Crystal Palace have now emerged as dark horses to sign a “future Ballon d’Or winner” as a possible replacement for Eberechi Eze this summer, according to a report.
Eze's future at Selhurst Park in doubt
Eze has once again been very impressive in a Palace shirt this season, picking up four goals and eight assists in the Premier League, while he also played a major role in the 3-0 FA Cup semi-final victory over Aston Villa, scoring the opening goal in the rout.
As such, the England international is now starting to attract widespread attention from elsewhere, with Premier League rivals Liverpool recently being named as the frontrunners for his signature.
There could be fierce competition for the 26-year-old, however, with Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur also in the race, and there is a feeling he could be “open” to a move to north London.
Would cost £0: Crystal Palace now open talks to sign versatile 6'4 colossus
The Eagles have made contact over a move for a defender, who is capable of playing in five positions.
ByDominic Lund Apr 24, 2025
With Eze contracted until 2027, it remains to be seen whether the Eagles are willing to sanction his departure this summer, particularly considering Marc Guehi, Jean-Philippe Mateta and Adam Wharton are also attracting interest.
However, should Palace decide to cash-in, they will need to bring in a replacement, and a report from Caught Offside has now revealed they are now emerging as dark horses to sign Lyon attacking midfielder Rayan Cherki.
Rayan Cherki
Cherki is being targeted by a number of Europe’s top clubs, with Lyon prepared to let him leave for a fee of €30m – €35m (£25m – £30m) this summer, which is viewed as a bargain sum by a number of the potential suitors.
With the likes of Arsenal, Manchester United and Tottenham also in the picture, it may be difficult for Oliver Glasner’s side win the race, but the Lyon star is keen on a move to the Premier League this summer.
"Genius" Cherki could be "future Ballon d'Or winner"
French journalist Julien Laurens is a big fan of the young Frenchman previously lauding him as a “genius” after performing a remarkable roulette during Lyon’s 3-1 victory against AS Monaco.
The 21-year-old broke into the Lyon team at a very young age, making a total of 27 appearances in the 2020-21 campaign, but this season has been by far his best to date, picking up 12 goals and 19 assists in all competitions.
Competition
Appearances
Goals
Assists
Ligue 1
27
8
10
Europa League
12
4
8
Coupe de France
2
0
1
Having also been described as a potential “future Ballon d’Or winner”, there is every indication that Cherki could be a real coup for Palace, but it may be incredibly difficult to compete with the likes of Arsenal and Manchester United in the race for his signature.
Newcastle United are well in contention to finish in the Champions League slots and could strike on the market to bring in one of the world’s most recognisable defenders, per a report.
Newcastle look to cement themselves among Premier League elite
Eddie Howe has done a fantastic job at Newcastle and is rightfully adored by their fanatical support, having ended their 56-year trophy drought a matter of weeks ago against Liverpool at Wembley.
Now, the Magpies are firmly in the hunt for a top-five finish and look odds-on to secure a Champions League place for next season, which, in turn, could see a raft of exciting reinforcements targeted to bolster PIF’s mission to establish their side among the elite.
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe and Bruno Guimaraes celebrate after the match
With the potential to make a statement, Newcastle are in the mix to sign Manchester City star Jack Grealish. However, Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur also want to buy the veteran England international.
Arriving at the Etihad Stadium in a £100 million deal back in 2021, it feels unlikely that the Citizens would look to recoup anywhere near that level of fee for his services.
Offering encouragement, Newcastle find themselves in pole position to sign Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford and may be able to do a deal worth in the region of £50 million.
Forget Isak & Murphy: Newcastle ace is now playing like an £86m superstar
Newcastle consolidated their position in the top four with a commanding win over Crystal Palace.
ByAngus Sinclair Apr 17, 2025
Attacking reinforcements appear to be on the agenda in the North East, especially when considering the depth they will need balance continental football and Premier League duties next term.
The same train of thought applies to the other end of the field, and Newcastle are now eyeing a potential move for a star could garner global attention.
Newcastle look open talks to sign Bayern Munich's Kim Min-jae
According to Foot Mercato, Newcastle have made contact over a move for Bayern Munich’s Kim Min-jae after reaching out to his representatives to express their interest. Chelsea are also in the mix for the South Korea international, who is said to be open to a summer departure following his £42.8 million move to the Allianz Arena in 2023.
