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Liverpool have been busy in the transfer market over the past several weeks. Well, the transfer window hasn’t actually opened yet, but that’s a credit to Richard Hughes’ savvy negotiating.

Arne Slot created something special this season, but the Dutch coach is no fool, and knows the importance of strengthening whilst ahead. Liverpool have been crowned Premier League champions, and are now ringing the changes.

There’s been a concerted focus on strengthening the flanks, over these past weeks: Jeremie Frimpong has completed his medical, while discussions with Bournemouth for left-back Milos Kerkez are ongoing, as per Fabrizio Romano.

Liverpool enquire about new defender

Improving the defence is very much the order of the day for Slot and Co this summer but their efforts may not stop with the full-backs.

Transfer Focus

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

As per TEAMtalk, Liverpool have made initial enquiries to RB Leipzig as they consider a move for Castello Lukeba, with the left-footed defender earning Slot’s nod of approval.

Though Lukeba, 22, has a €90m (£74m) release clause in his contract, FSG would be hoping to bag him for a cheaper fee. However, while Slot is personally keen on a move, Real Madrid and Manchester United are both known admirers too.

Liverpool have already made it known they would be open to signing a centre-half this summer, having failed in their bid to sign Madrid-bound Dean Huijsen, but in Lukeba, they could score the perfect fallback.

Why Liverpool want Castello Lukeba

A defensive hybrid, Lukeba is a naturally central defender, though bears an athleticism and energy that has seen him weave out onto the left flank, which is an interesting proposition for Slot to chew on.

He’s powerful, yes, but not overbearing in the backline, playing his role consummately. Lukeba missed three months of the campaign with muscular difficulties, but featured prominently across the latter phase of the year.

Liverpool will be frustrated they missed out on Huijsen, who has been regarded as a “world-class” player in the making by analysts, but in Lukeba, the dream alternative has been identified.

Leipzig have fostered Lukeba, pulled him to the fore, but now he should take the next step in his career and join the Liverpool fold. After all, he’s got the balanced skill set to make Slot forget all about Huijsen.

He might not be quite as attack-minded or silky on the ball as Huijsen, but Lukeba is still crisp and collected. Moreover, he’s a veritable machine when it comes to defensive duties, so commanding in the duel.

And that’s not to say Lukeba isn’t good on the ball. As per FBref, he ranks among the top 13% of centre-backs across Europe this season for passes attempted and the top 20% for progressive passes per 90.

With only four of his 23 Bundesliga outings coming from the flank, it’s clear he could play the role envisaged for Huijsen, especially given both are left-footers.

Analyst Ben Mattinson hailed the Frenchman’s “freak profile,” drawing positive awareness to the dynamic and powerful set of skills. He even went on to say that transferring to Anfield would be a “perfect move” for Lukeba, and given that Huijsen is now out of bounds, Slot must throw the kitchen sink at getting it done.

He's the new Coutinho: Liverpool set to sign "generational" star very soon

Liverpool are moving quickly to make new signings for Arne Slot’s side.

By
Angus Sinclair

May 27, 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.

Tottenham Hotspur are in the race to sign a marquee Premier League player who is in talks with Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain – and it would be a record-breaking transfer for the Lilywhites.

Tottenham announce "major coup" in ex-Arsenal CEO Vinai Venkatesham

On Friday, Spurs confirmed the appointment of former Arsenal CEO Vinai Venkatesham, who recently departed their London rivals after 14 impressive years.

Tottenham: £4.5m-per-year manager stalls new contract as Spurs make contact

There’s been a development in Spurs’ search for an Ange Postecoglou replacement.

2

By
Emilio Galantini

Apr 10, 2025

Venkatesham, who took up a variety of roles at the Emirates over his stay, most recently as Arsenal’s CEO from 2020 to 2024, joins Spurs in what has been described as a “dramatic boadroom shake-up” (Ross Lydal).

It also raises questions about chairman Daniel Levy and how his influence at the club will be affected moving forward, while the 44-year-old’s arrival also apparently spells bad news for Chief Football Officer Scott Munn (Dave Hytner).

