All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

At the start of the season, Arne Slot faced a few questions regarding his true tactical integrity and how much of Liverpool’s rip-roaring start was a product of Jurgen Klopp’s legacy.

For sure, some claimed the Dutchman was riding on his predecessor’s coattails, but such arguments have been reduced to flaking, brittle deadwood as Liverpool enter the new year confidently atop the Premier League and Champions League tables.

Klopp’s residual ferocity, his counter-pressing snap, can be found in this current Liverpool team. It’s like one of those lenticular paintings that shift when moving to different perspectives.

Optical illusions on the pitch can give the appearance of Klopp’s system, but make no mistake, Slot is very much his own man. He has willed and shaped the Anfield side into his own design despite the weight of the task and the bereftness of activity during the summer transfer window.

Goals scored

2.11

2.50

Goals conceded

1.08

0.94

Possession

61.3

56.9

Progressive passes

55.5

47.7

Progressive carries

24.3

21.4

Ball recoveries

53.5

44.3

Tackles won

11.0

11.7

Duels won

48.9%

51.2%

Sidenote: See the table above; Liverpool are more relaxed in their build-up, less frenetic and energetic. However, they are scoring more and conceding less. This is the marker of Slot’s genius, calming things down through phases while ensuring that his side retain the ability to ramp it up to the nth degree when the situation demands.

Federico Chiesa was snapped up for an eye-catching £12.5m but has only featured four times as he battles injuries. With Darwin Nunez’s future somewhat unclear too, FSG could authorise a statement signing this year – and perhaps even this month.

Liverpool eyeing new forward

As per Sky Sports, Liverpool have shortlisted Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo and may move to sign him this year. While the door is not closed on January spending, resolving Anfield’s contractual concerns is the pressing issue.

Mbeumo’s a prized signature after his prolific performances in the Premier League this term, with reliable reports suggesting that Newcastle United are also in the race and willing to pay £50m this month, though they are wary of PSR restrictions.

Liverpool boast the world’s best right winger in Mohamed Salah but with Chiesa homesick, peripheral and looking for a way out, this could be the perfect move to bolster Slot’s thriving frontline.

Bryan Mbeumo's season in numbers

Mbeumo has been a part of Brentford’s remarkable journey under Thomas Frank’s management, notching 105 goal contributions over 222 appearances.

Joining from Troyes in French Ligue 2 in 2019, Mbeumo has achieved modern-legend status in west London and, still only 24 years old, will feel that his best days lie ahead.

And rightly so. Regarded as one of the Premier League’s most exciting forwards, his goal against Arsenal on New Year’s Day was his 45th since the start of the 2022/23 campaign, placing him seventh in the division since that timeframe, directly behind Alexander Isak.

1.

Mohamed Salah

18

17

2.

Erling Haaland

19

14

3.

Alexander Isak

17

12

3.

Cole Palmer

19

12

5.

Bryan Mbeumo

19

11

5.

Chris Wood

19

11

He’s always there, hunting down goals, but he’s not just a marksman. As per FBref, Mbeumo actually ranks among the top 9% of positional peers in the Premier League this season for shot-creating actions and progressive passes, the top 12% for progressive carries and successful take-ons and the top 14% for tackles per 90. He’s the complete package.

In fact, such metrics have seen him compared to players such as Isak and Nunez, among forwards in his position across Europe’s top five leagues. The Liverpool striker has his faults, to be sure, but he’s still imbued with a kind of electricity and chaoticness that convinced Liverpool to pay for his services.

And Isak. Well. Wouldn’t Liverpool like to sign the kind of forward who could replicate some of the Newcastle man’s quality?

A Darwin Nunez & Alexander Isak hybrid

Imagine a player carrying properties distinctive to both Nunez and Isak. Imagine the kind of player you’d get. Mbeumo could be that type of striker for Liverpool, one who can shift between number nine and the flank.

It could be an irresistible recipe for success. After all, Slot has demonstrated through Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz that he is willing to field wide players in central striking roles to great effect.

For example, Mbeumo has scored 20 Premier League goals since the summer of 2023, missing only 14 big chances in that timeframe, as per Sofascore.

