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This summer was very much the transfer window of striker moves and Manchester United were involved heavily within that.

While Alexander Isak was at the centre of his spat with Newcastle United, eventually joining Liverpool, the likes of Joao Pedro, Hugo Ekitike, Yoane Wissa, Nico Woltemade, Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko were making big-money moves of their own.

For a host of those names, they’ve made impressive start to life at their new clubs.

With three goals in four matches, Gyokeres is already the division’s second-top scorer behind Erling Haaland while Pedro and Ekitike have scored two apiece in the Premier League. Woltemade even netted on his top-flight debut for the Toon on Saturday afternoon.

For Sesko, however, it’s been a troubled start. Perhaps the writing was on the wall when he was listed as United’s tenth penalty taker in the shoot-out defeat to Grimsby Town a few weeks ago.

His first start, which he was rewarded with in the Manchester derby on Sunday, also wasn’t filled with much glory.

Sesko first start for Man United in numbers

When United signed Rasmus Hojlund, he was listed as a project striker. When Joshua Zirkzee signed at Old Trafford, he was also listed as a project striker.

Therefore, what Ruben Amorim needed this season was a proven figure, someone like an Ollie Watkins who has been there and done it in the Premier League.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

What did they do? Well, they splashed out £74m on Slovenia forward, Sesko. Acquired from RB Leipzig, the big centre forward has already been described as “the new Erling Haaland” and it’s easy to see why.

He’s got a strong shot on him, has lengthy strides and above all else, he’s got power in abundance.

The issue is, he’s still very raw, something that 13 Bundesliga goals last term sum up well.

Since moving to United, it’s been a tale of woe for the Slovenian who doesn’t look at the races at all. His display against City, albeit a formidable opposition, showcased that.

The Manchester Evening News noted how the young attacker was “quiet” in the second half, and while he did have United’s only attempts at goal in the first half, he was ultimately replaced on 80 minutes, having managed an expected goals tally of just 0.03.

Sesko only had one shot and completed just 54% of his passes, outlining a frustrated and isolated figure at the top end of the pitch.

To sum up his woes, he had fewer touches (19) than goalkeeper Altay Bayindir (37), a statistic that rubberstamps his dreary day at the office at the Etihad.

Minutes played

80

Touches

19

Accurate passes

7/13 (54%)

Shots

1

Key passes

0

Dribbles

0

Ground duels won

0/1

Aerial duels won

3/8

That said, he was rather starved of service and it wasn’t all his own fault.

Two Man United players were to blame for Sesko's performance

Two of the bright sparks in this United team so far this season are new signings, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo.

While Cunha is yet to find the net since trading Wolverhampton for Manchester, Mbeumo has scored, bagging in the win over Burnley prior to the international break.

Mbeumo once again looked like one of very few bright sparks in Amorim’s side on Sunday but he and Sesko were arguably let down by a lack of service.

Indeed, with Mason Mount and Cunha absent through injury, it meant a rare start for Amad in the Premier League this term in a more advanced role.

The Ivorian has featured at right-wing back more often this season, a role unfamiliar to him. Yet, with Mbeumo having signed, a player who has similar traits and tendancies, it’s unlikely he’ll feature in an attacking role on too many occasions.

With Cunha absent, however, it gave the 23-year-old an opportunity to showcase his skills in the final third. Sadly, he did not showcase them very well. Listed as a left winger on the team sheet, on a regular basis in the second half Mbeumo and Amad ended up on the same wing.

Even when the former Sunderland loanee was on the left, he failed to create anything of note for Sesko. By full-time, he had failed with both of his dribble attempts, not completed an accurate cross and only provided two key passes.

Behind him, wing-back Patrick Dorgu also did very little to help their new striker who was eagerly waiting inside the area, with the two of them combining to lose possession a whopping 25 times.

Dorgu did provide three key passes but in the words of MEN’s Samuel Luckhurst, “he had chances to service Sesko but his crossing was abject.”

The goals will flow for the big-money signing at some stage but he will undoubtedly need a better supply line than he was given by Amad and Dorgu on Saturday.

