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It’s been a frustrating campaign for Arsenal so far this year.

Mikel Arteta’s side has looked brilliant at times, but injuries, suspensions, and sporadic drop-offs in form have seen them fall six points behind Liverpool atop the Premier League table.

However, while some of the Gunners’ stars haven’t been consistent enough this season, the same cannot be said of Bukayo Saka, who has taken another step forward this year, as evidenced by his sensational tally of seven goals and 11 assists in 20 appearances.

So, recent reports linking the club to another brilliant attacker who’s been compared to the young Englishman should leave fans excited.

Arsenal transfer news

According to a recent report from GIVEMESPORT, Arsenal are one of four Premier League clubs interested in Atalanta star Ademola Lookman.

Alongside the Gunners, the report claims that Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool have all recently sent scouts to watch the Nigerian dynamo in action, who the report claims is ‘open to a return to England.’

However, along with having to beat the competition, the North Londoners will have to pay a pretty penny to secure the forward’s services, with reports from earlier this year claiming Atalanta value him at around €70m, which is about £58m.

In all, it would be a costly and complicated transfer to get over the line, but given Lookman’s ability, it is one worth pursuing, especially with his comparisons to Saka.

Lookman's comparisons to Saka

So, before we examine Lookman’s sensational level of output over the last few seasons, let’s look at this comparison to Saka.

It primarily stems from FBref, which compares players in similar positions across Europe’s top five leagues, the Champions League and Europa League, over the last 365 days, then creates a list of the ten most comparable players for everyone, and from there, they have concluded that the Englishman is the most similar attacking midfielder or winger to the Nigerian.

Now, there are some apparent similarities between the pair, namely the fact they are goalscoring and game-changing forwards for their respective teams, even if the Atalanta ace is right-footed, but to get a better understanding of how FBref reached this conclusion, we can examine the underlying metrics in which the pair rank closely.

These metrics include but are not limited to, non-penalty expected goals plus assists, progressive passes, passing accuracy, key passes, crosses into the penalty area, and aerial duels won, all per 90.

However, while his similarities to the Hale End icon are certainly encouraging, the 27-year-old’s form over the last few seasons should be reason enough for Arteta and Co to sign him up.

For example, since joining Atalanta, the incredible forward with “blistering” pace, per U23 scout Antonio Mango, has scored 42 goals and provided 23 assists in just 95 appearances, which equates to an incredible average of a goal involvement every 1.46 games.

Moreover, with experience playing off the left, off the right, in midfield and up top, the Wandsworth-born phenom could replace any of the Gunners’ attacking players should their form drop off.

Ultimately, while it could be an expensive transfer to get over the line, Arsenal must do what they can to secure Lookman’s signature in 2025, as he looks like the perfect addition to their attacking options.

Arsenal must regret selling £35m ace who's outscoring Trossard & Martinelli

The experienced attacker left Arsenal before Arteta took charge.

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By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Dec 10, 2024

Andy Carroll's salary at Bordeaux has been revealed, and the former Liverpool man is earning lower than minimum wage with the fallen French giants.

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• Carroll moved to Bordeaux last summer
• Currently earning less than minimum wage
• Bordeaux in fourth tier after bankruptcy

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Carroll made a sensational move to Bordeaux last summer, as the former French giants were relegated to the fourth tier of French football after declaring bankruptcy. The former Liverpool and Newcastle striker has been enjoying his time in France, and he had previously revealed that playing for Bordeaux was "costing me money" instead of actually making the big bucks.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  French publication L'Equipe has now revealed that Carroll is currently earning €1,614 (£1,372) gross per month at Bordeaux, which is less than €1,400 (£1,190) after tax. The figure mentioned by L'Equipe is less than the French minimum wage for a 35-hour work week of €1,801.80 (£1,532).

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Last month, in an interview with L'Equipe, Carroll, who is labelled as a part-time employee for Bordeaux because of his low wages, revealed that he is currently earning less in wages per month than his current rent on his flat in France. He said: "I rent a nice little house and my salary is less than my rent. If I joined Bordeaux, it's obviously not for the money."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR CARROLL?

