Former AC Milan and Juventus coach Fabio Capello believes that while Napoli midfielders Kevin De Bruyne and Scott McTominay are both top players with excellent qualities, their skill sets differ and could potentially overlap, leading to an imbalance in the squad. The Serie A champions sit joint-top of the table and picked up a first Champions League win of the season last week, but some doubts over the gelling of the squad remain.
Conte's team selection in Napoli's latest win
De Bruyne came on as a substitute in the 51st minute during Napoli’s 2-1 win over Genoa, while McTominay started the match. Napoli were trailing 1-0 at half-time when Antonio Conte introduced De Bruyne, who played a key role in turning the game around. Conte later admitted that he is experimenting with tactical variations, in an effort to find the best way to utilise both McTominay and De Bruyne effectively.
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Capello's opinion on the McTominay-De Bruyne dilemma
Capello explained the qualities of both players and how they overlap, saying to “McTominay is in a position that De Bruyne is usurping. The two players are very different: De Bruyne has exceptional class, a unique vision of the game. McTominay is a player of insertion and strength. The two positions overlap.
“Furthermore, they lack support on the left flank: while on the right with [Matteo] Politano they are very dangerous, on the left they are a bit lacking. On Sunday he tried with [David] Neres, but it took De Bruyne's insight.”
Capello's praise for Como
The ex-England boss also had praise for Como, who brought in 16 players over the summer and currently sit eighth in the Serie A table. Capello praised coach Cesc Fabregas for the mental strength he has instilled in the squad, saying: “[The big Serie A teams] will have to deal with Fabregas's team. Congratulations to him: Como plays with the winning mentality of a big team, not a provincial one.
"They've spent money and chosen well-trained players from the Spanish school. We're dazed by tactics, but he wanted players with technique. The team wants to emerge, just like their coach."
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Napoli aand Como's upcoming challenge
Napoli fans will be hoping that Conte can find the right balance between De Bruyne and McTominay, as both players are game-changers who could play a key role in helping Napoli retain the Scudetto. Meanwhile, Fabregas will be hoping his Como players continue their current rich vein of form when they face Juventus on October 19, following the international break.
شهد الجهاز الفني للفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي الزمالك استقالة أحد أعضاء الطاقم المعاون للمدير الفني البلجيكي يانيك فيريرا خلال الساعات الماضية، في خطوة مفاجئة جاءت بالتزامن مع استعداد الفريق للمرحلة المقبلة من الموسم.
وقدّم حازم إمام، مدرب الفريق، استقالته رسميًا إلى الكابتن عبد الناصر محمد مدير الكرة بالنادي، قبل أن يتم مناقشة الأمر بين المدير الرياضي جون إدوارد والمدير الفني يانيك فيريرا، حيث تم قبول الاستقالة بشكل رسمي.
ووجّهت إدارة الكرة في نادي الزمالك الشكر للمدرب على جهوده خلال الفترة الماضية ودوره مع الجهاز الفني، مؤكدة تقديرها لما قدّمه للفريق.
طالع أيضًا | وكيل بنتايج: أهدرت وقتي مع الزمالك.. وسأتقدم بشكوى جديدة لـ فيفا وكاس
ومن المنتظر أن يعقد رئيس النادي الكابتن حسين لبيب جلسة مع جون إدوارد خلال الأيام القليلة المقبلة لحسم هوية المدرب الجديد الذي سينضم للجهاز المعاون لفيريرا بعد التشاور مع المدير الفني البلجيكي.
يذكر، أن الزمالك سيواجه نظيره فريق ديكاداها في إياب دور الـ32 من بطولة الكونفدرالية، يوم الجمعة الموافق 24 من شهر أكتوبر الجاري، بعد أن حسم لقاء الذهاب بسداسية نظيفة.
Throughout the vast majority of the summer transfer window, Tottenham Hotspur have focused the majority of their attention on new additions within the forward line.