Sesko was poor but it wasn’t all his own fault. Truth be told, the whole United side are being let down by Amorim’s system. That’s a story for another day, however.

Worse than Sesko: Amorim must drop Man Utd flop who was "nowhere near it"

Manchester United should drop this flop who was even worse than Benjamin Sesko in the derby.

1 ByDan Emery Sep 14, 2025

Chelsea are widely believed to be in advanced talks to sign both Xavi Simons and Jorrel Hato, but they’re not the only players who BlueCo have bid for after Liam Delap, Jamie Gittens and Joao Pedro were signed earlier this summer.

Fabrizio Romano: Chelsea "agree deal" to sign "sensation" with medical held

Enzo Maresca is welcoming another exciting player.

ByEmilio Galantini Jul 26, 2025

Enzo Maresca, according to recent reports, is prioritising another new attacker after their £145 million triple deal for Delap, Gittens and Pedro – coming after his side were thwarted time and time again by sides in the low block last season (Simon Phillips).

This suggestion may have prompted the Blues to turn towards RB Leipzig playmaker Xavi Simons, who is believed to be in advanced talks over a move to Stamford Bridge (Fabrizio Romano).

Cole Palmer

7.33

Moises Caicedo

7.02

Enzo Fernández

6.95

Nicolas Jackson

6.88

Noni Madueke

6.82

via WhoScored

The 22-year-old, who’s bagged 21 goals and 23 assists since joining Leipzig on an initial loan at the start of 2023/2024, only made his move to the Bundesliga permanent in January, but he’s now prepared to leave Germany for the Premier League.

“Xavi is a different player,” Barcelona forward and ex-teammate, Dani Olmo, told Leipzig’s official website.

“He has shown that so far in the time he has been here. We connect really well on the pitch but he can also do things on his own. He has an amazing dribbling technique, finishing as well.

“He’s a really complete player and for us, for our system, for how we play, our ideas, the coaches’ ideas, it is perfect for us. Now he’s in a really good mood, in a really good shape so this is very helpful.”

Elsewhere, Chelsea are also closing in on a deal for Ajax defender Jorrel Hato after agreeing personal terms with the Dutchman, and he was left out of John Heitinga’s squad for their 5-1 Como Cup win over Celtic earlier this week.

Amidst these reports, Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport has now lifted the lid on a Chelsea approach for Juventus sensation Kenan Yildiz.

Chelsea make near £61 million offer to sign Juventus forward Kenan Yildiz

According to La Gazzetta, via Calciomercato, Chelsea have submitted a near-£61m bid for Yildiz, but Juventus rejected it out of hand.

The Turkey international is viewed by Igor Tudor’s side as a key player for next season as they seek to become Serie A title challengers once again, with Juve also attempting to tie Yildiz down by opening talks over a new contract.

Bayern Munich and Barcelona are named as fellow suitors for the 20-year-old, but the Old Lady are set to dig their heels in after Yildiz’s impressive 2024/2025 campaign.

He would’ve been an interesting alternative to Simons, but as talks advance for the ex-PSG starlet, Yildiz appears unlikely to make the switch to west London.

“Kenan has huge potential, he has rare qualities: he can make the difference up front with the dynamism of a midfielder,” said Tudor about the player.

“He’s a special talent, but it’s his mentality that will take him far.”

Glasgow Rangers are now interested in completing the signing of a young player who could play in six different positions at Ibrox, according to a new Gers transfer claim.

Rangers and Martin could miss out on Liverpool gem

The Gers have been linked with a move for Liverpool left-back Owen Beck this summer, seeing him as a strong option in that area of the pitch.

However, it looks as though the Scottish Premiership giants are set to miss out on the 22-year-old, with journalist John Percy claiming that a move to Championship side Derby County is now on the cards instead.

While defensive additions are important for Rangers ahead of the new season, it looks as though Robin Propper’s exit remains possible, with FC Twente technical director Jan Streuer talking up a return to the club, should the centre-back not be part of Russell Martin’s plans at Ibrox.

