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Tottenham Hotspur have been dealt a fresh injury blow ahead of their Premier League meeting with Leicester City this afternoon.

What’s the latest?

Speaking in his pre-match press conference (via football.london), Antonio Conte revealed that Sergio Reguilon will now be unavailable for selection for the 14:00 kick-off at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, as the 25-year-old has picked up a groin injury.

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When asked for an update on the current fitness of his Tottenham squad, the 52-year-old said: “The only update is that Reguilon is not available. He has a groin pain. The others are OK.”

Conte will be fuming

While it is true that Reguilon has not exactly been in the best form of his career so far this season, it is nevertheless undeniable that losing the services of the left-back at such a crucial stage of the campaign will have left Conte fuming.

Indeed, over his 25 Premier League appearances this term, the £25.2m-rated full-back has been an important part of the Spurs backline, scoring two goals, registering three assists and creating five big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 0.8 shots, making 1.2 key passes and completing 0.8 dribbles per game.

The £53k-per-week defender has also helped his side keep six clean sheets, as well as making an average of 1.2 interceptions, 1.6 tackles, 1.6 clearances and winning 4.6 duels – at a success rate of 52% – per fixture.

These returns have seen the Spaniard average a SofaScore match rating of 6.91, ranking him as Conte’s 12th-best performer in the English top flight.

As such, considering that the 52-year-old’s only other natural option at left wing-back, Ryan Sessegnon, has also struggled for fitness this season, the unavailability of Reguilon for the Leicester game – and potentially further fixtures over the run-in – is sure to have come as a huge blow to Tottenham’s chances of securing all three points against the Foxes – as well as the club’s hopes of securing a top-four finish in the league.

AND in other news: “Eyeing move…”: Journo drops big Spurs transfer claim, he’s a “young Paul Gascoigne”

Manchester United’s draw against West Ham United yesterday once again highlighted the struggles faced by the side during Ruben Amorim’s tenure at Old Trafford.

Diogo Dalot’s strike looked as though the Red Devils would secure all three points for the second time in a week, but their inability to defend set pieces ultimately cost them all three points.

Soungoutou Magassa’s effort was enough to secure the visitors a point, with Amorim left frustrated by his side’s lack of killer instinct to put the game to bed in the second half.

The result leaves United in eighth place in the Premier League, just two points off fourth, but the season could already look a whole lot different had the side managed to once again hold on for the win.

Numerous players failed to deliver during the meeting at Old Trafford, which could see the manager make some needed changes ahead of their next outing over the weekend.

United’s poor performers against West Ham last night

During the draw against Nuno Espírito Santo’s side, Luke Shaw was once again handed a start in the Premier League, now taking his run of starts to 14 in a row.

However, it was yet another performance to forget for the Englishman, with the centre-back struggling to deal with the threat posed by opposition forward Jarrod Bowen.

Shaw was dribbled past twice, lost 75% of the ground duels he entered, whilst also committing three fouls – showcasing his inability to stop his compatriot from impressing.

At the other end of the pitch, Bryan Mbeumo also struggled to continue his fine recent form in the Premier League, as the Cameroonian once again failed to find the back of the net.

Like Shaw, he struggled in his duels against the Hammers at Old Trafford, as seen by his measly tally of 100% aerials lost out of the five battles in which he entered.

He also failed to complete any of the crosses he attempted, whilst only placing one of his shots on target, subsequently being unable to provide the added threat needed in attacking areas.

The Man Utd star who needs to be dropped after West Ham

After failing to win for an eighth time in the league this campaign, Amorim will certainly need to find a winning formula quickly if he is to be a success as United manager.

He’s massively come under fire over recent months for his lack of success in the role, no doubt down to his reluctance to move away from his 3-4-2-1 system in key moments.

At 1-1 last night, he had the opportunity to bring Kobbie Mainoo onto the pitch in an attempt to secure victory, but it was his conservative substitutions which led to the draw.

The 40-year-old simply laughed in his post-match interview when one journalist suggested that the Englishman should have been brought on to push for the win.

Such a move wasn’t the only questionable decision made by Amorim last night, with the manager deciding to utilise Ayden Heaven at centre-back alongside Shaw and Noussair Mazraoui.

The youngster was handed his first league start of the campaign, but it was a decision that massively backfired, given his struggles at the Theatre of Dreams last night.

He featured for 45 minutes during the contest, before being replaced at the break after picking up a yellow card for a rash tackle on Bowen during the closing stages of the half.

