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Champions League nights are now back on the menu at St James’ Park.

The last time Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United participated in the illustrious competition, the Tyneside outfit hosted some unbelievable contests, with the Toon’s triumphant 4-1 victory over Paris St. Germain still a match that’s fondly remembered in the history books to this day.

Unfortunately, Howe can’t call upon Alexander Isak tomorrow evening as Barcelona come to town, with the Swedish superstar leading the line heroically that night for his now former side, before moving to Liverpool.

But, the much-loved Magpies manager can still spring a surprise on Barca in the forward positions, with Anthony Elanga perhaps given the nod to start, alongside the likes of Nick Woltemade, who has arguably filled the hole left behind by Isak already.

How Elanga can trouble Barca

While toppling Hansi Flick’s La Liga giants will, of course, be no easy feat, there will be a belief coursing through Newcastle’s veins that they can cause an immediate upset back in the Champions League, having pulled off just that versus PSG.

To help in their bid to try and unsettle the visitors from Spain from minute one, Howe might well be prepared to launch Elanga into first-team action, despite him picking up zero goals or assists from his opening four Premier League contests donning Newcastle black and white.

Yet, when you remove his lacklustre numbers in the top-flight so far, it could well be that adding his trademark burst of pace – that he showed time after time for Nottingham Forest – into what will be a nervy contest could catch Flick’s side off-guard, with Elanga also often boasting end product when bursting forward, having collected 11 goals and 21 assists in total at the City Ground.

Moreover, Elanga already has a Champions League goal next to his name for Manchester United, with a clear eagerness to prove himself in a competition that once saw him just gain some reduced minutes here or there.

Howe starting some tricky and hard to contain wingers could be a huge advantage, considering Lamine Yamal – who is similarly quick and easy on the eye – is ruled out for this mid-week affair for Barca through injury.

Yet, it’s not just Elanga that can gift the Toon a difference-maker out on the flanks, with one of the Swede’s teammates arguably Howe’s own version of Yamal.

Howe's own version of Yamal

Flick will be gutted that he can’t call upon his 18-year-old ace for this showdown on English soil, with the Spaniard already up two goals and three assists this season in league action.

That’s before you even delve deeper into his overall Champions League numbers, with five goals and eight assists already tallied up by the teenage sensation on Europe’s grandest stage, despite his career still being in its infancy.

Therefore, it might be wild to state that Newcastle possesses its own version of the “ridiculous” attacker – as former Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger once labelled him – but Anthony Gordon has found himself consistently in the spotlight from a very early age, like Yamal.

Indeed, Gordon first made waves in the first-team picture at Everton when he was just 18 years of age – which is the same age Yamal currently is – with his career only going from strength to strength when departing the Toffees for an opportunity at Newcastle.

LW

125

26 + 29

RW

53

8 + 8

AM

21

13 + 2

CF

17

5 + 1

SS

1

0

When looking at the table above, it’s clear that the 14-time England international has taken to terrorising Premier League defences for the Magpies like a duck to water, with a tally of 22 goals and 23 assists coming his way when lining up in a whole host of different positions.

Amazingly, despite being touted to have a crazy £173m market value next to his name in Spain, Yamal can only boast 19 more goal contributions at the Camp Nou, with Gordon hopeful he can steal all the headlines as Newcastle pick up a victory, knowing Barca’s number ten is sidelined.

Having also been lauded as “unplayable” when at the peak of his powers by Statman Dave, it will be a welcome return to the starting XI for Gordon if he is selected after being suspended from Premier League action.

In a dream reality, he will be able to combine effortlessly with Woltemade and Elanga to guide the Toon to another famous victory in Europe’s standout competition. In the absence of Isak, he can be Newcastle’s new attacking talisman – just like Yamal is in Catalonia.

Why Newcastle could be facing instant punishment from UEFA back in UCL

It could be bad news for the Magpies…

ByTom Cunningham Sep 17, 2025

Crystal Palace fans must be waiting with bated breath right now, as last-minute transfer developments continue to filter out of Selhurst Park.

Eberechi Eze has already heartbreakingly left East London behind, with Marc Guehi perhaps the next high-profile departee, as his much-talked-about switch to Liverpool remains up in the air.

If Guehi were to go, it doesn’t have to be all bad news, with the Eagles now looking to rekindle their interest in a defensive titan just in time before 7pm’s cut-off.

