All posts by z3u9t.icu

Tottenham Hotspur have now made an approach to sign a “world-class” midfielder, who could be in line to join alongside Morgan Gibbs-White, according to a report.

Spurs' Gibbs-White pursuit takes twist

It appeared as though Tottenham were very close to getting a deal for Gibbs-White over the line, having triggered the £60m release clause in his contract, but the saga has recently taken a twist.

Nottingham Forest have now reported Spurs to the Premier League, with the Tricky Trees threatening legal action, as they believe an illegal approach was made for the midfielder, which means the deal has stalled.

However, Fabrizio Romano has since provided a positive update on the situation, with the transfer expert saying: “Tottenham maintain their position. They are convinced about their behaviour. They want to proceed with the deal, they want to sign the player. Nottingham Forest are prepared to fight. So, let’s see what’s going to happen there.

“But, for sure, the Gibbs-White deal now has an issue to be solved between the two clubs. That’s going to be one to watch in the coming days and hours, with Tottenham still hopeful and confident to get the player.”

Not only are the Lilywhites vying to sign a new attacking midfielder, but they are also keen on a more defensive option, and a report from GiveMeSport has revealed Spurs have also made an approach to sign Bayern Munich’s Joao Palhinha.

Tottenham have made initial contact over a deal for Palhinha, who joined the German club from Fulham in a deal worth around £47m last summer, and Daniel Levy is prepared to launch a bid if it becomes apparent the Portuguese midfielder is available.

It may take a sizeable bid to tempt Bayern into a sale, however, and the 30-year-old’s wage demands are likely to be high, considering he rakes in £200k-a-week at the Allianz Arena when bonuses are triggered.

"World-class" Palhinha could be ideal Spurs signing

Tottenham struggled defensively for large parts of the 2024-25 campaign, shipping 65 goals in the Premier League, and the Portugal international could provide some stability in midfield, given that he is exceptional at winning back possession.

Chief flies to London for transfer talks with £100k-per-week Tottenham star

He could leave Spurs this summer.

ByEmilio Galantini Jul 13, 2025

During the 2023-24 Premier League season, no player won more tackles than the former Fulham man, and he has continued to catch the eye at times for Bayern over the past year.

Statistic

Average per 90

Tackles

3.19 (93rd percentile)

Aerials won

2.34 (96th percentile)

Blocks

1.49 (79th percentile)

Pass completion %

92.4% (97th percentile)

Having already proven himself in the Premier League, during which time he was lauded as “world-class” by journalist Dom Smith, Palhinha could be a fantastic signing for Tottenham this summer, but it may be a slight concern that he is now in his thirties.

This summer feels like it’s going to be a massive one for Tottenham Hotspur.

Thomas Frank has stepped into the spotlight following Ange Postecoglou’s sacking, and on top of having a good go in the Champions League, he’ll be tasked with overseeing a dramatic improvement in the team’s Premier League form.

The good news is that Daniel Levy and Co appear intent on properly backing the Danish coach, and have already made the impressive signing of Mohammed Kudus.

Moreover, the club seem determined to bring in Morgan Gibbs-White, although they’re also linked with another Premier League ace who’d have an even greater impact on the team.

Tottenham target Premier League goalscorer

It would be fair to say that when news first broke of Spurs’ pursuit to sign Gibbs-White, it was something of a surprise.

Transfer Focus

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

After all, they had just signed Kudus, and fans aren’t used to the club going so big in the market.

However, despite supposedly activating his £60m release clause, the deal is currently at a standstill, with the Tricky Trees alleging foul play.

It does feel more like a matter of when and not if the Englishman joins the Lilywhites, but they’re also linked with another Premier League ace who could have an even bigger impact next season: Yoane Wissa.

Yes, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke on the latest episode of Football Insider’s Inside Track Podcast, Spurs are still very much interested in the Brentford star.