The 19-year-old lost 100% of the duels he entered, whether that being on the ground or in the air, whilst committing two separate fouls, which no doubt led to his booking.

Heaven was also only able to complete a measly tally of six passes out of a possible ten, with none of his long balls being completed – showcasing his struggles in possession.

His struggles were compounded by his lack of involvement during the first half, only achieving a tally of 17 touches of the ball – with goalkeeper Senne Lammens having more, as seen by his tally of 29.

After such a performance, the manager must surely look to more senior options to fill the void, when his Red Devils side face Wolverhampton Wanderers on Monday night.

Leny Yoro was brought on to replace the Englishman at the break, with the manager needing to select the Frenchman next time around to help the side return to winning ways.

18x ball lost: Amorim must ruthlessly bench overhyped 5/10 Man Utd man

This Man Utd ace struggled in their 1-1 draw at home to West Ham

ByJoe Nuttall Dec 5, 2025

Last season, Tottenham Hotspur were made to bemoan defensive injuries. Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven missed extensive periods through injury. As did full-back Destiny Udogie.

Is it any great surprise, therefore, that Ange Postecoglou’s backline looked such a mess? Perhaps not, but the Aussie was still stubborn enough to refuse change.

Thomas Frank certainly seems more flexible with his style of football but one of the first things he has corrected is that leaky backline.

Only three teams, Arsenal (3), Manchester City (6) and Sunderland (6), have shipped fewer goals than Spurs (7) in the top-flight this term.

Yet, are things beginning to unravel in similar circumstances to Ange? Like the club’s former boss, Frank has now suffered his first big injury blow at the back.

Romero limped off during the warm-up of their game with Aston Villa and after initially being selected, was not fit enough to start. Without their captain, the Lilywhites suffered a 2-1 defeat.

Frank won’t fret quite yet, but he must find a way to get more of a tune out of his attack. Big-money summer signing Xavi Simons will play a big part in that.

Why Spurs need to see improvement from Xavi Simons

Even before James Maddison suffered a terrible ACL injury during pre-season, Frank and Co had made efforts to bring Nottingham Forest talisman Morgan Gibbs-White to north London.

We all know how that saga ended but Spurs’ pursuit of a new dynamic number 10 seemed cursed at one point.

It looked for all the world as though they were set to sign Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace. A deal was agreed and he was allegedly on his way to Spurs. Instead, a last-minute U-turn saw him head to boyhood club Arsenal. The solution was Simons.

The Dutchman had been courted by Chelsea but it was the Blues’ London rivals who eventually concluded a deal, snapping him up for £52m, a move that made him Spurs’ fifth-most expensive signing of all time.

This was an exciting acquisition. After all, he did score 11 goals and register eight assists for RB Leipzig in Germany last season.

Sadly, we’re yet to see the best of him in white. He is yet to complete a full 90 minutes in the Premier League and his only goal involvement, an assist against West Ham, came on his English top-flight debut. The Netherlands maestro has not scored or assisted since then.

West Ham (A)

71

1

Brighton (A)

29

0

Wolves (H)

78

0

Leeds (A)

74

0

Aston Villa (H)

79

0

For such a big-money signing, Frank needs to see more from him but it’s not as though he isn’t trying. Perhaps there’s a simple solution to all of this; Spurs need better players in their forward line.

How Spurs can get more out of Xavi Simons

How supporters must long for the days of Harry Kane and a prime Heung-min Son.

The duo aren’t showing any signs of slowing down away from Spurs with Kane simply in the form of his life this campaign, netting 19 times in 11 games for Bayern Munich.

As far as Son is concerned, he’s been lighting up MLS with his displays for LA FC. The South Korean has nine goals and three assists in his first ten outings for the club.

So, to see where the Spurs forward line is now will no doubt make a few fans hide behind the sofa. Combine the loss of Son with injuries to Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski and you have a real patched-together front line.

Dominik Solanke has played just 31 minutes of league football due to injury in 2025/26 while Richarlison has only beaten the goalkeeper once in his last seven Premier League matches.

As for the French youngster, Wilson Odobert, he is yet to score at all across ten games in all competitions.

With such a glut of misfiring players, is it any surprise that Simons has endured a difficult beginning at Spurs?

