All posts by z3u9t.icu

Chelsea produced a phenomenal performance at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night as a 2-0 win over Borussia Dortmund sealed their spot in the Champions League quarter-finals.

Graham Potter’s side had trailed 1-0 on aggregate after their defeat in Germany last month and were second favourites to progress given their respective form, which had seen the Bundesliga title hopefuls win their last ten games in all competitions.

However, the Blues were dominant throughout the game at Stamford Bridge and took a deserved lead just before half-time when Raheem Sterling slammed home inside the box to cap off a fine return to form having been particularly impressive against Leeds last time out.

Kai Havertz made it 2-0 in controversial fashion early in the second period, as the home side were awarded a penalty for handball, which the Germany international initially missed, before tucking the re-taken penalty into the bottom corner following perceived encroachment on his first attempt.

It wasn’t only his goal that marked out the former Bayer Leverkusen man as one of the best players on the pitch, however.

How did Havertz perform vs Dortmund?

As per Sofascore, the 23-year-old would earn a strong 7.9/10 rating for his performance against Dortmund, which ranked him as the best player to feature in the game from both sides.

The 51-touch Havertz was extremely unfortunate not to score even before his penalty, as he saw an early effort come off the inside of the post after beating Alexander Meyer, while his phenomenal finish off the crossbar was ruled out for a narrow offside against Sterling.

In total, the young attacker would register five shots against Dortmund, which is extremely promising when you consider Chelsea’s recent goalscoring woes and the fact that he has averaged just 1.8 shots per game in the Premier League.

He also contributed two key passes, 28 passes and three successive dribbles, which again was a significant improvement on his stats in the top flight so far this campaign, which have returned 1.1 key passes, 24.1 passes and just 0.5 dribbles per game.

Owen Hargreaves labelled his performance “absolutely outstanding” on BT Sport, and suggested that he showed “real courage” by stepping up again for the penalty after his first attempt came off the post.

It was a hugely controversial moment in the game with the spot kick having to be retaken after a number of players encroached on the penalty area.

The Havertz of late would likely have missed again but instead, the 23-year-old finally produced the sort of performance that fans expected after his £76m move in 2020.

NBC Sports writer Joe Prince-Wright dubbed it his “best performance” in a Chelsea shirt and considering he has managed just six goal contributions in 24 Premier League appearances this season, it is easy to see why.

Indeed, like his teammates, the attacker has been incredibly below par in recent months, with that penalty his first strike since the middle of January and only his second goal since the World Cup.

Hopefully, for the Blues, Tuesday’s impressive display can be the catalyst for Havertz becoming a far more consistent option in their attack for the rest of the season.

Summer signing Jurrien Timber sustained a serious injury on his home Arsenal debut and is set to spend a significant spell out on the sidelines and now the Gunners must work out how to replace him – we've got some ideas.

Is Jurrien Timber injured?

Indeed, the Dutch right-back, who arrived from Ajax, was signed in a deal reported to be in the region of £38m but lasted just 50 minutes into his first Premier League appearance – a 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest – before coming off with a knee issue.

Sadly, the North London club have since confirmed the severity of the injury, releasing a statement saying: "Further to detailed assessments with consultant specialists since Saturday, we can confirm that Jurrien Timber has sustained an injury to his anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee.

"Jurrien will undergo surgery in the coming days and will be out of action for a period of time."

With that in mind, Football Fancast has decided to figure out who will be best suited to take his spot in the team.

Of course, though, it won't just be as simple as trying to find depth at left-back, as Timber was able to cover centre-back and right-back as well; meaning William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, and Ben White will hope to stay fit or else Rob Holding could soon be straight back into the starting team.

Oleksandr Zinchenko

Zinchenko is obviously the first name that comes to mind as he played left-back for the Gunners 27 times in the league last season.

Still, he had some fitness struggles too and has carried that into the new season, having not been fit enough to be involved against Forest or Manchester City in the Community Shield before that.

The good news, however, is that Zinchenko has been spotted in training this week on Arsenal.com, so he could be nearing a return to full fitness shortly.

