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Thomas Tuchel has embraced the idea of England’s substitutes being nicknamed the "bomb squad" after powerful performances off the bench helped the Three Lions secure a 2-0 victory over Serbia at Wembley. With Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and Eberechi Eze all making an impact despite not being in the starting lineup, the England boss insisted his team is built on unity rather than star names.

• England continue perfect World Cup qualifying campaign

  England continued their flawless World Cup qualifying run with a controlled 2-0 win over Serbia, securing another clean sheet in what has become one of the most dominant campaigns in the nation’s history. Bukayo Saka opened the scoring with a superb volley, but it was the introduction of Bellingham, Foden and Eze that truly changed the dynamic of the match. Their added energy and invention helped England regain control in the second half before the latter sealed the victory with a brilliant late strike.

  The impact off the bench reflected Tuchel’s broader approach to squad harmony, particularly in a team packed with elite club-level starters competing for limited roles. With England operating at a high tempo and against opponents determined to frustrate, Tuchel’s substitutions injected the speed, pressing intensity and technical sharpness needed to break Serbia down for the second time on the night.

  The result extended England’s record to seven wins from seven, with 20 goals scored and none conceded, establishing them as the only European side in history to reach a World Cup with a 100% winning and clean-sheet qualifying record this deep into a campaign. It also demonstrated the flexibility and adaptability Tuchel has demanded since taking charge in January, with every squad member expected to remain mentally ready despite fierce positional competition.

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  Tuchel likes 'bomb squad' nickname for substitutes

  Speaking after the win, Tuchel was asked about the South African rugby team’s "bomb squad" nickname for their substitutes and whether England might adopt something similar. He admitted he approved of the idea, saying: "I have not named it in a different way but I kind of like it. I like bomb squad a bit more than finisher."

  Tuchel explained the tactical reasoning behind this mindset, emphasising that modern football requires a full squad to win at the highest level. He said: "That’s the nature of this game. The possibility that we go to Albania (on Sunday) and start with 11 and finish with the same 11 goes to zero, and even more so in a tournament. This is not about building a starting 11, it’s about building a team."

  He then praised the attitude within the England camp, highlighting the need for humility and togetherness. Tuchel added: "They’re all big players in their club, they’re all used to playing, they’re all disappointed. Everyone. This is normal. But they buy into this idea of building a team and this is what we want, this is what we need. There is no other way around it.

  "Only if we’re a strong group who can put the ego behind (them), who can put the disappointment behind, and then contribute and give the coach a headache what to do in the next match, that’s the only way. I like it because it’s natural for this team. The atmosphere after the matches, during the matches is the right energy and I think everyone is treating everyone with respect. The ones on the pitch know that they can rely on everyone who comes from the bench to finish the game. You could see the impact today, and it has to stay like this. We just need everybody fully involved, especially mentally to accept the decision of the match day and then to continue."

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  Bellingham and Foden impress on England return

  The victory over Serbia was not only another clean sheet but also a continuation of a historic defensive run under Tuchel, with England yet to concede in any qualifier. Jordan Pickford has now recorded ten straight competitive clean sheets, supported by a defensive unit that has embraced Tuchel’s structured pressing and high-possession philosophy. Ezri Konsa, John Stones and Declan Rice were among those producing key interventions during Serbia’s most threatening moments.

  The game also marked Bellingham’s first England appearance since June, and Tuchel eased him back into action with a second-half cameo rather than a start. The Real Madrid star combined sharply with Reece James and Foden, showing his usual drive from midfield while also helping England sustain pressure in the final third. His return adds another layer of complexity to England’s midfield competition.

  Foden, meanwhile, was deployed as a false nine – a tactical switch Tuchel had planned months in advance – and his smart positioning created the space for Eze’s late finish. The Manchester City star operated between Serbia’s defensive lines, linking play and drifting wide to overload key areas on the right alongside Saka and James.

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• England look to cap off flawless campaign against Albania

  England now travel to Albania in their final World Cup qualifier, aiming to complete a perfect campaign while giving Tuchel another opportunity to experiment ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The manager may continue rotating his squad, with several players pushing for more minutes and others, including Bellingham, building match sharpness after recent fitness concerns.