Mohammed Kudus has been the biggest addition in such a department, costing a whopping £55m from Premier League rivals West Ham United back in July.
However, he looks set to be joined by Xavi Simons, after the Lilywhites agreed a €60m (£52m) transfer fee with RB Leipzig for the Dutchman’s signature.
RB Leipzig'sXaviSimonsreacts after the match
The player has travelled to North London to undergo his medical with Thomas Frank’s men, looking set to complete his own transfer before Monday’s transfer deadline.
Despite the pending big-money addition, other areas are now being targeted for reinforcements, with the new boss evidently wanting further depth in the defensive third.
Spurs’ hunt for added defensive reinforcements
Over the last few hours, journalist Fabrizio Romano confirmed that Spurs have explored a deal to sign Manchester City defender Manuel Akanji before the window slams shut.
The Swiss international is said to be free to leave Pep Guardiola’s side before Monday night, leading to a £15m transfer fee being mooted for the 30-year-old’s signature.
Man City's Jack Grealish warming up with Erling Haaland and Manuel Akanji.
However, attention is also being directed the way of Akanji’s teammate Nathan Ake, that’s according to GIVEMESPORT’s latest update on the Lilywhites’ transfer activity.
They claim that Frank’s side have held talks with the Citizens over a move for the 30-year-old, who’s spent the last five years under Guardiola’s guidance at the Etihad.
The report also states that the player himself held face-to-face talks with Spurs representatives last week, after the impressive 2-0 victory in Manchester last weekend.
Why Spurs’ latest target would be a better signing than Akanji
The rumours over potential deals to land new defensive reinforcements have certainly come out of the blue – leading to an exciting final few days of the window for the Spurs faithful.
Tottenham Hotspur managerThomasFrankcelebrates after the match
Akanji has been a key member of the City squad over the last couple of seasons, registering 85 appearances in the top-flight – subsequently winning two titles in the last three years.
However, like the Lilywhites, the Citizens have undergone somewhat of an overhaul during the summer to help Guardiola mount a charge for top spot after missing out to Liverpool in 2024/25.
It appears as though Akanji could be sold, whether that be to Spurs or Galatasaray, but Frank’s men would be much better off pursuing a move for his teammate, Ake.
Given his previous spells at Chelsea and Watford, he’s a more established Premier League defender, offering needed versatility that can see him operate at the centre or left side of the backline.
Manchester City's Nathan Ake
When comparing the pair’s respective stats from the recent campaign, the Dutchman has managed to massively outperform Akanji, undoubtedly offering more of a presence should he move to North London.
Ake, who’s been labelled “incredible” by current boss Guardiola, completed more of the passes he attempted, offering Frank’s side an added ball-playing presence at the back.
Games played
10
26
Minutes played
678
2014
Pass accuracy
94%
93%
Tackles won
0.9
0.5
Tackle success rate
67%
64%
Blocks made
0.9
0.4
Clearances made
2.9
2.8
Aerials won
1.7
1.3
Aerial success rate
57%
54%
Out of possession, the Dutchman has also dominated Akanji, winning more of the tackles he entered, whilst also making more blocks – handing the side the added defensive quality to help build on their impressive start in 2025/26.
He has also thrived in the air, winning more of the aerial battles he entered, an asset that could make him a threat at both ends of the pitch in North London.
It’s unclear how much a deal for Ake would set the Lilywhites hierarchy back this summer, but his experience in England’s top-flight could prove to be a valuable asset to Frank’s side.
It also remains to be seen if the player himself is keen on a move to join the Lilywhites, but any move before Monday’s deadline would be a superb signing and one that would hand the side added quality in the defensive department.
He's like Paqueta: Spurs to bid for "exceptional" £22m star after Simons
Tottenham Hotspur may be about to sign another talent after agreeing a deal for Xavi Simons.
Former Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu has been directly linked to the Barcagate scandal after police uncovered WhatsApp messages showing he monitored a paid social media campaign designed to attack rivals and even Pep Guardiola. Investigators allege Bartomeu concealed contracts, manipulated polls, and used fake accounts to boost his image before the 2021 elections.