Isak, one of the deadliest finishers on the continent, has missed 30 big chances since 2023/24, albeit scoring 33 goals since. Nunez represents the converse, having scored just 13 Premier League goals in the discussed timeframe, missing, however, 30 big chances, embarrassingly matching Isak.

It’s grim reading for Nunez acolytes, albeit they can take solace in the fact that Liverpool’s agent of chaos is a thorny customer, using his athletic style and dynamism to help his team toward their goal.

He ranks among the top 14% of forwards across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for progressive carries and the top 3% for tackles per 90, which is impressive, but we can see that Mbeumo would implement a tactical strategy that could negate Nunez’s role, his expertise while bringing a whole new cutting edge to complement the likes of Salah and Cody Gakpo.

Transfer Focus

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

While Mbeumo wouldn’t provide Liverpool with the ball-striking ability of Isak, they could mimic it in their own form. This is enough. More than enough. Liverpool perhaps boast the finest frontline in the country under Slot, and Mbeumo, described as an “output machine” by producer Michael Johnston, would make it even better. It’s as simple as that.

Worth more than Trent: Liverpool have hit gold on £115m star in the making

Arne Slot has turned this Liverpool talent into a superstar.

ByAngus Sinclair Jan 2, 2025

Manchester United got back to winning ways with a 2-1 victory away from home against Crystal Palace. The Red Devils struggled in the first half and went into the break a goal down, but an energetic performance in the second 45 minutes, combined with two smart goals, ensured they got all three points.

Indeed, it was a penalty from Jean-Philippe Mateta which gave the Eagles a lead. Leny Yoro made a clumsy tackle in the penalty area, with the Palace striker eventually slotting home from 12 yards. He was asked to retake his initial kick after striking the ball against his standing foot.

United came out with far more energy in the second half, and it only took them nine minutes before they managed to equalise. Joshua Zirkzee scored his first Premier League goal in almost a year to pull things level.

United’s winner came from Mason Mount, who bagged his second goal of the season. It was a good effort, with Bruno Fernandes laying a free kick into his path and Mount slotting home through a disjointed Palace wall.

The Englishman’s strike was enough to win United the game. There were some standout performances, with Zirkzee someone who played particularly well.

How Zirkzee downed Crystal Palace

It has not been the easiest season for Netherlands international Zirkzee. Saturday lunchtime at Selhurst Park felt like a big moment, and, after a first half where he struggled to get into the game, he certainly took his chance.

The goal from the attacker was simply sensational. He also got on the end of a Fernandes freekick, bringing the ball down on his chest before smashing a volley across goal into the far corner. It was a sublime strike from a man who needed a goal.

However, it was not just the goal from Zirkzee which stood out. His second-half showing was described as “amazing” by Alice Talks Footy over on X, with the United number 11 constantly linking up play, showing off his exceptional technical ability with clever touches.

Indeed, his numbers at full-time show just how well he played. Zirkzee had 50 touches of the ball, completing 14 passes in the opposition half and creating one chance. He also won eight duels and made three ball recoveries.

It was a brilliant second-half showing from the United striker, who will now be hoping to kick on. As well as he played, one of his Red Devils teammates was arguably better.

Man Utd star outshines Zirkzee vs Palace

One of the real standouts for United against the Eagles was Luke Shaw. Making his 300th appearance for the Red Devils, Shaw continued his good form this season on the left of Amorim’s back three.

The United number 23 made some key defensive contributions, including a crunching tackle to stop Eddie Nketiah from getting a shot off in the first half. He also made three interceptions, ball recoveries and clearances in a strong performance.

Touches

78

Pass accuracy

87%

Duels won

3/6

Clearances

3

Interceptions

3

Ball recoveries

3

Blocks

1

Indeed, one person who rated Shaw’s efforts in South London was Goal journalist Calum Preston Kelly. He gave the Englishman a 7/10 for his afternoon’s work and praised him for the fact that he “defended strongly” against Oliver Glasner’s men.

Just last game, Gary Neville said Shaw is a “waste of time” in a United squad. Yet, after a statement showing at Selhurst Park, it is easy to see that the defender could be considered an undroppable member of the squad.

There is plenty of competition for places in that left centre-back role, too. Shaw was replaced with minutes remaining in the game by Lisandro Martinez, and his return could perhaps have signalled the end of the Englishman’s run in the starting lineup.