It could be a challenging deal to get done, though, as O’Rourke claims that should Bryan Mbuemo move to Manchester United, the Bees will look to block any bids for the prolific striker.

However, prior reports suggest that an offer of around £50m could tempt the West Londoners into selling, and with the player supposedly keen on a move to N17, that could be the magic number.

It could be a costly and complicated transfer to get done, but Wissa who is one “the best strikers in the Premier League” in the words of Sky Sports Lyall Thomas, would be well worth pursuing.

Why Wissa would have a bigger impact at Spurs than Gibbs-White

Now, the first thing to say is that both players would be incredible additions to this Spurs team.

However, we believe Wissa will have a bigger impact than Gibbs-White, at least next season, primarily due to the competition for places and their respective output.

As things stand, Frank already has two seriously talented attacking midfielders to choose from in his squad.

Dejan Kulusevski racked up ten goals and 11 assists in 50 appearances last season, and James Maddison was even more effective, racking up 12 goals and 11 assists in 45 games.

So, even though Gibbs-White would be making the team stronger, he might struggle to get ahead of the Englishman and Swede, especially as 17 goal involvements in 38 games isn’t quite as good a return.

In contrast, the only player likely to compete with the “unbelievable” Brentford star, as dubbed by former manager Thomas Frank, on a regular basis next season is Dominic Solanke, and when we compare their output, it’s the Congolese ace who emerges victorious.

For example, he racked up a tally of 20 goals and five assists in 39 appearances, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.56 games.

Appearances

39

45

Minutes

3079′

3393′

Goals

20

16

Assists

5

8

Goal Involvements per Match

0.64

0.53

Minutes per Goal Involvement

123.16′

141.37′

Solanke, on the other hand, scored 16 goals and provided eight assists in 45 appearances, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.87 games.

Ultimately, thanks to his significantly better level of output and the clearer path to regular game time, Wissa could well end up having a bigger impact at Spurs than Gibbs-White next season.

Gibbs-White will love him: Spurs huge admirers of £80m Premier League star

Tottenham Hotspur’s huge transfer window has shown no signs of slowing down in recent days.

ByEthan Lamb Jul 14, 2025

Leeds United have made an enquiry to sign “one of the most versatile players in world football”, according to a new transfer update.

Leeds targeting physical players with Bijol and Bornauw

The Whites, Daniel Farke and the 49ers so far have a clear plan when it comes to the transfer window and bringing in new players. Lukas Nmecha, Jaka Bijol and Sebastiaan Bornauw are the three new additions ahead of the club’s Premier League return, and all three players are over 6 feet tall.

Leeds vs Everton

August 18

Arsenal vs Leeds

August 23

Leeds vs Newcastle

August 30

Fulham vs Leeds

September 13

Wolves vs Leeds

September 20

Leeds are looking to make their side more physical to deal with defending and attacking set pieces in the top flight and are targeting midfielder Anton Stach from Hoffenheim.

The ball-winning central midfielder fits the profile of being 26 and over 6’0″ and could arrive to challenge the likes of Ethan Ampadu and Ao Tanaka in midfield.

Better signing than Diarra: Leeds lead race to sign "outstanding" £18m star

Leeds United could soon purchase this outstanding £18m star in a deal that might be better than securing Habib Diarra.

ByKelan Sarson Jul 4, 2025

It is shaping up to be a busy few months ahead of the opening game of the season against Everton at Elland Road, and a new name that has emerged as a potential target would offer plenty of versatility to Farke’s side.

Leeds make approach to sign £12m Weah

According to reports from Italy, relayed by MOT Leeds News, Leeds have made an enquiry to sign Timothy Weah from Juventus. Also wanted by Everton and Marseille, Weah is thought to be worth around £12m but actually holds a career-high Transfermarkt valuation of €17m.

Standing at 6ft, he may pass the test for Leeds, and he can play anywhere on the right-hand side, so may rival Jayden Bogle at right-back, a player he has been compared to by Football Transfers, or Dan James on the wing.