Police reveal Bartomeu’s role in smear campaign
The Catalan police have confirmed that ex-president Bartomeu was fully aware of, and actively monitored, a paid social media campaign commissioned by Barcelona and involving a company called Nicestream during his presidency, as per a recent report by . The report also cited police reports, stating that the seized WhatsApp messages show Bartomeu receiving regular updates from adviser Jaume Masferrer on Nicestream’s activity, which included smear campaigns against rivals Joan Laporta, Victor Font, and even Pep Guardiola. Police allege Bartomeu deliberately concealed contracts and commissions from auditors and investigators.
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Former president's role in Barcagate
Investigators found 138 Nicestream reports on Bartomeu’s devices, though only around 20 were shared with PriceWaterhouseCoopers, the firm tasked with auditing the club after the scandal first broke in 2020. Police claim Bartomeu deliberately hid the most damaging documents, which detailed interventions designed to defame rivals, manipulate polls, and even monitor journalists critical of his leadership. Over €2.3 million was reportedly paid to Nicestream through split contracts, designed to avoid internal oversight. The funds, the report concludes, were used for Bartomeu’s “personal purposes and benefits.”
Attacks on Guardiola and Rivals
The police report highlights Nicestream’s strategy of deploying 226 fake accounts to shape online discourse. These included targeted campaigns to discredit Guardiola and his supporters due to his perceived closeness with Joan Laporta. Víctor Font was also the subject of an “action plan” intended to “inconvenience” him during his presidential campaign. At the same time, positive posts were generated in support of Bartomeu’s allies, including former president Sandro Rosell. Police note that Bartomeu even requested edits to his own images in reports, underscoring his direct involvement.
The ex-chief has consistently denied any wrongdoing, with Barca initially dismissing suggestions of smear campaigns. However, the newly recovered messages indicate that the former president not only approved of the campaigns but also attempted to obstruct internal investigations. When auditors requested full documentation, Bartomeu reportedly replied: “This audit is commissioned by the board, and the board will only make the findings public.” The Mossos conclude that Bartomeu was “reluctant to allow anyone to review the contract,” strengthening suspicions of a cover-up.
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Barcagate probe deepens as Bartomeu awaits ruling
The report is now in the hands of Barca’s 13th investigating court, where the Barcagate case has been under review for over five years. Bartomeu, along with senior figures including Jaume Masferrer, remains under formal investigation following their 2021 arrests. Meanwhile, the Guardiola's City are focused on the pitch shifts to the Champions League clash with Napoli.
“It has been a blurry two days for me. I have been thinking about what I can say.. Do I put this down as a tribute to my all time favorite cricketer ? Maybe I’ll just take the partner angle? Or maybe a love letter from a fan girl? I guess this is a little bit of all of it.”When I saw Ashwins PC, I thought of small and big moments. Many many memories over the last 13-14 years. The big wins , the MOS awards, the quiet silence in our room after an intense game, the sound of the shower running for much longer than usual on some evenings post play , the scratch of pencil over paper as he scribbled thoughts down, the constant streaming of footage videos when he is making a game plan, the calm of meditative breathing before leaving for each game, certain songs playing on repeat while he unwinds.. The times we weeped in joy – after the CT final, after the MCG win, after the Sydney draw, The Gabba win, after making a comeback in T20s…the times we sat in silence and the times when we had our hearts broken.Related
R Ashwin: the unlikely superstar who is never quiet
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“Dear Ashwin, from not knowing how to put a kit bag together to following you to stadiums all over the world, rooting for you, watching you and learning from you, it has been an absolute pleasure. The world you introduced me to gave me the privilege to watch and enjoy a sport that I love from close quarters. It also showed me how much passion, hardwork and discipline is needed to keep your head above water. And sometimes even that is not enough. I remember us talking about why you, R Ashwin, had to do all of this and a lot more to even stay relevant in the scheme of things. How awards, the best of stats, the POMs, the accolades, the records didn’t matter if you didn’t sharpen your skill sets constantly and did not put in the work. Sometimes, nothing is enough. As you end your wonderful international run, I only want to tell you that it’s all good.It is all going to be good.It is time to set the burden of being you down. Live life on your terms, make space for those extra calories, make time for your family, make time to do absolutely nothing, share memes all day, create a new bowling variation, bug our kids out of their minds. Just do it all.”