Munn was placed in charge of all footballing departments, including the club’s transfer strategy, where he’s worked in tandem with technical director Johan Lange on Spurs’ recruitment drive, even if he’s maintained a less public profile.

Venkatesham’s hire will likely have a knock-on effect on Tottenham’s transfer dealings, if his new role does indeed spell a worry for Munn, so it will be intriguing to see how the British-Indian’s spell plays out, as he is set to “take responsibility for all operational matters on and off the field” (The Guardian).

“I’m excited to be joining Tottenham Hotspur this summer,” said Venkatesham in an official statement.

“After taking some time to recharge and evaluate my options, I believe this is an exceptional opportunity to work with Daniel, the Board and all the staff, to take the Club forward.”

He could soon have a major say in Spurs’ appointment of a new manager, as current head coach Ange Postecoglou reportedly faces the potential Tottenham sack after a disappointing campaign, while it is also believed that the north Londoners are in the market for a new forward.

Tottenham have reached out to the representatives of Ipswich striker Liam Delap recently, while West Ham United winger Mohammed Kudus is now also on their radar.

Tottenham join race to sign West Ham United star Mohammed Kudus

According to Africafoot this week, Spurs are one of the clubs named as having an interest in Kudus and therefore one of his options this summer. It also states that PSG have now opened talks with the Ghanaian’s entourage, which could be a blow to the Lilywhites’ pursuit.

As well as the French champions, Spurs face stiff competition from Saudi side Al-Nassr, who’ve already made a marquee £87 million bid for the winger, which is above West Ham’s £74 million asking price.

While Tottenham have joined the race to sign Kudus, alongside league rivals Man City, Arsenal and Chelsea, it would appear they’re now very much up against it following PSG’s reported approach.

The 24-year-old has also suffered a drop in form this season compared to last, netting just three goals and registering two assists in 25 league starts this season, so it is perhaps Levy and co start looking elsewhere for a more obtainable wide option.

Elsewhere, it is reported that man could be Chelsea winger Noni Madueke.

Tottenham are said to be considering a “surprise” move for Madueke, and Enzo Maresca is prepared to green-light his exit this summer, so the former Spurs academy ace could be a better alternative with a reported asking price of £30 million-plus.

IPL teams rarely opt for two uncapped Indians at the top of the order, but PBKS have shown that sometimes potential trumps reputation

Sreshth Shah26-Apr-20250:55

Kumble: Arya’s timing is sublime

Two uncapped Indians walking out to open an IPL innings is usually the result of an emergency – injuries, loss of form, last-minute reshuffles. In IPL 2025, no team has dared to begin an innings with two uncapped openers. By choice. No team, except Punjab Kings (PBKS). In Ricky Ponting’s watch, it’s no contingency plan, but their statement of intent. PBKS have placed their trust in Prabhsimran Singh, a retained player, and Priyansh Arya, an IPL debutant, to kickstart their batting and the results are there to see.In their ninth outing together on Saturday, the two hammered 120 runs in just 11.5 overs in the washed-out game against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), setting the platform for a big total. Although PBKS’ innings lost some momentum towards the end to finish at 201 for 4, the openers had already delivered a blockbuster performance.This was their highest stand yet, and while it carried their trademark boldness, it also revealed a growing maturity. Arya, typically aggressive from ball one, showed restraint up top, refusing to go aerial in the first four overs against the KKR quicks. Prabhsimran, too, kept his instincts in check early on, allowing Arya to set the tempo with his drives through the off side. The openers had a clear plan to absorb the early pressure and then launch. Their attacking shot percentage in the first ten overs, typically close to 50%, dropped to just 38.33% on Saturday. Against spin, the discipline was even sharper: only four attacking shots across the first 24 balls.Related

• IPL 2025 showed the might of the uncapped Indian batter

• Anil Kumble wants misfiring KKR to move Venkatesh Iyer 'right up the order'