The USA international, known for ‘immense speed’, can also turn out as a centre-forward or as a left-winger and contributed to 11 goals for Juventus last season.

After coming through the ranks at Paris Saint-Germain as a teenager, Weah had a loan spell in Scotland with Celtic before joining Lille on a permanent deal in 2019. Four years later he signed for Juventus, and he is under contract with the Italian giants until 2028.

Following recent links to Nottingham Forest earlier in the window, Sky Sports reporter Dougie Critchley called Weah “one of the most versatile players in world football”.

“Timothy Weah is one of the most versatile players in world football. Last season alone he played in all 3 positions on both flanks and was even used as a centre forward.”

It looks as if a move to Yorkshire could be one to keep an eye on, albeit Leeds have allegedly only made an approach for Weah’s services so far.

A £140,000 a-week Liverpool player is now excited about leaving the Premier League champions after his agent met with a top European club, according to a new report.

Liverpool announce Kerkez and close in on Marc Guehi transfer

Liverpool announced their third major signing of the summer on Thursday, as Milos Kerkez joined the Reds in a deal worth £40 million from AFC Bournemouth. His arrival now takes Liverpool’s spending to £170 million so far this summer, but the Reds and Arne Slot are not finished there.

Liverpool set to send nearly £10m to Chelsea as they close in on centre-back deal

Liverpool are closing in on another signing following Kerkez’s arrival.

1 ByBrett Worthington Jun 26, 2025

According to Daveockop, Liverpool are now close to signing Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace. The England international is in the final year of his contract at Selhurst Park, and the Reds are hoping that can work in their favour as they try to bring Guehi to Anfield in a deal between £40-45 million.

It’s been reported that the Premier League champions are close to agreeing personal terms with the defender, and that could see this deal progress as they now switch their attentions to their next transfer target.

But these big arrivals mean Liverpool are going to be looking to move some fringe players on, and they have now received a boost in their bid to see one player leave this summer.

£140,000-per-week Liverpool ace excited to leave

According to Corriere dello Sport, relayed by Sport Witness, Liverpool’s Darwin Nunez is now keen on joining Napoli after a meeting between the Serie A club and his agent on Wednesday.

The report states that Nunez is “fired up” by the idea of playing under Antonio Conte and sees a move to Naples as a chance to rediscover his best form. While his agent and the Italian side have held numerous rounds of talks, there is still a long way to go for the two clubs to agree a transfer fee.

It is claimed that Liverpool are now looking to sell Nunez for around €58.6 million, which is roughly £50 million. This is still considered high for Napoli, and they are trying to reduce this transfer fee through intermediaries.

Apps

143

Goals

40

Assists

26

Nunez, who currently earns £140,000 a week at Anfield, joined the Reds back in August 2022 from Benfica. The forward came with a promising reputation after scoring 26 goals in 28 Liga Portugal games in his final season with Benfica. However, while Nunez has scored goals, he has struggled to replicate the form he showed in Portugal.

Last season, Nunez scored just five times in 30 Premier League games, which was a considerable drop-off from the 11 he scored in the previous campaign. The Uruguay international is still under contract until 2028, but his departure for around £50 million would allow Liverpool to balance the books in what has been a summer of heavy investment.

Thomas Frank’s appointment at Tottenham Hotspur has started a new era at the football club, looking to build on the progress made by Ange Postecoglou.

The Aussie won the Europa League in his final game in charge, securing their place in the Champions League and handing the supporters a memorable night at the end of a dismal season.

Such a decision to sack him may have appeared harsh, but it now hands the former Brentford boss the opportunity to create new history for the club in North London.

With the summer transfer window once again open for sides to make new additions, the hierarchy have already wasted no time in targeting moves to hand him with the tools he desires.

Numerous areas of the pitch are in need of investment to help provide quality and depth in key areas, especially if they are to be competitive in the Premier League and Europe.