West Bromwich Albion have already displayed an outside-the-box approach with their transfer activity this summer.
Whilst Nathaniel Phillips is a well-known name to most Championship fans, Aune Heggebo is definitely more of an unknown entity to the average supporter. Yet, West Brom have gambled on the former Brann goal machine to come good on English shores, having spent £4.7m on the Nordic striker.
It remains to be seen whether Heggebo will go on to be a rip-roaring success in England, but his blistering goal record in his native Norway is definitely encouraging to look at.
Why Heggebo could be a success at West Brom
After all, Erling Haaland infamously hails from the same nation, with the lofty attacker now one of the most feared strikers in world football after beginning his career in Scandinavia.
Of course, nobody will be anticipating Heggebo to storm into his new environment and be as instantly clinical as the Manchester City powerhouse, but the signs are there that he could be a lethal finisher at the Hawthorns if he can manage to navigate the step-up well.
In total, for Brann, the £4.7m forward would power home a potent 51 goals from 146 games, with the Eliteserien outfit no doubt putting up a valiant fight to try and keep their star asset around for longer.
Unfortunately, whilst £4.7m is a steep amount to splash in go, West Brom’s lavish spending has been overshadowed somewhat by near neighbours Birmingham City routinely flexing their muscles.
Across the Midlands, the £10m forked out on ex-Celtic striker Kyogo Furuhashi around the same time has certainly sent a message to the division’s best clubs.
However, the Baggies could shoot back into the limelight if they manage to get another left-field piece of business over the line, with a new target perhaps going down as Ryan Mason’s very own Kyogo if all clicks into place.
West Brom's answer to Kyogo
Before being renowned as a venomous goal threat with 85 strikes next to his name at Celtic, Kyogo would have been viewed as a bold pick-up by the Hoops, considering the Japanese gem had only ever played in the comforts of the J League, before Glasgow came calling.
Celtic forward Kyogo Furuhashi.
West Brom might well look to tap into the Asian markets themselves with their next summer buy, with reports from earlier in the month suggesting that the Championship side had bid £1.1m for Jeonbuk Hyundai attacker Jeon Jin-Woo.
Games played
163
182
Goals scored
32
66
Assists
20
36
Jin-Woo might well follow in Kyogo’s footsteps in establishing himself as a menace up top when making the same daunting geographical leap, having amassed an electric 52 goal contributions plying his trade in Korea for both Jeonbuk and ex-employers Suwon Bluewings.
The brand-new Birmingham buy was able to devastatingly reach double Jin-Woo’s goal tally when starring for the likes of Vissel Kobe, but the two-time South Korea international will surely feel less nervous about taking that next step to the Baggies, knowing others have moved to the United Kingdom and thrived in some challenging environments.
To help the 25-year-old even more, Mason will also have Heggebo available for selection in attack, who will be equally eager to hit the ground running in his fresh location.
It does remain up in the air how well West Brom will do next season, with Mason also being a rookie manager away from their daring summer business, but Jin-Woo could become a firm fan’s favourite at the Hawthorns if he manages to excel in the English game to the same lofty heights Kyogo managed in Scotland.
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Aston Villa are planning talks to complete the signing of a “fantastic” player with a huge future, with Donyell Malen potentially part of the deal.
Aston Villa want Douglas Luiz reunion
The Villans continue to work hard on new signings ahead of the upcoming Premier League season, as they look to push on and get back into the Champions League.