  Bordeaux are looking to continue on their path back up the French footballing ladder, and after a bad run of form, they are currently third in the French National League Group B. Carroll's side are back in action when they take on US Saint-Malo on Saturday, April 12.

Newcastle United clinched back-to-back 4-0 victories in Premier League action when demolishing Ipswich Town last time out on their travels, as the potent Magpies attack proved too hot for the Tractor Boys to handle.

In total now, Eddie Howe’s men have bagged a stunning 16 strikes across the month of December, with Newcastle home fans hopeful for a flurry of more goals on Boxing Day when Aston Villa come to the Toon.

Despite boasting exceptional attackers such as Alexandar Isak already – who rifled home a hat-trick at Portman Road – it does appear that the Tyneside entertainers are on the hunt for another gifted talent up top when the January transfer window opens.

Newcastle interested in "sublime" star

As per a recent report by Football Insider, Newcastle are very much keen on adding Southampton starlet Tyler Dibling to their roster this upcoming window, with offers being considered around the £20-£30m mark for the 18-year-old.

It is stated that Manchester United have also been interested, but the Magpies are at the front of the queue for the tricky teenager’s services because they can offer him more consistent game time.

Former Saints boss Russell Martin was adamant that he wanted to keep a firm grip on Dibling, so it will be intriguing to see if a change in manager gifts the Magpies a better chance at landing the “sublime” attacker, as he was once labelled by football journalist Jacob Tanswell.

What Tyler Dibling could offer Newcastle

This could well be the beginning of the end of Miguel Almiron at Newcastle, who is being linked with many a switch away from the club himself, alongside also allowing Howe to have a young and raw Jacob Murphy rival for when the in-form winger isn’t at his best.

Although Southampton do find themselves rock bottom of the Premier League on just five points, there have been some standout performers for the Saints this season, including Dibling, who with his delightful ability to jink past opponents has seen some, including Dion Dublin, suggest he plays “the game like Cole Palmer”.

Overall, the breakout attacker has been present for 15 top-flight contests, with one goal scored against Ipswich Town all the way back in September, as Dibling also impressively completed three successful dribbles on the day.

Also collecting two assists in other competitions, the tenacious Southampton number 33 looks to be crying out for a bigger move away from his relegation-threatened outfit, with Almiron’s expected exit freeing up room for Dibling to potentially arrive and thrive.

Although the 30-year-old has been a loyal servant to the Magpies over the years, with 30 goals to shout about from his 219 appearances, his output this season so far shows a player in decline, with Murphy then the club’s only available right winger if the Paraguayan is shifted on.

Murphy has been a man-possessed for Howe’s side in recent weeks, with an impressive eight goal contributions tallied up from 15 games, which included a fierce effort beating Arijanet Muric last time out.

But, the 29-year-old isn’t getting any younger much like Almiron, whilst the attacker is also very susceptible to finding himself in the St. James’ Park treatment room with injury problems.

Newcastle have also struck gold when shopping for some up-and-coming gems from Southampton in the recent past, with 22-year-old Tino Livramento once on the books at St. Mary’s, before becoming a first-team regular on Tyneside.

Dibling and Livramento could well link up with each other to devastating effect down the right channel if the 18-year-old’s signature is won, as Howe goes about adding in even more dangerous options to his on-fire attacking personnel.

Newcastle star's “incredible” 9/10 display made Isak unplayable

Newcastle extended their purple patch with an emphatic victory at Ipswich Town.

By
Angus Sinclair

Dec 22, 2024

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has personally compiled a list of top contenders to reinforce the club’s forward ranks in January, with the Gunners widely tipped to move for new attacking options once we reach 2025.

Arsenal prepare for Ipswich Town after 5-1 win over Crystal Palace

Arsenal’s convincing 5-1 win at Crystal Palace was unfortunately overshadowed by star winger Bukayo Saka’s hamstring injury, and news then emerged that alternative option Raheem Sterling sustained a knee problem, which will also keep him out for weeks.

Arsenal in "positive" talks with £46m Barcelona forward's reps ahead of January

The Gunners are in dire need of a new attacking option.