“We had too many changes at the back last season; something had to be done. It isn’t [very simple], because of all sorts of factors beyond your control. Just before last season, our captain, Robin Propper, left at the last minute. We really missed him. Rangers bought him.

“A Scottish top club, you can’t compete with that. Now there’s a new manager at Rangers, he might play less. Then he could return. But he’ll want to wait and see first whether he’ll actually play less. Do we have to decide: do we wait for that, or do we look further?”

Rangers keen on signing versatile new target

According to Prima Vercelli [via Sport Witness], Rangers are in the mix to sign KR Reykjavik youngster and new target Johannes Bjarnason this summer.

The 20-year-old midfielder is also wanted by Genk and Pro Vercelli, but there is no mention of an asking price in the report. The Gers have reportedly been attracted by his impact in the final third, with Bjarnason netting six league goals in 2025.

Bjarnason is a relative unknown compared to some other Rangers targets this summer, given his age and the fact that he is playing in Iceland currently.

Rangers player could now "return" to former club if Martin doesn’t rate him

Would selling him be the right decision?

ByHenry Jackson Jul 21, 2025

The midfielder could still be an astute signing by the Gers, however, coming in as a long-term option who will hopefully blossom from a squad player to a key man over time.

Bjarnason has already scored 15 goals and registered 10 assists in 72 appearances for his current club, and has represented Iceland across six different youth age groups. His versatility allows him to shine in as many as six different positions, too.

Central midfield

16

5

2

Right midfield

14

3

4

Right-back

10

0

1

Attacking midfield

3

0

2

Defensive midfield

3

0

0

Left-back

1

0

0

This all highlights why Rangers signing him this summer could be exciting, with the Icelandic ace possibly a player with lots of potential moving forward.

Celtic recently made another addition to their squad with the signing of versatile central defender Hayato Inamura from Japanese side Albirex Niigata.

The 23-year-old star, who can play as either a centre-back or as a left-back, has joined the Scottish giants on a four year deal ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

Celtic supporters should not be expecting him to play week-in-week-out in the Scottish Premiership next season, though, as it has been revealed that the defender is a signing for the future.

When asked if he would be part of the first-team squad, Brendan Rodgers said: “No, he won’t be. He’s a part of the investment of the club.”

The head coach added that the Hoops will “see where he’s at as a young player and then it’s whether he stays with the squad or whether he has to go out on loan” during pre-season.

This means that fellow left-footed central defender Auston Trusty may be safe for now, after he endured a difficult first season at Parkhead last term.

Why Auston Trusty is in a difficult position at Celtic

Despite the fact that left-footed defender Liam Scales earned a place in the PFA Team of the Year at the end of the 2024/25 campaign, Celtic decided to pay a reported fee of £5m to sign left-sided centre-back Trusty from Sheffield United last summer.

£5m was a healthy sum of money to spend on a player who plays in the same position as a star who was named the best in his position in the division the previous season, which suggests that the club felt he would come in as an upgrade on Scales.

Unfortunately, that did not turn out to be the case as Trusty endured a frustrating first season in Glasgow, and ended the campaign as second-choice behind the Ireland international.

The American dud was an unused substitute in six of the last eight games, including the SFA Cup final, and that was because Scales significantly outperformed him.

Start

22

21

Clean sheets

10

14

Dribbled past per game

0.5x

0.2x

Clearances per game

4.0

4.8

Ground duel success rate

63%

68%

Aerial duel success rate

65%

74%

Error led to shot

4

1

Error led to goal

1

0

As you can see in the table above, the Irishman was far more effective for Celtic in the Premiership than Trusty, with fewer errors and a higher success rate in duels, helping the team to keep more clean sheets in the process.

The £5m signing, who was criticised against Aberdeen in his most recent appearance, is in a difficult position at Parkhead, and it is one that could get even worse for him.

Celtic eyeing new left-sided defender

According to CelticWay, the Scottish Premiership champions are ‘considering’ a bid to sign Familicao central defender Justin De Haas this summer.

The report claims that the Hoops are weighing up an approach for the Dutch centre-back to bolster their ranks after Maik Nawrocki clinched a loan move to German outfit Hannover.