The latest in Spurs’ hunt for new additions this summer

After Frank’s arrival, winger Bryan Mbeumo has been largely touted with a move to follow his former manager across the capital to join Spurs this window.

However, if they are to land the 25-year-old’s signature, they will have to fend off interest from Manchester United, with the Red Devils seemingly in pole position at present.

Another name has entered the frame within the attacking department in recent days, with Rennes star Arnaud Kalimuendo firmly on their radar, according to French outlet L’Equipe.

Their report claims that the Lilywhites have been in talks with the Ligue 1 outfit over a deal for the 23-year-old, who’s scored 18 times across all competitions in 2024/25.

It also states that he’s valued at around the €25m (£21.3m) mark, but will face competition for his signature, with sides in Spain and Germany also wanting a move for the 23-year-old this summer.

Why Spurs’ latest target could be Frank’s next Wissa

As previously mentioned, Mbeumo was a key part of Frank’s success at Brentford, but striker Yoane Wissa also thrived under his guidance and reached levels never seen in his career before.

The DR Congo forward made 35 appearances in the league last time around, registering a total of 19 goals and four assists, forming an excellent partnership with the Cameroonian.

Like his current teammate, he’s been linked with a move to join Spurs this window, potentially following the manager in moving to the Tottenham Hotspur stadium.

However, they’re not alone in their hunt, with Nottingham Forest once again emerging in the race after having an offer rejected for him back in January.

If Frank is unable to land a reunion with Wissa, he should pursue a move for Kalimuendo, with the Frenchman having all the tools to be a threat in the Premier League.

The Rennes ace, who’s been labelled “one of the most prolific” stars by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has registered a higher shot-on-target accuracy rate, backing up the claim made about him.

He’s also completed more of the passes he’s attempted and registered a higher take-on success rate – handing Frank the all-round option he’ll need in North London.

Arnaud Kalimuendo

Stade Rennais

33

17

Hugo Ekitiké

Eintracht Frankfurt

33

15

Emanuel Emegha

Strasbourg

27

14

Benjamin Sesko

RB Leipzig

33

13

Mika Biereth

Monaco

16

13

Liam Delap

Ipswich Town

37

12

Thierno Barry

Villarreal

35

11

Joao Pedro

Brighton

27

10

Kalimuendo’s dominance doesn’t stop there, also registering more carries into the final third and more passes into the opposition area per 90, handing the attackers around him the chance to thrive too.

Whilst Wissa may appear to be a solid option given his time under the manager at the GTEC, a move for the Frenchman could allow the boss to land his next attacking star.

If he can transfer his skillset across to England, it would be a superb signing, having the potential to explode into an elite level talent given his tender age.

He's more exciting than Tel: Spurs now confident of signing £70m "monster"

The outrageously talented attacker will be incredible for Spurs.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jun 17, 2025

Celtic find themselves in the hunt for more forward options this summer and have received a shot in the arm regarding their pursuit of a 25-goal striker, according to a report.

Celtic looking to sign a striker this summer

Kyogo Furuhashi departed Celtic in January and there was plenty of contention surrounding the club’s decision not to replace the Japanese marksman despite a last-gasp bid to land Danny Ings from West Ham United.

In the end, Daizen Maeda moved into a central position and Adam Idah earned more seniority through the middle, leaving inexperienced forward Johnny Kenny to plug the gaps on the odd occasion.

Ending the campaign on a respectable tally of 20 goals, Celtic striker Idah is confident he can handle the scoring burden associated with being the leading number nine at Parkhead.

He stated on international duty: “The pressure is a lot and you are expected to deliver. I think with my experience now, you have to put that behind you. You know what you are good at.

“If you don’t score for a couple of games, it is not helpful to listen to an ex-player. I am not really concerned with what he thinks – I am there to do my bit.”

Celtic table bid to sign a star who'd unlock Yang's "world-class" potential

Celtic are reportedly interested in a move to sign a star who could be a dream for Hyun-jun Yang.

