تداولت خلال الساعات الماضية أنباء قوية عن اقتراب مدرب سيراميكا كليوباترا، علي ماهر، من الرحيل لتولي تدريب الاتحاد الليبي، بعد النتائج المميزة التي حققها مع الفريق في الدوري المصري.
وأثارت هذه الأنباء جدلًا واسعًا في الأوساط الكروية المصرية، خاصة أن سيراميكا يقدم موسمًا استثنائيًا حتى الآن، جعل اسمه ضمن المنافسين على صدارة الترتيب.
لكن نادي سيراميكا كليوباترا خرج سريعًا للرد على تلك الأخبار، عبر تصريحات خاصة لـ بطولات، أكد فيها حقيقة موقف مدربه من الرحيل إلى ليبيا.
اقرأ أيضًا.. أمير عبد الحميد يكشف سر رفض توروب انضمامه لجهاز الأهلي تحت قيادته
وقال معتز البطاوي، المدير الرياضي للنادي: “هذا الكلام غير صحيح على الإطلاق، علي ماهر مستمر معنا في سيراميكا كليوباترا، وكل ما يقال عن رحيله إلى ليبيا وسفره للتدريب هناك شائعات”.
وأضاف البطاوي: “علي ماهر ملتزم بعقده مع النادي، ويقود الفريق بكل تركيز”.
ويتصدر سيراميكا كليوباترا حاليًا جدول ترتيب الدوري المصري برصيد 23 نقطة من 12 مباراة، متقدمًا بفارق نقطتين عن الأهلي الوصيف، الذي لعب مباراة أقل.
وبالتالي، فإن علي ماهر متواجد مع سيراميكا كليوباترا في الفترة المقبلة وسيقود الفريق في بطولة كأس السوبر المصري التي ستقام في الآمارات خلال الفترة من 6 إلى 9 نوفمبر وسيستعد لمواجهة الأهلي في نصف النهائي.
Carlo Ancelotti has admitted that how former Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich viewed Jose Mourinho played a key role in his Chelsea sacking. The Italian coach, who won the Premier League and FA Cup double in his first season, said the Russian billionaire measured his success against Mourinho, and their Champions League clash with Inter Milan proved decisive in his eventual departure from Stamford Bridge.
Ancelotti's Chelsea stint and sacking
Ancelotti was Chelsea boss for two seasons, from 2009 until 2011, delivering a domestic double in his debut year. However, Abramovich dismissed him in the summer of 2011 after another European setback. A critical moment came when Mourinho's Inter knocked Chelsea out of the Champions League in 2010, a result the owner viewed as unacceptable, having already sacked the Portuguese coach.
Advertisement
Getty Images Sport
Ancelotti reveals the Mourinho factor behind his Chelsea exit
"Abramovich made clear he wanted me to win the Champions League with Chelsea and for Chelsea to carve out its identity on the pitch," Ancelotti revealed in his new book , an extract from which was published by the Daily Mail. "But now I was working for a Russian oligarch who I suddenly understood expected everything to go well all the time. And if it didn't, he wanted to know why. It was my job to supply the answers.
"The next day Abramovich didn't talk just to me but to the whole squad. My problem was that Mourinho's triumph was not great for my relationship with Abramovich. I was supposed to be the antidote to Mourinho – calm, measured and able to revive the squad after the drama. According to Abramovich, Mourinho was supposed to be a spent force.
"Allowing him to disrupt the script, I had embarrassed the owner. Success or failure in Europe is how I would be measured by Abramovich – and the Champions League cost me my job. Torres was his personal decision and substituting him was a direct rebuke to the owner. Momentarily, I had forgotten that, ultimately, you can’t beat the owner."
Getty
Abramovich got Champions League dream one year later
Ancelotti's story highlights Abramovich's demanding expectations during his Chelsea reign. Despite domestic triumphs, the Russian oligarch measured success almost exclusively by Champions League performance. Chelsea would eventually claim Europe's biggest prize in 2012 under Roberto Di Matteo, albeit as massive underdogs in a famous final against a high-powered Bayern Munich sid eon home turf, a year after Ancelotti's dismissal.
ENJOYED THIS STORY?
Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting
Ancelotti has the last laugh with five Champions League trophies
Already a legend for his feats at AC Milan, Ancelotti has since rebuilt his reputation with spells at Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid and now Brazil. He won Real Madrid's previously elusive title in the Champions League in 2013-14, adding two more in his second spell at the Bernabeu, on top of two European triumphs with Mialn. Meanwhile, Abramovich has since lost his ownership of Chelsea to Todd Boehly and BlueCo. after the oligarch was forced to sell the club due to the sanctions by the UK government following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Lionel Messi sent a special message to ex-Barcelona team-mate Ousmane Dembele to congratulate him on winning the Ballon d'Or this year. Dembele edged out Blaugrana sensation Lamine Yamal to grab the Golden Ball. The French winger experienced the best season of his career in the 2024-25 campaign as he inspired Paris Saint-Germain to a historic treble.
PSG and Dembele's historic campaign
Dembele was presented with the prestigious Golden Ball in Paris on Monday, after he played a pivotal role in helping PSG make history in the 2024-25 season. The Ligue 1 giants stormed to another Ligue 1 title and the Coupe de France while also securing their first Champions League crown. The Frenchman contributed with 35 goals and 16 assists.
Advertisement
Getty Images Sport
Messi congratulates Dembele
Barcelona legend Messi, who shared a dressing room with Dembele for four years at Camp Nou, left a comment on Dembele's Instagram post celebrating his Ballon d'Or triumph. The Argentine maestro wrote: "Grande Ous !!! Congratulations I’m so happy for you. You deserve it."
Mbappe celebrates Dembele's triumph
Dembele's France national team colleague Kylian Mbappe was also over the moon seeing his close friend winning the Golden Ball, as he wrote on his Instagram story: "Ousmane Dembele. It's the emotions, my brother. You deserve it a thousand times over."
ENJOYED THIS STORY?
Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting
Getty
When is Dembele playing next?
Dembele was able to attend Monday's ceremony in Paris and skip PSG's rescheduled Ligue 1 clash with Marseille as he is still nursing an injury that he suffered during the international break. He is hoping to regain full fitness in time for his club's next domestic game on Saturday against Auxerre.
It has been a long time since the mood around Arsenal has been so jubilant.
Amazingly, it was the complete opposite just a couple of days ago, with fans having to deal with fierce rivals Tottenham Hotspur closing in on Eberechi Eze and Kai Havertz suffering another potentially significant injury.
Fortunately, everything changed on Wednesday evening when reports broke of the club going back in and hijacking the move for the Crystal Palace star.
With a ‘here we go’ from Fabrizio Romano and news of him completing his medical yesterday, the Gunners have finally got their hands on the potentially game-changing number ten they’ve needed for so long.
Yet, if Arsenal want to really get the most out of Eze and help him reach or surpass the numbers Liverpool’s new ten, Florian Wirtz, put up last season, they should be going in for another international they’ve been linked with this summer.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Why Arsenal signed Eze
One of the primary reasons Arsenal decided to splash the cash on Eze this summer is undoubtedly his output of the last few years.
For example, across the 23/24 and 24/25 seasons, the 27-year-old “magician,” as dubbed by pundit Micah Richards, was able to score 25 goals and provide 17 assists in 79 appearances, totalling 5588 minutes.
In other words, the former QPR gem maintained an average of a goal involvement every 1.88 games, or every 133.04 minutes for a mid-table side.
Appearances
36
43
Minutes
2285′
3303′
Goals
11
14
Assists
6
11
Goal Involvements per Match
0.47
0.58
Minutes per Goal Involvement
134.41′
132.12′
The second significant reason the North Londoners went all out for the Greenwich-born superstar is the fact that he can play as a ten and out on the left.
These were two of the most significant problem areas for the team last season, as Martin Odegaard was miles off his creative best and neither Gabriel Martinelli nor Leandro Trossard were able to offer enough threat out wide.
Finally, while it will take some time for the 5 foot 10 dynamo to familiarise himself with Arsenal’s style of player and Arteta’s tactical ideas, he’s Premier League-proven.
Therefore, it shouldn’t take anywhere near as long as some of the Gunners’ other signings to get up to speed.
However, while Eze looks like he could be a game-changing addition to the North Londoners’ squad, they could potentially get even more out of him and help him hit the numbers of Wirtz last season by signing another international star they’ve been linked with: Ademola Lookman.