Takehiro Tomiyasu

With Zinchenko recently out, Tomiyasu was the player asked to come on off the bench for Timber against Nottingham Forest last Saturday and may well start there this Monday away at Crystal Palace.

Still, the Japan international has also had some fitness issues in recent times. Having missed 107 days of action last term, he too can't be fully trusted to remain healthy for a full campaign.

What's more, Tomiyasu isn't a natural left-back either, having only played there nine times in his career (via Transfermarkt), as he tends to play right-back or centre-back more frequently.

Of course, the same can be said about Timber – who wasn't signed to be a left-back, having spent very little time (eight games before joining) in that position before – so the Japanese defender may need to cover multiple areas of the pitch, leaving a gap on the left side of the defence.

Jakub Kiwior

The Polish defender arrived last January and while his first three starts in the Premier League saw him play at centre-back, Arteta moved him to left-back for the final two games of the season.

Such versatility may come in handy now, especially as Kiwior is left-footed and so may be a more natural fit than the right-footed Tomiyasu.

It's interesting to note that Kiwior was trusted to finish the season at left-back last term, despite Kieran Tierney being available – who we'll come onto now.

Kieran Tierney

The Scottish left-back would be a first name on the team sheet for many teams across Europe but he just doesn't seem to fit into Mikel Arteta's plans.

After all, having started 22 league games in the 2021/22 season, Tierney started just six last term as he well and truly lost his spot in the team to Zinchenko.

As a result, it seems quite likely that he will be sold this summer. And what's more, as per a report in the Daily Mail, the expectation, despite Timber's injury, is for Tierney to be sold – provided the Gunners receive a suitable fee.

However, if Arsenal don't receive an acceptable offer, perhaps it will make more sense to hang on to the Scot for the time being.

Transfer targets

In that same report, Manchester City's Joao Cancelo is named as a known target – although reports in Spain have strongly linked Barcelona with the fullback as well.

In less glamorous news, according to the Daily Express, Arsenal could turn to Southampton full-back Kyle Walker-Peters or Leicester City's Timothy Castagne before the summer transfer window shuts.

Read the latest Arsenal transfer news HERE…

While Tom Canton of football.london has mooted Mohamed Simakan and Benjamin Henrichs, who both play in the Bundesliga with RB Leipzig and have been linked with the English club in the past.

There is certainly plenty to consider for Arteta and with the transfer window closing in just a matter of weeks, he may have to make a big decision soon.

Manchester United have endured a rough start to the season.

In the first game, the Red Devils luckily scraped a 1-0 victory against Wolverhampton Wanderers, who were denied a late penalty when Andre Onana clattered into Sasa Kalajdzic.

In the latest Premier League encounter against Tottenham Hotspur, Erik ten Hag’s men wilted and were overpowered by a more relentless, energetic, and dominant side.

In both matches, a common theme has been United’s disjointed and lacklustre midfield. Casemiro has suffered as a lone pivot and Mason Mount has struggled to adapt to being an advanced eight. There has been an absence of protection and the team is getting overrun, creating the need for a different type of profile in the centre of the park…

What’s the latest Manchester United transfer news?

According to the Guardian, United’s search for midfield reinforcements has prompted an approach for Everton titan Amadou Onana.

It is understood that Ten Hag is keen to address his side’s lack of physicality and has turned his attention to bringing in a commanding central midfielder.

Read the latest Man United transfer news HERE…

However, Everton don’t want to lose Onana and insist they are under no financial pressure to make a sale.

The Toffees value the 21-year-old for at least £50m and there is awareness that could be tricky to keep him if United’s interest develops.

Ten Hag wants to add depth and quality to the midfield, feeling that Onana is a worthy candidate.

Would Amadou Onana be a good signing for Manchester United?

After spending one season playing for Hamburg in 2020/21, the club’s director of sport Jonas Boldt said:

“Technically, Amadou has almost perfect prerequisites. He is fast, technically skilled, tall, and strong in tackling.”

This description matches the profile that ten Hag is craving and Onana could be a balancing force between the defensive Casemiro and the free-roaming Bruno Fernandes.