  Tuchel will also be evaluating how best to structure his attack as the team approaches next summer’s tournament, particularly with competition intensifying across midfield and the front line. Players such as Eze, Foden, Palmer and Bellingham are all vying for advanced positions, and Tuchel’s willingness to use them flexibly could become a decisive advantage. England’s depth remains one of the strongest in international football, and the manager has reiterated the importance of harnessing that strength.

Newcastle United’s season has been a tale of mixed fortunes.

There had been questions over their attack in the opening weeks, with the team struggling to find fluency in front of goal.

They entered Sunday’s home fixture with one of the lowest expected goals tallies in the Premier League, a worrying sign for a side competing on multiple fronts this campaign.

Yet there have been positive signs of improvement. A 4-0 win against Belgian champions Union Saint-Gilloise in midweek and a 2-0 victory over Nottingham Forest at the weekend offered encouragement.

Across those two games, Newcastle scored six and conceded none, showcasing both attacking progress and defensive resilience.

Their defensive record, in particular, has been outstanding.

The clean sheet against Forest was their sixth of the season, built on the formidable partnership of Malick Thiaw and Sven Botman.

Botman, finally free from the injuries that plagued him over the last 18 months, looks back to his dominant best.

With such a strong foundation at the back, Eddie Howe’s side have not had to rely on prolific attacking displays to keep pace in the league and Europe.

But injuries have caused problems. Both starting full-backs, Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall, are set for extended layoffs, and that has forced Howe into reshuffling his defence.

Dan Burn, a natural centre-back, has been deputising at left-back, and while his height and physicality bring certain advantages, the role exposes his weaknesses.

How Newcastle defeated Nottingham Forest

Newcastle’s 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest was convincing in the scoreline, but the performance showed areas that still need work.

Offensively, Howe’s men created plenty. They registered an xG of 3.28 – their highest in a single Premier League game this season – and fashioned six big chances, firing 18 shots.

Newcastle Vs. Forest
Possession	51%
Big Chances	6
Shots	18
Corners	8
Passes	464
Source: Sofascore

Bruno Guimarães was exceptional, dictating the game and earning a 9.4 match rating, via Sofascore.

His curling strike in the 58th minute opened the scoring while he then won a penalty after being fouled. Man of the moment, new mega-money striker, Nick Woltemade confidently dispatched the resulting spot kick to seal all three points.

Defensively, Newcastle looked solid throughout. Forest mustered only five shots, four on target, but none that truly tested Nick Pope.

The only real scare came from former Magpies Chris Wood in the second half, though it was ruled offside.

For a side that has kept six clean sheets already, this was another example of their defensive discipline shining through.

Yet it wasn’t all perfect. While the centre-backs were imperious and Guimarães orchestrated midfield, the flanks were less convincing.

Anthony Gordon and Anthony Elanga both struggled to stamp their authority in wide areas, and Burn’s positioning at left-back behind Gordon became a notable concern.

Dan Burn's struggles against Nottingham Forest

Dan Burn has been described by one content creator as “the stuff of nightmares” at left-back.

Against Forest, that description rang true again.

Despite Newcastle controlling much of the game, Burn’s vulnerability in one-on-one situations was visible and will surely be noted by future opponents.

Statistically, Burn’s outing summed up the dilemma.

He registered a 6.9 match rating according to Sofascore, produced one assist, and made two clearances, one interception, and one tackle. But he was also dribbled past twice, highlighting his discomfort against quicker, more agile opponents.

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

While his aerial dominance and strength are assets, at full-back, he is often exposed for pace and movement in behind.

This isn’t an isolated issue. In midweek, Union Saint-Gilloise repeatedly targeted Burn’s side in the Champions League, recognising it as a potential weakness.

More dangerous Premier League opponents than Forest are likely to do the same.

Newcastle’s next fixture away at Brighton could prove especially difficult, with Yankuba Minteh expected to test Burn’s defensive ability down the wing.

Burn’s situation is complicated by his England call-up, where he will likely feature as a centre-back.