Transfer Focus

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

It states that Celtic scouts have assessed De Haas during the summer transfer window, and the club are now plotting a potential swoop to bring him to Parkhead.

The 25-year-old defender, who is said to be attracting interest from several clubs across Europe, is valued at around £3m by the Portuguese club, and it remains to be seen whether or not the Hoops are prepared to pay that asking price.

Celtic should now press ahead with a deal to bring the left-footed defender to Parkhead in the coming weeks because he could send Trusty packing this summer.

Why this is bad news for Auston Trusty

This report of the club’s interest in De Haas is bad news for the USA international because it could mean that the former Sheffield United man is surplus to requirements in Glasgow, just 12 months on from his arrival.

As aforementioned, Trusty has already fallen behind Scales in the pecking order in the left-sided centre-back position because of his poor performances in the Premiership last term.

It then seems unlikely that Celtic would pay £3m to bring in another left-footed defender, who is 25 and in the prime years of his career, to be a third-choice option in that position, which is why this could spell danger for Trusty, as he may have to find a new club.

Whilst there is no reported suggestion yet that the American flop is likely to move on from Parkhead, the signing of De Haas could leave him with little game time behind two other players in his position, especially given that Rodgers has made it clear that he wants to play left-footers on the left and right-footers on the right at centre-back.

Appearances

29

22

Goals

2

1

Tackles + interceptions per game

3.0

2.3

Dribbled past per game

0.3x

0.5x

Clearances per game

5.4

4.0

Error led to shot

0

4

Error led to goal

1

1

Penalties committed

0

0

As you can see in the table above, the £3m-rated colossus outperformed Trusty at league level last season, whilst playing in the Portuguese top-flight, by making more defensive interventions and fewer big errors at the back.

The 6 foot 4 giant, who has previously been described as “aerially dominant” by RangersJournal writer Kai Watson, could come in as another upgrade on the American dud, on top of Scales already being one.

This is why Trusty could be sent packing this summer because the arrival of a second left-footed centre-back who is even better than him could limit his game time next season and force the defender to consider his long-term future at Parkhead.

Of course, Rodgers could go against his preference and use a left-footed player as a back-up option to Cameron Carter-Vickers in the right centre-back role, but that would not be ideal for the left-footed Trusty either.

Celtic can sign a better ST than Kvistgaarden in "complete" £6.8m star

Celtic could forget all about Mathias Kvistgaarden by signing this striker this summer.

1 ByDan Emery Jul 6, 2025

Therefore, this latest development will not come as good news for the former Arsenal centre-back, who could find himself on the chopping block this summer.

Lionel Messi is in the conversation for the greatest sportsman or athlete of all time, but the Argentina legend has revealed who he thinks is the real ‘GOAT’.

Tiger Woods called Messi the "greatest soccer player I've ever seen"

Messi secured his legacy as perhaps the greatest football player in history when Argentina were crowned World Cup champions in 2022, beating France on penalties in the final.

Ahead of that game, Tiger Woods claimed Messi is ahead of the rest: “He’s the greatest soccer player I’ve ever seen, I mean, you say Pele and Maradona but I just still think that what Messi does with the ball is stupid. It’s stuck to his foot.

“He makes people miss [and] with that left foot of his it’s made many a goalkeeper look bad.”

The Barcelona legend has won the most Ballon d’Or awards in history with eight, 12 major top flight titles and four UEFA Champions Leagues, as well as a whole collection of other trophies, cups and individual awards.

Legendary manager Pep Guardiola has repeatedly said Messi is the “best player ever”, comparing him to superstar figures in other sports, including Woods.

The type of player whose artistry transcends beyond just what we see on the pitch, Messi was even called “amazing” and “magic” by his greatest competitor, Cristiano Ronaldo.

There are plenty of superstar athletes who would throw their hat in the ring for the ‘GOAT’ throne, but Messi himself believes one man stands above even his own accomplishments.

Messi: Michael Jordan is the Greatest Athlete Of All Time

Speaking on the Clank! Podcast in 2024, Messi revealed he believes NBA legend Michael Jordan is the one true ‘GOAT’.