ByDan Emery Jun 3, 2025

Without question, Celtic will sign a striker this summer. They face more fixture congestion than most clubs around Europe due to their regular juggling act between domestic and European football.

Now, they may have received a boost regarding their pursuit of a reported target to help fill the Furuhashi-shaped void under Brendan Rodgers if recent developments are to be taken into account.

Celtic target Youssef El-Kachati rejects Hannover 96 move

According to Kicker, Celtic target Youssef El Kachati has rejected a move to Hannover 96 as his contract at Telstar moves closer to expiring, with a decision on his next club expected very soon.

The Moroccan striker was previously thought to have found a verbal agreement over a move to Germany with their sporting director Marcus Mann, but he is now said to prefer a switch to a side that will feature in European competition next season.

Youssef El Kachati in 2024/25 – all competitions

Appearances

45

Goals

25

Assists

9

Austria Wien have also been mentioned in the race for his signature. Celtic have been watching El Kachati over several months and will have been aware of his exploits that saw Telstar promoted to the Eredivisie for the first time in almost half a century.

It is anticipated that a decision on his future could come sooner rather than later. At this point, top-flight football with the prospect of testing himself on the continent is a better career option than the German second-tier.

Celtic need to bolster their frontline to handle the strain of another jam-packed campaign of action and El Kachati could be a financially advantageous signing that would provide competition centrally and out wide.

A “spectacular” player has now “said yes” to a move to Brighton & Hove Albion, with an approach set to be made in the next few days, according to reporter Santi Aouna.

Brighton could still play in Europe amid Crystal Palace issues

There are doubts over whether Crystal Palace will be allowed to play in the Europa League next season, amid issues surrounding multi-club ownership, and bitter rivals Brighton could be the beneficiaries.

Indeed, courtesy of their eighth-placed finish in the Premier League last season, the Seagulls could replace Palace in the competition, should they be removed by UEFA, although football finance expert Kieran Maguire believes the Eagles have a 95% chance of taking part.

As such, the chances of Fabian Hurzeler’s side embarking on a European adventure are slim, but the manager is clearly keen to inject some quality into his squad this summer regardless, having now made inroads towards signing a new midfielder.

Every completed Premier League deal in the 2025/26 summer transfer window

Find every top-flight deal this summer here.

1 ByStephan Georgiou Jul 17, 2025

That is according to an update from Foot Mercato’s Aouna on X, who has revealed that Marseille midfielder Azzedine Ounahi has “already said yes” to a move to the American Express Stadium this summer, with a verbal agreement in place on a four-year deal.

Having spoken directly to the Brighton board, Ounahi was convinced by the project on offer, and the Seagulls are set to approach Marseille in the coming days, in order to strike a deal.

It is unclear what sort of fee the French side would be looking to receive for the midfielder, but they signed the former Angers man for a fee of €8m (£7m) back in January 2023, which could be a good reference point.

"Spectacular" Ounahi could get career back on track at Brighton

The Moroccan may have been expected to kick on after the 2022 World Cup, having played a key role in his side becoming the first African nation to reach the semi-final stage, impressing Luis Enrique with some of his performances.

The Paris Saint-Germain manager described the maestro as “spectacular” after the round of 16, and he has since gone on to catch the eye on loan at Greek side Panathinaikos, performing extremely well across some key statistics for midfielders over the past year.

Statistic

Average per 90

Assists

0.16 (87th percentile)

Successful take-ons

2.27 (99th percentile)

Progressive carries

3.09 (99th percentile)

Progressive passes

8.77 (97th percentile)

Of course, performing well in Greece does not necessarily mean the Morocco international will be a sure-fire success in the Premier League, but he is certainly exhibiting promising signs, and he could get his career back on track at the American Express Stadium.

Having displayed a keen eye for picking up assists, while also being lauded for his “defensive reliability” by scout Jacek Kulig in the past, Ounahi is clearly a well-rounded midfielder, and it is promising news that he has now agreed terms on a move to Brighton.