Yet, after a performance like that, it is hard to see Amorim dropping one of his most experienced players. Shaw was crucial in United keeping Palace at bay from open play, and looks undroppable ahead of a busy festive period.

Shades of Pogba: INEOS have signed star who can end Mainoo’s Man Utd stay

Manchester United have landed a star who could reach the next level under Ruben Amorim.

ByEthan Lamb Nov 29, 2025

Looking to bridge the gap on the Premier League’s top four this month, Aston Villa are now reportedly preparing to advance in their deal to sign another La Liga defender after Andres Garcia.

Aston Villa transfer news

The Villans have wasted little time this month before stealing the transfer headlines, welcoming Donyell Malen to kick things off and now reportedly set to sign Garcia from Levante. The young right-back arrives to compete for a place against Matty Cash, who is more at threat than ever before of losing his starting role under Unai Emery.

Forget Rogers: Emery could soon unleash Aston Villa's next Grealish

Aston Villa could be close to unearthing their next Jack Grealish…

ByRoss Kilvington Jan 18, 2025

With around two weeks remaining in the transfer window, Villa could yet end the month as the busiest side in the Premier League alongside Manchester City to leave Emery with no excuse in pursuit of consecutive Champions League qualification this season.

Even after Garcia, however, those in the Midlands are seemingly not done there. The likes of Oscar Mingueza have been mentioned for some time and whilst there’s no doubt that he’s one to watch, Villa now look more likely to welcome another La Liga defender this month.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Aston Villa are now preparing to advance on their deal to sign Loic Bade from Sevilla this month as Diego Carlos edges closer and closer to the exit door.

With that said, those at Villa Park will reportedly have to pay up to £25m to convince Sevilla into a sale before the end of the month in what could quickly turn into a bargain deal.

"Warrior" Bade would be an excellent coup

For just £42m, Bade could quickly become a bargain buy for Aston Villa given how he would upgrade their backline for years to come. The Frenchman has found himself at the centre of praise when playing for both France and Sevilla, with analyst Ben Mattinson going as far as describing the defender as a “warrior” towards the end of last year.

Still just 24 years old too, there’s plenty more to come from Bade – making Aston Villa’s potential investment at this stage all the more worthwhile.

In one swoop, the Villans could be about to land two La Liga defenders who are perfectly capable of providing Emery with an upgraded backline in the remainder of the campaign. And that could prove to be the difference in Aston Villa’s battle to secure a top four place for a second consecutive season in the Premier League.

Wolverhampton Wanderers have now submitted a £17m bid to sign an “exceptional” midfielder before the deadline, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

Wolves set for busy deadline day

Wolves moved out of the Premier League relegation zone after a 2-0 victory against Aston Villa on Saturday and now sit two points clear of the bottom three, but there is still a long way to go until the end of the season.

As such, the Old Gold have been working hard to bring in reinforcements before the transfer deadline, and they are particularly keen to seal a deal for a new centre-back, owing to their poor defensive record this term, shipping 52 goals in 24 games.

Kevin Danso has been one of the main targets throughout the January transfer window, but it looks as though the Wanderers could be set to miss out on the Lens defender, with Tottenham Hotspur poised to complete a late hijack.

Vitor Pereira will therefore have to reconsider his options at centre-back, but defence is not the only position in which the manager is looking to strengthen, with signing a new midfielder also on the agenda.

Romano has now reported Wolves have submitted an initial bid worth €20m (£17m) to sign Dynamo Kyiv midfielder Volodymyr Brazhko, with negotiations still ongoing.

Wolves now consider hijack for "incredible" big name after public fall-out

They could take full advantage…

ByTom Cunningham Jan 31, 2025

There is seemingly a good chance a deal could be possible, too, as Brazhko is said to be keen on a move to the Premier League.

Brazhko impressing in Ukraine

The 23-year-old has put in some top-quality performances in his native country this season, cementing his place in the starting XI and displaying a keen eye for goal by scoring three times in 13 league outings.

Ahead of Euro 2024, the maestro also received high praise from freelance scout Ben Mattinson, who praised him for his defensive abilities and passing.