Kim Min-jae’s solid Bundesliga campaign – 2024/25
Tackles won
20
Duels won
124
Aerial duels won
82
Interceptions
36
Recoveries
150
Pass accuracy
92.6%
Labelled “extraordinary” by Park Ji-Sung, the 28-year-old has made 42 appearances across all competitions this campaign, registering three goals in total.
Fabian Schar has recently signed a new deal at St James’ Park and Jamaal Lascelles has another year than initially thought as club captain, but Kim would presumably seek to be first choice with the skipper used more as a depth option again.
Bringing leadership and quality in central defence, the former Napoli man is the sort of player that could take the Magpies up a level or two in their hunt to consistently challenge for major honours under Howe’s stewardship should they be able to push a deal over the line.
Arsenal are in “ongoing” transfer discussions with a forward via agents, as sporting director Andrea Berta and manager Mikel Arteta continue their planning for the summer transfer window.
Arsenal braced for historic Champions League night at Real Madrid
While their recruitment plans for next season are beginning to be put into focus, Arteta and co’s current first priority is preparing for what could be an historic Champions League night at the Bernabeu.
Arsenal: £200k-p/w star holds exit talks with Arteta very likely to lose him
His departure would give the Gunners boss a major headache.
ByEmilio Galantini Apr 15, 2025
Arsenal hold a 3-0 aggregate lead over Real Madrid heading into their quarter-final second leg, courtesy of two sensational free-kicks from Declan Rice and Mikel Merino’s superb finish at the Emirates this time last week.
Ipswich Town (away)
April 20th
Crystal Palace (home)
April 23rd
Bournemouth (home)
May 3rd
Liverpool (away)
May 11th
Newcastle United (home)
May 18th
Los Blancos must now mount a major comeback to stand any hope of keeping their Champions League hopes alive, but it is only half-time and Carlo Ancelotti’s side still pose a serious threat.
It is by some distance Arsenal’s most crucial game of the entire season so far, and it has the power to make or break their campaign after they conceded defeat to Liverpool in the Premier League title race.
Nothing less than perfect will do against Europe’s most feared side on away turf, with potential victory against Real also coming as a real statement to the rest of the continent that Arsenal are now among it’s truly elite teams.
A good run in the Champions League will also pay dividends when it comes to attracting their top transfer targets when the window reopens, with Berta planning to sign multiple attackers for Arsenal after being appointed as their new sporting director.
This reportedly includes a left-winger, right-winger and striker (GiveMeSport), with many interesting names becoming linked to joining Arteta as we approach what will be a “big” summer for Arsenal, by Arteta’s own admission.
In the last few days, it has emerged that Bayern Munich winger Kingsley Coman is becoming a more serious target for Arsenal.
Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg first reported the Frenchman is being viewed as an alternative to Leroy Sané, and Arsenal are among the favourites to strike a deal for Coman.
Now, the same journalist has shared another update on the 28-year-old’s future involving Arsenal.
Arsenal in "ongoing" talks with Bayern Munich star Kingsley Coman
Plettenberg reports that Coman’s representatives are in “ongoing” talks over a potential move to Arsenal, while Bayern are set to replace the winger, eight years after he completed a permanent move to Bayern from Juventus for around £18 million.
“There is contact between Arsenal and Kingsley Coman’s management, with both sides in ongoing communication,” wrote Plettenberg.
France's KingsleyComancomes on as a substitute to replace Michael Olise asFrancecoach Didier Deschamps looks on
“Arsenal are aware that Saudi Arabia is a very appealing option for Coman, but they have expressed their interest. Coman and Bayern are expected to part ways in the summer. The situation is positive, with open dialogue between all parties. Coman will be replaced.”
The former PSG forward has featured regularly under Vincent Kompany this campaign, heading into double digits for goals and assists combined, but he’s been in and out of the starting eleven amid fierce competition for places.
The Premier League appears a viable move as he hits the prime of his career, with Tottenham also believed to be expressing an interest in Coman this summer.
This season could have been catastrophic for Manchester City, but they’re now very much on course to salvage the campaign.
On Wednesday night, even without the sidelined Erling Haaland, the Sky Blues swatted aside Leicester at the Etihad, thanks to first-half goals from Jack Grealish and then Omar Marmoush.