Newcastle United have the means to complete the signing of a Premier League superstar this summer, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke, and may even be able to whittle his £75m release clause down significantly.

The four positions Newcastle want to strengthen this summer

After a great season that saw the Magpies win the EFL Cup and end their long trophy drought, as well as get back into the Champions League, the summer window promises to be an exciting one at St James’ Park.

Speaking about Newcastle’s potential business in the coming weeks and months, Sky Sports‘ reliable reporter Keith Downie recently provided an update, saying: “Eddie Howe is looking for a new goalkeeper, a right-sided centre back, a right-winger and a forward who can play across the front. That’s the wish list if none of the big hitters were to leave. If a Bruno Guimaraes or an Anthony Gordon went, for example, then he’d need them replaced too.”

It remains to be seen who exactly Newcastle will bring in ahead of next season, but Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo has consistently been mentioned as a leading option on the right flank, but it appears he isn’t the only one on the agenda as the Cameroon star edges closer to joining Manchester United.

Newcastle "can afford" to sign Kudus

Speaking to Football Insider, O’Rourke claimed that Newcastle “can afford” £75m-rated West Ham winger Mohammed Kudus, seeing him as an alternative to Mbeumo, and they believe they can do a deal for less than his release fee.

“Newcastle can afford a deal for Kudus. As it stands, Bryan Mbeumo is their top target for that right-sided forward position. Kudus is on their list and has admirers within the Newcastle hierarchy, and is somebody they feel could come in and strengthen their attacking options.

“He obviously has that release clause of around £75million, but I don’t think many Premier League clubs will be willing to pay that. Due to West Ham’s situation, his suitors feel they can get him for a cheaper fee. They’ll definitely be willing to listen to offers for the Ghana international.”

Kudus stands out as an excellent option for Newcastle if they can’t get Mbeumo, even though the Brentford ace still stands out as the superior choice.

Appearances

38

32

Starts

38

31

Minutes played

3417

2604

Goals

20

5

Assists

7

3

Shots per game

2.2

2.3

Key passes per game

1.8

1.0

Dribbles per game

1.4

2.9

That said, if the Magpies end up signing the West Ham ace instead, he could excel at St James’, having been hailed by former teammate Aaron Cresswell when they first played together: “He’s a top, top talent and I think we haven’t seen the best of him yet.

“I won’t go near him in training because I know if I’m going to try to knock him off the ball I had better make sure he’s not looking and doesn’t see me coming. You just can’t get near him. He’s so strong, so quick, so sharp.”

Newcastle already sold Kudus & Mbeumo hybrid who can 'reach Mane's level'

Newcastle are pursuing Mohammed Kudus and Bryan Mbeumo this summer – but have they already sold an alternative?

ByRobbie Walls Jun 1, 2025

Ultimately, Mbeumo is the dream signing for Newcastle, having enjoyed such an impressive 2024/25 season, and he would be a superb upgrade on Jacob Murphy, possessing more consistency than Kudus over the past 12 months.

Manchester City scored a remarkable winner to overcome Aston Villa at the Etihad Stadium in a crucial battle for the Premier League’s Champions League spots.

Pep Guardiola’s side ran out 2-1 victors over the West Midlands outfit, who had their share of chances to win the game. City, however, made them pay with the late winner.

It was almost the perfect start from the Villans, with Manchester United loanee Marcus Rashford brilliantly striking the post just moments into the game.

However, City got the early goal through Bernardo Silva, crashing the box to meet a loose ball in the box and firing past Emiliano Martínez, who should have kept the chance out.

Rashford does tend to score against the Citizens, and he managed to get Villa back on level terms from the penalty spot, after Jacob Ramsey was fouled in the box by Ruben Dias for a coming together. The Villa number nine coolly slotted home to equalise.