Arguably the most intriguing current Villa-related transfer story has seen them linked with a move for former midfielder Douglas Luiz, with the Brazilian seemingly allowed to leave Juventus this summer.
Luiz was a popular figure during his first stint at Villa Park, bagging 46 goal contributions in 204 appearances from the middle of the park, and Unai Emery described him as a “very important” figure. For that reason, he could love the idea of bringing him back to the club this summer.
Elsewhere, Barcelona forward Ferran Torres has been linked with a move to Villa before next season gets started, with the Spaniard not a key man at the Camp Nou. He has Premier League experience from his time at Manchester City, and he could add much-needed firepower, potentially even replacing Ollie Watkins at the heart of Emery’s attack.
Aston Villa ready talks for "fantastic" £18m forward
According to a new report from Aksam [via Sport Witness], Aston Villa are interested in signing Besiktas star Semih Kilicsoy this summer, with talks planned over a possible move to the club. The likes of Newcastle United and Leeds United have also been mentioned as suitors for the 19-year-old recently, who could be on the move for around £18m.
It is also claimed that Malen could head in the opposite direction as part of a swap deal, with the Dutchman falling out of favour at Villa Park.
Kilicsoy is a player with a big future in the game, having already achieved plenty at the age of 19, becoming an important figure for Besiktas.
The young centre forward has 16 goals in 85 appearances at senior level for his current side – he netted an impressive 42 times in 64 outings for the Under-19s – and football talent scout Jacek Kulig has described him as “fantastic” in the past.
While Kilicsoy isn’t yet the finished article, given his tender years, he could be a great squad signing for Villa from the off, before maturing into more of a star figure as the years pass.
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If the Villans were able to sign him and a more experienced striker this summer, it will stand them in good stead moving forward, especially if Watkins moves on to pastures new.
It might seem overly simple, but if there is one thing Arsenal need to add to the squad this summer, it’s goals.
Mikel Arteta’s side are well known for being one of the hardest teams to break down in world football – and the data shows it – but time and time again this season, the North Londoners found it hard to put the ball in the back of the net when it really mattered.
So, while the addition of Martin Zubimendi will be a great one – when it eventually happens – the club need to do a lot more and strengthen the frontline.
Arsenal manager MikelArtetain the stands before the match
Fortunately, reports have now linked the Gunners with another option to lead the line next season, someone who could be a great alternative to Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres.
Arsenal's striker search
Arsenal’s hunt for a new number nine has been ongoing for over a year now, and over the last few weeks, Sesko and Gyokeres have been constantly linked.
The former was a target last summer, again in the winter, and now, for the third window on the bounce, he has been dominating the talk around the club, with reports suggesting he could cost at least £67m.
The situation is even more unclear regarding the Swedish international, as while he supposedly rejected Manchester United in favour of the Gunners, reports from late last week claimed that Sporting CP’s demands had seen the North Londoners ‘freeze’ their interest in the 27-year-old.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
So, it looks like the Gunners might need to seek out an alternative, which could help explain the links to Dušan Vlahović.
Yes, according to a recent report from TuttoJuve, Arsenal are now in the picture for the Juventus marksman.
The report has revealed that in light of Sporting wanting at least €80m – £68m – for Gyokeres, Arteta and Co are now ‘evaluating valid alternatives,’ one of which is the Serbian international.
No price is mentioned in the report, but stories from last month claimed that the 25-year-old goalscorer could be available for just £25m, which could make him an ideal alternative to Sesko and Gyokeres.
Why Vlahović could be a great alternative to Sesko and Gyokeres
Okay, so the first thing to say is that one of the advantages to signing Vlahović over Gyokeres and Sesko is that he’d cost substantially less and, therefore, free up more money to spend elsewhere.
Juventus' DusanVlahovicin action with Empoli's Saba Goglichidze
However, while you would expect someone who could cost less than half as much as the Leipzig star, for example, would be significantly less effective, that is not the case.
When it comes to raw output, he’s only marginally worse than the Slovenian star, who is playing in a top-five league and, therefore, at a similar level.