While that suits his natural game, it denies him the opportunity to gain more rhythm at left-back, a role Newcastle increasingly need him to adapt to.

The positional adjustment could even influence the way Howe sets his team up, as Burn’s lack of mobility on the flank can alter Newcastle’s pressing and transition play.

The debate is already growing among fans about whether Newcastle should look into the free-agent market for a temporary left-back solution until Hall returns.

Burn has been a dependable servant and remains a strong squad option, but in this role, he is certainly on borrowed time in the starting lineup.

As Howe looks ahead to a congested autumn schedule, managing this weakness could be as important as Newcastle’s improving attacking play.

While the defence remains one of the most reliable in the league, the left-back situation is one clear that rivals will aim to exploit.

90-touch Newcastle ace is now as undroppable as Bruno Guimaraes & Woltemade

Newcastle United secured a vital 2-0 win against Nottingham Forest this afternoon.

By
Ethan Lamb

Oct 5, 2025

MatériaMais Notícias

O Corinthians anunciou nesta quinta-feira (28) a contratação de Mano Menezes, que chega para substituir Vanderlei Luxemburgo à frente do comando técnico do clube. Em sua terceira passagem na equipe do parque São Jorge, o treinador assinou um contrato válido até o fim de 2024.

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+ Renove o seu estoque de camisas do Timão com o cupom LANCEFUT 10% OFF

Mano não pretendia assumir nenhum time este ano, mas a identificação com o Corinthians foi fundamental para ele aceitar a proposta. Desde a saída do Internacional, no fim de junho, ele chegou a negociar com a seleção paraguaia e um clube árabe.

O experiente treinador de 61 anos soma passagens vitoriosas por clubes brasileiro e estrangeiros, além de ter comandado a Seleção Brasileira entre 2010 e 2012. Ao todo, na Amarelinha, foram 33 jogos, 21 vitórias, seis empates e seis derrotas (sem contar as partidas com o selecionado olímpico).

Pelo Time do Povo, o gaúcho já conquistou uma Copa do Brasil (2008), a Série B do Campeonato Brasileiro (2008) e o Campeonato Paulista (2009). Confira todos os títulos de Mano na carreira.

➤ Campeonato Brasileiro Série B: 2005 (Grêmio) e 2008 (Corinthians)
➤ Campeonato Mineiro: 2018 e 2019 (Cruzeiro)
➤ Campeonato Gaúcho: 2006 e 2007 (Grêmio)
➤ Campeonato Paulista: 2009 (Corinthians)
➤ Copa do Brasil: 2008 (Corinthians), 2017 e 2018 (Cruzeiro)

Wolverhampton Wanderers claimed their first point of the campaign last weekend and supporters will be intrigued to hear one player is making a real impression on his teammates.

Wolves look to build on draw with Tottenham Hotspur

Despite the agony of Joao Palhinha’s injury-time equaliser on Saturday evening, Wolves put in a valiant display at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last weekend to claim a deserved point against a top opponent.

Vitor Pereira has taken his fair share of critics after a poor start to the season, though he made it clear his side deserved all three points in the capital when speaking to the BBC in his post-match press conference.

He stated: “We deserved the three points and almost in the end it’s difficult to accept. I’m trying to come back but it’s difficult. We controlled the game in the second half. The spirit was there. Everything was there but the last minute, it’s football.

“It’s difficult to come to this stadium and play this way. The first half we had some problems but the second half my team were the best team on the pitch.”

While Wolves look to be an improved force after their victory over Everton and stalemate against Tottenham, they are still to get a first Premier League win of the season, which they will hope can happen against Brighton & Hove Albion this Sunday.

The international break may be coming at a decent time for the Old Gold after a difficult period, though supporters will be encouraged by the togetherness their squad showed against Spurs.

New faces will take time to adapt to life in the West Midlands, though there is one star who is already making a major impression behind the scenes at Wolves.

Jhon Arias making excellent impression at Wolves

Per Wolves’ official website, Santiago Bueno has admitted Jhon Arias has been excellent in Wolves training and he isn’t surprised to see the summer signing thriving on the pitch.