Last season in the Premier League, the 6 foot 4 mountain registered 84% pass accuracy, averaged 2.2 tackles per game, made no errors leading to a shot or a goal, and won 57% of his duels, as per Sofascore.

Described as “superb” by reporter Richard Buxton, Onana occupies a far more opposing and domineering presence than Mount, whilst also displaying a commendable level of technical ability.

United are also said to be interested in Fiorentina powerhouse Sofyan Amrabat, but similarly to Onana, no deal can progress until the club makes more sales.

The 27-year-old was labelled “the Gennaro Gattuso of Morocco” and someone who is “essential for the balance” by former England boss Fabio Capello – something that is a key point of interest for ten Hag.

Last term in Serie A, the North African managed 90% pass accuracy, completed 75% of his dribbles, and averaged 1.3 tackles per game.

Both players possess intoxicating athleticism, are technically astute, and are able to protect the backline. However, with Liverpool reportedly tracking Amrabat, it may be easier to pursue a deal for Onana, who is brimming with potential.

Given the current state of affairs at Everton, who look destined for another perilous relegation fight, if United initiate a more formal approach for the youngster, it would be tricky for him to decline.

Everton are in desperate need of another new attacker, and time is running out to find one before they begin their Premier League campaign at home to Fulham in two-and-a-half weeks' time.

Who are Everton's current forwards?

The Toffees already have a hugely talented forward in Dominic Calvert-Lewin, but the England international's fitness problems were once again a major issue last season as he was restricted to just 15 Premier League starts.

Neal Maupay, a £15m signing from Brighton & Hove Albion last summer, was tasked with filling in for Calvert-Lewin but ended the campaign with one goal and no assists in 27 league appearances.

Dwight McNeil offered some much-needed quality out wide during the run-in, which ultimately ended with the Toffees avoiding the drop, while Arnaut Danjuma has recently joined on loan from Villarreal to provide further competition to Demarai Gray.

It is clear to see why Sean Dyche is eager to bring in another forward, and with a move for Almeria's El Bilal Toure now looking bleak, it may well be that Salernitana's Boulaye Dia is the Merseyside outfit's priority target.

According to reports from La Citta di Salerno this week, Everton are ready to offer €25m (£21m) and Maupay for the Senegal international in a player-plus-cash offer, which could be enough to tempt the Serie A side to cash in.

How many goals has Boulaye Dia scored?

Dia has played – and scored – in three of Europe's top five leagues, having netted 24 times in Ligue 1 for Reims, five times for Villarreal in LaLiga and 16 times in 33 Serie A games for Salernitana last season.

It was during his time at Reims that Dia first caught the attention of many, with Senegal team-mate Sadio Mane stating two years ago that he had been "really impressed" by his compatriot and did not expect him to stay with the French club for long.

So that proved, and after a short spell in Spain, Dia is now doing his thing in Italy. The 26-year-old scored 16 goals in 33 Serie A games last season, seeing him ranked among the top 16% of forwards across Europe's top five leagues for non-penalty goals scored in 2022-23, as per FBref.

Dia also set up six goals, ranking him in the top 14% for assists, showing that he is more than just a goalscorer – something that could see him form a solid partnership with Calvert-Lewin, assuming the latter can stay fit.

Interestingly, the one area Dia lacks is where Calvert-Lewin thrives, meaning they could easily feed off each other. The Salernitana star was among the bottom 14% of forwards in terms of aerial duels won last term (0.71 per 90); Calvert-Lewin was in the top 8% (5.10 per 90).

Some may suggest Dia and Calvert-Lewin simply cannot be shoehorned into the same side, but it would be a similar dynamic that fierce rivals Liverpool used so well for many years with Roberto Firmino, Mohamed Salah and Mane in attack.

Indeed, Dia is very alike Mane in a number of areas, not least their ability to score regularly. For example, Mane bagged 16 goals in 34 league games in his final season with Liverpool – the same number that his compatriot scored in one game less for Salernitana last time out.

As Dean Jones told GIVEMESPORT last year, Dia is a "handful" for defenders and a forward with "real goal potential", which has earned him strong comparisons with Mane.

Having shown he can score in France, Spain and Italy, Dia may now be given the chance to follow further in Mane's steps by doing so in the Premier League.