Crystal Palace rekindle interest in £40m star

Oliver Glasner’s Eagles already look to have defensive recruits in mind, with Igor Julio expected to leave Brighton and Hove Albion behind to join the Seagulls’ Premier League arch rivals on a loan basis before the window slams shut.

He could be joined through the door by past Palace target Strahinja Pavlović, with Sky Sports, via Ed Aarons reporting that the AC Milan colossus remains the Eagles’ number one target at the back, having looked at the Serbian in January.

However, the £40m-rated centre-back was deemed too costly at the time, with a deal also looking difficult to execute in the here and now.

Yet, if Guehi were to finally uproot to Anfield, that might well accelerate this move forward.

Therefore, Pavlović swapping Italy for England at the final hour could be a move to keep an eye out on, with the Premier League side winning a dream replacement for their 6-foot titan in the process.

How Pavlovic can be a dream Guehi replacement

After all, if Guehi were to relocate to Arne Slot’s Reds shortly, he has at least exited Glasner’s Eagles on the best possible note, having caressed this effort home versus Aston Villa to secure a farewell 3-0 win.

Away from that moment of individual brilliance, Guehi has also been rock solid at the start of the 2025/26 campaign, with the captain leading by example when collecting two clean sheets from his side’s opening three league clashes, with an imposing four duels won on average.

Palace’s deadline day target is also well known for being commanding in the air – as seen in this fierce header cannoning in at the back-end of the last Serie A campaign – with former Rossoneri icon Zlatan Ibrahimovic even going as far as to laud Pavlović as a “beast” in this department.

But, the 24-year-old is far from being a one-trick pony, even if he has also been heralded as a “warrior” by national team manager Dragan Stojkovic for his gritty approach, with his calm ability on the ball making him even more of a readymade replacement for Guehi.

Games played

24

34

Goals scored

2

3

Assists

1

2

Touches*

67.8

64.9

Accurate passes*

50.0 (89%)

43.1 (84%)

Total duels won*

5.0

4.9

Clean sheets

7

11

Amazingly, Pavlovic actually bettered Guehi’s pass accuracy average last season in the hustle and bustle of Serie A action, with plenty of promising signs evident to suggest that the Serbian could fill the void left behind by the 25-year-old effectively.

It might just be too little too late for Palace if they want to get a statement deal over the line before 7pm, as Guehi’s switch to Liverpool perhaps goes down to the wire.

But, developments can suddenly spark into life on such a chaotic day, with Palace winning themselves a top deal at the death if Pavlovic does promptly swap Milan for London.

Better deal than Uche: PL "animal" in medical ahead of Crystal Palace move

Crystal Palace look set to win the services of another star on deadline day, away from their pursuit of Christantus Uche.

ByKelan Sarson Sep 1, 2025

As their search for a striker continues, Newcastle United are now reportedly eyeing a late move to sign a want-away star who outscored Jorgen Strand Larsen last season.

Howe responds to Isak statement

When Newcastle commenced their search for a striker earlier this summer, the last thing they were looking for was the kind that Alexander Isak has become in recent weeks. But that’s the reality that they find themselves in. The Swede has done everything to leave the club, from going on strike to even taking aim at the club on social media, yet he remains a Newcastle player.

Eddie Howe, who has been left to answer several questions every week about the forward, responded to his statement on social media following the PFA awards – telling reporters:

“This has been an unfortunate situation, but there are always two sides to every story. There’s more than even I will know, because there are conversations that have taken place far away from me and my knowledge of them.”

The Newcastle boss went on to admit that there were conversations between himself and Isak towards the end of the season, but reiterated that they will remain private: “Me and Alex had conversations towards the end of last season. I am not going to deny that. But individual conversations are best off remaining private.”

Related Higher ceiling than Wissa: Newcastle in talks to sign £80m CF this week

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Posts ByWill Miller Aug 23, 2025

Away from what is still a developing saga, meanwhile, Newcastle are still searching for a new striker to ease any potential Isak blow or to simply bolster their squad.

Reports recently indicated that their attention has turned towards Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Strand Larsen, but the Midlands club’s £60m+ price tag may yet force the Magpies to once again re-evaluate their options.

Newcastle eyeing late Sorloth move

According to the Daily Mail’s reliable journalist Craig Hope, Newcastle are now eyeing a late swoop to sign Alexander Sorloth, who reportedly wants to leave Atlético Madrid this summer after falling out with Diego Simeone.