He stated: “Honestly, he’s a guy with a lot of talent. From the very first day he joined us, he’s been showing it. Little by little, he’s gaining confidence too, and I think he’ll be a key player for us.”

Wolves now ready to make January offer for £103k-a-week Aston Villa target

The Old Gold are planning to submit a bid for a midfield “artist”…

ByDominic Lund Sep 25, 2025

Taking time to settle in after his £19 million move from Brazilian outfit Fluminense, Arias has created six chances and delivered five successful crosses in his first six Premier League appearances, per Fotmob, illustrating that he is adapting to English football.

Nevertheless, he is yet to get off the mark with either a goal or an assist, albeit that will surely follow as he continues to make an impression out wide and emerge as a bright spark in a frustrating start to the campaign for the Old Gold.

Warner top-scored with 60 while Khushdil chipped in both bat and ball for Kings

Danyal Rasool21-Apr-2025Karachi Kings sealed a thrilling final-over two-wicket victory over Peshawar Zalmi in the last game at their home venue this tournament. A half-century from David Warner held the innings together through a chase of 149, but a stumble towards the end threatened to see them fall at the final hurdle. However,Khushdil Shah and Hasan Ali held their nerve at the death as a pair of boundaries in the final over sealed a morale-boosting win over Babar Azam’s side.Zalmi’s best bowler Luke Wood set the tone in defence of the target when he cleaned Tim Seifert up first ball, following it up with the removal of James Vince in his second over. Teenage quick Ali Raza picked up the baton, knocking back fellow emerging player Saad Baig’s leg stump when he tried to scoop him over fine leg. But untidiness from the bowling and a gritty innings from Warner kept Kings’ asking rate on track in the powerplay.The following five overs saw Zalmi apply the brakes; only 24 came between the seventh and 11th overs, but Kings struggled free of their shackles over the next three overs as Warner and Mohammad Nabi cut loose. Warner went after Saim Ayub and Raza, picking up four boundaries in those two overs while Nabi slapped Ayub for six over extra cover and Ariq Yaqoob for another boundary before his cameo came to an end.The equation, though, had shifted dramatically in Kings’ favour. With 44 required off six, they could afford more conservatism, at least while Warner, now unbeaten past a half-century, was still around. But when a slower delivery from Wood castled him for 60 off 47, Zalmi’s hopes were freshly renewed. Abbas Afridi and Aamer Jamal fell within three balls of each other, and the final over saw Karachi requiring an awkward nine to get with just two wickets in hand.However, Zalmi had bowled out all their specialists by now; they were reluctant to hand Ayub the final over. The part-time medium pace of Hussain Talat was trusted, but then easily dispatched by a boundary each from Khushdil and Hasan as Kings scratched out a victory that should have come much easier to them.Kings were well on top in the first innings. A stingy start brought about Ayub’s dismissal at Mir Hamza’s hands for four off eight, and Babar was in all sorts of trouble. He had been reprieved twice, once when an lbw was overturned off the second delivery, and also after Hamza put down a straightforward chance off his own bowling.Khushdil enjoyed a fruitful day with the ball, the tone set when he came back from a Tom Kohler-Cadmore six off to draw a miscue off the next ball. Babar and Mohammad Haris produced a gritty partnership that stopped the rot but didn’t especially pick up the run rate, and off the final ball of the tenth over, Khushdil struck to end Babar’s workmanlike innings. This time the review didn’t reprieve him after he was struck in front; he had faced 41 off the first 60 balls, and scored 46 of Zalmi’s 67.Haris picked up the rate but couldn’t quite produce his explosive best, and fell at a crucial time just as Zalmi were gearing up for the death. His 21-ball 28 had pushed the run rate past seven, and though a cameo from Alzarri Joseph got their side close to 150, Kings ensured they did just enough in each innings to come away with the two points they deserved.

Lamine Yamal’s father has come to spotlight once again after appearing in a lighthearted cooking video where he joked he will “live off” his son. Mounir Nasraoui, often outspoken on social media, defended the Barcelona starlet while brushing off critics. The remarks came just days after Yamal’s decisive return for Barca ahead of a huge Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain.