Why Lookman can help Eze hit Wirtz numbers
Given their attacking problems last season, it’s hardly been a surprise to see the sheer number of offensive players Arsenal have been linked with this summer.
One of the most exciting and intriguing of those has been Lookman, who could be available for around £43m after his move to Inter Milan fell through, and he could help Eze hit the incredible numbers Wirtz did last season: 31 goal involvements in 45 games.
The first reason we think this is that the Nigerian international is a lean, mean output machine.
Appearances
33
45
40
Minutes
1858′
2809′
2871′
Goals
15
17
20
Assists
8
10
7
Goal Involvements per Match
0.69
0.60
0.67
Minutes per Goal Involvement
80.78′
104.03′
106.33
Since moving to the Serie A side in August 2022, the “world-class” attacker, as dubbed by the BBC’s John Bennett, has scored a brilliant 52 goals and provided 25 assists in 118 appearances, totalling 7538 minutes.
That means the 5 foot 9 monster has averaged a goal involvement every 1.53 games or every 97.89 minutes on the continent.
Just imagine the sort of numbers the former Everton man would put up in this Arsenal side, and then the goals and assists the Palace ace could chalk up playing alongside him.
Moreover, there would be plenty of opportunities for the two to play together, as even though the Wandsworth-born game-changer spent much of last season up top, he is just as comfortable playing on either wing, as a second striker, or even in midfield.
This ability to cover practically every area of the attack also means that he could cover for the FA Cup winner when needed, ensuring he isn’t overplayed and is always near his best.
Ultimately, Eze is an excellent signing in his own right, but were Arsenal to also bring in Lookman this summer, he could help the Englishman hit the sort of numbers Wirtz did for Bayer Leverkusen last year.
Palace's "unusual" Eze demand sparked Tottenham fear before Arsenal hijack
The England international has agreed to re-join his boyhood club.
Newcastle United’s summer business has so far been defined more by frustration than fulfilment.
Despite a flurry of early talks and promising leads, the club has seen a number of potential deals fall through, including the pursuits of Bryan Mbeumo, João Pedro and Hugo Ekitike.
With pre-season now well underway, and Alexander Isak having withdrawn from the club’s tour of Singapore and South Korea, Newcastle’s recruitment team finds itself under increasing pressure to deliver.
The club’s reluctance to sell Isak remains firm.
While interest from Liverpool is expected, particularly in light of Luis Díaz’s £65.5m move to Bayern, Newcastle have no intention of entertaining offers unless a suitable replacement is found.
Internal sources continue to stress that there is a realistic scenario in which Isak stays, returns to training, and features in the opening weeks of the Premier League season.
Newcastle's Wissa and Sesko alternative
Contingency planning are now in full swing. Benjamin Šeško remains on the radar, and talks are active.
RB Leipzig's BenjaminSeskocelebrates their second goal scored by Lukas Klostermann
However, club insiders have suggested that another name has quietly moved to the top of the shortlist.
According to The i Paper, Newcastle have made initial contact over a move for the Chelsea and Senegal forward, Nicolas Jackson.
Jackson is seen as a stylistic alternative to Yoane Wissa, who had emerged as the club’s preferred replacement for Callum Wilson before complications arose.
Wissa, who has spent the last four seasons with Brentford, is currently refusing to train in an attempt to push through a move.
Brentford, though, are holding firm on their £50m valuation – justifiable, perhaps, given Wissa’s level of output last season.
Only Mohamed Salah scored more non-penalty goals in the Premier League, and Wissa finished the campaign with 20 goals and four assists across 3,072 minutes of football.
How Jackson compares to Wissa and Isak
However, Brentford’s stance has led Newcastle to explore different options. That search has led to Jackson, a player Chelsea value at £80m.
Newcastle would be prepared to pay closer to £65m, according to the i, roughly the same amount as Hugo Ekitike before Liverpool hijacked the deal.
Eintracht Frankfurt's HugoEkitikecelebrates
Jackson’s season at Chelsea has drawn mixed reviews, but those close to the player, like former Nigeria captain John Obi Mikel, see enormous potential.
“It’s amazing to see that Nicolas Jackson is taking what I say on board and improving. People were telling me I’ve created a monster of a striker and that’s exactly what I want.”
Well, using data via FBref, Jackson stands out as one of the closest statistical matches in Europe to both Isak and Wissa.