Although Wolves kept a clean sheet last time out, they retain one of the worst defensive records in the league, so a new midfielder should definitely be the priority before the deadline, and it is exciting news they have now been linked with Axel Disasi.

However, Brazhko’s performances in Ukraine indicate he could be a solid addition for the Old Gold in midfield, and at 23 he is at a good age to be a long-term success at Molineux.

iShowSpeed was seen leading the celebrations after Al-Nassr’s recent 5-1 win over Al-Fateh, with the streamer’s favourite player, Cristiano Ronaldo scoring the second goal in the routine victory.

iShowSpeed in attendance as Al-Nassr demolish Al-Fateh

Al-Nassr continued their perfect start to the Saudi Pro League season on Saturday evening, winning their fifth game on the spin, which leaves them four points clear of nearest rivals Al-Hilal at the top of the table.

iShowSpeed was in attendance, with the American well-known to be a super-fan of Ronaldo, and the forward, who is still regarded as one of the best strikers in the world, rewarded the 20-year-old, scoring Al-Nassr’s second goal of the game on the hour mark.

Gary Lineker named and ranked the greatest players of all time – no Cristiano Ronaldo

Lineker has named his footballing Mount Rushmore.

ByCharlie Smith Aug 2, 2025

After the game, the Twitch streamer was directed to lead the celebrations by the 40-year-old, who instructed him how to play the drum, with the clip subsequently going viral.

It is not the first interaction iShowSpeed has had with his idol, with a video of the two meeting a little over two years ago racking up over 25 million views.

Speed’s love of the Manchester United and Real Madrid legend stems from a £1.79 donation to his stream over three years ago, which has been credited as a life-changing moment for the Cincinnati-born streamer.

With the Al-Nassr star clearly thankful for the support, he has now followed iShowSpeed on Instagram and even posted him on his story to his 666 million followers.

Fans of the duo will be hoping the gesture could lead to a collaboration of sorts in the future, although the streamer, whose real name is Darren Watkins Jr, has made it clear he doesn’t want to meet his idol on stream.

Ronaldo at the top of his game ahead of 2026 World Cup

There was an expectation that the 2022 World Cup may be the Portugal star’s last, but he is showing no signs of slowing down, having scored six goals for Al-Nassr already this season, taking his tally to 99 in 112 appearances.

The legendary forward has also continued to impress at international level, most recently bagging a brace in a 2-2 draw at home against Hungary, although his side were denied early qualification as a result of Dominik Szoboszlai’s late equaliser.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s longevity can only be commended, but given that he is now 40-years-old, the 2026 World Cup will surely be the former Real Madrid man’s last opportunity to get his hands on one of the only trophies that has eluded him…

Liverpool are now preparing a bid worth £97.5m for a “world-class” forward, and Darwin Nunez could be used as a makeweight in a swap deal, according to a report.

Nunez could be set for Anfield exit

Nunez has had plenty of chances to prove himself at Anfield, and while there have been promising signs from time to time, he has struggled to justify his huge price tag.

As such, it appears as though the Uruguayan’s time on Merseyside could be coming to an end, with FSG now reportedly willing to accept a £60m offer.

The Reds have also started looking at replacements for the 25-year-old, with it recently being revealed that Napoli’s Victor Osimhen is high up the list of targets.

Liverpool now in talks to sign £21m Robertson successor for Slot

Robertson has struggled in the current campaign…

ByTom Cunningham Jan 12, 2025

During the January transfer window, Arne Slot has been looking at different ways to get unwanted players off the books, with Federico Chiesa’s future at Anfield also in doubt. It has been reported that Chiesa could be used as part of a swap deal to sign Napoli’s Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, following the Italian’s poor start to life in the Premier League.

However, according to new reports from Spain, Liverpool are now preparing a bid worth £97.5m for Kvaratskhelia, combining a transfer fee with a player swap, with Nunez potentially being sent to Napoli as part of the deal.

At the moment, Paris Saint-Germain are leading the race for the forward’s signature and have agreed terms with the player, but the Reds’ proposal could put them in a good position to get a deal done.

Napoli have stalled in negotiations over a new deal for the 23-year-old, meaning he could be on the move in the summer transfer window, and there is no shortage of interest, with Manchester United and Chelsea also keen.