Assists

0.3

0.3

Chances created

2.1

1.7

Passes attempted

46.2

33

Forward passes

12.2

9.3

Sideways passes

22

15.5

A look at the numbers tells us that the Dutch midfielder is struggling without a fluid forward line. Worryingly, he’s playing fewer passes per 90 minutes than he did last season at Leipzig. That ultimately means he’s creating fewer goalscoring opportunities for his teammates.

He needs the players in front of him to make better runs and there is no better example of that than the aforementioned Odobert.

The former Burnley man, signed for £25m, is still a particularly raw prospect. He’s exciting and fleet-footed but he needs to be doing more to help Simons out.

The big-money summer arrival traditionally operates in the pockets of space on the left-hand side and it’s on the left flank where Odobert tends to operate. The clip below demonstrates precisely what we’re talking about.

Mathys Tel has the ball on the edge of the box and all he needs is for a few defenders to be dragged away by an overlapping run from Odobert to potentially feed Simons in acres of space.

What does the Frenchman do? He surges right into the area where Tel is aiming for, reducing the space and cutting out a chance to get a shot or pass away.

Had Odobert made an overlapping run, he’d have created more room for Spurs’ number 7 and potentially even received the ball himself. As Jamie O’Hara said after the game, he and Tel can be “painful” to watch.

The 20-year-old is a marmite figure. He did a fair bit right against Aston Villa, completing four of his five dribbles but he needs better end product.

He missed an OPTA-defined big chance on Sunday and only completed one key pass. If Odobert can marry his trickery with the ability to make better runs and make himself an option for Simons then things will improve.

Until then, however, it would be better if the Netherlands star operated from the left flank instead or someone like Brennan Johnson operated there.

While it almost wasn’t, it was an excellent weekend for Arsenal and Mikel Arteta.

Before they even kicked a ball, they were handed a massive opportunity in the Premier League title race as Crystal Palace ran out surprising winners against Liverpool.

Then, while they also dropped points for the second week in a row, the Gunners came away from St James’ Park thanks to a late winner from Gabriel Magalhães.

It was a gutsy and seriously impressive performance from Arsenal, and one in which almost everyone played well – including a player who could be looked at as their new Olivier Giroud, and no, we aren’t talking about Viktor Gyokeres.

Olivier Giroud's Arsenal career

Arsenal signed Giroud from French side Montpellier in the summer of 2012, off the back of a season in which he scored 25 goals and provided 12 assists in 42 games to help them win Ligue 1.

The Frenchman didn’t get off to the smoothest of starts in the capital, as while he ended his first season in red and white with a healthy tally of 17 goals and 11 assists in 47 games, he didn’t open his Premier League account until the seventh game of the season, against West Ham United.

The following season saw the Chambéry-born marksman do even better, scoring 22 goals and providing 11 assists in 51 appearances. Most importantly, two of those assists came in the club’s triumph in the FA Cup final.

However, even though the former Montpellier man was putting up good numbers and would continue to do so, he was also guilty of missing chances, a lot of them.

In fact, stories from as early as 2014 lambasted this perceived lack of clinicality and even claimed that Arsène Wenger would be incapable of winning a league title with him leading the line.

Those criticisms continued over the following years and became impossible to ignore in the 15/16 season, when the club had a chance to win their first title since 2004, but between gameweek 22 and 36, Giroud failed to score a single goal in the competition.

The 30-year-old eventually saw his role in the team diminished when Alexandra Lacazette was signed in the summer of 2017, and then when the club wanted to sign Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang the following winter, he was sold to Chelsea for around £18m to allow the Gabonese star to arrive.

By the time he left the Emirates, Giroud had what most would consider to be an almighty impressive record of 105 goals and 38 assists in 253 appearances, and three FA Cups under his belt.

The international striker was someone who certainly had his faults, but given his impressive record and moments of magic, he was also unfairly made the scapegoat at times.

Appearances

253

Minutes

16085′

Goals

105

Assists

38

Goal Involvements per Match

0.56

Minutes per Goal Involvement

112.48′

Interestingly, there is one of Arteta’s signings in this current squad who could perhaps be described as the modern Giroud in that way.

Arsenal's modern Giroud

The first person that most of you’ll probably be thinking of here is Gyokeres, and while he could eventually fit the bill – should he not start scoring more – he’s not the player in question.

Chalkboard

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

Instead, it’s £28m man Mikel Merino who could be looked at in the same way as the Gunners’ former striker.

The most significant similarity between the pair is that, as things stand, it does feel like the Spaniard has become one of the club’s current scapegoats when things go wrong.