When the game seemed to be fizzling out late on in the second half, it was City who came up trumps in the dying moments. Matheus Nunes got on the end of a cross from substitute Jeremy Doku who made a mockery of Axel Disasi. It was a vital moment, one that secured a huge three points.

There were certainly some standout players on the night for the East Mancunian outfit.

Man City's best players vs. Villa

Yet again, one of the best players for City against Unai Emery’s Villa side was young Nico O’Reilly. Defending against former City academy man Morgan Rogers, he did a good job of keeping the England international quiet.

Not only that, but O’Reilly looked potent going forward whenever the chance arose. As the stats state, via Sofascore, the 20-year-old attempted four crosses and created one chance against the Villans on Tuesday night.

In fact, the academy graduate wasn’t the only City player who stood out against Villa at the Etihad Stadium. It was another impressive performance from Omar Marmoush, who has eight goal involvements in 16 games for his new club.

Although he went without a goal or assist against Villa, it was his ball that deflected into Silva’s pass for the goal. Goal journalist Richie Mills was complimentary of his performance, giving him a 7/10 and explaining he gave Matty Cash “nightmares” all night long.

So, it was impressive stuff from O’Reilly and Marmoush in a crucial game for City in the race for the top five. However, some players struggled, including one man who has a fight on his hands for a starting spot.

Chalkboard

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

The Man City player who struggled vs. Villa

It was a tough night at the office for young James McAtee. The City number 87 had a golden chance to win the game in the second half after O’Reilly put a deadly ball into the box, but failed to capitalise despite two bites at the apple, notably airkicking the chance as it went begging.

Aside from that, he struggled to get into the game and actually had fewer touches than Stefan Ortega on the night, with 28 compared to 33.

His stats were largely uninspiring outside of that, failing to create a chance and winning just two from five duels.

Touches

28

Pass accuracy

88%

Passes completed

14/16

Number of times ball lost

6

Duels won

2/5

Tackles won

0/2

Chances created

0

Indeed, GOAL’s Mills seemed to think McAtee struggled against the Villans. He gave the Salfordian a 5/10 for his performance, stating that he can “be a bit too lightweight” at times, and explained he must “offer more in attack” in the future.

It will be interesting to see how McAtee breaks into the side in the long term. With Kevin De Bruyne set to leave, there might be a more permanent role for him, but he has struggled to become a regular this term. The 22-year-old has featured for just 885 minutes, or nine full 90-minute games, this season.

If reports as recent as last week are to be believed, City are targeting Florian Wirtz of Bayer Leverkusen, with Christian Falk reporting the race is “wide open” for the German. With that in mind, you certainly have to question how McAtee’s long-term future looks.

After a performance like the one against Villa, where he struggled to make a real impact in the right half space, it does seem like signing Wirtz would be a good idea for City. It is certainly a big few months ahead for McAtee, but on this evidence, he should be axed for the German when he arrives.

Instead of signing Wirtz & Gibbs-White: Man City must unleash teenage star

Manchester City have been linked with moves for Florian Wirtz and Morgan Gibbs-White.

1 ByJoe Nuttall Apr 9, 2025

The Premier League title race may now be all but over, but the season is not lost for Arsenal, with Mikel Arteta’s side preparing for a mammoth tussle with holders Real Madrid in the Champions League in midweek.

Preparations for that mouthwatering meeting have been hampered by the loss of Gabriel to injury, however, with the Brazilian’s absence just the latest in a long line of setbacks for the north London side.

The top end of the pitch, in particular, has been ravaged in recent months, resulting in the bold move to deploy Mikel Merino in a centre-forward berth for the first time in his career – a decision that has since yielded five goals for the experienced Spaniard.

The Euro 2024 winner only served to enhance his growing ‘cult status’ after dropping back into his preferred midfield berth against Everton on Saturday afternoon, however, having won 14 duels and suffered a blow to the head amid a full-blooded display.