Jordan won six NBA titles with the Chicago Bulls, incredibly holding a 6-0 finals record and being named the finals MVP in all six, while he also won the regular season MVP award on five occasions, which is second only to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

Points per game

30.1

Assists per game

6.2

Rebounds per game

5.3

Steals per game

2.3

Blocks per game

0.8

NBA Championships

Six

NBA MVPs

Five

The 62 year-old was known for his sheer will and competitiveness, driving his teammates to succeed through brute force if necessary, with Scottie Pippen admitting he was a “difficult person to deal with” but a “great teammate” because he was “competitive 24/7”.

Messi’s former PSG teammate, Kylian Mbappe, believes that LeBron James is the best ever, but Jordan’s reputation and impact as one of the first true globally recognised superstars puts him alone on the pedestal.

Kylian Mbappe named NBA 'Greatest Of All Time' as his idol – not Michael Jordan

The Real Madrid superstar has had his say…

ByBen Goodwin Jun 26, 2025

Rangers are one of as many as 26 clubs who want to sign a player hailed as the “best” in his league this summer.

Russell Martin demanding success at Rangers

The Russell Martin era at Ibrox is now officially underway, with the 39-year-old tasked with bringing the glory days back to the club, following some barren times in recent years.

The Englishman is certainly bullish about masterminding future success at Rangers, speaking recently about what he expects to achieve in charge of the Scottish Premiership giants.

“I want us to keep improving and be the best version of ourselves that we can be. We have to win, and we have to win a lot. I think history shows you that when Rangers are performing and have momentum and energy, with a team of clarity and belief, it can lead to anything and to big success.

“That’s what I want, so I’m here, I want to be here to win things and to feel that here, and I hope we can do that. The club needs new energy, it needs a fresh start. It’s been a tough time for the club and Rangers fans over the last however many years.”

New signings will be needed if Rangers are to get to where Martin wants them to be, and they are right in the mix to snap up a hugely exciting player, following a new update.

Rangers in the mix to sign Kwame Poku

Speaking to The Daily Mail [via The Daily Record], Peterborough United director of football Barry Fry claimed that there are 26 clubs who want to sign £10m-rated attacker Kwame Poku, with the Gers linked in recent days as the attacker nears the end of his contract, when that price tag will disappear.

“Kwame’s out of contract and to my knowledge he’s speaking to 26 clubs, home and abroad, and he’ll go wherever he wants to go. I spoke to him on Friday morning but he’s not decided where he wants to go at the minute. He’s such an exciting player.

“Wherever he goes, he’ll be a fan’s favourite. He spent a couple of years at Colchester and we took a punt on him.

“We have had a lot of offers for him that we’ve turned down because we wanted to get promotion. Now he has the choice. I’ve had loads of clubs from Portugal, Belgium, Germany on about him as well as loads of clubs in England. I was asking clubs for £5 million and £5 million in add-ons when they were interested previously.”

Poku would be such an eye-catching addition for Rangers in the summer window, having been called the “best player in League One” by Fry himself.

Last season, the 23-year-old scored 12 goals and chipped in with eight assists in League One, and he could be an ideal replacement for Vaclav Cerny, should the attacker fail to seal a permanent move to the Gers.

Martin could seal dream 1st Rangers signing in "magnificent" £20m star

As Russell Martin aims to completely overhaul his new Rangers squad, could he sign a “magnificent” Premier League star recently worth £25m?

2 ByBen Gray Jun 16, 2025

Poku is at his best on the right wing, but can also thrive centrally and on the left, so the one-cap Ghana international could add quality and depth to Martin’s squad.

Chelsea have just hours to register more new signings in time for the Club World Cup, which kicks off this weekend, and Stamford Bridge officials are attempting to finalise some behind-the-scenes captures.

Chelsea working on deal for Jamie Gittens with Mike Maignan move off

After sealing their £30 million deal for Liam Delap, who will be travelling with Enzo Maresca’s squad to the CWC rather than competing in the Euros with England Under-21s, BlueCo have been trying to get two more players through the door before the 7pm deadline this evening.