Leeds United are back in action again tonight, with fans likely raring to witness another clash after claiming their first Championship win of the season on Saturday.

Who could start for Leeds United tonight?

However, the competition shifts for today's Tuesday night match, as the Whites travel to Salford City in the hopes that they can enjoy a deep run in this year’s iteration of the EFL Cup.

As understandably heavy favourites for the clash, given they face off against a League Two side, much of the pressure will rest on Daniel Farke’s team to take the game to the hosts and dictate the play.

However, it will remain a huge banana skin, especially given the German will likely want to rotate his side given the gruelling schedule they face following their relegation.

Read the latest Leeds transfer news HERE…

As such, it is expected that some of the star youngsters could be given a run in the side, with towering defender Charlie Cresswell surely meriting a place in the side and an opportunity to stake his first-team claim.

How good is Charlie Cresswell?

Having spent the last year on loan with Millwall, the 21-year-old is actually more well-versed than most of the current squad when it comes to Championship football.

As such, he featured 30 times for Gary Rowett’s side, maintaining a 7.13 average rating throughout a gruelling campaign that nearly culminated in a playoff finish.

2022/23

Third Round (loss to Wolverhampton Wanderers)

2021/22

Fourth Round (loss to Arsenal)

2020/21

Second Round (loss to Hull City)

2019/20

Second Round (loss to Stoke City)

2018/19

Second Round (loss to Preston North End)

This stellar figure was upheld by his six goal contributions, alongside 1.3 interceptions, 1.5 tackles and 3.1 clearances per game, via Sofascore.

Such fine form was always foreseen though, with there being no bigger believer in his bright future than himself.

He was particularly reflective back in 2021, noting just after signing a new contract: “I’ve been at the club since I was 11 and so to sign a new deal here is just fantastic.

"I'm confident, I'm a leader, I like to play and I like to head it! “There's lots of players in the first team that I look up to, the likes of Coops, Bill, they lead by example and that is what I want to try and follow.

“My targets for the next few years are obviously to try and get in the first team eventually, but in this moment I have got to go in day to day and just push every day to the best of my ability and hopefully that takes me somewhere.”

It seems like he is set to get his chance to achieve the latter goal, but nerves will likely play a big part given this will be just his third start of the term.

Having been out on loan all last year, Cresswell has actually only made two starts in 23 months, with his last coming back in September 2021.

Not only this, but their ropey start to the league season defensively could offer an opportunity should he shine tonight, as they have conceded seven goals in just four games.

The Thorp Arch academy graduate, who is valued at around £6m by FootballTransfers, now has the perfect chance to prove his worth for the new boss against a tricky opposition, pushing himself into contention as the fixture list piles up.

Wolverhampton Wanderers will be hoping to return to winning ways against West Ham United this afternoon following their recent 1-1 Premier League draw against Nottingham Forest.

Gary O’Neil’s men couldn’t add to Matheus Cunha’s equaliser against Forest and the 40-year-old will be looking for his side to be much more clinical against a team who have conceded 30 goals in the top flight this term – the joint fourth-worst defensive record.

The Old Gold will also need to improve defensively against West Ham and this could suggest that O’Neil may make a change or two to his backline.

O'Neil could ditch Jonny in Wolves swoop for "uncatchable" £10.3m "animal"

Wolves could make a few signings in the January transfer window to bolster their squad.

ByRoss Kilvington Dec 14, 2023

Hugo Bueno didn’t enjoy the finest of matches last weekend and the former Bournemouth manager might boldly ditch him for the match today.

Hugo Bueno’s game vs Nottingham Forest in numbers

The youngster was deployed on the left side of the midfield as O’Neil started the game with a 3-4-3 formation, and he was looking for Bueno and Nelson Semedo to provide some attacking output from the flanks in order to support the front three.

While the defender did show eagerness at getting on the ball, taking 69 touches during his time on the pitch, his end product was often wasteful, and he registered a pass success rate of only 70%.

Bueno also lost possession of the ball on 20 occasions while winning just three of his eight duels contested, showing his weakness in one-on-one battles during the match.