While the 28-year-old has provided a much-needed short-term solution as a makeshift centre-forward, that latest outing showcased that his future must lie in the midfield.

The question is, will there be room for him in the starting lineup moving forward?

How Arsenal's midfield could look next season

There may be a headache for Arteta as to who to select as part of his midfield trio for the long-term – we’ll come on to that – but what is set in stone is that Declan Rice will be at the heart of it.

Be it as a number six or as a number eight, the £105m man has become an invaluable presence for the Gunners since his arrival back in 2023, having notably contributed 13 goals and assists in all competitions this season.

That tally included his stunning curling effort in the 1-1 draw away at Old Trafford, with the Englishman developing a knack for making an impact in the final third – as evidenced by his surging run and assist while on international duty for the Three Lions.

With the 26-year-old a nailed-on starter, the role of Martin Odegaard – who started on the bench at Goodison – may be in doubt, albeit with it not too long ago that the Arsenal skipper was being described as “out of this world” by Rice himself.

The Norwegian playmaker, at his best, remains one of the most creative players in the division – as his tally of 18 goals and assists in the league showcased in 2023/24 – with it certainly not the time to write him off just yet.

With that in mind, the final midfield role could come down to either Merino or potential summer arrival, Martin Zubimendi – amid continued doubts over Thomas Partey’s future at the Emirates – albeit with there now another name to throw into the mix who could look to emulate Rice.

Why Arsenal may be brewing their next Declan Rice

The former West Ham United man has caught the eye over the last 18 months amid his burgeoning set-piece prowess, having produced another whipped, in-swinging corner in the early knockings against Everton, although it is his powerful runs from deep that remain the midfielder’s key strength.

Non-penalty goals

0.12

Top 27%

Assists

0.23

Top 6%

Shot-creating actions

3.31

Top 18%

Pass completion

84.7%

Top 45%

Progressive passes

5.92

Top 25%

Progressive carries

2.68

Top 5%

Touches in attacking box

2.59

Top 12%

Tackles

1.90

Bottom 38%

Interceptions

0.81

Bottom 35%

Indeed, that is epitomised by the fact that Rice ranks in the top 5% of midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues for progressive carries per 90, indicating his ability to drag the Gunners up the pitch with the ball at his feet.

That is a trait that, as Saturday showcased, looks to be shared by young Myles Lewis-Skelly, with the 18-year-old producing a magnificent carry from just outside his own box, before winning a free-kick on the edge of the opposition penalty area.

The manner in which the teenager powered his way through a sea of bodies was certainly reminiscent of his colleague and compatriot, with Rice himself having previously likened the Hale End graduate to Tottenham Hotspur icon, Mousa Dembele, due to his mix of strength and ball-carrying prowess.

Of course, Lewis-Skelly made the headlines on Merseyside for all the wrong reasons after giving away a penalty just after the break, albeit with it fair to say that the rising star was harshly penalised for his ‘foul’ on Jack Harrison. As Arteta stated post-match, it was “never a penalty”.

The fact remains that the “insane” talent – as described by analyst Ben Mattinson – had allowed Harrison to get the wrong side of him in the first place, a moment that perhaps served as a reminder that he isn’t actually a left-back by trade.

Lewis-Skelly has fended off the likes of Oleksandr Zinchenko, Kieran Tierney and Riccardo Calafiori to make that spot his own, following his debut against Manchester City back in September, although it was actually in central midfield that he largely operated during his time in the youth ranks.

As Mattinson has stated, while Lewis-Skelly represents an ideal solution as an inverted full-back, in the “long-term” he will most likely slot in as a defensive midfielder or in a left eight role, having shown at academy level that he is an “aggressive dueller, ball-winner [and an] exceptional ball-carrier”.

It could be the case then that a midfield trio of Odegaard, Rice and Lewis-Skelly emerges as the leading option next season, with Saturday’s Merseyside moment having shown a mere glimpse of what the teenager can offer in midfield with his Rice-like quality.

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