Liverpool’s upcoming Premier League fixtures

Date

Brentford (a)

January 18th

Ipswich (h)

January 25th

AFC Bournemouth (a)

February 1st

Wolverhampton Wanderers (h)

February 16th

Manchester City (a)

February 23rd

Kvaratskhelia performing at the highest level

The Georgia international has been a key player for Napoli over the course of a number of seasons, and he has continued to play an important role in his side’s title pursuit this season.

In 17 Serie A outings, the winger has bagged five goals and three assists, and he is ranked as the Italian side’s second-best performing player, with an average WhoScored match rating of 7.12.

Kvaratskhelia also played a key role for his national side in Euro 2024 last summer, with talkSPORT’s David Tanner lauding him as “world-class”, leading Georgia to the round of 16 for the first time.

Nunez’s move to Liverpool has simply not worked out, so it makes sense to include him in a deal for Kvaratskhelia, although it may be wiser to use Chiesa as a makeweight, given that he is showing even fewer encouraging signs than the Uruguayan.

The former Juventus man has made just one appearance in the Premier League, and a goal against Accrington Stanley in the FA Cup is unlikely to buy him much time to show further signs of improvement.

Graham Potter delivered his first victory and three points for West Ham United since taking over, beating Fulham 3-2 in his first game at the London Stadium. Goals from Carlos Soler, Tomas Soucek and Lucas Paqueta for the Hammers – and a brace from Alex Iwobi for the visitors – ensured it was an entertaining spectacle on Tuesday night.

Despite having less of the ball (44% possession) and only taking four shots in the game compared to Fulham’s 21 shots, West Ham still managed to score three goals and create two “big chances”. Fulham generated a higher xG (1.90 xG) from their 21 shots and three “big chances” but failed to finish their chances, only scoring twice.

West Ham currently sit 12th in the Premier League following their victory against the Cottagers, but further improvements could certainly be made in this January transfer window, in order to equip Potter with the tools necessary for a strong second half of the campaign, starting with another striker option due to the current injuries in the squad.

West Ham's striker search

According to reports from BILD, West Ham have held intensive talks with RB Leipzig over a potential move for striker, Andre Silva. The Bundesliga side are said to want the 29-year-old off their wage bill this winter, which could work perfectly for the Hammers, who are hunting for a centre-forward this January.

The move would likely appeal to Silva and his camp too, as his limited minutes this season have been coming from the bench, whereas West Ham could clearly offer the Portuguese forward a starting spot, leading the line in the absence of Michail Antonio and Niclas Fullkrug – with the latter man now set to be sidelined for a ‘number of weeks’.

Silva – who has made 15 appearances for Leipzig this season, scoring just one goal, providing three assists and totalling 305 minutes – would represent the arrival of yet another experienced marksman from the Bundesliga, in the mould of Fullkrug, yet hopefully he could prove far more successful than the injury-hit German.

Silva vs Awoniyi comparison

Another name being linked to a move to West Ham to ease their attacking injuries is Nottingham Forest striker, Taiwo Awoniyi, who is currently under contract with Forest until 2027.

Transfer Focus

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

The 27-year-old has made 18 appearances so far this season, scoring one goal in 383 minutes played.

Both Awoniyi and Silva fit the bill for what Potter will want from this centre-forward, being a focal point for other attacking talents such as Paqueta, Mohammed Kudus and Jarrod Bowen to play off of, something that has worked to good effect in his first few games in charge (once with Fullkrug/Danny Ings and once with Tomas Soucek more advanced).

Stats (per 90 mins)

Silva

Awoniyi

Fullkrug

Goals

0.37

0.52

0.49

Assists

0.00

0.26

0.24

xG

0.41

0.41

0.34

xAG

0.04

0.15

0.24

Progressive Carries

0.62

0.69

0.73

Progressive Passes

0.86

1.21

0.98

Shots Total

1.85

1.90

1.95

Key Passes

0.62

0.86

1.71

Shot-Creating Actions

1.11

2.59

2.68

Aerial Duels Won

1.48

1.81

4.88

Silva – who notably scored 45 goals in just 71 games for Eintracht Frankfurt – was described as “ice-cold” by Eintracht Frankfurt manager Adi Hutter back in 2021, saying his composure reminded him of Robert Lewandowski. In the 2023/24 season, Silva generated 0.41 xG per 90 (more than Fullkrug has managed per 90 this season) and on par with Awoniyi’s 0.41 per 90 last season too.