Manchester City's KevinDeBruynecelebrates scoring their second goal with teammates
This victory propelled Pep Guardiola’s team up to fourth, ahead of a fascinating Manchester derby at Old Trafford on Sunday.
The Citizens could also bookend a generally miserable season with silverware, through to the FA Cup semi-finals for a seventh successive season, set to face high-fliers Nottingham Forest at Wembley in three and a half week’s time.
As Man City rebuild, and Guardiola continues to rejig his team, has he found his new Raheem Sterling?
Raheem Sterling's Manchester City career
As outlined by David Mercer of Sky News, Sterling has spent his entire career ‘in the spotlight’ with ‘newspaper controversies’ often overshadowing his sporting talent.
This was certainly the case when he made the £49m move from Liverpool to Manchester City in 2015, with former Manchester United defender Paul Parker labeling him ‘overpriced’, claiming Man City paid ‘a lot of money’ for a player who hadn’t ‘really done anything that’s worthy of that price’.
Well, fair to say, Sterling did justify his price tag in sky blue, scoring 131 goals and providing 73 assists in 339 appearances for the club, winning four Premier League titles, an FA Cup and five EFL Cups.
Guardiola labeled him ‘so important’ to their success, while Vincent Kompany believed, at his peak, Sterling was ‘one of the best wingers in the world’. His form at Chelsea and now Arsenal subsequently show Man City were vindicated to sell him for £47.5m when they did.
Now, can Man City’s current mercurial talent, who exists under a similar level of media scrutiny, rediscover his best form and become a key figure for Guardiola once again?
Man City's new Raheem Sterling
By opening the scoring against Leicester on Wednesday, Jack Grealish ended his 473-day wait for a Premier League goal, dedicating it to his younger brother Keelan, who tragically died exactly 25 years ago to the day.
On Wednesday, Guardiola chose to deploy Grealish as the central playmaker, handing him his first Premier League start since Christmas, a decision that was certainly vindicated.
The England international certainly made a strong case to start as the number ten in Sunday’s Manchester derby too, considering both Phil Foden and Kevin De Bruyne continue to misfire, notably reduced to a role among the subs.
Minutes played
90
Goals
1
Assists
0
Touches
68
Accurate passes
51/55 (93%)
Shots
2
Key passes
2
Duels won
1/9
Fouls won
1
By his own admission, Grealish has not been at his best this season, but he still has plenty to offer between now and the end of the campaign.
Similar to Sterling, Grealish exists under intense media scrutiny, which John Nicholson of Football365 describes as ‘grotesque’ and hyperbolic stupidity in pursuit of content’.
Chalkboard
Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.
The most recent example of this came just last month when the Daily Mail ran a story about Grealish spending an evening in a pub in Newcastle, supposedly ‘stumbling’ out in the early hours of the morning.
Back on the pitch, Gareth Southgate described Grealish as “fantastic”, so let’s compare his campaign to those of the aforementioned Foden and De Bruyne, attempting to decipher who Guardiola should start going forward.
Appearances
28
31
39
Minutes
1,430
1,698
2,674
Goals
3
4
10
Assists
5
7
6
Chances created
51
54
70
Take-on success %
41.2%
37.5%
40%
Shot-creating actions per 90
5.56
6
4.66
Pass completion %
87.8%
75.9%
84.8%
Touches per 90
37
60
51
As the table outlines, Grealish comes out on top when it comes to dribbling and pass completion, with Foden registering the best statistics overall, albeit he’s played 1,200 more minutes than his compatriot and 1,000 more than De Bruyne.
Manchester City's Jack Grealish
So, while none of the trio have been at their best, Grealish might just be the man in form, suggesting their ‘new Sterling’ should start at Old Trafford this weekend.
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Manchester City could now have unearthed their Kevin De Bruyne replacement.
Everton are keen to bring in some fresh blood during the January window and could now be lining up a multi-layered deal to acquire a former star at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Everton left frustrated after heavy defeat against Newcastle United
Despite holding home advantage, Everton were beaten convincingly by Newcastle United at Goodison Park on Saturday and will feel a sense of frustration at their poor defensive display, a rarity under the stewardship of David Moyes.