The Norway international last featured in the Premier League as a struggling Crystal Palace striker from 2018 to 2020, but has since rebuilt himself into the type of clinical player that Newcastle so desperately need.

Hope revealed when speaking about Newcastle’s transfer targets:

“Alexander Sorloth at Atlético Madrid. Now, he’s available. His goal record is quite incredible when you look at the amount of goals he scored in La Liga for Atlético Madrid.

“He played at St James’ a couple of weeks ago. Absolutely in the mold of his countryman Strand Larsen as well – a big, tall, powerful centre-forward, a record of doing it in the top division. That’s the latest information to me that Sorloth is one of the names being considered.”

League stats 24/25

Sorloth

Strand Larsen

Minutes

1,566

2,587

Goals

20

14

Assists

2

4

Expected Goals

16.8

10.3

An experienced forward at the top level who outscored Strand Larsen last season, Sorloth could finally be the man that solves Newcastle’s striker problem if they make their move this month.

Tottenham Hotspur are now ready to meet a rival Premier League club’s demands and sign an “outrageous” attacker, according to journalist Sebastien Vidal.

Tottenham ramping up attacking midfielder pursuit after Maddison blow

With the new Premier League season set to get underway this weekend, Tottenham fans are justified in feeling a little disappointed by their activity in the transfer window, having made very few major additions to the squad this summer.

Mathys Tel and Kevin Danso have completed permanent moves to north London after initial loan spells, but otherwise Spurs have been quiet, with Mohammed Kudus the only other high-profile addition.

Having secured Champions League qualification, it is frustrating that Daniel Levy & co haven’t been able to strike while the iron is hot and bring in some top players, missing out on Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White last month.

Tottenham now discuss signing "genius" £25m attacker who's keen on PL move

Spurs have now held talks over the signing of an attacking midfielder.

By
Dominic Lund

Aug 11, 2025

Not only that, but the Lilywhites have now lost Son Heung-min and James Maddison, with the former joining LAFC and the latter set for a significant spell on the treatment table after suffering an ACL injury.

Consequently, there is an even more pressing need to bring in a new attacking midfielder, and Tottenham are now ramping up their interest in multiple players, with Leicester City’s Bilal El Khannouss and Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze named as potential options.

Manchester City’s James McAtee and Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott are also of interest, and Spurs are now “ready” to meet the Reds’ demands for the young Englishman, according to an update from Vidal on X.

The journalist states that Thomas Frank’s side are looking to “boost their attacking creativity”, and a move for Elliott could be on the cards, with the 22-year-old in line to receive regular game time if he moves to north London.

There is a feeling that Liverpool will sanction the England U21 international’s departure this summer, and a £40m fee has been touted.

"Outrageous" Elliott could be ideal Eze alternative

There is certainly no shortage of exciting options on Tottenham’s shortlist, with Eze perhaps chief amongst them, having outperformed the other targets in terms of attacking contributions in the Premier League last season.

Target	PL appearances	Goals	Assists
Eberechi Eze	34	8	8
Harvey Elliott	18	1	2
Bilal El Khannouss	32	2	3
James McAtee	15	3	0

However, the Crystal Palace star is also the most senior player at 27-years-old, meaning he received more game time, and it could be difficult for Spurs to win the race, given that Arsenal are thought to be closing in on a deal, having agreed a £55m fee.

Elliott could be the best option out of the remaining targets, given that he has been lauded as “outrageous” by scout Jacek Kulig in the past, while the Liverpool ace also has experience in the Champions League.

As such, it is exciting news that Tottenham are ready to meet Liverpool’s demands, and a fee of around £40m seems reasonable.

Manchester United’s business during the ongoing summer transfer window could prove to be crucial in Ruben Amorim’s stint as manager at Old Trafford.

The Red Devils have demonstrated with their Premier League finish in 2024/25 that they’re miles behind where they should be, especially given the money spent in recent seasons.

Former boss Erik ten Hag spent in the region of £600m on players in his three summers in the role, with many of his additions failing to impress in England’s top-flight.

The likes of Anthony, Tyrell Malacia and Rasmus Hojlund all arrived during the Dutchman’s tenure at the club, but all look set to depart this summer after falling down Amorim’s pecking order.

Any funds from such departures will likely be reinvested by the hierarchy to help the current boss in his quest for success, with numerous names already on their list this summer.