The main disparity in the metrics is aerials won per 90, with Fullkrug winning 4.88 aerial duels per 90. That being said, this is from a much smaller sample size (under 400 minutes) compared to the other two forwards. Silva and Awoniyi have shown their quality in the air, so this won’t be a massive concern for the West Ham scouts.

Whether West Ham decide to go for Awoniyi or Silva, or even elsewhere, they will certainly improve with a centre-forward addition who can apply similar traits to Fullkrug, being a reference point for Potter’s side and bringing others into play, as well as chipping in with some goals themselves.

Indeed, Fullkrug has shown flashes since his arrival from Borussia Dortmund – with two league goals to his name from nine outings – with the hope being that Silva could replicate such qualities upon his potential arrival from Germany, albeit over a move consistent period.

West Ham now in pole position to sign "experienced" Rangers attacker

He’s enjoying an impressive season…

ByTom Cunningham Jan 15, 2025

The transfer window slams shut in under a week, and Arsenal are still yet to make their first signing.

Within the context of their goals heading into the season, it would be fair to say that Mikel Arteta’s side are not in a great spot in the Premier League at the moment, so their lack of activity in the market is more than a little surprising.

Now, just because they haven’t pulled the trigger on anyone yet doesn’t mean the board isn’t working to bring players in, as the North Londoners have been linked with a plethora of talented forwards this month, from Juventus’ Dušan Vlahović to Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Matheus Cunha.

However, the name that has perhaps been touted for a move to the Emirates more than any other this month has been RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Šeško, although recent reports have now linked another centre-forward from the continent, a forward who could be an even better signing than the Slovenian.

Arsenal target free-scoring forward

According to a recent report from the Daily Mail, Arsenal are interested in LOSC Lille star Jonathan David.

Transfer Focus

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

In fact, the report has revealed that the club have already held internal discussions about the Canadian sharpshooter, although they are not the only ones, with Newcastle United reportedly having done the same.

A potential transfer fee is not mentioned in the story, but as the 25-year-old’s £31k-per-week contract is set to expire in the summer, he’d either be available for a reasonable fee, of far more likely the North Londoners would try to sign him on a pre-contract agreement this month, to get him on a free at the end of the season.

It could be a complicated transfer to get over the line should Arsenal go after David, but given his ability and sensational record, it’s one well worth pursuing, and he could even be a better signing than Šeško.

How David compares to Šeško

So, let’s say it ends up being a decision between David and Šeško for Arsenal this month or in the summer; which player should they go for?

Aside from the fact that the Canadian would either cost tens of millions of pounds less or nothing at all, he looks like he’d be the better option, at least from a pure output perspective, which ultimately matters most for a centre-forward.

For example, in just 31 appearances for Lille this season, the “superstar” striker – as he was described by international teammate Jonathan Osario – has found the back of the net on 18 occasions and provided seven assists. That comes to an average of a goal involvement every 1.24 games.

In contrast, the Leipzig star has scored 14 goals and provided three assists in 27 games for the German outfit, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.58 games.

However, it’s not just this season that the Canadian phenom has been scoring for fun; he’s been in sensational form for years now.

Appearances

48

40

47

31

Goals

19

26

26

18

Assists

0

4

9

7

Goal Involvements*

0.39

0.75

0.74

0.80

Since the start of the 21/22 campaign, the 59-capped goal machine, whom journalist Tony Marinaro dubbed “one of the best strikers in the world,” has scored 89 goals and provided 20 assists in just 166 club appearances.

That means he has been averaging a goal involvement every 1.52 games for almost four entire seasons, which has to make him one of the most consistently dangerous centre-forwards in world football.

Moreover, the ambipedal dynamo has been just as effective on the international stage, racking up a brilliant haul of 31 goals and 18 assists in his 59 senior caps, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.20 games for Les Rouges.

Now, due to Šeško being just 21 years old, there is certainly an argument to be made that he could have the higher ceiling of the pair.

Nevertheless, with Arsenal desperate to win a Premier League title by next year at the latest, it might be wiser to invest in the striker who has already proven that he can consistently score goals at the highest level.