Ipswich Town 2-0 Chelsea

8.08

Bournemouth 1-2 Ipswich Town

8.05

Ipswich Town 2-2 Aston Villa

8.04

Ipswich Town 1-2 Southampton

7.83

Fulham 2-2 Ipswich Town

7.55

via WhoScored

AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan is about to enter the final 12 months of his contract and Chelsea have been in talks with the Rossoneri over a cut-price deal, but Milan value their captain at around £25 million – a figure which Maresca’s side are not keen to pay.

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The Blues are in negotiations to sign a centre-forward, with a meeting taking place in recent days.

ByDominic Lund Jun 9, 2025

Chelsea would have preferred to fork out £10 million for Maignan, but while there was some hope that a compromise could be reached at £15 million (Dom Smith), the deal is now off according to Romano.

Meanwhile, despite time running out fast, Chelsea have also been working to finalise a high-profile deal for Borussia Dortmund sensation Jamie Gittens.

Chelsea had an opening bid of around £30 million rejected for Gittens, but they’re expected to go in with another offer as Maresca’s side scrap to agree a deal and bring him to the CWC.

It is believed that Chelsea have already agreed personal terms with Gittens, though Dortmund are demanding up to £51 million to sell, so this is another story to keep a close eye on today.

Luckily for Maresca, even if Chelsea miss the deadline to sign Gittens tonight, Sky Sports reporter Kaveh Solhekol has shared that there will be a unique registration period midway through the CWC – from June 27 to July 3 – which allows Chelsea to introduce new signings to their tournament squad right after the group stage finishes.

Chelsea make contact with Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers via representatives

So, taking this into account, Chelsea are in fact able to strengthen their team midway through the CWC – so failing to complete a deal for Gittens or Maignan by 7pm may not actually be the end of the world when it comes to their prospects of winning the competition.

Chelsea are looking to bring in a versatile attacking midfielder alongside a new left-winger in the form of Gittens, according to reliable journalist Simon Phillips, and they’ve started to lay some groundwork over a potential deal for Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers.

As per Phillips, via his SPTC Substack, Chelsea have made contact with Rogers’ agents, and are seriously weighing up adding to their contingent of ex-Man City academy gems with a summer move for the forward – who is expected to cost around £80 million.

Chelsea would apparently “love” to sign the England international, if they consider it a realistic opportunity, and it’s not hard to see why.

Rogers is fresh off the back of a phenomenal campaign with Villa, racking up 14 goals and 15 assists in all competitions. While it is claimed that the 22-year-old wouldn’t push to leave the Midlands, he’s also likely to be at least open to the prospect of a switch, according to Phillips.

If there is one area of the team Arsenal need to strengthen this summer, it’s the attack.

While Mikel Arteta’s side finished a distant second to Liverpool in the Premier League this season, they ended the campaign with a better defensive record than anyone in the league but with 17 fewer goals scored.

So, with this apparent weakness compared to their title rival, it’s hardly surprising to see the club linked with a host of talented strikers, like Benjamin Sesko, Viktor Gyokeres and Ollie Watkins, in recent weeks.

However, the North Londoners could also do with more options off the left, which would help to explain the links to a player who could be their next Lukas Podolski.

Arsenal's winger search

Before we get to the player in question, it’s worth going over some of the other wingers who have been linked with Arsenal this summer, like Nico Williams and Rodrygo.

Transfer Focus

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

The former has been a long-term target for the club and has a release clause worth around £50m, which doesn’t seem too unreasonable for a 22-year-old international who racked up 18 goal involvements in 45 games this season.

Rodrygo, on the other hand, could cost as much as £85m, but considering he’d be moving from Real Madrid and has produced 24 goal involvements in 51 appearances this year.

However, while both players would be excellent additions to the Gunners’ squad, neither one can really be compared to Podolski, unlike Leroy Sané.

Interestingly, according to a recent report from German outlet BILD, the Bayern Munich star, who is out of contract this summer, could be on the move, and when it comes to English clubs, he would only be interested in joining Arsenal, with his desire to join North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur ‘low.’