The trio share a remarkably similar output when it comes to progressive attacking actions, shooting efficiency and off-ball contributions.
Goal Contributions (2024/25)
Alexander Isak
29 (23 goals, 6 assists)
Yoane Wissa
23 (19 goals, 4 assists)
Nicolas Jackson
15 (10 goals, 5 assists)
Source: FBref
Last season, Jackson averaged more shots on target per 90 (1.38) than both Wissa (1.27) and Isak (1.34), and his shot-on-target rate (44.7%) placed him between the pair.
He also contributed 2.80 shot-creating actions per 90, slightly below Isak (3.01) but ahead of Wissa (2.13), while posting a solid pass completion rate of 75.9%.
Nicolas Jackson
In terms of ball progression, Jackson registered 1.90 progressive carries per 90, again narrowly beating Wissa (1.85) but trailing Isak (2.71).
The one area where he clearly lags is in build-up play: his progressive passing distance was just 35.8 yards per 90, compared to Wissa’s 49.9 and Isak’s 53.7.
Still only 23, he has the tools, and time, to grow into a more complete forward. In contrast to Wissa who turns 29 in September, well outside Newcastle’s preferred recruitment age profile of 24 and under.
Wissa will likely miss a significant stretch of the 2025–26 season due to AFCON. Discipline, however, remains a question mark.
Jackson picked up two high-profile red cards last season, once against Newcastle and once at the Club World Cup against Flamengo, both the result of needless petulance.
It’s a habit that would need to be ironed out under Howe’s structured and emotionally balanced setup.
What makes Jackson such a compelling fit though, is his physical profile. Like Isak, he’s quick across the turf, capable of stretching defensive lines and linking midfield with sharp, short touches. Like Wissa, he thrives on chaos, creating danger through movement and improvisation more than structured playmaking.
There are clear echoes of what Newcastle had hoped to gain from Wissa, and what they currently risk losing in Isak.
Newcastle United's AlexanderIsakcelebrates scoring their first goal
Jackson, in many ways, offers a synthesis of both: the explosiveness, unpredictability and penalty-box threat of Wissa, fused with Isak’s finesse and movement.
For a club that is beginning to gear up its squad for both the present and future, without the cushion of Champions League income, the Blues attacker could represent not just a stopgap, but a long-term pillar.
Elanga's new Wood: Big-money CF has agreement in principle to join Newcastle
A striker has reportedly agreed to join Newcastle United.
Liverpool would “without a doubt” look to replace Luis Diaz with “world-class” trophy-laden player this summer, according to an exciting new update.
The latest on Diaz's Liverpool future
The future of Diaz continues to be a big talking point at Anfield this summer, with the Colombian pushing for a move away, amid strong interest from Bayern Munich.
The Bundesliga champions have already seen a bid rejected, but it looks as though they will return with an improved offer for the 28-year-old, especially after Jamal Musiala suffered a broken ankle at the Club World Cup, and the fact that they were beaten by Liverpool to the signing of Florian Wirtz.
Reds supporters are split over the idea of Diaz departing this summer, with some feeling he is a vital player, having scored 17 goals in all competitions last season, helping Arne Slot’s side win the Premier League title.
Others believe the winger isn’t a truly elite attacker, however, and given his age, they would be happy to see Liverpool cash in on him, signing a superior option in the process.
Liverpool backed to sign "world-class" superstar
According to a new update from L’Equipe [via Get French Football News], Liverpool will “without a doubt” look to sign Rodrygo if Diaz goes this summer.
The 24-year-old has been mentioned as an option for the Reds plenty of times in recent weeks, with the Brazilian potentially looking to leave Real Madrid, having not been a key part of new manager Xabi Alonso’s plans during the Club World Cup.
The idea of Rodrygo in a Liverpool shirt is a mouthwatering prospect, given his reputation as one of the best wide forwards in European football.
Their own Zubimendi: Liverpool favourites to sign "generational" £100m CM
Liverpool are reportedly favourites to sign one of the Premier League’s best young midfielders.
1 ByMatt Dawson Jul 21, 2025
He has excelled for Madrid, even if he hasn’t always made as many headlines as the likes of Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior, being hailed as “world-class” by Luka Modric and earning praise from Carlo Ancelotti.