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By
Emilio Galantini

Dec 24, 2024

As a result, Arteta is now facing a real selection headache as he prepares to host struggling Ipswich Town in the Premier League tomorrow.

Gabriel Jesus, who’s recently returned to form with five goals in his last two games, is able to play out wide in place of Saka, as is Kai Havertz, while exciting youngster Ethan Nwaneri could even be deployed in that position.

There are a few options at Arteta’s disposal, but Saka will be an extremely sore miss for the north Londoners given just how imperative he is.

The England international, who was also sidelined for a short period earlier in the campaign, boasts an incredible 13 assists in all competitions already with nine goals to boot – and that will be near-impossible to replace.

It will be very intriguing to see how Arteta decides to field his Arsenal team against Ipswich in the 24-year-old’s absence, and the Spaniard has indirectly challenged his squad to step up while their key star is sidelined.

“I cannot be too specific because I don’t know, but it will be many weeks,” said Arteta on Saka’s lay-off.

“Obviously he’s a big player for us. You just have to see the impact that he has on the team, but it’s going to be a really good exercise for all of us to think about ways to overcome another challenge, because we’ve already had a lot in the season.

“We have to look internally at what we have and be creative, do a very good exercise again. How can we mould the squad? How can we adapt to the circumstances and be different? We cannot pretend to be the same. We’re going to have to be different and try to find the best way to do it and be very competitive and win a lot of games.”

While Arsenal reportedly contemplate signing a Saka alternative in January, reports suggest that a new striker is also firmly on the club’s to-do list ahead of the winter transfer window.

Inter Milan striker Marcus Thuram a "main candidate" to join Arsenal in January

Indeed, a report from Spain has claimed that Arteta has personally compiled a list of “main candidates” to join Arsenal in January – and one of them is Inter Milan star Marcus Thuram.

The Frenchman boasts 13 goals and six assists in 21 appearances across all competitions so far this season, which has apparently garnered interest from Arteta, who’s earmarked Thuram as one of his top three striker targets alongside Bundesliga duo Benjamin Sesko and Victor Boniface.

The 27-year-old won’t come cheap, though, as it is estimated he’ll cost around £83 million to prise away from the San Siro.

It is very debatable whether Arsenal will part with that sort of money mid-season, regardless of Arteta’s fondness for Thuram, with both Sesko and Boniface also commanding lower price tags.

Manchester City reportedly believe that Bayer Leverkusen and Germany star Florian Wirtz could be the man to replace Kevin De Bruyne.

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• City want Wirtz deal
• De Bruyne departure opens space for creative midfielder
• Guardiola 'picked' target

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The 21-year-old midfielder has shone for Leverkusen since he broke into the side as a teenager and was integral to the club winning their first Bundesliga title in a historic unbeaten campaign last season. He had been tipped with a move to Real Madrid, but now City believe the German can offer the same dynamism in midfield as their outgoing legendary playmaker, per the . Since the start of last season, Wirtz has registered 41 goal contributions in his 57 games and has grown into one of the most exciting players in world football.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  It is little surprise that Wirtz has his suitors and has been identified as a suitable replacement for De Bruyne. The Belgian was also a star in Germany, firing Wolfsburg to the DFB Pokal and a second-place finish in the Bundesliga, before making the switch to Manchester. He has since gone on to make 413 appearances for City, scoring 106 goals, registering 174 assists and winning every trophy there is to win.

• WHAT GUARDIOLA SAID

  Asked as to whether De Bruyne can be replaced, Guardiola offered a familiar answer. He said: "There are things that cannot be substituted. To say bye to this type of player is so difficult. I'd love Vincent [Kompany] to be here eternally, Sergio [Aguero], too, and now Kevin.

  "To say bye to these connections, these relations, for the manager, the mates, the fans, is not easy. In England or in every country, there are players who are unique, that represent what the club want to be and Kevin is one of them.

  "Now it's a bit of a shock for the fans, but people remember how blessed, how happy they were for many, many years to have a player who gave absolutely everything. Always Kevin will be there in my memory and he cannot be forgotten."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR DE BRUYNE AND WIRTZ?