When Arteta’s side loses, drops points, or even plays badly, and the midfielder has played even ten minutes of action, it’s impossible not to see fans and pundits alike slating him online – even when it’s not really his fault.

However, while the former Real Sociedad star certainly has his drawbacks and can sometimes slow down play, especially when starting alongside Declan Rice, he has a fairly impressive record with the North Londoners, and like Giroud, already has some standout moments.

For example, the 6 foot 3 “monster”, as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, has made 51 appearances for the club, totalling 3028 minutes, in which he’s scored ten goals and provided five assists.

That comes out to a goal involvement every 3.4 games, or every 201.86 minutes, which is massively impressive for an eight who has been forced to play up top on a number of occasions.

Moreover, some of his goals have been significant.

Last season, he scored two goals to win the game away to Leicester City, then he scored at home against Real Madrid and provided an assist away at the Bernabéu.

On top of that, it was his sensational header that got the team back on level terms against Newcastle yesterday afternoon.

Had he not been on the pitch at that point, there is a very real chance the Gunners might not have even got one point, let alone three.

Ultimately, like Giroud before him, Merino has come in for plenty of stick since moving to Arsenal and often found himself being the scapegoat.

However, so long as he keeps popping up with big goals, there is a chance he’ll eventually get the credit he deserves.

Arsenal have signed a "Fabregas-type" player and he's "near-perfect"

The international ace has been a monster for Mikel Arteta and Arsenal.

1 ByJack Salveson Holmes Sep 29, 2025

After an impressive start in the Premier League, Sunderland now reportedly face the threat of losing one of their star players amid fresh interest from rivals Aston Villa.

Le Bris: Sunderland have to be "adaptable" against Forest

Without a defeat in three Premier League games, Sunderland sit as high as seventh and now have the opportunity to extend Ange Postecoglou’s winless start at Nottingham Forest. Victory could even take the Black Cats to as high as second in the Premier League if a number of results go their way, but Regis Le Bris is well aware that Forest will not be a simple game despite recent form.

After last weekend’s 1-1 draw against Aston Villa, in which summer signing Reinildo received a red card, there’s certainly plenty to think about for the Sunderland boss.

As far as promoted sides are concerned, it’s worth noting that those in Wearside as well as Leeds United and Burnley have enjoyed a refreshingly solid start as they look to become the first sides in six to secure safety in their first season back in the top flight.

A number of players have particularly stood out at the Stadium of Light so far this season, with new signings such as Nordi Mukiele already settling in well. Meanwhile, those who were already at the club have also made the step up with unexpected ease. But what that has done is hand Sunderland a potential transfer dilemma.

Aston Villa interested in signing Wilson Isidor

As reported by Football Insider, Aston Villa now want to sign Wilson Isidor after the Sunderland forward impressed against them last weekend. The forward equalised in clinical fashion to make it three goals in three Premier League games at the Stadium of Light.

It’s the type of form that was always likely to attract suitors, but also the type that has seen Sunderland slap a £35m price-tag on their talented forward. If Villa want to steal in and sign the Black Cats star, it simply won’t come cheap.

Villa’s interest in a clincial forward like Isidor should come as no surprise. Unai Emery’s side have scored just one goal all season, which came against Sunderland last time out, and Ollie Watkins only extended his goal drought by missing a penalty in the Europa League this week.

Sunderland star Habib Diarra injury return date, how many games he'll miss

A blow for the Black Cats…

ByTom Cunningham Sep 23, 2025

The Midlands club are crying out for more firepower and it could come at the expense of Sunderland, who would be feeling the full effect of the Premier League’s ruthless streak.

Tottenham supporters will be hoping for a busy summer after their Europa League triumph in May, and their wish has been semi-granted thus far with two months remaining of the transfer window.

Tottenham in talks for £38m attacker who Levy thinks could be the next Mbeumo

Spurs are “advanced” in their pursuit.

ByEmilio Galantini Jul 1, 2025

Thomas Frank’s side are currently attempting a potential swoop for West Ham winger Mohammed Kudus, as reliably reported elsewhere, with positive talks underway between all parties as the African edges towards a London Stadium exit.

Arsenal and Chelsea have also held talks over Kudus, though, so Spurs may not have it their own way, and an intriguing three-way London battle for the 24-year-old’s signature could be about to unfold.