• Arya and Prabhsimran sparkle before rain dashes PBKS' hopes

But when the moment came, they shifted gears. Their use of the reverse sweep and the switch hit, especially Prabhsimran’s, showed readiness to take risks when the opportunity arose. By the time their stand ended, their average partnership run rate stood at 10.69 – second only to Travishek (10.89) this season for pairs to have faced more than 50 balls.Arya did most of his early scoring against pace, smashing 50 off just 20 balls, while playing more conservatively against spin (19 off 15). His best shots were drives between mid-off and point. Prabhsimran, in contrast, was 34 off 32 at one stage before exploding. Over his next 16 balls he plundered 49 runs, particularly targeting the KKR spinners. His confident use of the switch hit helped him smash 41 off 22 balls against spin and dismantle Sunil Narine and Varun Chakravarthy after both had produced tidy spells. The PBKS openers complemented each other beautifully, not relying on brute force for a change. Arya finished with 69 in 35 balls, while Prabhsimran piled up 83 in 49.”The wicket tonight was slow and Ricky sir told us that we can rotate strikes after the first six overs and go deep this time,” Arya told the broadcaster after the innings. “His backing and positive words have given me confidence.”2:28

How tough is the road ahead for PBKS to make the playoffs?

Anil Kumble, on ESPNcricinfo’s Time Out, praised Arya’s timing in particular. “The way Priyansh was hitting the ball, it was just pinging off the bat. It seemed like he was tapping it, but the fielders were just left looking at each other.”While Arya has been fast-tracked for his audacity and unpredictability against unfamiliar attacks, Prabhsimran has had to bide his time to finally make a mark.Picked up by PBKS as a 18-year-old under Mike Hesson in 2019, Prabhsimran has survived multiple regime changes – from Hesson to Kumble (2020-22) to Trevor Bayliss (2023-24), and now Ponting – convincing each coach even as auctions offered the temptation to look elsewhere. Having played just six IPL games between 2019 and 2022 as an understudy to Chris Gayle, KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal, it was only during IPL 2023 that Prabhsimran finally got a proper go. Once he did, he produced two solid seasons: 358 runs in 2023 and 334 runs in 2024. Add the 292 runs this season with a strike rate (168.78) he has not had in an IPL season before. He is now among the top five openers when it comes to best strike rates across the last three IPL seasons.1:53

Kumble: We saw Prabhsimran’s maturity come through

“When Prabh gets bogged down, he looks to go after the bowling, step out and go down, but tonight he didn’t do any of that,” Kumble said. “He’s always had the potential. When I was there, I thought he is someone I should play because he was so good in the open nets.”And he’s done well in domestic cricket, too. It’s not just the IPL; he’s been consistent for Punjab [in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy] as well, and being with one IPL team consistently has helped him.”The Prabhsimran-Arya partnership has also ensured PBKS are serious contenders for the playoffs this season. Not much has come off the bats of Josh Inglis, Glenn Maxwell or Marcus Stoinis, and Shreyas Iyer’s home form has been woeful, averaging just 6.25 in four innings. Coming into this game, their middle order (Nos. 4 to 7) had the third-poorest batting average in IPL 2025, and on Saturday their Nos. 3 to 6 contributed only 46 off 37 balls. Despite being among the two least experienced batters in the top six, it’s been the openers who have been holding fort and setting up games.Nine matches in, Prabhsimran and Arya are now more than just a bold experiment. They are proof that backing potential over reputation can pay off. Their growing understanding – of their own and each other’s games – has given PBKS the kind of foundation most teams have taken more than half a season to find (and some are still searching for it). There will be tougher tests ahead, but Saturday night showed these two aren’t just swinging for the fences. They are laying the groundwork for something much bigger.

After losing Bumrah and then Archer, and starting poorly, their batters stepped up in a big way