With O’Neil looking for him to get forward as often as possible, the Spaniard only delivered one successful cross, and he succeeded with 33% of his dribble attempts, indicating that he didn’t exactly provide a reliable attacking source.

The 21-year-old received a match rating of just 6/10 for his performance by journalist Liam Keen from the Shropshire Star and there will be a change for the clash against the Irons.

Rayan Ait-Nouri could replace Hugo Bueno

The Algerian has been missing since suffering an injury against Fulham last month, yet he could be fit for the tie against the Irons today and this would be a major boost for the side.

The 22-year-old has started 12 Premier League matches so far this season, averaging 0.8 key passes per game along with succeeding with 1.5 dribbles per game and being dribbled past just 0.4 times per game, indicating that he has impressed across a range of performance metrics.

With fixtures coming up against West Ham, Chelsea, Brentford and Everton, O’Neil will be aiming for at least two or three wins and this could significantly bolster their top-half ambitions.

Ditching Bueno today would be a wise move and while Ait-Nouri is fighting back to 100% fitness, he could be given a start against David Moyes’ men.

The Molineux outfit have been impressive in spells across the top flight this term, enjoying excellent wins over Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur, yet consistency issues have plagued their campaign.

If the Algerian left-back is ready to be unleashed in the starting XI this afternoon, O’Neil must give him a chance to start from the first whistle and boldly drop Bueno to the bench.

Arsenal’s start to the Premier League term had been decidedly unconvincing despite where they sit in the table, as narrow victories over Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace either side of a 2-2 draw with Fulham has hardly inspired fans.

However, that was all washed away with their win last weekend, as they dug deep to pull an outstanding win against Manchester United out of the bag with two late strikes.

In a result that could mark a turning point in their early season, Mikel Arteta will hope to use that clash as inspiration to take into their game with Everton in just under two weeks’ time, before their Champions League campaign also gets underway.

However, despite the respite such a victory offered, it was still far from a perfect display, with VAR seemingly salvaging a draw as they chalked off Alejandro Garnacho’s finish that would have surely turned the tie in favour of the visitors.

2022/23 season

5 wins, 0 draws, 0 losses

2nd

2021/22 season

2 wins, 0 draws, 3 losses

5th

2020/21 season

3 wins, 0 draws, 2 losses

8th

2019/20 season

2 wins, 2 draws, 1 loss

8th

2018/19 season

3 wins, 0 draws, 2 losses

5th

They need to get back to their old ways, where free-flowing football was a prerequisite for every encounter they were involved in.

Whilst it might seem unlikely, perhaps an injection of youth could offer that creative impetus with which they could recapture their spark, especially given the glaring vacancy of Jurrien Timber that they still need to fill.

How long is Jurrien Timber injured for?

Edu’s summer spending marked an incisive showing from the Brazilian, as he welcomed Declan Rice, Kai Havertz, David Raya and Jurrien Timber way before the Deadline Day.

He acted with speed, and bolstered the key areas where it could be argued that they suffered deficiencies the year prior.

So, to see the Dutchman struck down in just his first league start was a true hammer blow, made even worse by the fact had sustained an ACL injury that will likely see him out for around seven months.

The former Ajax star had shone in his homeland, making a name for himself as one of the best ball-playing defenders in the world. Having just made his big switch to England too, it was a cruel twist of fate to see the 22-year-old now sidelined for so long.

Especially given, when compared to other centre-backs across Europe, he sat in the top 4% for passes attempted per 90, the top 2% for pass completion rate per 90, the top 1% for progressive passes per 90 and the top 4% for progressive carries per 90, via FBref.

However, where there is a negative situation like this it often breeds an opportunity for someone else, with Ben White the star expected to continue to deputise at right-back for the bulk of the campaign.

A solid defender with a history of featuring at centre-back, he has provided balance to Arteta’s system over the last 12 months. The England international's 6.91 average Sofascore rating in the Premier League emphasises this, as a figure upheld by his 1.6 tackles and two clearances per game. Although, it certainly remains a part of their squad that could have been improved, hence their £38m move for Timber.