Chelsea are noted as serious rival contenders in particular, as noted by Stamford Bridge reporter Simon Phillips, via his Substack.

“Chelsea are working to try and sign Mohammed Kudus right now! But they may have to be quick due to Tottenham advancing on the deal. Newcastle are also keen as well as clubs in Saudi,” wrote Phillips.

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

“On the player side, we’ve heard that he wants Chelsea but is also content to go to Spurs. He is just keen to move after not seeing eye to eye with Graham Potter.”

A move for Kudus would follow Tottenham’s cut-price £30 million permanent deal for Mathys Tel, who joined from Bayern Munich after an initial six-month loan spell, and their imminent signing of Kawasaki Frontale defender Kota Takai.

Tottenham agreed a £5 million deal to sign Takai recently – a J League record fee for a Japanese player (Fabrizio Romano).

He was identified by Johan Lange as a young player who could follow in the footsteps of Lucas Bergvall, Pape Sarr and Destiny Udogie (Alasdair Gold), and he’s expected to play a role in the senior matchday squad.

Kota Takai expected for Tottenham medical next week

Frontale have already confirmed that Takai will be leaving the club, and Sky Italia reporter Luca Bendoni now claims that the centre-half will soon touch down in N17.

Takai is expected to land at Tottenham “as soon as next week” to complete his move to the Lilywhites, with Frank on the verge of welcoming his second summer signing after Tel.

Takai played a key role for Frontale last season, helping them reach the AFC Champions League final, where they narrowly lost out to Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli.

Frontale also knocked out Al-Nassr en route to the final, with Takai helping to silence the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Jhon Duran during their 3-2 victory over the Saudis.

The 20-year-old’s performances have done enough to impress scouts, and his development in the Premier League will be a very intriguing story.

Tottenham Hotspur are closing in on their second signing of the summer after their permanent deal for Mathys Tel, and the fee Spurs are about to pay for their newest arrival has set a record.

Tottenham preparing bid for £30m colossus wanted by Napoli, Milan and Inter

Spurs could scupper Antonio Conte in the race for his signature.

1 ByEmilio Galantini Jun 21, 2025

Spurs missed out on FC Copenhagen starlet Roony Bardghji earlier this week, with Barcelona ultimately winning the race for his signature, but Thomas Frank is still expected to be backed with more forward additions.

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

One of their key aims before deadline day on September 1 is signing another proven winger, and one who could replace Son Heung-min if he does in fact leave the club for Saudi Arabia after 10 years.

“Son will get a big-money contract if he moves to Saudi Arabia,” said ex-Lilywhites scout Bryan King to Tottenham News recently.

“Everyone else who has gone there has received a big-money offer, so why would a player of Son’s stature not receive that same kind of offer.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if Tottenham receive a similar fee for Son as they did for Harry Kane. Son has been at Tottenham for 10 years, and he’s been a marvellous servant to the club. He has one year left on his contract, and Tottenham could cash in, as could the player.”

West Ham’s Mohammed Kudus, Man City outcast Jack Grealish, Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo, Southampton sensation Tyler Dibling and Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo have all been linked recently, as has Lazio’s Gustan Isaksen, with Frank reportedly very keen to sign the Dane (Lalaziosiamonoi.it).

However, they could also bolster their ranks with fresh young defensive talent, and that is expected to be the case with Kawasaki Frontale gem Kota Takai.

The 20-year-old, standing at a towering 6 foot 4, is apparently on the verge of joining Spurs from the J-League.

Tottenham agree £5 million fee to sign Kota Takai

Tottenham will pay around £5 million to sign Takai, according to reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano, and this is apparently a J-League “record” for a Japanese player from that division.

Sharing further background on their surprise move for the talent, which practically came out of nowhere, reliable journalist Alasdair Gold has claimed that Takai was personally identified by technical director Johan Lange as a promising young player for the first-team, and one who could make a similar impact to the likes of Lucas Bergvall and Pape Sarr after a brief settling in period.

Takai has already won four senior caps for Japan at international level, and captained Kawasaki against Yokohoma F. Marinos back in April – a game where he also got on the scoresheet in a thrilling 3-3 draw.

He also played a key role at the back for Kawasaki in their run to the Asian Champions League final, beating Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr in the semi-finals before they eventually lost out to Al-Hilal.

Over the years gone by, the Manchester United faithful have been blessed with countless attacking talents who have led them to numerous triumphs domestically and continentally.