S Sudarshanan27-May-20232:07

Manjrekar: Don’t think Rohit was at his best tactically in IPL 2023

Where they finishedMumbai Indians were knocked out in the second Qualifier by Gujarat Titans, after finishing fourth in the league (eight wins and six losses) and winning the Eliminator against Lucknow Super Giants.They began the season trying to cope with the absence of key players and won only three of their first seven games. But they recovered to win five of their last seven and made the playoffs after Royal Challengers Bangalore lost their last league match to Titans.The good – Mumbai find more Indian talentMumbai unearthed not one but three promising players – Tilak Varma, Nehal Wadhera and Akash Madhwal – in IPL 2023.Varma had broken through last season and took his game to the next level this year. He started with a 46-ball 84 against RCB and finished with a stunning 43 off 14 balls in Qualifier 2. He ended the season with a strike rate of 164.11, up from 131.02 last year.Akash Madhwal was one of the finds of IPL 2023•Associated PressWadhera, too, had a significant impact in the lower-middle order after making his T20 debut in the first game of the season. He scored 21 off 13 balls in that game against RCB, when Mumbai were 45 for 4, and struck back-to-back fifties against Chennai Super Kings and RCB to finish the season with a strike rate of 145.18.Madhwal was brought in only in the latter half of the season, and the Uttarakhand bowler, who had only played tennis-ball cricket until 2018, was a revelation. His high pace coupled with pinpoint accuracy made him Rohit Sharma’s go-to bowler at the death. Madhwal finished with 14 wickets, joint-second for Mumbai this season, which included a best of 5 for 5 in the Eliminator. His death-overs economy of 8.38 was the fourth best among bowlers who bowled at least ten overs in that phase this season.Among the overseas players, their big-money signing Cameron Green proved that he was a solid investment for the future. The 23-year-old allrounder scored 452 runs at a strike rate of 160.28 despite being moved up and down the batting order, and took six wickets as well.The bad – Injured fast bowlers and misfiring openersMumbai had lost Jofra Archer to injury last season. This year they first lost Jasprit Bumrah, Jhye Richardson and then Archer once again to injuries that left their bowling attack severely depleted. Though Jason Behrendorff was able to provide some power in the powerplay, Mumbai’s death bowling suffered big time – their economy of 12.44 in that phase was the highest. They conceded 200-plus in four successive matches between April 22 and May 3, with the last four overs going for 65, 70, 59 and 62.Related

Rohit Sharma: 'Young batters coming through the biggest positive for us this season'

No Bumrah or Archer? The spirit of Mumbai shines through

How Nehal Wadhera went from T20 obscurity to lighting up IPL 2023 for Mumbai Indians

How Akash Madhwal engineered his way into IPL record books

Poor returns from their openers Rohit Sharma and Ishan Kishan further hampered Mumbai’s campaign. Kishan had only three half-centuries and five scores in the range of 28 to 38. His strike rate and average against spin (133.07 and 21.12) were significantly lower than those against pace (149.21 and 40.71). Rohit scored less than 400 runs for the fourth consecutive season. While his intent to attack from the start was evident – his strike rate of 132.80 was his best since IPL 2018 – he did not make much of an impact.Piyush Chawla took the most wickets for Mumbai in IPL 2023•BCCITop performer – Piyush ChawlaAfter spending IPL 2022 in the commentary box, Piyush Chawla made a comeback and enjoyed his most prolific season ever – taking 22 wickets. His performance helped ease Mumbai’s bowling problems to an extent. Chawla took the second-most wickets among spinners this season, and fronted up to bowl ten overs in the powerplay, with an economy of 8.30.The highlights Suryakumar Yadav started the season poorly but eventually turned it around in spectacular fashion. He finished with 605 runs, the second most by a Mumbai batter in a season – at a strike rate of 181.13. He scored 539 in his last 11 games with only one single-digit score – only Shubman Gill scored more in that period.Mumbai scored 200-plus totals six times, the most by a team in a season. However, they also conceded six 200-plus totals, the most in a season.Madhwal’s figures of 5 for 5 in the Eliminator were the best by a bowler in playoffs and the joint-most economical figures in the IPL.

Gloucestershire batsman found career-best T20 form in 2020 after missing out in initial draft