The latest on United’s hunt for new attackers this summer

Bryan Mbeumo looked almost certain to be a United player next season, after he agreed personal terms with the Red Devils over a move to Old Trafford this window.

However, despite placing two separate bids for the 25-year-old this summer, no agreement has yet been reached with Brentford, with staff behind the scenes in Manchester said to be growing frustrated.

As a result, attention has been turned to other potential attacking reinforcements, with Southampton youngster Tyler Dibling a key target, according to Sky Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg.

He claims that Amorim’s side have made an approach for the 19-year-old’s signature this summer, but could face tough competition from fellow English side Tottenham Hotspur.

Plettenberg’s update also claims that the forward could be available for a fee in the region of £55m this summer, despite suffering relegation back to the Championship at the end of last season.

Why United’s £55m target is a bigger talent than Mbeumo

There’s no denying that Mbeumo has been one of the Premier League’s most deadly talents in recent seasons, as seen with his tally of 20 goals during the 2024/25 campaign.

The Cameroonian is more than deserving of a big-money move this window, with United the side pushing the most for his signature despite their recent unsuccessful offers.

The player himself has stated his desire to join Amorim’s side during the off-season, but ultimately, no deal can be completed until a fee has been agreed between the two clubs.

Many supporters will still see Mbeumo as the number one option in attacking areas, but they could land themselves a bigger talent in the form of Dibling, should they choose to pursue a move for the teenager’s signature.

Last campaign was his first at senior level, but he wasted no time in impressing, leading to one Liverpool analyst comparing the forward to Gareth Bale after his display at Anfield.

Such a comparison is no mean feat, given the Welshman was arguably one of the division’s best players a handful of years ago, managing to score 71 goals for Tottenham Hotspur across two separate spells.

Despite also being six years younger than Mbeumo, he’s also managed to outperform him in numerous key areas, further highlighting why he’d be a more exciting talent.

Dibling, who’s been labelled “incredible” by former boss Ivan Juric, managed to register a higher tally of progressive passes per 90, along with a higher pass completion rate – having the ability to aid others within the final third.

He also managed to complete more take-ons per 90, along with an increased tally of carries into the final third, showcasing the direct nature he possesses with the ball at his feet.

Games played

33

38

Goals & assists

2

27

Progressive passes

3.8

3.4

Pass accuracy

81%

66%

Take-ons completed

2.2

1.3

Carries into final third

2.4

1.8

Key passes made

1.9

1.8

Fouls won

2.4

1.1

The youngster was a constant nuisance to various backlines last season, including the Red Devils’ winning a penalty against them at St Mary’s, contributing to his tally of 2.4 fouls won per 90.

£55m may be seen as a huge investment for such an inexperienced talent, but it’s a risk worth taking given the levels he’s produced at a below-average Premier League outfit.

He’s already proven that he can outperform Mbeumo in numerous key areas, undoubtedly only going to get better too, playing alongside top-level talents for many years to come should he move to Old Trafford this window.

Perfect for Bruno & Mbeumo: Man Utd to make bid for £20m star this week

Manchester United’s summer spending spree shows no signs of slowing down ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

ByEthan Lamb Jul 9, 2025

Rival supporters will mock the continued lack of silverware at Arsenal, but it is hard to ignore the progress that is being made under Mikel Arteta’s watch, having notably enjoyed a thrilling Champions League run last time out.

Yes, it may have all ended in heartbreak, but football is a game of moments, and few have been better in the Emirates era than that night against Real Madrid, with Declan Rice coming up clutch for the Gunners.

Up against the holders and 15-time winners of the competition, Arteta’s men showed no signs of inferiority, with a collectively stunning performance epitomised by those two magic set-pieces from the club’s record signing. Who knew that the Englishman had that in his locker?

The recipient of the Gunners’ Player of the Year award – as voted for by fans – Rice is slowly but surely taking on talismanic status in north London, representing the leader without the armband in Arteta’s ranks.

While £105m looked like a sizeable investment two years ago, the 26-year-old has since backed up claims from former West Ham United boss David Moyes that he actually could have fetched more than £150m, such has been his “level of performance”.

If recent reports are to be believed, Arteta and co could be in the mix to make another similarly statement signing this time around.

Arsenal open talks for forward signing

The transfer circus is certainly in full swing, with things having reached the stage where the social media activity of a transfer target is even being scrutinised, as journalist Fabrizio Romano revealed that a certain Benjamin Sesko has begun following the club on Instagram.