Rodrygo is four years younger than Diaz, and simply a better player, as a tally of 119 goal contributions in 270 appearances highlights, so signing the former to replace the latter could be inspired business by Liverpool, with the Brazil star having the potential to become an icon on Merseyside.
امتدح بيب جوارديولا مدرب مانشستر سيتي، لاعبي فريقه وعلى وجه التحديد إيرلينج هالاند وفيل فودين والحارس جيانلويجي دوناروما، بعد الفوز أمام مانشستر يونايتد.
وتغلب مانشستر سيتي على مانشستر يونايتد بثلاثية دون رد، وسجل له إيرلينج هالاند (هدفين)، وفيل فودين، ضمن مباريات الجولة الرابعة للدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز “البريميرليج”.
وفي تصريحاته لـ “سكاي سبورتس”، قال جوارديولا عن استعادة الثقة: “لقد غيّرنا الكثير في سوق الانتقالات هذا، حيث أضفنا تسعة لاعبين، هم جوهر الفريق، من المستحيل أن نتوقع منهم تحقيق كل ما حققناه سابقًا (باعتبارهم لاعبين جدد)”.
وأضاف: “الروح المعنوية ولغة الجسد والقتال معًا ورؤية الوجوه في الملعب، إنه لشرف لي أن أساهم في إدخال الفرحة ولحظات السعادة إلى قلوب اللاعبين، لأنني أدرك أهمية مباراة الديربي”.
واستطرد: “إنها مجرد مباراة واحدة، قدمنا الكثير من الأشياء الجيدة ضد توتنهام، اليوم، كان الأمر مهمًا للغاية، كان اللاعبون في غاية العدوانية، كان الجميع أشبه بآلة”.
اقرأ أيضًا | فودين: من المستحيل ألا تسمتع للانتقادات.. وهالاند متكامل
وواصل: “سنواجه نابولي يوم الخميس، وعلينا أن نتفاعل وأن نكون أقل سذاجة، في الموسم الماضي وهذا الموسم، كنا سيئين للغاية في هذا الجانب، لكن الروح المعنوية موجودة والقادة رائعون”.
وعن مهاجم مانشستر سيتي، إيرلينج هالاند، أكد جوارديولا: “كان هالاند مذهلاً منذ البداية، لكن هذا الموسم هو أفضل من أي وقت مضى، بل أقول إنه أفضل من موسم الثلاثية، إنه لاعب ديناميكي، ولا أحكم عليه بناءً على تشتيته للكرة، بل نريده أن يسجل الأهداف ويساعدنا”.
وعن فيل فودين، أفاد: “افتقدناه كثيرًا، وفي الموسم الذي سبقه كان أفضل لاعب في الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، لذا نحن بحاجة إليه، فهو يتمتع بأخلاقيات عمل عالية، فودين هو جوهر النادي، قلبه النابض، من أكاديمية النادي، وهو يعشق مانشستر سيتي، عودته خبر سار”.
وأردف: “هل تعلمون لماذا أنا مدرب جيد؟ لأن لديّ لاعبين رائعين يقدمون أفضل ما لديهم، نحن بحاجة إلى أفضل ما لدينا، اليوم رأينا، وأبدعنا، ويجب أن يستمر ذلك”.
وأتم جوارديولا تصريحاته بالحديث عن حارس مرماه جيانلويجي دوناروما: “بالطبع، لقد تصدى بشكل رائع، ونحن سعداء جدًا بالطريقة التي لعب بها”.
Everton fans still have around two months to wait until they’re able to watch their beloved Toffees play at the brand-new Hill Dickinson Stadium in the Premier League.
Brighton and Hove Albion will be the first tricky visitors standing in the way of David Moyes and Co. on that memorable afternoon, with August also seeing the Merseyside outfit travel to Leeds United and Wolverhampton Wanderers in search of some early-season results.
Everton manager DavidMoyesreacts
Moyes will hope he’s backed in the transfer window ahead of his side moving into their new home for good, with one transfer target now on the agenda that could boost the Scotsman’s numbers in the midfield department.
Everton in contact to sign £13m star
The Toffees are yet to bring in any new faces this summer but with the window now in full swing, TFG must press on and strengthen ahead of their first game at their new home.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Well, as per a report by Turkish outlet Sabah, Everton has now initiated contact with ex-Manchester United midfielder Fred’s agent over a potential summer deal.