Matt Roller22-Feb-2021Since his debut in 2011, Ian Cockbain has missed only one of Gloucestershire’s 123 T20 fixtures. In that time, he has been the Blast’s leading run-scorer among middle-order batsman, the fourth-highest across batting positions, and has he become the club’s all-time leading T20 run-scorer. Ahead of the inaugural draft for the Hundred in late 2019, he felt understandably optimistic about his chances of winning a contract.And yet on the night, he was left feeling like the man without an invite to the party. “I was just watching it on TV in Bristol,” he recalled. “I was seeing people who I thought I was kind of on a par with getting picked up and feeling like I had a chance, and then all of a sudden, I realised the whole thing was done and my name hadn’t come out. It was a tough one to swallow – it wasn’t a very fun watch, really.”Cockbain’s problem was not that had not scored enough runs. Instead, teams appeared to share a concern that while he scored plenty of runs, he did not do so quickly enough. Across the 2017, 2018 and 2019 seasons, he had averaged 30.72, but his strike rate was a relatively pedestrian 128.94. That left teams fearing that he would be unable to clear the ropes regularly enough to be worth his place in their respective middle orders, not least in a format even shorter than T20.ESPNcricinfo Ltd”My agent made some phone calls and asked for some feedback,” he said. “One of the main points was my strike rate. I found that one quite tough, given my role in the team. I pride myself on being the not-out batsman and winning games for Gloucester, even if that might mean doing the dirty work sometimes at a sacrifice to my own personal strike rate.”The snub left Cockbain with a decision: he could either accept his fate, knowing that he would spend the middle of the season at Gloucestershire as a senior pro in their 50-over season, or make changes to his game aged 33 that would force Hundred teams to take notice of him. He suggested that a shift in perspective, sparked by becoming a father in lockdown, made it a simple call.”[The coaches] wanted me to do the same sort of role as I had for a few years,” he said, “and I thought that was all well and good, but I do also have to think about myself. I’ve got a family to support now. I took everything on board and thought I could still win games and be the not-out batter but going at a higher strike rate, so that became a big focus of mine.”And the changes he made paid off. Cockbain has not played a first-class game since 2018, and while he is still under contract to play across formats, he was able to use the club’s Bob Willis Trophy season to sharpen up on his white-ball skills after missing out on selection (although Covid protocols limited his training time). He is one of several Gloucestershire players to have spent time working with Julian Wood, the former Hampshire batsman who is now a specialist power-hitting coach, and said that he had made a conscious effort to be more proactive in his approach throughout the season.ESPNcricinfo LtdWhat followed was the best T20 form of Cockbain’s career: 399 runs in 11 innings, an average of 44.33, a strike rate of 169.78, and a competition-high 22 sixes (equal with Joe Clarke). Any fears that his attempts to score faster would come at the cost of the team’s results were allayed by Gloucestershire reaching their first Finals Day since 2007, eventually losing to Surrey in a rain-affected semi-final.One innings in particular stood out: 84 not out off 35 balls in a 12-over game against Birmingham Bears at Edgbaston, in which he ruthlessly targeted the shorter boundary against an attack including Olly Stone, Jeetan Patel and Tim Bresnan. Cockbain’s intent against spin was particularly notable throughout the season: he scored at a strike rate of 119.92 against spinners across the 2017-19 seasons, which increased to 147.16 last summer.”Previously I was always the one to knock it around in the middle overs and let someone take the risks down the other end – playing that anchor role, really. But last year I took it upon myself to say ‘why can’t I take those risks?’ I back myself to score as quickly as anyone, so I thought I’d give it a go.”Related

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The Hundred – full 2021 squad lists

The result is that Cockbain’s name features on several teams’ shortlists in the Hundred draft this week, which is due to be staged behind closed doors on Monday and released publicly on Tuesday ahead of the competition’s postponed inaugural season this summer. With 28 slots available to domestic players (plus a further eight ‘wildcard’ spots selected in June or July) many county cricketers will be left disappointed once more, but Cockbain is optimistic about his chances.Cockbain’s wife, Amy, is Australian, which has allowed him to play in Victoria this winter for Buckley Ridges CC in grade cricket. The time difference means that he will wake up to a WhatsApp message telling him whether his self-improvement has paid off: he will either discover that his work has paid dividends or be left to rue his misfortune once more.”My agent has been speaking to teams and there have been some positive chats,” he said. “We’ll have to wait and see but I’ve definitely got my fingers crossed. Hopefully it’ll be good news when I get that message.”

Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong made some local kids' day over the weekend when he surprised them by patronizing their small business—a good old-fashioned lemonade stand.

According to Cubs reporter Taylor McGregor, the kids were attempting to make enough money so that one of them could replicate PCA's hairstyle from spring training: bleached hair with blue stars.