Read into that what you will, although it is no real secret that the Gunners are working on a deal for the Slovenian striker, albeit with an issue over the 22-year-old’s price tag still to be resolved with RB Leipzig.

Elsewhere, meanwhile, BBC Sport’s Sami Mokbel has shed light on another potential attacking reinforcement that could be on his way to north London, with the respected insider revealing on the Latte Firm YouTube Channel that work has begun on a move for West Ham’s Mohammed Kudus.

Transfer Focus

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

As Mokbel hinted, talks have seemingly begun with the Hammers amid the claim that Arsenal are among one of the Premier League’s top six who have made an “enquiry” regarding the Ghanaian forward:

“My information is that all of the top six in the Premier League have checked in on the conditions of that deal. He’s got an £85m release clause for Premier League clubs but I think West Ham would be willing to go below that.

“They wouldn’t take masses below that but they would be open to a negotiation. There is a long-term interest there and as I understand that, there has been an enquiry from the Premier League’s top six; Arsenal are one of them. That could be one to watch in the absence of getting Rodrygo or Gordon which would be difficult deals to get over the line.”

As Mokbel noted, the former Ajax man – who joined the Irons on a £38m deal in 2023 – could be available for less than his £85m release clause, with the race now on for his coveted signature.

Why Kudus would be a good signing for Arsenal

As already noted, it’s fair to say that Arsenal have got their money’s worth after their previous dealing with West Ham, with that man Rice providing 36 goals and assists from just 103 games in all competitions in his new surroundings.

The man who led his former employers to Conference League glory in 2023, prior to his high-profile exit, the Three Lions mainstay has certainly kicked on from his time in east London, where he provided just 28 goal involvements in 245 games across all fronts.

At one stage a defensive-minded midfielder, or even a centre-back, at West Ham, Rice has since been unleashed under Arteta’s tutelage, with the Spaniard having found the perfect role for his statement signing in an advanced number eight berth.

Centre-forward

51

16

3

Right winger

50

21

10

Attacking midfield

49

11

6

Central midfield

46

11

3

Left winger

19

6

3

Right midfield

3

0

2

Left midfield

2

0

0

Second striker

1

0

1

Hopefully, the former Manchester City assistant can replicate that feat with regard to Kudus, with the fleet-footed sensation in need of a settled role, after lining up on either flank, as a number ten, and even as a centre-forward during his time at the London Stadium to date.

Like Rice too, there is certainly room for growth, with the 24-year-old coming off the back of a disappointing campaign in which he provided just five goals and four assists in all competitions, as West Ham toiled under Julen Lopetegui and Graham Potter.

Such woes should not overshadow Kudus’ undoubted talent, however, as he had previously registered 23 goals and assists in 2023/24 during Moyes’ final season in charge, having also been dubbed a “generational talent” by journalist Gary Al-Smith.

With 39 goals and assists also under his belt in just 87 games in Amsterdam, the dynamic left-footer is a figure who can wreak havoc in the final third when at his best, as shown by the fact that he ranked in the top 3% of his Premier League peers for successful take-ons per 90 last season, as per FBref.

That dribbling prowess also mirrors his ability as a ball carrier, something he shares with Rice. Indeed, the pair averaged 3.41 and 2.66 carries per 90, respectively, in the top-flight in 2024/25.

Such quality, if harnessed in the right way, could well be a real asset to Arteta’s forward line, with now the time for the Accra-born speedster to finally find a consistent, settled role for himself.

Lauded by Potter for his “really good” performance against the Gunners, during West Ham’s shock 1-0 win at the Emirates earlier this year, Kudus has also been described as something of an “example” at the club by the Englishman.

It could then be the case that after poaching Rice two years ago, Arteta could return with a fresh raid for another of the Hammers’ main men this summer.

Mikel Arteta personally wants Arsenal to sign £94m forward this summer

They know the costs of what would be a marquee deal.

ByEmilio Galantini Jun 25, 2025

Leeds United may be closing in on their fourth signing of the summer transfer window, as they have reportedly agreed a fee to sign Gabriel Gudmundsson.

The Whites are said to have agreed a deal worth around £10m to bring the Sweden international to Elland Road, which comes after journalist Graham Smyth claimed that they were close to a deal on Saturday.