Vlahović vs Sesko vs Gyokeres
Players
Vlahović
Sesko
Gyokeres
Appearances
41
45
52
Minutes
2569′
3258′
4248′
Goals
15
21
54
Assists
5
6
13
Goal Involvements per Match
0.48
0.60
1.28
Minutes per Goal Involvement
128.45′
120.66′
63.40′
All Stats via Transfermarkt
Moreover, while he is miles off the Sporting star, it’s important to note that research from Opta Analyst found that 11 of 18 teams in the Portuguese top-flight are League One standard.
That brings us to one of the significant benefits of signing the Serb, who former Juventus striker Darko Kovacevic once said is “just like Haaland”, over the other two: his vast experience at the highest level.
For example, across his career to date, the Belgrade-born monster has made 202 appearances in Serie A.
In comparison, the former RB Salzburg gem has made just 64 appearances in the Bundesliga, while the Stockholm-born poacher has never played a minute of football in a top-five league.
Juventus' DusanVlahovicduring the warm up
Ultimately, Vlahović probably wouldn’t be the most exciting addition Arsenal could make to the frontline this season, but he has a proven track record in a tough league, is almost as effective as Sesko and would cost a fraction as much.
Therefore, if the Gunners cannot get their hands on either the Leipzig star or Gyokeres this summer, then the Juventus ace would be a great alternative.
Arsenal set to bid for £40m star who has heart set on move to Emirates
Celtic are reportedly closing in on a deal to sign FC Nordsjælland forward Benjamin Nygren, whose contract expires at the end of this year, on a permanent deal this summer.
The right-sided attacker could become the second official signing for the Hoops in the off-season, after the club confirmed Kieran Tierney’s arrival on a free transfer from Arsenal earlier this week.
Celtic's transfer priorities this summer
Following the much-needed signing of Tierney to fill their gaping hole at left-back, with Greg Taylor out of contract this summer, Celtic appear to have turned their attention to the wide areas.
Nygren is ‘expected’ to sign for the Scottish giants to bolster their options on the right flank, but they are also looking for a new forward on the left side of the pitch.
It was recently claimed that the Hoops are in talks with left-winger Michel-Ange Balikwisha’s representatives over a move from Royal Antwerp, and the Scottish Premiership champions are in negotiations with Sarpsborg over a move for Norwegian flanker Sondre Orjasaeter.
This makes it clear that Celtic are after a right-footed left-winger – Balikwisha or Orjasaeter – to go along with the signing of Nygren, who is a left-footed right-winger.
New wingers are not the only signings on the agenda for Brendan Rodgers this summer, though, as the Northern Irish head coach is also looking to improve the depth of his midfield.
Celtic believe they can land bargain deal for Premier League star
According to West Ham United-focused outlet Claret & Hugh, Celtic are interested in a deal to sign Scotland international Andy Irving, who is for sale, in the summer transfer window.
The report claims that the Hammers are open to offers for the 25-year-old central midfielder, as ‘almost everyone’ is for sale at the Premier League side.
It reveals that the Hoops believe that they can land the left-footed maestro for a ‘bargain’ fee, although no exact price tag is mentioned, because he was rarely used by Graham Potter in the 2024/25 campaign, playing just ten times in the top-flight.
Passes made
60.00
Top 8%
Pass accuracy
90.0%
Top 16%
Long passes made
3.89
Top 5%
Long pass accuracy
87.5%
Top 4%
Cross accuracy
50%
Top 11%
Touches
87.78
Top 6%
Irving showcased his quality in possession, as shown in the table above, by ranking highly among his positional peers in a host of key passing and possession-based metrics in the limited minutes that he had on the pitch.
Claret & Hugh adds that the Scottish midfielder is ‘open’ to a move away from the Premier League club in order to go in search of regular first-team football, which is why a transfer to Parkhead could be one that ‘suits all parties’.