After a joyous victory away at Manchester United on Monday, despite having ten men for much of the affair, the Toffees failed to show the same resilience against Eddie Howe’s men and paid the price under the lights at their new stadium.
Speaking post-match, the Scot had no excuses for his side being unable to trouble the Geordies and made it clear that their European experience was a factor that helped shape a difficult night for the hosts.
He said: “We were beaten by a far better team. We go again, you move on but Newcastle were much better than us. You can see the experience they are gaining from playing in European games. They were just much more powerful than us all night.”
Even with a decent start to the Premier League campaign under their belt, Everton are building for January and could target FC Midtjylland forward Franculino Dju to try and arrest Thierno Barry’s goal drought since arriving on Merseyside.
Everton line up January move for England international who Alan Shearer called "world class"
The Toffees have spotted a low-cost opportunity.
ByHenry Jackson Nov 22, 2025
Celtic’s Daizen Maeda is also a wanted man and may be attainable, though they could also be willing to strengthen further back on the left-hand side if recent developments were to come to fruition.
Everton could look to re-sign Antonee Robinson
According to Alan Nixon on Patreon, Everton are keen to re-sign Fulham captain Antonee Robinson and believe £25m could be enough to secure his signature in January.
Armed with several formulas to potentially complete a deal, Vitaly Mykolenko has been mentioned as a potential swap option, with the Toffees unlikely to meet the Cottagers’ £40m valuation of the United States international.
Lauded by Sky Sports’ Dougie Critchley last season as being “one of the best left-backs in the world”, Robinson has made just four appearances for Fulham this term and has struggled with knee problems, which have seen him miss six Premier League matches in a row as he looks to get back to fitness.
Having come through the youth system at Everton before joining Wigan Athletic and then going on to move to West London, he is acutely aware of the club’s culture and would be a seamless fit, though it remains to be seen if the Blues can push a deal over the line.
“Leave the football before the football leaves you” was the message that Jamie Carragher handed to Manchester United midfielder Casemiro in early 2024.
It was one of the aggressive forms of criticism we’ve seen on Sky Sports in recent years and it was arguably deserved.
The Brazilian was one of the best midfielders in the world at Real Madrid. He was a serial winner, a Champions League legend.
At Old Trafford, however, his career has started to wane. Who could forget Casemiro’s tired and laboured display against Crystal Palace at the back end of 2023/24?
He was dribbled past a remarkable eight times during that game. For no context, no player in the whole of that Premier League campaign was dribbled past on more occasions in one match.
Since then, however, Casemiro has enjoyed something of a revival under Ruben Amorim in 2025/26. Long gone are the days of Erik ten Hag fielding the veteran at centre-half. He looks like a proper midfielder again.
The Brazil international has been one of United’s most consistent players this term, scoring three goals and supplying an assist. Yet, that should not distract supporters from the fact that he is still a problem.
He’s now 33 years of age and cannot be trusted to play for 90 minutes. Because of that, the transfer chiefs at United are considering launching a big-money move for a new midfielder in 2026.
The search for a Casemiro heir at Man United
While many problems linger in the air at Old Trafford, the biggest arguably lies at wing-back and in the centre of midfield.
United bolstered their attacking line significantly in the summer with the additions of Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha but the midfield went untouched. That needs to change in January or next summer.
There are three players who appear to be at the forefront of their minds. Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson would appear to be the dream target but he is also being chased by rivals Manchester City and could cost a fortune.
Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton is another long-term target and could finally make his big move in 2026. He gave Casemiro the runaround during United’s 2-1 win on Sunday. Samuel Luckhurst noted that the Brazilian looked “haunted” by his experience at Selhurst Park just a couple of years ago.
The other target is Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba but his form has taken a downturn in 2025/26 and he doesn’t look like a player worthy of a previous £100m price tag.
Touches
48
Accurate passes
23/29 (79%)
Key passes
1
Accurate crosses
1/3
Shots
1
Tackles won
3/3
Interceptions
1
Clearances
2
Recoveries
7
Duels won
5/7
Anderson and Wharton would be the ideal solution to United’s woes and according to the numbers, it’s the former who should be the priority target.
He’s a bigger threat in the final third but he doesn’t shirk his defensive duties. He’s won more duels and made more ball recoveries per 90 minutes this season than his England colleague. According to Thomas Tuchel, he’s “one of the best midfielders in the Premier League”.