Therefore, while he might not be the biggest name around, the Gunners should do what they can to bring David to the Emirates, either this month or for free in the summer.

He could revive Odegaard: Arsenal pushing to sign £120m "nightmare"

The unreal goalscorer would supercharge Arsenal’s attack.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jan 28, 2025

It may have come all too late with regard to Manchester United’s Premier League fortunes, although Ruben Amorim’s first-team squad is beginning to look far stronger, ahead of a pivotal last few weeks of the campaign.

Against Athletic Bilbao on Thursday night, the dominant visitors showcased the growing depth to their ranks, with the former Sporting CP boss able to call upon the likes of Luke Shaw, Kobbie Mainoo, Mason Mount, Matthijs de Ligt and, of course, Amad Diallo from the bench.

At one stage looking set to miss the remainder of the season, after being struck down with an ankle injury back in mid-February, the diminutive Ivorian has beaten the odds to seal a swift return to action.

Previously the shining light of 2024/25, prior to being overtaken by Bruno Fernandes in his absence, the 22-year-old has chalked up 12 goals and assists in just 21 games under Amorim’s watch, having even looked lively during his brief cameo in midweek.

The former Atalanta starlet notably evaded his man down the right flank with a breathtaking piece of skill and trickery late on, with that moment alone signifying just what United have been missing in recent months.

Capable of operating at wing-back or in a number ten berth, the £120k-per-week wizard – who recently signed a new long-term deal – looks set to be a mainstay at Old Trafford for years to come. Now it’s time to start building a team around him…

Latest on Man Utd's transfer search

If Amad’s future is to lie as a number ten, then the role on the opposite side – should Fernandes slot into a deep-lying berth – could be taken up by Matheus Cunha, with the Wolverhampton Wanderers star seemingly edging closer to a £62.5m move to Old Trafford.

That new-look frontline could then be strengthened even further with the presence of a new centre-forward, with recent reports indicating that the Red Devils remain “in the race” for Sporting’s Viktor Gyokeres.

As per Sky Sports Germany reporter, Florian Plettenberg, while it is Arsenal who are “pushing” to sign the prolific Swede, United are among the clubs also battling for his signature, alongside Chelsea and Real Madrid.

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 Plettenberg, the 26-year-old is able to leave Portugal this summer for a fee between €60-€70m (£51m – £63m), having struck a “verbal agreement” with the Lisbon-based side already.

Previously signed by Amorim from Coventry City on a £17m deal back in 2023, Gyokeres could represent the key to truly kickstarting the new regime in Manchester.

Why Man Utd need to sign the "hottest striker in Europe"

It remains remarkable that the Sweden international was once on the books at Brighton and Hove Albion, yet never actually managed to make a league appearance for the Seagulls, having been sent out on a handful of loan moves during his time at the Amex.

As noted by ESPN’s Mark Ogden, it was actually one-time United director, Dan Ashworth, who oversaw the measly £1m sale of Gyokeres to Coventry in 2021, with the player having since gone on to become the “hottest striker in Europe”.

The in-demand marksman had actually only scored four goals during his initial loan move with the Sky Blues, although as his former teammate Jake Bidwell revealed, he seemingly returned a “different animal” following the completion of his permanent switch.

38 Championship strikes followed over the next two seasons, while Gyokeres has since chalked up a breathtaking total of 95 goals in just 98 games in his current home, including seven across his last two Liga Portugal outings.

A monster. A machine. Whatever you want to call him, the rampaging number nine – who also boasts 15 goals in 26 senior games for his country – is simply devastating right now in front of goal, with it no surprise that Amorim might well be keen on a reunion.

Manager

Games

Goals

Assists

Erik ten Hag

24

3

3

Ruben Amorim

21

6

6

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

8

1

1

Ruud van Nistelrooy

4

2

1

Ralf Rangnick

1

0

0

Michael Carrick

0

0

0

Total

58

12

9

What Gyokeres will need is quality service if he is potentially flourish at the Theatre of Dreams, with Amad – as well as Fernandes – potentially set to prove key in that regard, considering he has averaged 1.8 key passes per game in the league this season, while chalking up six assists, as per Sofascore.