  It could be a summer of upheaval for both De Bruyne and Wirtz. While the Belgian is expected to move out of Europe, with Saudi Pro League and MLS sides battling for his signature, Wirtz will be the target of a host of Europe's biggest clubs.

The U.S. international expressed gratitude to the club's fans following Watford's important victory

• Wiley provides match-winning assist in 1-0 triumph
• U.S. international delivers standout performance
• Midfielder acknowledges fan support in tight playoff race

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  WHAT HAPPENED

  Watford were pushed to the wire by Hull City, but Caleb Wiley played a pivotal role as the Hornets managed to secure a 1-0 home win on Tuesday. The U.S. national delivered the assist for Moussa Sissoko's 55th-minute goal, which eventually turned out to be the only goal in the game.

  Following his impressive performance, Wiley took to social media to acknowledge the unwavering support of the Hornets faithful.

  “What’s up guys, it’s Caleb Wiley here. What a performance tonight, great win and we appreciate all the fans coming out and supporting, and we go again this weekend. See you guys later!” Wiley said in a video posted on Watford’s social accounts.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Watford's win, orchestrated in part by Wiley's assist, moves the team closer to the promotion playoff spots. The Hornets are in 10th place on the league table but are only four points behind sixth-place Middlesbrough, who sit in the last promotion playoff place with five games left in the regular season.

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  WHAT’S NEXT?

  Thanks to their 1-0 win over Hull City, Watford continue their run in a tight fight for a playoff spot, and the Hornets face eighth place West Bromwich Albion next on April 11. Following that, Tom Cleverley’s side battles second place side Burnley at Vicarage Road on April 17.

Once upon a time, Liverpool fans harboured hopes of signing Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham and strengthening Jurgen Klopp’s midfield with one of football’s prized pieces.

Instead, the England sensation now plies his craft for Real Madrid, one of Europe’s most talented players and winner of Champions League and La Liga titles last year. Trent Alexander-Arnold may join him at the Bernabeu this year, but let’s forget about that one for now.

Liverpool are thriving under Arne Slot but need to make several signings across the year’s two transfer windows after bringing only Federico Chiesa in during the summer, signing Juventus’ versatile forward for a bargain £12.5m fee.

While it’s not a priority position, the Reds are attentive to movements in the midfield market and might look to strike as Premier League rivals get ready to move for a player offering similarities to the previously profiled Bellingham.

Liverpool eyeing talented midfielder

As per Caught Offside, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur have stolen ahead in the race to sign Bundesliga talent Enzo Millot, recently sending scouts to watch the Stuttgart star in action.

Millot, 22, is growing into his skin this term and has found success across a myriad of positions, displaying the kind of tactical dynamism that denotes an elite-level future.

Suitors such as Liverpool – who are among those said to be ‘keeping an eye on his development’ – are piling up due to an eye-catching €20m (£17m) release clause in the Frenchman’s contract.

There was interest last summer but he continued his development in Germany, however, now is the time for clubs in the Premier League to strike, for he has made significant gains and Liverpool must ensure they clinch a potential superstar in the making.

Why Liverpool are interested in Enzo Millot

Having taken exciting steps onto the major stage over the past few years, Millot is shaping into a key part of Stuttgart’s starting set-up.

Last year, he unshackled himself from the confines of ‘prospect,’ notching 17 goal contributions into 35 appearances, honing his clinical edge.

Though the France native hasn’t been quite so creative this term, he’s still maintained an impressive output, scoring eight goals and providing five assists across 24 matches in all competitions.

His tactical dynamism is something that Liverpool will be intrigued by, to be sure. Slot commands a healthy and balanced engine room that typically enjoys the elegance of Ryan Gravenberch, the many-faceted quality of Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai’s industrious energy.

In Millot, the final piece could be placed. He’s young enough not to demand a moveless position in the starting line-up while being clinical enough to impress when called upon.

He’s also rode the crest of a wave in the Champions League. Stuttgart may languish below the progression zone, but he’s showcased athletic and creative qualities, no doubt crucial in advancing the interest of some Premier League powerhouses.