The report does state that the Brazilian is well-liked by his current Fenerbahce boss in Jose Mourinho, but Everton remain keen.
Fred in action for Fenerbache.
However, the high reported price tag of £13m might well put off TFG, with the Turkish giants actually purchasing Fred for a far more modest £7.7m after his bumpy Old Trafford stay had finished.
How Fred can be Everton's next Doucoure
Of course, it wasn’t all smooth sailing for the South American when situated in the red half of Manchester, but if Everton were successful in their advances, they could be about to win an ideal replacement for Abdoulaye Doucoure, with the long-standing Toffees servant no longer on the books of Moyes’ men after his contract expired.
It was a sad severing of the ties when Doucoure was officially announced to be departing Merseyside, considering the Malian had scored many a vital strike from the midfield areas across his 166 games, with that goal against Bournemouth definitely the most important one of his 21-goal collection in pushing Everton away from the perilous drop.
But, with his wage coming in at a hefty £130k-per-week as per Capology, it might well have been deemed a necessary alteration to make, with slightly cheaper alternatives on the table in Fred, who earns a lesser £113k-per-week pay packet himself.
Moreover, whilst Doucoure had enamoured Everton fans with his entertaining displays from the center of the park, Fred can offer that same goalscoring ability in abundance, with 14 goals and 19 assists collected for the Red Devils, away from his promising output of five goals and six assists in 2024/25 for Mourinho’s titans.
Erik ten Hag would even go out of his way to label the 32-time Brazil international as “magnificent” when the pair were together at the Theatre of Dreams, with Fred no doubt also hungry to return to the English game to prove a point, having become a scapegoat during tough recent times at United.
CM
296
29
34
DM
99
5
13
AM
31
4
4
RM
22
4
5
LM
4
1
2
LB
1
0
0
To sum up his woes in Manchester, journalist John Deehan labelled Fred as a “headless chicken” , but his career and time in Turkey paint an opposing picture – especially as Everton hunt down a capable Doucoure replacement.
Indeed, the former Toffees midfielder would line up all over the midfield department during his lengthy Everton journey, whether that be as a number ten, as a traditional central face, or as a defensive anchor, with Fred able to offer that in spades too to ease Moyes’ worries about his midfield depth in the wake of the ex-Watford battler’s exit.
Fred
With 83 appearances and counting in both the Europa League and the Champions League, Fred’s arrival on the scene might also help Everton push up the league standings in their fresh, state-of-the-art stadium, away from any future relegation scraps.
It would be a risk, considering the Brazilian had a reputation at the Red Devils for fading in and out of contests. But, as an option to bolster after Doucoure’s departure, it could well prove to be an inspired signing.
He's Ndiaye 2.0: Everton enter race to sign "wonderful" star
Everton have yet to make a signing this summer to bolster their squad.
While Arsenal crashed out in the semi-final stages of the Champions League, they can at least take solace from the fact that they were beaten by the eventual winners.
Mikel Arteta may have proclaimed that his side were the better of the two teams when they faced PSG over two legs, but it’s hard to argue in favour of that.
Indeed, once all was said and done, Luis Enrique’s men reigned supreme.
It was the exciting, energetic trio of Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia who came to the fore again in the final, pummelling five past Inter Milan.
As it happens, Arsenal could well sign their answer to Doue this summer.
Arsenal in talks to sign new winger
The Gunners are in the market to sign Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad but their success in the market over the forthcoming months will very much come down to how they strengthen in attack.
Benjamin Sesko appears to be the primary option in attack with talks reportedly underway behind the scenes over a move.
Andrea Berta is a very busy man, as he’s not the only offensive option discussions are being had over.
Earlier this week, reports revealed that Arsenal were considering a move for former Manchester City winger Leroy Sane. Well, over the weekend, a deal may well be progressing.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
According to Caught Offside, the player’s agent Pini Zahavi, has been in talks with Tottenham Hotspur and the Gunners over signing his client this summer.
Sane is going to be leaving Bayern Munich behind at the end of his contract and as a result, he can be snapped up on a free transfer.
Why Sane could be Arsenal’s answer to Doue
It’s safe to say that Doue is one of the most generational players on the planet right now.
Moving from Rennes to PSG last summer, it took a few months for things to really click but he’s now proven why he’s going to be at the top of the game for the next 15 years.