Equally, the one-time Sunderland loanee also has that knack of driving at a defence in order to create space for his teammates, something which could certainly benefit Gyokeres, as he ranks in the top 9% among his European peers for progressive carries per 90.

That desire to make things happen in the final third also ensures that Amad ranks in the top 18% for touches in the opposition penalty box, again ensuring opportunities should arise for those alongside him.

A player who can press from the front with lightning speed, as indicated with his goal against Spurs after charging down Fraser Forster, Amad is simply a player who causes havoc. Someone who sucks defenders toward him.

In truth, having scored just 39 league goals in 2024/25, the Red Devils are crying out for similar talents who can win games on their own. Judging by Gyokeres’ heroics in Lisbon, he certainly fits the bill…

Imagine him & Bruno: Man Utd make £68m bid for "one of the best" talents

Manchester United could be about to land a star who would be perfect alongside Bruno Fernandes.

ByEthan Lamb May 3, 2025

Disaster struck for Manchester United last weekend, when, in their 2-0 home defeat to Crystal Palace, Lisandro Martinez went down with an injury. A player who has been so crucial to Ruben Amorim in the last few weeks in particular, United fans waited with bated breath to find out the injury he picked up.

It was not good news, with the Argentine centre-back out for an unspecified amount of time with an anterior cruciate ligament injury. That leaves the Red Devils with an issue, given how thin their squad is in the first place.

Amorim will now need to find a new left centre-back for his side, and while the likes of Luke Shaw and Matthijs de Ligt are options, the United boss could turn to new signing Ayden Heaven.

Why Heaven could replace Martinez

Arsenal academy graduate Heaven was a late January addition for United. They signed him from the Gunners at the back end of the window and paid an undisclosed fee, with his old deal at the Emirates Stadium set to expire at the end of the season.

It is fair to say that the youngster is incredibly inexperienced at first-team level. He made just one appearance for the North Londoners, which was a 10-minute cameo in the Carabao Cup against Preston North End earlier in the season. However, he has been on the bench at times, too.

If there is one thing Martinez brings to the United side, it is quality on the ball. Well, that is certainly something United’s new number 26 could add to their squad. Football analyst Ben Mattinson praised Heaven for his “build-up excellence”, and perhaps he could somewhat fill the void of Martinez.

Even though there is a lot of pressure to perform for United, Heaven might well have to be relied on this season to help cover for Martinez and fix United’s issues in the build-up. He could have a big role until the end of the season.

However, he is not the only former Arsenal academy star who might be important in the United first-team this term.

The youngster who could help United

Of course, the young player in question here is Chido Obi-Martin. Just as Heaven did in January, the young Danish forward swapped the red side of North London for the Red side of Manchester, making the move to United in the summer on a free transfer.

He joined United with a simply outstanding reputation. Obi-Martin went viral in 2023/24 for scoring seven goals in a game for Arsenal under-18s. He had a record of 32 goals in 18 under-18 Premier League appearances.

He has certainly carried that form into his United career so far. He has played eight games for the Red Devils under-18s side so far, and already has nine goals. That included a hattrick against Nottingham Forest in a 6-0 win. As football statistician Statman Dave said, he could become “something special” for United.

Sunderland (a)

u18 PL

3-4

27

0

Nottingham Forest (h)

u18 PL

6-0

45

3

Leeds (a)

u18 PL

0-8

29

0

Everton (h)

u18 PL

3-0

71

1

Stoke (a)

u18 PL

0-3

76

1

Man City (h)

u18 PL

0-4

90

0

Coventry (h)

FA Youth Cup

5-0

72

2

Preston (h)

FA Youth Cup

5-2

90

2

United’s strikers have struggled in front of goal this season. Joshua Zirkzee, who offers lots aside from his goals, has found the back of the net three times in the Premier League. Rasmus Hojlund has only managed two this season in the top flight.

This certainly could open the door for Ob-Martin, who has been in imperious goalscoring form for the academy this season. He has a natural killer instinct and is a powerful ball striker, which could translate well over to first-team football.

Giving the 17-year-old a chance in the first team could be a risk for Amorim, but his form at youth level suggests that it could be a worthwhile gamble, and that is why the manager should unleash him alongside Heaven.