Yet, what if United had already signed their answer to Wharton and Baleba?
Man United have found their own Wharton and Baleba
United have taken a vested interest in improving their youth ranks since INEOS completed their takeover of the club.
Towards the beginning of 2025 they signed young Malian midfielder Sekou Kone in a bargain deal and while he is yet to appear for the first-team just yet, he has endured an injury-hit first few months at Carrington and looks a real superstar in the making.
There is also left wing-back Diego Leon, the young defender who looks well set to replace either Patrick Dorgu or Diogo Dalot in that position before too long.
The latest talent who looks set to arrive is a 17-year-old midfielder by the name of Cristian Orozco.
It was reported last week that United were set to complete a move to sign the teenager, with Orozco flying to the UK over the weekend to formalise a $1m move from Colombian side Fortaleza.
So, who is the budding youngster? Well, he’s notably been compared to both Casemiro and Moises Caicedo. Already it’s clear to see why comparisons are also being made to Baleba, the man Brighton actually tasked with replacing Caicedo at the Amex.
Having captained Colombia at U17 level, he already boasts natural leadership skills but it’s his skillset in and out of possession that makes him so exciting.
Como scout Ben Mattinson has outlined that Orozco is capable of ‘controlling the game from deep in midfield’. His best attributes are his press resistance and footwork to turn past defenders, while he’s ‘so composed under pressure’ and is capable of ‘recycling possession’ superbly well.
On that evidence, it’s easy to see why comparisons to Wharton are being made. The Palace midfielder is one of the most press-resistant midfielders in the English top-flight and that was clear for all to see when he supplied the pass that led to Palace’s penalty on Sunday. He evaded his marker with ease and then picked out a punchy forward pass.
Orozco, however, isn’t just about making things look pretty. Further labelled as “a midfield destroyer with leadership maturity far beyond his age” by one analyst on social media, he also brings the best of Baleba who is more defensively minded than Wharton.
United’s new signing is unlikely to provide them with too much threat in the final third but like Wharton he’ll evade the press and manoeuvre the ball nicely. Like Baleba, he’s also capable of sitting in front of the defence and breaking up play.
The teenager certainly isn’t ready for first-team football just yet but INEOS could well save themselves a fortune in the transfer market here.
Not just Zirkzee: Man Utd star who was a "waste of time" is now undroppable
This Man Utd player starred in their 2-1 win away to Crystal Palace
Wolverhampton Wanderers are now reportedly prioritising a deal to sign Lazio goalkeeper Christos Mandas, who is now available at a cut-price ahead of the January transfer window.
It’s been a whirlwind couple of weeks for those in the Midlands. After sacking Vitor Pereira, Wolves went on the hunt for a new manager and landed on Rob Edwards, who controversially left Middlesbrough to take the vacant position. He’s since claimed that no other job would have lured him away from Riverside and he now has the chance to keep his dream club afloat in the Premier League.
Fosun in contact to sign £30m Premier League ace who Wolves feel is perfect
The Old Gold haven’t got the reply they’d have wanted.
ByCharlie Smith Nov 21, 2025
Speaking to reporters after arriving, Edwards said: “It feels amazing to be back. I’m really proud. I’m genuinely proud and I’ve told all the staff and players that. I won’t lie about it, it has been an aim of mine since I first got the under-18’s job here 11 years ago. It’s something that I’ve always wanted to do.
“But this was something that I’ve wanted to do for a long, long time, and I didn’t know if this job would ever come up again for me. The opportunity might never, ever come up for me to be the head coach of this club. I didn’t want to look back in 10, 15, 20 years, and think I turned down a chance to manage Wolves in the Premier League.
“I didn’t want to regret that, so here I am. I know the size and the scale of the task, but I’m really enthused by it, I’m excited by it, and this week has been really enjoyable. But now the games start, so let’s see.”
He will be well aware that the task on his hands is far from easy, but Wolves are seemingly willing to back their new manager when the January transfer window arrives – starting with a new shot-stopper.
Wolves prioritising Christos Mandas move
As reported by Ben Jacobs for GiveMeSport, Wolves are now prioritising a move for Mandas in January as they search for a new goalkeeper. The shot-stopper is open to a move away from the Serie A club after going from the No.1 under Maurizio Sarri to without a league appearance all season under Marcos Baroni.