Daniel Farke could, therefore, be set to have his new first-choice left-back in the building in the coming days, after Junior Firpo left the club at the end of last month when his contract expired.

Whilst Gudmundsson, who started 20 Ligue 1 games last season, could be a key addition to start at left-back, the Whites are reportedly eyeing a deal for a star who would be even more important to the team.

Leeds make contact to sign Serie A star

A solid left-back is an important cog in the XI, but Leeds need a new first-choice goalkeeper to be their last line of defence in the Premier League next season.

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 Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, Leeds United have made contact with Torino to enquire about a potential deal for goalkeeper Vanja Milinkovic-Savic.

The reporter claims that Serie A champions Napoli are also interested in signing the Serbia international this summer, but they have yet to make contact with their Italian rivals.

Di Marzio adds that the 28-year-old titan has a release clause in his contract with Torino that allows teams from abroad to snap him up for a fee of £19m.

Why Leeds should sign Vanja Milinkovic-Savic

The Whites should press ahead with a £19m deal for the 6 foot 8 titan because he would be an incredibly important signing for Farke as an upgrade on Illan Meslier.

Milinkovic-Savic, who was hailed as “underrated” by manager Paolo Vanoli, has proven himself to be a top performer in the Serie A in the last two seasons, conceding 14.2 fewer goals than expected based on the post-shot xG of the efforts against him.

Meslier conceded 2.73 more goals than expected and was dropped for Karl Darlow at the end of last season in the Championship, which does not suggest that he will be the reliable goalkeeper that Farke needs in the Premier League.

Leeds will need a strong shot-stopper to give themselves the best possible chance of avoiding an instant relegation to the second tier, which is why Milinkovic-Savic could be a particularly important signing.

Appearances

39

37

Save percentage

71%

76%

Penalties committed

1/4

4/7

Goals prevented

-2.73

+10.56

Pass accuracy in own half

93%

93%

Error led to goal

3

1

As you can see in the table above, the Serbian colossus would be a significant upgrade on what Farke currently has at his disposal between the sticks as he prevented between 13 and 14 more goals for his team than Meslier, whilst playing at a higher level.

These statistics suggest that Milinkovic-Savic could consistently bail out his defenders with huge saves, whilst the French goalkeeper could consistently let his team down by conceding more than expected.

As aforementioned, the goalkeeper position is even more crucial than the left-back role for Leeds because of the relegation battle that they are likely to be in, which is why signing a top-quality stopper like the Torino gem is even more important than bringing Gudmundsson in.

Whilst the Lille left-back may be an experienced and solid option, Milinkovic-Savic appears to be a gigantic upgrade for the starting XI, and a star who could win vital points for the team with his saves.

Better signing than Bornauw: Leeds close in on signing £6m "risk-taker"

Leeds United are closing in on a deal for a star who would be an even better signing than Sebastiaan Bornauw.

2 ByDan Emery Jul 6, 2025

It might seem overly simple, but if there is one thing Arsenal need to add to the squad this summer, it’s goals.

Mikel Arteta’s side are well known for being one of the hardest teams to break down in world football – and the data shows it – but time and time again this season, the North Londoners found it hard to put the ball in the back of the net when it really mattered.

So, while the addition of Martin Zubimendi will be a great one – when it eventually happens – the club need to do a lot more and strengthen the frontline.

Fortunately, reports have now linked the Gunners with another option to lead the line next season, someone who could be a great alternative to Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres.

Arsenal's striker search

Arsenal’s hunt for a new number nine has been ongoing for over a year now, and over the last few weeks, Sesko and Gyokeres have been constantly linked.

The former was a target last summer, again in the winter, and now, for the third window on the bounce, he has been dominating the talk around the club, with reports suggesting he could cost at least £67m.

The situation is even more unclear regarding the Swedish international, as while he supposedly rejected Manchester United in favour of the Gunners, reports from late last week claimed that Sporting CP’s demands had seen the North Londoners ‘freeze’ their interest in the 27-year-old.

Transfer Focus

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

So, it looks like the Gunners might need to seek out an alternative, which could help explain the links to Dušan Vlahović.

Yes, according to a recent report from TuttoJuve, Arsenal are now in the picture for the Juventus marksman.

The report has revealed that in light of Sporting wanting at least €80m – £68m – for Gyokeres, Arteta and Co are now ‘evaluating valid alternatives,’ one of which is the Serbian international.