• 'I’ll live off you' says Yamal's father

  Barca sensation Yamal’s father, Nasraoui, has once again grabbed headlines with his latest appearance on social media. In an Instagram livestream, filmed while he was cooking chicken nuggets, Nasraoui responded to critics who regularly question his lifestyle. In a mix of humour and defiance, he admitted he no longer plans to work, saying: "Thank you, son, I’ll live off you."

  Nasraoui captioned the video "Nuggets Hustle Hard".

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  Nasraoui defends his son

  Nasraoui pushed back against comments questioning his son’s footballing status, insisting his remarks at the Ballon d’Or were taken out of context. “I didn’t say anything stupid. I just said my son is the best in the world, that’s all. Let them keep talking,” he explained. He doubled down on his critics, adding: “There are many people out there who talk nonsense. Why don't I go to work, that I live off my son… Well yes, gentlemen. Thank you, son, I will always be grateful. I will live off you."

• A father who courts attention

  This is not the first time Nasraoui has made headlines. At the Ballon d’Or gala, he broke the silence inside Paris’s Theatre du Chatelet with passionate shouts in support of Yamal, later insisting: “Next year is ours.” More recently, fans noticed a mannequin dressed in Barcelona colours in his home during another live broadcast, highlighting how deeply Yamal’s image features in his family’s daily life.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Yamal makes his mark on return but big test awaits for Barca

  The video was posted in the wake of Yamal’s return from injury. Coming off the bench against Real Sociedad, the 17-year-old needed just one minute to provide the decisive assist for Robert Lewandowski in a 2-1 La Liga win. While Barca welcomed his impact, the club continues to carefully manage his recovery from a pubic bone injury, with medical staff eager not to overload him ahead of a packed schedule. 

  Barcelona face a huge test in midweek as they welcome reigning European champions Paris Saint-Germain to the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys. Hansi Flick’s side are in strong domestic form, leading La Liga after seven games, while Yamal is expected to return to the starting XI. With Luis Enrique’s PSG arriving with fresh injury concerns, the teenager could play a decisive role in one of Barca’s biggest games of the season.

Jaiswal was originally picked in India’s Champions Trophy squad before missing the final cut

ESPNcricinfo staff13-Feb-2025

Yashasvi Jaiswal hits out at the Mumbai nets•PTI

Yashasvi Jaiswal, who had missed the final cut for the Champions Trophy, is set to play for Mumbai in their semi-final clash against Vidarbha in Nagpur. Jaiswal’s presence bolsters a Mumbai side that already has a number of other internationals in captain Ajinkya Rahane, Suryakumar Yadav, Shivam Dube and Shardul Thakur.Dube is part of the non-travelling reserves for the Champions Trophy and will travel to Dubai if required.Related

Mumbai ride on Dias, Rahane, Shardul efforts to make semis

Jaiswal out of India's CT squad

Jasiwal was originally picked in India’s Champions Trophy squad in January before making way for mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy when the final squad was announced on February 11. Jasiwal had made his ODI debut in the first match against England, also in Nagpur, in place of Virat Kohli, who had missed that game with a knee niggle. Opening the batting with Rohit Sharma, Jaiswal scored 15 off 22 balls before Jofra Archer had him caught behind.Before joining the India squad, Jaiswal had already played a Ranji game against Jammu & Kashmir, which they lost at home. Incidentally, that fixture also marked Rohit Sharma’s return to the Ranji Trophy.Mumbai, the defending champions, could face a challenge against Vidarbha in a rematch of last season’s final. In this season, Vidarbha had dominated the group stage, winning six of their seven games – the one against Gujarat was drawn with Vidarbha coming away with first-innings points – before crushing Tamil Nadu in the quarter-finals.Mumbai squadAjinkya Rahane (capt), Ayush Mhatre, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Amogh Bhatkal, Suryakumar Yadav, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Siddhesh Lad, Shivam Dube, Akash Anand (wk), Hardik Tamore (wk), Suryansh Shedge, Shardul Thakur, Shams Mulani, Tanush Kotian, Mohit Avasthi, Sylvester D’Souza, Royston Dias, Atharva Ankolekar, Harsh Tanna

Chelsea are poised to register yet another summer sale, which could take BlueCo’s total summer transfer income to the near £180 million mark.