Despite that, White has been lauded for his services too by Arteta: “I think he is really enjoying it. He finds himself with a bit of freedom and you can see, when he has space, how he likes to attack. I think he is happy there.”

“He has this capacity. Physically he is a really special player. He is very intelligent and very gifted, and he has a lot of courage to play this game. If you tell him to play in midfield, he will. And he will give his best.”

However, in Timber the thought process was clearly to add more creativity to that backline, securing a viable counterpart to Oleksandr Zinchenko on the opposite flank.

So, in an effort to emulate the success earned with the former Manchester City star, who saw his career start as an attacking midfielder, perhaps Arteta could seek to transform one of his malleable young midfielders into the perfect inverted full-back.

Fortunately for him, there already seems to be one brewing in Hale End's James Sweet.

Who is James Sweet?

Billed via Arsenal’s official website as “an indefatigable midfielder with exceptional technical quality”, the fact that James Sweet has already been shining at right-back will likely have Arteta keenly interested.

With all of his career having been geared towards creating chances for others, this new position of his lets him now do so from deep, allowing his defensive credentials to shine too whilst other attacking players can come into the side.

Players of his ilk are the ultimate facilitators, with his role even lauded by academy expert Jeorge Bird: “James Sweet has progressed really well. He looks a major threat down the right with his dangerous crosses.”

The 19-year-old Welshman would be more than capable of stepping up to fulfil Timber’s role with a bit more first-team experience, thus adding that touch of technical class from the right flank that their head coach is likely seeking.

After all, his performances in the EFL Trophy last term offered just a glimpse into the well-rounded asset he has been for the U21s. He maintained an 87% pass accuracy alongside an 80% dribble success rate, whilst also posting three tackles and 1.5 clearances per game too, via Sofascore.

Then, as if to emphasise his growing creativity, his sole performance in this season’s iteration of the competition was a standout one with two key passes recorded.

This has fed into his stellar Premier League 2 showings too, with one goal and one assist in their opening three games. It truly has been an outstanding start to the season for the young defender, who is certainly knocking on the door after years of steadily progressing through the youth setup.

Perhaps, should Arteta hand Sweet that show of faith he needs, the creative full-back could shatter all expectations by growing into the perfect defender to fill a hole during the painful absence of Timber.

An update has emerged on Leicester City's search for further reinforcements ahead of their 2023/24 Championship campaign, which kicks off against Coventry City this weekend.

What's the latest Leicester City transfer news?

According to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, the Foxes are keen on a deal to sign Chelsea central midfielder Cesare Casadei on loan this summer.

The reporter has stated that the club have requested to sign the Italy U21 international on a temporary basis, as the approach has been backed by manager Enzo Maresca.

However, Romano has claimed that the Premier League side would like to test him in the top-flight but Mauricio Pochettino has not made a final decision on the player's future as of yet.

"Understand Leicester City are insisting to sign Cesare Casadei on loan — new request has been made as Italian coach Enzo Maresca wants Cesare," he tweeted. "Chelsea original plan has always been for Premier League loan; Maresca can be key factor in this deal. No final decision yet."

How good is Cesare Casadei?

Leicester would be taking a gamble on how good the 20-year-old maestro is as he is an inexperienced player who is yet to prove himself on a consistent basis at a first-team level.

However, the 6 foot 1 dynamo's impressive academy form over the years suggests that the potential is there for him to be Youri Tielemans 2.0 for the Foxes if the talented youngster can enjoy a breakthrough year this season.

Casadei, who played 15 Championship matches on loan to Reading last term, joined Chelsea from Inter in 2022 and plundered five goals in 13 appearances for their U21 side during the 2022/23 campaign.

That came after he produced an eye-catching 17 goals and five assists across 40 matches for Inter's academy throughout the previous season.

​​​​​​​These statistics suggest that the potential is there for Casadei to offer a huge goal threat from a number eight position, as Tielemans did for Leicester during his time at the King Power.

The Belgian wizard scored 21 goals in 151 Premier League matches for the club and enjoyed two seasons with six top-flight strikes before his move to Aston Villa this summer.

No other Leicester midfielder managed more than two league goals last season and this suggests that Maresca is not blessed with a plethora of goalscoring options in that role.