The Frenchman has been outstanding this term, scoring 15 and registering 16 assists in all competitions.
His biggest and most important goals came in the Champions League final where he was one of their finest players on a remarkable night in Munich, scoring two of their five goals.
This may well sting for those of an Arsenal persuasion as, according to reports, the Londoners were going to meet with Doue’s entourage last summer.
Well, Sane and Doue may be at opposite ends of their career but the former would be a great piece of business on a free transfer, providing he’s not the only arrival in the forward areas.
Once described by Pep Guardiola as “the best in the world playing out wide,” the German has a similar skill set to Doue. They are two players who love beating their man and creating moments of magic out of nowhere.
Doue is right-footed but when he plays on the left, his ability to cut inside and beat players in Neymar-esque fashion is truly captivating.
Well, in many ways, Sane is the right wing version of Doue. He’s got great place, has ridiculous technical ability and his slightly taller, wiry frame also stands out.
So, how do they compare statistically?
Goals
0.45
0.27
Assists
0.38
0.27
Shot on target %
40%
37%
Key passes
2.58
2.31
Progressive passes
4.22
6.97
Shot-creating actions
5.23
5.28
Successful take-ons
3.15
3.24
Progressive carries
4.68
4.69
Well, the numbers suggest, as expected, showcase that they are very very similar players.
Over the last two campaigns, it’s Sane who has registered the higher output as far as goals and assists are concerned, but when it comes to play style, they are near identical.
Doue is streets ahead for progressive passes but when analysing shot-creating actions and their ability to progress play via dribbling and carrying, there is very little to separate the duo.
The French superstar is, of course, a future Ballon d’Or contender but on a free transfer, Arsenal could sign a more experienced and more refined version in Sane. What’s not to like about that?
Arsenal open talks to sign £50m star – he's like Nico Williams & Rodrygo
Arsenal are looking at a whole list of wingers that includes Nico Williams and Rodrygo.
Liverpool are now showing serious interest in signing a “wonderful” midfielder, who’s been likened to Real Madrid icon Toni Kroos, according to a report.
Carragher urges Slot to sign new central midfielder
FSG took a gamble by not providing Arne Slot with a new central midfielder last summer, but it was a decision that ultimately ended up paying dividends, with Ryan Gravenberch stepping up to the plate and playing a key role in the Premier League title triumph.
However, Jamie Carragher believes the Reds have been too dependent on Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister this season, with the Sky Sports pundit urging his former club to bring in a new central midfielder last month.
Carragher said: “They need a centre-back to ensure there is no crisis if Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate are unavailable.
“Also a deep central midfielder so that Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister are not as overburdened next season as they have been in this one.”
Liverpool in regular talks to sign "incredible" 21-goal ace who Klopp loves
The Reds are positioning themselves.
BySean Markus Clifford May 6, 2025
Back in the January transfer window, it was revealed that Stuttgart maestro Angelo Stiller is among the potential targets in midfield, and there has now been a new update on the Merseysiders’ pursuit of the midfielder.
According to a report from Germany, Liverpool are now showing serious interest in signing Stiller after clinching their 20th league title, with the 24-year-old potentially in line to leave Stuttgart behind for Anfield, just like Wataru Endo.
VfB Stuttgart'sAngeloStillercelebrates scoring their first goal
Endo arrived on Merseyside for a fee of €20m (£17m) back in 2023, but a move for the German could be a little more on the pricey side, with an offer of at least €60m (£51m) likely to be needed to tempt Stuttgart into a summer sale.
"Wonderful" Stiller likened to Kroos
Ahead of the current season, the Stuttgart maestro received very high praise from football scout Ben Mattinson, given his ability to win possession and pick out his teammates due to his fantastic passing range.
Since then, the Germany international has continued to impress in a Stuttgart shirt, particularly catching the eye with his passing and ability to create chances over the past year, and a French journalist has even suggested he is similar to legendary midfielder Kroos.
Statistic
Average per 90
Passes attempted
85.97 (97th percentile)
Progressive passes
9.68 (98th percentile)
Assists
0.20 (88th percentile)
Shot-creating actions
3.88 (91st percentile)
With Carragher of the belief that Liverpool need a deep-lying midfielder this summer, Stiller’s passing range and playmaking abilities could make him a perfect fit for Slot’s side, so it is exciting news they have now expressed a serious interest in signing him.