FBref have recorded Millot’s statistical performances, with his fortunes ranking him among some top European midfielders, including Bellingham.

Why Millot could be Slot's own Bellingham

A powerful dribbler and mobile midfield presence, Millot utilises his slender but rangy physique to great effect in Stuttgart’s central area, something that Real Madrid’s prodigious centrepiece enforces brilliantly.

His head coach, Sebastian Hoeneß, praised him for being on “a different level” as his side defeated Borussia Dortmund in the German Bundesliga at the start of the campaign.

As per Sofascore, the young gun has averaged 4.3 successful duels per top-flight fixture this term while also completing 54% of his dribbles, bespeaking a tactical range that indeed lines up neatly against Bellingham’s own.

Bellingham might be a headline stealer due to his efforts at the front end of the field, but his underlying metrics also play to a similar tune, averaging 5.9 duels and 1.9 tackles per La Liga fixture this term, Sofascore again, something that differentiates him from the crowd.

Patently, Millot isn’t performing at a higher level than the all-powerful Bellingham, whose big-game aura and confidence marries into a top-class technical level that has led to him being praised as a “gift for football” by Los Blancos boss Carlo Ancelotti.

But when looking at their metrics across the 2024/25 season (above) it’s curious to observe that Millot is more creative and progressive, also more skilful on the ball, as evidenced by his superior rate of successful take-ons.

That’s not, of course, to say that Bellingham isn’t capable of leaving defenders munching dirt as he skips away with a strong animalistic gait.

Liverpool need to get this one done. Millot is a real star in the making and an affordable at that. Given FSG will need to bolster some more pressing areas of the field this year, for just £17m, this could be a steal for England’s current best-performing outfit.

UCL giants want him: Slot could face a bigger Liverpool disaster than Trent

Liverpool are dealing with a number of transfer-related problems in the new year.

By
Angus Sinclair

Jan 4, 2025

Manchester United are now set to be offered a new forward who they could land as an alternative to Viktor Gyokeres, it has been reported, in a move that would save them millions.

Manchester United transfer news

Major surgery is needed at Old Trafford to create a squad capable of challenging at the top end of the Premier League under Ruben Amorim. The former Sporting coach’s 3-4-2-1 is ill-suited to the current group of players at Old Trafford, something which has seen Diogo Dalot utilised as a wing-back on one side and Noussair Mazraoui on the other.

In midfield, major upgrades are needed with Christian Eriksen well past his best and out of contract this summer, while Casemiro is also likely to be free to leave with the Brazilian clearly unable to keep up with the physical requirements of Amorim’s system. Though both Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte have performed well, injuries and suspensions have seen them paired together just six times this season, with more options needed in the middle of the pitch.

He's like Vinicius Jr: Man Utd chasing exciting £33m Rashford upgrade

Manchester United may have already found the perfect Marcus Rashford replacement.

By
Ethan Lamb

Jan 10, 2025

At the top of the pitch, meanwhile, there are even more concerns. The Red Devils have managed just 23 goals so far this Premier League campaign, with Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund having combined for just five between them despite costing the club almost £100m across the last two seasons, while Marcus Rashford has been frozen out and could leave the club this January.

With so much change needed across the pitch and more widely in the squad, and the club continuing to try to cut costs in order to remain compliant with financial fair play, they will need to find some bargain buys to try and help Amorim in the upcoming transfer windows. Now, they may be offered one.

Manchester United offered "superstar" striker on the cheap

That comes as GiveMeSport report that Manchester United are set to be offered Canada international forward Jonathan David this summer as he enters the market as a free agent.

Lille’s no.9 has found the net with regularity across his time with Les Dogues, and has hit the net 11 times already this season, almost half the number that Manchester United have managed as a squad.

Now set to leave the club as a free agent in the summer, the 24-year-old is expected to be the subject of significant interest from around Europe, and the report claims that “United are expected to be offered David” at the end of the season.

Despite being a free agent approaching the prime of his career, there is no doubting David’s quality, with Canadian team mate Jonathan Osario dubbing him “a superstar”. As is often the case with free agents, David would likely demand a significant increase on his £31,000 a week deal as well as a signing on fee, but those figures would pale in comparison to a potential fee for alternative options.