Well, Crow-Armstrong caught wind of the valiant effort, and decided to invest in the Wrigleyville start-up. The kids were, of course, elated when he arrived, at which point they immediately asked the star to sign a paper towel and take pictures.

But to top it all off, PCA reportedly rounded out the visit by giving these entrepreneurs enough cash for the hairstyle of their dreams.

Watch an adorable video of that interaction below:

What a success.

Man United are reportedly planning a bold move to sign one Arsenal sensation who’s now shot to the very top of Ruben Amorim’s transfer agenda.

Arsenal maintain perfect Champions League record after Brugge win

Arsenal extended their flawless Champions League campaign to six consecutive wins after dismantling Club Brugge 3-0 at the Jan Breydel Stadium on Wednesday evening, moving three points clear atop the league phase standings.

Noni Madueke delivered a match-winning performance with a sensational brace, whilst Gabriel Martinelli added a spectacular third to virtually guarantee automatic qualification for the last 16 with two fixtures remaining.

Mikel Arteta made five changes from Saturday’s disappointing 2-1 defeat against Aston Villa, with Christian Norgaard deployed as makeshift centre-back alongside Piero Hincapie due to Arsenal’s current defensive injury crisis.

Jurrien Timber, William Saliba, Gabriel and Cristhian Mosquera were all unavailable, forcing Arteta to improvise.

Madueke opened the scoring with a piece of absolute brilliance after 25 minutes, collecting the ball just inside the Belgian side’s half before embarking on a mazy run, shrugging off multiple challenges and unleashing a venomous long-range strike that crashed off the underside of the crossbar and into the net.

The England international doubled Arsenal’s advantage just 80 seconds into the second period, arriving unmarked at the back post to power Martin Zubimendi’s cross beyond goalkeeper Dani van den Heuvel.

Standout attacker 'will soon sign' for Arsenal with talks in 'full swing'

He’s been in fine form this season.

ByEmilio Galantini 5 days ago

Martinelli then etched his name into Arsenal history nine minutes later by becoming the club’s first player to score in five consecutive Champions League matches.

The Brazilian cut inside from the left touchline, weaved past a Brugge defender and curled an exquisite right-footed effort from the edge of the penalty area into the top corner.

David Raya preserved Arsenal’s sixth clean sheet of the competition with seven saves, dealing comfortably with Club Brugge’s pressure despite the hosts creating numerous opportunities throughout the encounter.

The Belgian champions, under new manager Ivan Leko following Nicky Hayen’s surprising Monday dismissal, tested Arsenal’s makeshift defence regularly but lacked clinical finishing.

Gabriel Jesus also made his emotional competitive return after 332 days sidelined with an ACL injury, entering as a second-half substitute.

The Brazilian striker nearly marked his comeback with a goal too, smashing the crossbar after being found by Ethan Nwaneri.

Speaking of Nwaneri, who was introduced by Arteta to replace Martin Odegaard in the second-half of their Brugge triumph, a surprise report has emerged on his long-term future.

Man United plan 'audacious' move for Arsenal gem Ethan Nwaneri

The Hale End sensation is now attracting serious interest from Old Trafford, according to a report by CaughtOffside in their Daily Briefing.

Nwaneri has struggled for consistent minutes this season, starting just three matches so far with two of them coming in the Carabao Cup.

He’s an incredible player, one hailed as “Arsenal’s version of Phil Foden and Jamal Musiala” by one analyst on social media, but Arteta is also yet to hand the 18-year-old a single Premier League start this term, with Nwaneri said to be growing ‘frustrated’ and ‘fed up’ with his lack of opportunities.

CaughtOffside state that United are planning an ‘audacious’ January move for Nwaneri to take full advantage of this, with the Englishman now among their top winter transfer priorities.

The report also claims that Arsenal’s ‘financial position has quietly become far more precarious’ than they’re publicly admitting, and they may be ‘forced’ into a high-profile sale.

United believe that they can prise Nwaneri away from the Emirates as a result of this and the player’s own desire for game time, but it is very hard to imagine Arsenal greenlighting any permanent transfer to a direct rival.

There are far better candidates to balance the books, and if Nwaneri is to leave, the far more likely scenario is a dry loan to help further his development elsewhere.