Tielemans, whose most famous goal came in the 2021 FA Cup final against Chelsea, has left a significant hole in the team in that regard and Casadei could be the man to fill it.

The Blues youngster enjoyed a stunning U20 World Cup with Italy this summer and would arrive at the club full of confidence and ready to take the next step in his career.

He averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.73, which is higher than any Foxes player managed last term in the Premier League, across seven matches as the exciting hotshot scored an outstanding seven goals and created 1.3 chances per game for his teammates.

Casadei also showcased his defensive capabilities with 2.3 tackles and interceptions per match for Italy, although Tielemans managed three per outing for Leicester last term and that could be an area for the Italian talent to develop.

The Chelsea prodigy, who Italy coordinator Maurizio Viscidi described as "unusual" due to his strength in the air, is a work in progress but his form for club and country at youth level suggests that the potential is there for him to be a superb signing for Leicester as a replacement for the now-Villa ace.

Manchester United’s summer signings have yet to make a proper impression, with only really Andre Onana settling in at Old Trafford well.

Mason Mount was poor against Tottenham Hotspur, making just 15 accurate passes during his time on the field and Erik ten Hag may be looking to delve back into the transfer market for another signing or two.

It looks as though a defender is on his wish list, showing interest in Jean Clair-Tobido and Marc Guehi as of late, yet could his next arrival be another midfielder?

Who could Manchester United sign next?

Whatever Ten Hag decides to do, he must act swiftly as the transfer window shuts a week on Friday and the Red Devils have been linked with a move for Bayern Munich midfielder Ryan Gravenberch.

According to reports, United have made enquiries for the young Dutchman – who played under Ten Hag during his spell at Ajax – and he could be available for an affordable fee.

Read the latest Man Utd transfer news HERE…

The Bundesliga outfit value him at €25m (£22m) and this could turn into a stunning bargain for the Old Trafford side, especially if he could replicate the form he displayed at Ajax under Ten Hag.

What could Ryan Gravenberch offer Manchester United?

Last summer, Ten Hag aimed to bolster his midfield options at United and went out and purchased Casemiro from Real Madrid for a fee in the region of £70m.

The Brazilian had won all there was to win during his trophy-laden spell in the Spanish capital yet at the age of 30, it was perhaps seen as an inflated fee for someone who had arguably already enjoyed the peak years of his career.

In the Premier League last season, Casemiro proved a lot of people wrong as he ranked second for overall Sofascore rating (7.21), while also ranking second for big chances created (seven), first for tackles (3.2) and third for interceptions (1.2) per game, showcasing his strengths across a wide range of metrics.

Gravenberch could be an ideal partner for him at the heart of the United midfield, with his traits complementing the former Madrid gem rather well.

Despite starting just three Bundesliga matches for Bayern last term and averaging 24 minutes per game, the young Dutchman ranked in the top 7% when compared to positional peers for shot-creating actions (4.03) per 90 while also ranking in the top 18% for successful take-ons (1.3) and top 19% for progressive passes (6.64) per 90.

Given just how few opportunities he had to shine last season, these statistics are solid, and Ten Hag would likely give him more game time should he join United.

Casemiro ranked in the top 4% when compared to positional peers for tackles, blocks, clearances and aerials won per 90, demonstrating just how effective he is defensively and this could allow the 53-year-old to form a wonderful midfield duo.

Gravenberch was lauded as the Netherland’s “greatest talent” by former Ajax forward Wim Kieft and his attacking qualities combined with the defensive skills of the Brazilian would give the Red Devils a formidable partnership in the middle of the pitch.

Newcastle United have only gone from strength to strength since Eddie Howe replaced Steve Bruce at the helm in November 2021, currently preparing for their second Champions League campaign in three years.

Last season, the Magpies also won the Carabao Cup, ending 70 years of desperate searching for domestic silverware. The club are riding the crest of a wave, but need to consolidate their enviable position by making impactful summer signings ahead of a crucial year.

However, there’s no denying there have been several setbacks for Howe and co to contend with since wrapping up a successful 2024/25 season.