Irving, who made his Scotland debut earlier this month against Liechtenstein, appears to have the on-ball qualities to perfectly suit playing in a Celtic team that averaged 75.1% possession per game in the Premiership in the 2024/25 season.
His desire to constantly get on the ball and make passes, short and long, whilst being efficient in doing so, could make him a good fit for Rodgers’ dominant Hoops midfielder, which is why this is a deal that could make a lot of sense for both clubs and the player.
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It doesn’t take a footballing genius to work out what Arsenal need this summer.
Mikel Arteta’s side failed to get over the line in the Premier League for the third time on the bounce this season, and while they sit just one place off Liverpool, they’ve scored 14 goals fewer.
Now, part of that is undoubtedly down to injuries, but it’s incredibly evident that the Gunners need a new striker once the transfer window opens, and the board seem to agree.
However, while Alexander Isak remains the dream signing for so many fans, his potentially £150m price tag makes the idea of him moving to the Emirates seem practically impossible.
Fortunately, recent reports have linked the North Londoners with someone who could be an ideal alternative.
Arsenal's striker search
Before getting to the player in question, it’s worth reviewing a couple of the other striker targets linked with Arsenal in recent weeks, such as Viktor Gyokeres and Daizen Maeda.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
The former could move to N5 for around £70m, and while that would make him one of the Gunners’ most expensive signings ever, he’d probably be worth it as, in just 48 games this season, he’s racked up 52 goals and 12 assists.
The latter could be available for just £25m, which might also prove to be an absolute steal, as in just 47 first-team appearances for Celtic this season, the Japanese international has scored 33 goals and provided 11 assists.
Daizen Maeda
However, Arteta and Co might want someone with more experience of football in a top-five league, which could explain the links to Ollie Watkins.
Yes, according to a recent report from Football Insider, Arsenal are ‘planning to reignite their bid to sign’ the Aston Villa star.
The report has revealed that even though the Claret and Blue rejected a £50m offer from the Gunners in the January window, he’s back on the club’s shortlist ahead of the summer.
It’s unclear how much he’d cost, but with more time for Villa to find a replacement, it might not be far off Arsenal’s original offer, making him an incredibly appealing Isak alternative.
Why Watkins would be a great Isak alternative
Okay, so the first thing to say is that in an ideal world, Arsenal would just go out and sign Isak, but that feels incredibly unlikely to happen and points to the first significant advantage to signing Watkins over him: the price.
Ollie Watkins celebrates with Morgan Rogers for Aston Villa.
For example, if the reports are to be believed, then the Villa ace could cost as much as £100m less than the Swedish international, which in turn would allow the Gunners to splash the cash on several other first-team players, like Nico Williams, Martin Zubimendi and others.
Moreover, even though he’d cost a third as much as the Toon ace, it does not mean he’d be a third as good.
For example, in 50 appearances this season, totalling 3054 minutes, the Englishman, whom podcaster Rohan Jivan described as “one of the best centre-forwards in Europe,” has scored 16 goals and provided 13 assists, which comes out to a goal involvement every 1.72 games, or every 111.75 minutes.
In contrast, the former Real Sociedad star has scored 26 goals and provided six assists in 39 appearances, totalling 3054 minutes, which comes out to a slightly better average of a goal involvement every 1.21 games, or every 95.43 minutes.
Finally, Arteta needs players he can rely on next season, and when it comes to fitness, the former Exeter City star is far more reliable than his potential competitor.
For example, he’s missed just three games for club and country across his entire career, whereas the Swede has already missed 67, and he’s only 25 years old.
Isak’s injury problems
Season
Days Missed
Injuries
Games Missed
24/25
43 days
3
9
23/24
56 days
2
12
22/23
107 days
1
18
21/22
28 days
2
5
18/19
66 days
5
15
17/18
33 days
1
8
16/17
4 days
1
0
All Stats via Transfermarkt
With Isak unattainable this season, Arsenal would do well to sign Watkins as an alternative, as on top of costing up to £100m less, he’d be far more reliable.
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