Cristiano Ronaldo, George Best and Wayne Rooney are just three players from separate times who have starred at Old Trafford – with the latter remaining their record scorer to this day.

However, current boss Ruben Amorim unfortunately doesn’t have the same luxury, with main striker Rasmus Hojlund’s drought of 21 games without a goal earlier this season showcasing the problems they’ve faced.

The Dane has struggled to provide value for money after costing £72m back in the summer of 2023, with a move away from the club potentially on the cards before the end of the transfer window.

Any funds generated from such a move could allow the manager to land a new talisman who could offer the huge presence needed in their hopes of a revival in 2025/26.

The latest on United’s hunt for a new talisman

With Matheus Cunha already arriving, but likely to operate in a number 10 role, Amorim will want the hierarchy to hand him added funds to make the big-money addition he craves at the top end.

Viktor Gyokeres has been one of the main targets in recent months, but a deal for the Swede appears to be dead in the water after it was confirmed he’s only interested in a move to Arsenal.

Such a turn of events over the last few days has seen a new name enter the mix, with Victor Osimhen the latest striker in their sights, according to one GOAL journalist.

He claims that the Red Devils have already made contact with the Nigerian’s representatives after he scored 37 times in 41 appearances on loan at Galatasaray from Napoli this season.

Transfer Focus

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

Furlan also states that they face competition from PSG, Chelsea and Arsenal for his signature, after he rejected a big-money move to Saudi Arabia earlier this summer.

Why Osimhen would be a better signing than Ekitike for United

In their hunt for a new striker, United have stumbled across Eintracht Frankfurt talisman Hugo Ekitiké in an attempt to improve the options at Amorim’s disposal.

The Frenchman has starred in the Bundesliga throughout 2024/25, registering 23 combined goals and assists in his 33 league outings – but he could cost a pretty penny this summer.

He’s also on the radar of fellow Premier League sides Arsenal and Chelsea, but any interested party will have to fork out a fee in the region of £84m to land the talisman.

There’s no denying he’s a quality player, as seen by his impressive tally this campaign, but such a fee may prove to be too expensive – especially when considering the other options on the table.

Osimhen would certainly be a better signing, with the stats from their respective campaigns highlighting why the hierarchy should pursue a move for the Nigerian’s signature this summer.

The Napoli ace, who’s been labelled “the best striker on the market” by Statman Dave, has massively outscored Ekitike, whilst also posting a higher goal per shot on target rate – showcasing his clinical edge in the final third.

He’s also managed to win more aerials than the Frankfurt star, handing Amorim the focal point he needs in the attacking areas, subsequently offering a different dimension to the Red Devils’ attack.

Games played

30

33

Goals & assists

31

23

Goals per shot on target

0.4

0.3

Shot-on-target accuracy

52%

38%

Aerials won

4.6

1.8

Aerial success rate

64%

45%

Take-on success

60%

44%

Whilst he’s likely to command a higher pay packet to prise him to the North West, it’s a price worth paying given the difference between the quality of the two options.

If the club are to have any chance of returning to their former glory in the near future, top-level talents are required, with Osimhen just the man to do that given his record within the final third in recent seasons.

Huge Hojlund upgrade: Wilcox opens talks to sign "new Mbappe" for Man Utd

Ruben Amorim wants to sign a new centre-forward this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair Jun 15, 2025

Arsenal have now held talks over a deal for an “unbelievable” forward, amid doubts over Gabriel Martinelli’s future, according to a report.

Gunners could now be ready to sell Martinelli

It has been revealed that Mikel Arteta may now be ready to sell Martinelli this summer, as the manager looks to reshuffle his squad, and AC Milan have emerged as potential suitors, with Rafael Leao’s future at the San Siro still very much up in the air.

Should the Gunners decide to cash in on the Brazilian, they would be looking to receive a fee of at least £50m, although he is currently planning to fight for his place in the starting XI, and has no plans of pushing for a move elsewhere.

It would certainly seem harsh to sell the 23-year-old, considering he has been a regular source of goals and assists over the past four seasons, but Arteta has shown he is willing to make big decisions in the past, most notably replacing Aaron Ramsdale with David Raya.

Season

PL appearances

Goals

Assists

2021-22

29

6

6

2022-23

36

15

6

2023-24

35

6

4

2024-25

33

8

4

According to a report from Football Transfers, Arsenal have now held talks over a deal to sign West Ham United’s Mohammed Kudus, who could seemingly be brought in as a replacement for Martinelli, as he is said to be capable of playing on both flanks.