It would appear as if there is some degree in the player from the Gunners as well, as earlier this week, it was fairly widely reported that talks had taken place between his representatives and the club.

It might not be the most exciting transfer, but Sané has more than proven himself over the years, and there are certain elements to this potential deal that could make him become a new Podolski for the club.

Why Sané could be Podolski 2.0

So, before getting into some of the other reasons why Sané would be a good signing, it’s worth addressing why we look at him as a potential Podolski 2.0.

The first is that both players would have joined the club from the Bundesliga as German internationals, and furthermore, while the former Gunners ace joined from Koln in 2012, he too had spent time and won titles with Bayern Munich.

Secondly, both players are positionally versatile, with the Bayern star mainly playing off the left but being able to play off the right as well, while the 40-year-old was also primarily a left-winger at the Emirates but has spent more time up top in his career.

On top of that, the pair are both left-footed, and while they can easily create and score goals, they have tended to favour the latter throughout their careers.

For example, the former Manchester City ace, whom talent scout Jacek Kulig dubbed “world-class,” has scored 133 goals and provided 125 assists in his 496 appearances, while the Koln legend has found the back of the 238 times and provided 138 assists in 700 games.

Appearances

200

210

Minutes

12501′

15482′

Goals

51

70

Assists

47

37

Goal Involvements per Game

0.49

0.50

Minutes per Goal Involvement

127.56′

144.69′

Appearances

90

60

Minutes

6089′

3268′

Goals

25

19

Assists

30

12

Goal Involvements per Game

0.61

0.51

Minutes per Goal Involvement

110.70′

105.41′

Last but not least, given the fact he’s 29 years old and would be joining for free, the Essen-born international could have a similar impact as his senior compatriot did at the club, in the sense that he could come in, spend a couple of seasons as a useful offensive option and then move on, without being a significant financial burden.

Ultimately, Sané is still a brilliant footballer, and considering he’d be available for free, bringing him to the club feels like a no-brainer for Arsenal.

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ByJack Salveson Holmes Jun 5, 2025

Wingers have played a key part in Liverpool’s success over recent years, helping them win multiple domestic and continental trophies under various managers.

Mohamed Salah has been a key part in the success endured throughout 2024/25, undoubtedly being the star in Arne Slot’s side that claimed the Premier League title.

The Egyptian has registered 28 goals and 18 assists in his 37 appearances – the highest of any player within the division, highlighting his importance.

His new two-year contract at Anfield will enable him to be a star for multiple more campaigns, potentially adding to the two league triumphs he’s already won on Merseyside.

However, there’s only so much work he can do on his own, with the 32-year-old needing to be joined by reinforcements within the final third to sustain any long-lasting success.

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

Over recent weeks, Real Madrid forward Rodrygo has been linked with a move to Liverpool this summer, looking to secure a move away from the Bernabeu this summer.

The Brazilian, who also has admirers from Arsenal ahead of the transfer window, has registered 23 combined goals and assists this campaign – undoubtedly handing Slot the added quality he desires.

However, such a deal could prove to be too expensive in the coming months, with Athletic Club’s Nico Williams emerging as a key target, according to one Spanish outlet.

The report states that the Reds have been monitoring the 22-year-old for a number of months and are considering a move for the winger, who’s registered 18 goals and assists in 2024/25.

It also claims that the LaLiga outfit won’t stand in the Spaniard’s way in the coming months, as long as any interested party forks out the entirety of his £50m release clause.

Why Liverpool’s £50m target would be Liverpool’s best LW since Mane

Sadio Mané is a player who captured the hearts of the fanbase during his spell at Liverpool, proving to be one of their best signings of the modern-era at Anfield.

The Senegalese international, who joined from Southampton for £36m in the summer of 2016, spent six years on Merseyside, producing countless moments of magic along the way.

He registered a staggering 120 goals in his 269 appearances for the club, an average of one every 2.2 outings – undoubtedly leading them to their title triumph in 2019/20.

However, he would leave for German giants Bayern Munich in the summer of 2022, leaving a huge hole within the first team setup – something which they’ve failed to replace in the three years since.