Viktor Gyokeres, for instance, is believed to be available for around £60m this summer. Though his previous relationship with Amorim suggests that he would guarantee goals, he would also be a signifcant outlay for a club who have made all too many in recent seasons without seeing the return on their investment.

The arrival of David, however, would allow Manchester United to sign one of Europe’s most in-demand forwards while also keeping their money for other potential additions to continue to flesh out a workable squad for Amorim.

Ex-Manchester United forward Mason Greenwood is closing in on a piece of goal history during his debut campaign at Marseille.

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• Permanent transfer completed in summer of 2024
• Goals have flowed in France amid attitude questions
• Chasing down two former Premier League strikers

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The 23-year-old has not enjoyed the easiest of seasons at Stade Velodrome. He burst out of the blocks after completing a transfer from Old Trafford in the summer of 2024. Greenwood quickly fired himself into Golden Boot contention with his efforts in Ligue 1.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Consistency has, however, proved to be an issue at times. Demanding head coach Roberto Di Zerbi has also asked the odd question of Greenwood’s attitude and commitment, leading to spells on the bench being taken in.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Greenwood is, however, very much back in favour at present. He bagged a brace during his latest appearance in the French top-flight, as Marseille swept their way to a crushing 5-1 victory over Montpellier.

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  TELL ME MORE

  Greenwood now has 18 Ligue 1 goals to his name. Only two players have bettered that return during their first season with Marseille. Chelsea legend Didier Drogba found the target on 19 occasions in 2003-04, while ex-Swansea striker Bafetimbi Gomis hit 20 during a productive loan spell in 2016-17.

Everton have now held agent talks over the signing of an “outstanding” defender who is available for £13m this month, according to a report.

Toffees need younger options at full-back

Seamus Coleman and Ashley Young have had stellar careers, and it is a testament to the latter that he has remained a consistent starter in the Premier League this season. However, it would be fair to say the duo are now in the twilight years of their career, meaning David Moyes is tasked with bringing in younger options at full-back either this month or in the summer, and a number of targets have been identified.

Southampton’s Kyle Walker-Peters could be available for a cut-price fee of £5m this winter, given that his contract is set to expire at the end of the campaign, and the Toffees are one of the clubs eyeing a move for the Englishman.

Everton are looking at another Premier League player to strengthen on the opposite side, with Chelsea’s Ben Chilwell on their list of targets, having fallen out of favour at Stamford Bridge since the arrival of Enzo Maresca in the summer.

Everton make contact over deal for "electric" £10m winger instead of Nuamah

David Moyes is keen to bolster his attacking options this month.

By
Dominic Lund

Jan 23, 2025

A report from CalcioMercato has now revealed another player the Toffees hold some level of interest in, stating they have held talks with the agent of AC Milan right-back Emerson Royal. Emerson is set to exit the San Siro this month, and there are a number of clubs vying for his signature, including Fulham and Galatasaray, however the latter club are currently leading the race for his signature.

There is still time for Everton to swoop in, as the Turkish club are yet to meet Milan’s €15m (£13m) valuation, and there are signs the Brazilian is keen on a move to Goodison Park. Although joining Galatasaray appeals to the 26-year-old to some extent, he would prefer to return to the Premier League, having previously spent time at Tottenham Hotspur.

What Emerson could offer Everton

The former Spurs man has particularly impressed with his tackling over the past year, ranking in the 89th percentile for tackles per 90, when compared to his positional peers, while also placing in the 81st percentile for clearances and 83rd for aerials won.

Ange Postecoglou was full of praise for the right-back prior to his move to Milan, with the Australian indicating he is a great player to have to boost team spirit: “I see it on a daily basis, others don’t, but if you watch Emerson Royal train every day, you’d think he plays every game.

“He’s just outstanding with his attitude and demeanour around the place. There’s no time for anyone to feel down.”

With Coleman approaching the end of his career, there are signs that Emerson could be a suitable long-term replacement at right-back, but the Toffees will have to move quickly, given that Galatasaray are in pole position as things stand.