Unlike in the summer, Wolves also have the chance to land a bargain deal. When those in the Midlands previously set their sights on Mandas, they were quoted a £22m fee. Now, as Lazio look to climb out of their financial struggles, he’s set to be available for a maximum of £12m when January arrives.
Described as “reactive” by his agent, Diego Tavano, Mandas arguably needs Wolves just as much as they need him. The one-time Manchester City target would provide Edwards with an instant upgrade on Jose Sa, who is 32 years old and struggling for consistency.
At 24, there’s also every chance that Mandas rediscovers his best form by leaving Lazio. The Italians sit mid-table in Serie A and the goalkeeper still hasn’t been able to win back his starting place.
Wolves now want to sign £20m set-piece specialist compared to Declan Rice
Over the years, Manchester United has been the home to numerous elite-level centre-forwards, with Robin van Persie one who captured the hearts of the fanbase.
The Dutchman joined in a controversial deal from Premier League rivals Arsenal for a reported £24m back in August 2012 – a deal that proved to be an absolute bargain.
He ended up making 105 appearances for the Red Devils, scoring a total of 58 goals, with his total of 26 league goals in 2012/13 helping Sir Alex Ferguson win his final top-flight title.
Former Manchester United forward Robin van Persie.
Van Persie also managed to notch 16 assists during such a period, taking his total goal contributions to 74, resulting in an average of 0.7 goals or assists per game over a three-year period.
Such a record has undoubtedly cemented his place in the Red Devils history, but numerous managers have been unable to rely upon similar talents at Old Trafford.
Ruben Amorim is the latest manager to try and unearth his own version of the talisman, subsequently spending big on a new centre-forward during the recent summer window.
The reasons behind Benjamin Sesko’s struggles at United
After taking the reins back in November last year, Amorim had to rely upon the likes of Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee to provide the goods at the top end of the pitch.
However, the duo’s tally of just seven combined goals in the Premier League last season highlighted the need for reinforcements during the summer transfer window.
The board handed the manager over £200m worth of funds to make the desired changes, which resulted in three huge names making the move to Old Trafford.
Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo were just two of the additions made by the hierarchy, with Benjamin Sesko the player brought in to operate alongside the pair in the final third.
The latter of the trio cost a reported £74m from RB Leipzig during the summer, with real hope generated by the fans that he would be the man to solve their issues.
However, his start to life in Manchester has been far from plain sailing, as seen by his tally of just two goals in his first 11 league outings – even going four games without a goal.
His early struggles will no doubt present cause for concern, with his underlying numbers also highlighting his lack of impact in recent months after his big-money switch.
He’s only registered a total of 3.6 touches in the opposition box per 90, which has ranked him in the bottom 20% of all other centre forwards in England’s top-flight.
Such a figure showcases that he’s either unable to get himself into the right positions, or he’s not being provided the goods – which could explain his lowly goalscoring tally.
However, Sesko has been hugely reliant upon players around him, with his tally of 0.2 dribbles completed showcasing that he’s unlikely to create a chance on his own.
Like the aforementioned tally, it has placed him in the bottom 20% of other strikers in the league, which could also be contributing to his lack of goals at present.
The United star who could end Sesko’s Man Utd career
There’s no doubt that Sesko will need added time to flourish in England, with his big-money transfer to United in the summer presenting a huge culture change for the 22-year-old.
He’s had to move to a new country, league and surroundings, which is certainly a daunting task for a young talent – which too could be having an effect on his lack of output.
But the lack of quality in such a department has no doubt ramped up the pressure on the Slovenian international to provide the goods in front of goal at Old Trafford.
Amorim will no doubt have to manage Sesko personally to get the best out of the centre-forward, but it’s unclear how much patience the manager will present to the new addition.
The fans, too, will need to cut him some slack, but it will no doubt be tricky, especially given the form of the previous talents in such a role – including the likes of Van Persie.
However, the club may have their next talisman in the form of Chido Obi, with the young star already matching the Dutchman in making the move to Old Trafford from rivals Arsenal.
At just 17, the fans will have to be patient with the Dane, but there’s no doubt excitement has been generated by his incredible goalscoring record in the youth setup.