Joao Pedro has signed for Chelsea for £60m after being locked in United’s sights. Compounding this, Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo has informed his club he will only leave for Manchester United this summer, in spite of Newcastle’s interest.

While this has rocked a transfer window that fans awaited with fervour as the season wound down, a big effort is now needed to prove to the faithful that they will watch several exciting new stars plying their trade in black and white soon.

And there’s one in particular who the outfit are pushing to sign.

Premier League star wants to join Newcastle

Newcastle cashed in on Miguel Almiron in January, selling the 31-year-old winger back to Atlanta United in the MLS for around £8m.

Though Jacob Murphy has been exceptional on the right flank, it’s clear that the Toon need more depth, and that they have indeed been pushing to sign a fitting upgrade on the departed Paraguayan.

Well, Newcastle’s persistence might just pay off, in regard to Nottingham Forest’s Anthony Elanga, that is.

According to i News, Newcastle are aiming to kickstart their window with the acquisition of the Sweden international, who is thought to want the move.

Newcastle are still in dialogue with the Tricky Trees after seeing an opening £45m offer knocked back in June.

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Forest qualified for the Conference League after an extraordinary season, and have made it known that they will only consider offers in excess of £60m.

What Anthony Elanga would bring to Newcastle

Two years ago, Nottingham Forest signed Elanga from Manchester United in a deal worth just £15m.

Having struggled for minutes at Old Trafford, the wideman’s decision to move has been vindicated and then some, having settled into his role as a key part of an ambitious project.

Across his two seasons at the City Ground, the 23-year-old has scored 11 goals and assisted 21 more, racking up 17 goal involvements across Forest’s recent Premier League season alone, earning praise for his “special” ability from his manager Nuno Espirito Santo.

You can only imagine how effective the forward’s playmaking might be under Howe’s wing. As per FBref, Elanga finished the 2024/25 Premier League campaign ranked among the top 6% of attacking midfielders for assists and the top 3% for crosses per 90.

Paired with Anthony Gordon on the attacking flanks, Newcastle might just find themselves in with the ideal attacking duo to dynamise a frontline that is already so proven, so fluent.

Matches (starts)

38 (31)

34 (28)

Goals

6

6

Assists

11

5

Shots (on target)*

1.2 (0.6)

1.7 (0.6)

Big chances missed

6

10

Pass completion

78%

81%

Big chances created

9

6

Key passes*

1.3

1.5

Dribbles*

0.7

0.

Ball recoveries*

2.3

2.9

Tackles + interceptions*

0.7

1.1

Duels won*

3.0

4.4

Gordon and Elanga actually bring similar attacking qualities to their respective flanks, with both being positionally versatile too. Howe’s tactics are tuned toward swift transitional play, and this is something the Forest star excels at, declaring himself to be “one of the fastest players in the Premier League”.

Though his meagre dribble return across the 2024/25 campaign fails to illustrate this quality, the eye test proves that he is indeed perfect for the brand of football Howe implements on Tyneside. Gordon is a testament to that.

The England international utilises his rapidity to a similar effect, claiming on Three Lions duty last summer that he’s a “nightmare for anyone” he comes up against due to his electric movements and tenacious attitude.

Though Gordon produced a campaign that left plenty to be desired, struggling to replicate his incredible 2023/24 term, notching 26 goal contributions and winning United’s Player of the Year, he could be back to his rip-roaring best if fielded alongside a maverick like Elanga.

With all-consuming striker Alexander Isak set to stay put, The Athletic’s David Ornstein even claiming there’s “no chance” he leaves St. James’ Park this summer after Newcastle got their feet back under Europe’s elite table, this could be a strike-force to be feared, such dynamic skills and blistering speed combining with the striker’s devastating finishing ability and rounded game.

While Newcastle have been dealt several blows across the window so far, Howe still has a clear vision in mind and will raise his team’s attacking level by adding Elanga to the ranks. After all, he hoped to complete a deal for the winger last year, only to see a late-stage offer rebuffed.

In any case, United’s perseverance might just seal the deal here, giving the manager a vibrant wide duo to propel the club even further forward.

Next Ben Arfa: Newcastle set to bid £50m for "electric" Elanga alternative

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