However, the two London clubs may be some way apart in their valuation of Kudus, as he has a €100m (£84m) release clause in his West Ham contract, while the Gunners are hesitant to stump up more than €55m-€60m (£46m – £51m).

The Ghanaian is keen to leave the Hammers this summer, as he intends to play in Europe next season, meaning a move to the Emirates Stadium could be of great appeal, although Chelsea and Newcastle United are also in the race for his signature.

"Unbelievable" Kudus could excel at the Emirates

The 2024-25 campaign was not the 24-year-old’s best, picking up just five goals and three assists in the Premier League, but he was part of a West Ham side that underperformed as a whole, and the winger’s previous exploits indicate he could be a success at Arsenal.

Indeed, the former Ajax man enjoyed a very impressive debut campaign in England, amassing 14 goals and nine assists in all competitions, during which time he was lauded as “unbelievable” by teammate Michail Antonio.

Antonio was left particularly blown away by the winger’s dribbling ability, which was also on display regularly last season, despite not setting up or scoring as many goals as in previous campaigns.

There are certainly signs that Kudus could kick on at the Emirates Stadium, but that said, he should not be brought in as a direct replacement for Martinelli, considering the Brazil international is still young, and it would be very harsh to sanction his departure this summer.

La Liga heavyweights Real Madrid are said to be targeting another Arsenal star, amid their strong links to William Saliba, coming as new contract talks with the former take a negative turn.

Real Madrid still eyeing William Saliba despite signing Dean Huijsen

Some Gunners supporters may have been optimistic at one stage that Real’s signing of defender Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth would spell the end of their interest in Saliba, but this is unfortunately far from the truth.

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ByEmilio Galantini May 27, 2025

The France international, who’s been a vital presence at the heart of Mikel Arteta’s defence since 2022/2023, having formed an indomitable partnership with Gabriel Magalhaes, will leave the Emirates for nothing in 2027 as things stand.

Nottingham Forest 0-0 Arsenal

8.07

Aston Villa 0-2 Arsenal

7.87

Arsenal 2-0 Man United

7.66

Ipswich Town 0-4 Arsenal

7.28

Arsenal 1-0 Ipswich Town

7.26

via WhoScored

Arsenal have opened talks with Saliba over a new contract in an effort to ward off Real, and while some outlets even claim an extension is all but agreed (Football Transfers), this appears to be wide of the mark for now.

Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Saliba remains a “dream” signing for Real, regardless of their Huijsen deal, and they remain watchful of developments regarding the 24-year-old’s contract situation.

“The dream target has always been William Saliba,” said Romano on his YouTube channel.

“My information is that Real Madrid understood at the beginning of May that Saliba this summer was impossible to reach as a target because, for Arsenal, he is a crucial player and they are discussing a new contract with William Saliba.

“So Real Madrid’s position on Saliba is clear – they will sign Dean Huijsen now, but Saliba remains a dream target for them. Arsenal will have the ball in their court to close the agreement, keep Saliba at the club and extend his contract. Otherwise, if this contract won’t be extended, Real Madrid will be there.”

Real Madrid eye Myles Lewis-Skelly as Arsenal contract talks go sour

In more concerning news for Arteta, it is now believed that Real are also keeping a very watchful eye on breakout star Myles Lewis-Skelly.

The Hale End academy graduate made the left-back spot his own this season, putting in some truly exceptional displays which have also resulted in Thomas Tuchel’s nod for the England squad.

The 18-year-old’s form is turning heads at the Bernabeu as a result, with journalist Jonathan Wilson telling The Guardian’s ‘Football Weekly’ that Arsenal’s talks over a contract extension for Lewis-Skelly have been going sour.

“They’ve got to sort out Myles Lewis-Skelly’s contract which expires next summer and I think talks have not been going well from what I hear,” said Wilson.

“Real Madrid are sort of sniffing around there. Imagine Real Madrid wanting a highly-rated Premier League fullback for free. Almost unimaginable, isn’t it?”

Losing the teenage sensation to La Liga, especially on a free, would be a truly dire situation for Arsenal, and it is little surprise Real are considering a Trent Alexander-Arnold-esque deal to bring in one of England’s brightest young defenders at no transfer cost.

Tying down Lewis-Skelly will now be even higher up Andrea Berta’s to-do list, especially considering the newly-found interest from Xabi Alonso’s side.