He scored 13 times in just 11 appearances for the U18 outfit last campaign, living up to the billing he is a “goalscoring machine” in the words of scout Jacek Kulig. Such form has seen him make the step-up to the U21 squad over the last couple of months.
Obi has now made 22 appearances at such a level, scoring nine times and registering four assists in the process – even managing to thrive at an age group four years above his own.
Given the lack of quality in the centre-forward department last season, Amorim even handed the teenager his first taste of senior football in an attempt to improve the situation.
The Dane made a total of eight first-team appearances in 2024/25, but failed to find the back of the net once – however, it didn’t stop the youngster from receiving huge praise.
Teammate Leny Yoro previously waxed lyrical about the youngster, even claiming that he could become “one of the world’s best” in the years to come should he continue on his current path.
After returning to youth level, Obi has backed up Yoro’s statement, averaging a goal every 100 minutes and registering a staggering total of 2.2 shots on target per 90 this season.
Games played
8
Games started
3
Goals scored
3
Mins per goal
100
Shots on target
2.2
Dribbles completed
68%
Touches in opposition box
6.6
Fouls won
1.7
He’s even completed 68% of the dribbles he’s attempted, massively starring in such an area, something which Sesko has been unable to do over the last few months.
Obi has also dominated countless backlines lately, as seen by his tally of 4.7 duels won, with his physical presence potentially perfect for Amorim’s current side.
Whilst he’s just 17, the future is massively bright for the Dane at Old Trafford, with the club desperately needing to streamline his progress into the senior ranks.
Sesko’s inability to impress could certainly hand the manager the perfect chance to allow him to stake his claim and nail down the position as his very own for many years to come.
If he can match Van Persie’s level during his own time with the Red Devils, he will certainly be a fan-favourite and a player who can take the first-team back to their former glory.
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While things might not have ended as well as they could have, there are few figures more legendary in the history of The Arsenal than Arsène Wenger.
The Frenchman ushered in a period of immense success in the late 1990s and early 2000s that the club have not even come close to matching since.
However, with how things are going this season, that could soon be about to change.
Moreover, it would be fair to say that Mikel Arteta now has a star in his squad who’s undoubtedly the best player Arsenal have had since Wenger retired.
Arsenal's best players since Wenger retired
When looking at the best players signed by, or developed by, Arsenal since Wenger stepped away from management, there are more than a handful of names you could pick out.
Chalkboard
Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.
For example, for everything he did wrong, Unai Emery signed off on William Saliba’s move in the summer of 2019, and then just a year later, Arteta made his best defensive acquisition by bringing in Gabriel Magalhães from LOSC Lille.
Together, the centre-back pairing have been nothing short of exceptional over the last few years, and as things stand this season, have conceded just three goals in all competitions and should they win it, could go down as the best defensive partnership in Premier League history.
Ferdinand & Vidic
120
0.71
Keown & Adams
97
0.73
Campbell & Toure
59
0.73
Terry & Carvalho
85
0.76
Lescott & Kompany
58
0.76
Gabriel & Saliba
93
0.78
Van Dijk & Matip
72
0.81
Moving into the middle of the park, and, in this conversation, it’s impossible to ignore club-record signing Declan Rice.
The former West Ham United captain made his way to the Emirates under a tremendous amount of pressure, but from his first game to today, he’s proven to be worth every penny.
From his ability to break up play, carry the ball from deep, score important goals and deliver the ball with pinpoint accuracy from set-pieces, he, without a shadow of a doubt, is a “world-class” midfielder.
Staying in midfield, and while he had a down season last year, and has had some terrible luck with injuries this term, Martin Odegaard deserves to be in this conversation.
The Norwegian international was made club captain in the summer of 2023, won back-to-back Player of the Season awards, and, at his best, can be utterly mesmerising to watch on the ball.
However, with all that said, when it comes to the club’s best player since Wenger left, there is one star who stands head and shoulders above the rest.
Arsenal's greatest player since Wenger retired
While fans will have their own favourite players, it would be hard to deny that, as things stand, Bukayo Saka is the best player Arsenal have had since Wenger retired.
The Hale End icon made his first team debut under Emery in a Europa League game away to Vorskla Poltava in November 2018, and then earned his first start at home against Qarabağ FK a month later.