No price is mentioned in the report, but stories from last month claimed that the 25-year-old goalscorer could be available for just £25m, which could make him an ideal alternative to Sesko and Gyokeres.

Why Vlahović could be a great alternative to Sesko and Gyokeres

Okay, so the first thing to say is that one of the advantages to signing Vlahović over Gyokeres and Sesko is that he’d cost substantially less and, therefore, free up more money to spend elsewhere.

However, while you would expect someone who could cost less than half as much as the Leipzig star, for example, would be significantly less effective, that is not the case.

When it comes to raw output, he’s only marginally worse than the Slovenian star, who is playing in a top-five league and, therefore, at a similar level.

Appearances

41

45

52

Minutes

2569′

3258′

4248′

Goals

15

21

54

Assists

5

6

13

Goal Involvements per Match

0.48

0.60

1.28

Minutes per Goal Involvement

128.45′

120.66′

63.40′

Moreover, while he is miles off the Sporting star, it’s important to note that research from Opta Analyst found that 11 of 18 teams in the Portuguese top-flight are League One standard.

That brings us to one of the significant benefits of signing the Serb, who former Juventus striker Darko Kovacevic once said is “just like Haaland”, over the other two: his vast experience at the highest level.

For example, across his career to date, the Belgrade-born monster has made 202 appearances in Serie A.

In comparison, the former RB Salzburg gem has made just 64 appearances in the Bundesliga, while the Stockholm-born poacher has never played a minute of football in a top-five league.

Ultimately, Vlahović probably wouldn’t be the most exciting addition Arsenal could make to the frontline this season, but he has a proven track record in a tough league, is almost as effective as Sesko and would cost a fraction as much.

Therefore, if the Gunners cannot get their hands on either the Leipzig star or Gyokeres this summer, then the Juventus ace would be a great alternative.

Arsenal set to bid for £40m star who has heart set on move to Emirates

The Gunners could land a long-term target…

BySean Markus Clifford Jun 16, 2025

All the runs in domestic cricket, “that constant support from myself to myself”, and a maturity that’s taken time coming have lifted Parag to the next level

Shashank Kishore29-Mar-20244:17

Moody: Parag showed us what he’s capable of doing

Riyan Parag had nailed it. Standing deep inside the crease, he picked the length early and walloped the pull front of square. Parag’s eyes were on the ball, in total self-admiration of the connection he had made. Anrich Nortje looked away without looking up.Parag had already hit Nortje for a sequence of 4, 4, 6 and 4 earlier in that over, the final one of the innings. This six, however, took the cake for savagery, swagger and aesthetics all rolled into one. It was as if he knew what was coming. He was ready when the ball – a bouncer at 144kph – was halfway to him, some 0.3 seconds earlier.The over cost 25 and Parag finished unbeaten on 84 off 45 balls as Rajasthan Royals made 185. Astonishing as it may sound, Parag is one of only two batters with over 1000 T20 runs at No. 4 with a strike rate of over 150 and an average over 40. Only once prior to this knock had he batted at this position in the IPL.Related

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The only other man to have such numbers was watching from afar, awed by what he had just seen. Four years ago, Suryakumar Yadav had been in Parag’s shoes, doing unreal things that earned him the admiration of his seniors. Then India head coach Ravi Shastri was among those wowed by the pyrotechnics.”Surya Namaskar. Stay strong and patient,” Shastri had tweeted, perhaps in an effort to console the man who had missed out on national selection despite having had the kind of IPL he had that year: averaging 40.22 and striking at 155.36 as a finisher; 235 of his 480 runs came in death overs alone, faster than Hardik Pandya and just a shade slower than at Kieron Pollard’s strike rate of 210.25.The same Suryakumar was now watching on TV, gushing about what he’d just seen. “Met a guy at NCA few weeks ago,” his post on X read. “He came with a slight niggle. Completely focused on his recovery and with great discipline working on his skills. And I was not wrong to tell that to one of the coaches there ‘He is a changed guy’. Riyan Parag 2.0. Watch out.”

Met a guy at NCA few weeks ago. He came with a slight niggle. Completely focused on his recovery and with great discipline working on his skills. And I was not wrong to tell that to one of the coaches there ‘He is a changed guy’
RIYAN PARAG 2.0
Watch out

— Surya Kumar Yadav (@surya_14kumar) March 28, 2024