Luis Diaz and Cody Gakpo have been the two players to often fill the void over the last couple of seasons, having various levels of impact as seen by their total of 23 league goals combined in 2024/25.

Both have shared the role in the title-winning campaign, but could find themselves with decreased game time next season should Williams arrive at Anfield.

When comparing his stats to those of the aforementioned duo since Mane’s departure, the Bilbao star has outperformed them in numerous key areas, handing Slot the club’s best option since the departed winger.

Games played

95

89

104

Goals & assists

36

37

56

Progressive carries

5.7

4.2

2.7

Carries into final third

2.7

2.4

1.8

Shot-on-target accuracy

40%

36%

39%

Crosses completed

5.7

1

3.5

Take-ons completed

3.1

2.2

1.6

Williams, who’s been labelled “world-class” by journalist Zach Lowy, has registered slightly fewer combined goals and assists, but has registered a higher shot on target rate – showcasing his threat in attacking areas.

He’s also completed more progressive carries per 90 and completed more carries into the final third, handing Slot an added threat when driving into the final third at Anfield.

He’s also completed more take-ons than current first team members Diaz and Gakpo, whilst completing more crosses – handing other options on the books the opportunities to improve their own tallies.

It would be a superb addition should the club trigger his £50m release clause this summer, having the potential to improve massively in the years ahead, given his tender age.

Should he reach the levels produced by Mane on Merseyside, it would be one of the best additions they could make in the near future, setting them up for added success during the Dutchman’s tenure.

Dream Wirtz alternative: Liverpool plot move for "generational" £34m star

Liverpool can forget about a move for Florian Wirtz, with another name entering the mix this week.

1 ByEthan Lamb May 22, 2025

Manchester United are thought to be increasingly confident of completing the signing of a “very quick” defender on a free transfer this summer, according to a new update on Sunday.

Europa League final vital for future Man Utd signings

The Red Devils’ Premier League season is effectively over, and has been for many weeks, following a hugely disappointing performance in the competition.

United can still save their campaign by winning the Europa League later this month, however, with a final meeting with Tottenham on the horizon in Bilbao on May 21st. Ruben Amorim will know the importance of winning the trophy, not only because it will add to the club’s silverware collection, but because it will also secure a place in next season’s Champions League.

Returning to Europe’s biggest club competition will allow the Reds Devils to attract a higher calibre of player this summer, with Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali linked with a summer switch to Old Trafford, which wouldn’t go down well at St James’ Park.

Elsewhere, Wolves forward Matheus Cunha continues to stand out as one of United’s most likely signings before the upcoming window comes to a close, in what has the potential to be a hugely exciting piece of business.

Man Utd confident of signing Jonathan Tah

According to The Sunday Mirror [via United In Focus], Manchester United are now increasingly confident of signing Bayer Leverkusen centre-back Jonathan Tah at the end of the season. The 29-year-old will be available on a free transfer when his contract expires this summer, and he is believed to like the idea of testing himself in the Premier League.

A new centre-back is a must for United in the summer, even though Harry Maguire has enjoyed a good spell of form and Leny Yoro looks like a player with enormous potential. Maguire isn’t getting any younger, and is flawed in terms of a lack of pace, while Lisandro Martinez and Matthijs de Ligt are injury-prone players.

In Tah, United have a great option to bring in, with the German winning the Bundesliga with Leverkusen last season, as well as making 400 appearances for them in total and winning 35 caps for Germany.

Leverkusen managing director Simon Rolfes has heaped praise on him in the past too: “He’s a young player with a lot of potential. He’s physically strong and very quick. Everything is possible.”

At 29, he admittedly isn’t a young signing for United, but he is still at an age where he could easily remain in and around his peak for the next three or four years.

Man Utd readying shock £85m offer to sign "excellent" Premier League rival

They could steal plenty of headlines…

ByTom Cunningham May 11, 2025

Added competition in defence is vital for Amorim moving forward, and the fact that Tah is keen on trying his luck in the Premier League acts as a further boost to them getting their man.