However, it’s been under Arteta that the Englishman has transformed from a versatile utility player who often popped up at left-back, into one of the best right-wingers in world football.
Not only that, though, but the 24-year-old game-changer has become the club’s talisman and the face of its rejuvenation over the last few years.
It shouldn’t have come as much of a surprise then that, following his hamstring injury and surgery last season, the Gunners became far less potent in attack.
Appearances
274
Minutes
20713′
Goals
74
Assists
72
Goal involvements per match
0.53
Minutes per goal involvement
141.86′
In his career to date, the North Londoners’ “legend in the making” as dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has scored 74 goals and provided 72 assists in 274 first-team appearances, totalling 20713 minutes.
That comes out to a sensational average of a goal involvement every 1.87 games, or every 141.86 minutes, which is made all the more impressive by the fact he’s made 21 appearances at left-back.
As if his record at club level wasn’t enough, he has also won 46 senior caps for England, in which he’s scored 13 goals, provided nine assists and been named Player of the Year twice.
Ultimately, there is still much to come from Saka, but based on his already astounding record and the fact that he has become the club’s poster boy, it’s clear that he has been Arsenal’s best player since Wenger left the dugout.
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.
Tottenham winger Mohammed Kudus was forced to sit out their last match in the Champions League after picking up a knock, with supporters understandably hoping that he doesn’t also miss their crunch clash with Man United this weekend.
It is perhaps the worst time to face Ruben Amorim’s side right now, with the Red Devils winning three out of their last four Premier League games and starting to look fairly solid after months of topsy-turvy form.
Spurs’ face-off against United will be the first time both sides have met since the Lilywhites’ historic Europa League final triumph in May – a match which gifted Tottenham their first piece of major silverware since 2008 and granted them a pathway into Europe.
The stats heavily favour Thomas Frank, with the north Londoners standing out as United’s major bogey team of the last 24 months.
Tottenham have won five and drew two of their last seven meetings in all competitions, and if they beat them again on Saturday, it’ll be the first time any Spurs side has won three consecutive league games against United since the 1959/1960 season.
That being said, Tottenham’s home form is a real cause for concern right now. No side has lost more Premier League home games than Spurs in 2025 (9), and Frank’s team is currently ravaged by injuries.
Kudus, who’s dazzled as their key attacking star since joining from West Ham for £55 million in the summer, even drawing comparisons to Mousa Dembele, joined their extensive absentee list earlier this week after missing training prior to Tottenham’s 4-0 rout of FC Copenhagen.
Dejan Kulusevski
Knee
22/11/2025
James Maddison
ACL
01/06/2026
Radu Dragusin
Knee
22/11/2025
Ben Davies
Thigh
23/11/2025
Kota Takai
Ankle/Foot
23/11/2025
Yves Bissouma
Ankle/Foot
23/11/2025
Lucas Bergvall
Concussion
23/11/2025
Dominic Solanke
Ankle
23/11/2025
Archie Gray
Calf/Shin/Heel
23/11/2025
via Premier Injuries
Not having the winger available for their looming clash with United at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium would be a bitter blow for Frank, but they’ve now been handed a positive update.
Tottenham given Mohammed Kudus update after four-word Man United statement
The African was left out of Spurs’ squad to face Copenhagen but was in attendance to watch his side triumph, and he was questioned about his condition in the mixed zone after full-time.
When asked if he would be fit to face United, via Standard Sport, Kudus replied:
This comes as a very encouraging update as Kudus strongly suggests that he could be ready for selection, but Frank will provide an even more definitive update in his pre-match press conference.
The Ghanaian has been a revelation under Frank, averaging more successful takes-ons per 90 than any other player in the top flight according to WhoScored, with Kudus chalking up five goal contributions to boot.
The 25-year-old is poised to play a key role for Tottenham as they chase more major silverware and Champions League qualification this season, and having him return could be vital as Frank looks to put last weekend’s dismal home performance against Chelsea behind him.
Kudus’ creativity, dribbling, close control and one-v-one ability have been a nightmare for opposing full-backs so far this term, with the former Ajax star and Joao Palhinha standing out as the club’s best buys of the summer.
Kudus already boasts one goal and an assist in three total outings against Man United, so Amorim knows all about the threat he poses.