsea who are “pushing hard” to sign the teenage Dutchman, it is those at the Emirates who are quietly confident of striking a deal instead for what is a long-term target:

“Arsenal see Hato as the perfect addition to the left side of their defence, but obviously it’s far from a done deal. We know that Chelsea are pushing hard to sign Hato and Liverpool still really like him. But I think Arsenal would be annoyed if they didn’t get Hato considering how much work they’ve been putting in.

“Arsenal have been chasing Hato since he was around 14 or 15 years old, so I think there is a bit of confidence there. They want to sell Zinchenko to make room for Hato and then we still expect Kiwior to go as well. There will be plenty of room in that squad for Hato who is able to play a variety of roles.”

Reportedly valued at around £40m, amid such mounting interest, the 19-year-old would represent a truly standout capture for the north Londoners this summer.

Why Hato could be a bigger coup than Zubimendi

In the case of Zubimendi, the impending £51m arrival will certainly add touch of silk and steel to Arsenal’s midfield ranks, having notably ranked in the top 19% of LaLiga midfielders in 2024/25 for progressive passes per 90, as per FBref, as well is in the top 14% for interceptions per 90. In essence, he is an effective performer both in and out of possession.

That was evident during Spain’s Nations League final defeat to Portugal, in particular, having notably opened the scoring in that 2-2 draw, while also producing a stunning surging run from deep at one stage to tee up Isco.

More than a safe and steady number six then, the Basque sensation will be a real asset over the coming years in the capital, with excitement brewing over the partnership he can strike up with Declan Rice next season.

For all that positivity, any deal for the aforementioned Hato would surely eclipse that move, with it likely to represent a truly sizeable coup if Arsenal can beat Chelsea to the signing of a player with “immense quality”, as per talent scout Jacek Kulig.

As Kulig also noted, the flexible defender – who can operate at centre-back or left-back – has already racked up over 100 appearances (111) for Ajax despite having yet to turn 20. For comparison, Zubimendi didn’t make his LaLiga debut until he had already turned 20.

Equally too, Hato has already matched Zubimendi’s tally of nine assists at senior level to date, despite making 125 fewer appearances for his current side.

Described by Kulig as “one of the most exciting left-footed centre-backs in world football”, the teenage titan notably enjoyed a particularly impressive 2024/25 campaign, having registered two goals and six assists in the Eredivisie from his defensive berth.

Games (starts)

31 (30)

36 (33)

Goals

2

2

Assists

6

1

Big chances created

6

1

Key passes*

0.6

0.5

Pass accuracy*

90%

84%

Tackles*

1.9

2.0

Interceptions*

0.7

1.2

Dribbled past*

0.3

0.4

Possession lost*

8.3

10.0

Again, for comparison, Zubimendi – despite operating slightly further forward than his young counterpart – chipped in with just two goals and one assist, with the La Roja star also falling behind with regard to pass completion, big chances created and key passes.

Yes, the difference in quality between the two leagues is certainly a factor – with Spain’s top-flight deemed to be the fourth-best in the world – yet it can’t be overlooked just what Hato is able to offer, even when operating in the backline.

With the potential for the Netherlands U21 international to be a fixture of Arsenal’s defence for a decade or so too, considering his age, this is certainly a deal worth pursuing.

Priorities, in the eyes of supporters, may lie elsewhere, but if the Gunners want to committ to enjoying long-term success, than a figure like Hato could be just the solution.

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Amid speculation that Nelson Semedo could be on his way out of the Midlands at the end of his contract this month, Wolverhampton Wanderers have reportedly joined the race to sign an instant replacement.

Semedo films Wolves farewell

Having already lost both Rayan Ait-Nouri and Matheus Cunha to Manchester City and Manchester United respectively, the last thing that Wolves need is another departure. With just a matter of weeks remaining on his current deal, however, Semedo looks destined to hand the Midlands club exactly that. The right-back’s future remains in doubt and he has seemingly been pictured filming what may well be a farewell to the fans at Molineux.

With another departure on the cards, Wolves could be in for a hectic summer ahead of Vitor Pereira’s first full season in charge. So far, the Portuguese manager has done everything right in charge of the Midlands club, but he will be desperate to ensure that the good times continue even without stars of Ait-Nouri and Cunha’s calibre.

The Wolves boss told reporters in the final stages of last season: “Of course, we need players. We need to be stronger next season, competing for every game. What I learned is that with this level of focus, we cannot compete with these kinds of teams.

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“It means next season we must be better, we must compete inside (the club). If you don’t compete inside, then you have problems — you must compete inside the club every day in training. You must have competition for your position. The players are not happy for sure (with the result) because they know they can do better.”

With that need for players, it looks as though Wolves have wasted no time before turning towards an experienced defender who could arrive to replace Semedo this summer.

Wolves join hectic Coufal race

According to Football Insider, Wolves have now joined the race to sign Vladimir Coufal alongside Premier League rivals Everton and Leeds United. The veteran right-back left West Ham United as a free agent after five years at the club, but could yet get the chance to stay put in England’s top flight even without the Hammers.

A player who would match Semedo’s experience, Coufal still has something to offer after leaving West Ham and Wolves should take full advantage. Statistically speaking, the 32-year-old wasn’t far off matching Semedo every step of the way last season.

Minutes

1,067

2,886

Tackles Won

1.26

1.12

Interceptions

0.67

0.72

Ball Recoveries

3.28

4.33

Hailed as “brilliant” by former West Ham boss David Moyes during his time with the Irons, Coufal may not be a long-term option, but he does represent a bargain candidate to instantly solve a pending problem for Wolves.

As a free agent, the ball could be in Coufal’s court this summer and it doesn’t look as though he’s going to be short on Premier League options.