Chelsea confirm signing of "sensation" from Crystal Palace after hijacking move

The Blues have officially secured an eye-catching prospect.

ByEmilio Galantini Aug 2, 2025

Most recently, young defender Ishe Samuels-Smith completed a reported £6.5 million move to sister club Strasbourg, where he will link up with Chelsea loanees Mamadou Sarr, Mike Penders and Kendry Paez in Ligue 1.

Cole Palmer

7.33

Moises Caicedo

7.02

Enzo Fernández

6.95

Nicolas Jackson

6.88

Noni Madueke

6.82

via WhoScored

Chelsea also sold Mathis Amougou to Strasbourg for around £12.5 million, with Enzo Maresca’s side using BlueCo’s multi-club ownership model to their serious advantage.

Alongside both Amougou and Samuels-Smith, Chelsea agreed permanent exit deals for Kepa Arrizabalaga, Basir Humphreys, Noni Madueke, Marcus Bettinelli, Djordje Petrovic and João Félix, which have contributed to bringing in an estimated £158 million to the Stamford Bridge coffers.

This series of sales helps to balance out Chelsea’s £230 million spend on recruitment this summer, with their £87.5m windfall from winning the Club World Cup and £80 million earnings from Champions League qualification putting them in a solid financial position.

It could even help Chelsea make more new signings, with journalist Simon Phillips reporting that they remain in the market for a new goalkeeper, centre-back and potentially a striker to replace Nicolas Jackson.

In the meantime, departures remain a crucial theme of Chelsea’s current transfer activity.

Raheem Sterling, Ben Chilwell, Renato Veiga, Tosin Adarabioyo, Christopher Nkunku, Axel Disasi, Benoit Badiashile, Trevoh Chalobah, Carney Chukwuemeka, Lesley Ugochukwu, Tosin Adarabioyo, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Alfie Gilchrist and Jackson stand out as players who could still leave Chelsea before deadline day, with striker Armando Broja now closing in on a move to Turf Moor.

The Albanian has been one to watch for a while, and Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg reported all the way back in June that he was receiving several approaches from Bundesliga clubs.

However, it is now Burnley who appear poised to sign the out-of-favour striker, with BBC journalist Nizaar Kinsella sharing an update on the situation.

Chelsea poised for near-£180m boost as Armando Broja nears Burnley move

Fabrizio Romano has already given the ‘here we go’ to this transfer, but Kinsella reports it is not as advanced as that.

Chelsea and Burnley have reached a broad agreement over Broja, amounting to around £20 million, and they’re in advanced talks, but the player and Clarets are yet to find a compromise on personal terms with discussions ongoing.

As Burnley wait for the 23-year-old’s green-light to complete a deal, BlueCo will be praying for this move to go through.

If it does, barring a late disaster, Chelsea will take their transfer total through players sold to around £178 million – gifting Maresca’s side a near-£180 million boost with more players still expected to leave.

Chelsea’s expertise as a selling club is often underrated by critics, and for those who ask why they can consistently spend serious cash in the transfer market, their outgoing activity is a key component.

There is no doubt that, as things stand, Bukayo Saka is Arsenal’s most important player.

Despite still being just 23 years old, the Hale End icon has already amassed a staggering tally of 70 goals and 71 assists in 263 appearances for the club.

On top of being a bona fide star for Mikel Arteta, the mercurial number seven is also one of England’s most important players and already has 44 senior caps to his name.

We are sure that there isn’t another player in the Three Lions squad the Arsenal faithful would rather have in their team, although we’re equally sure they wouldn’t mind nabbing Chelsea’s Cole Palmer as well.

So they should be delighted about reports heavily linking them with an international star who has been compared to both Saka and Palmer.

Arsenal target Saka & Palmer hybrid

There is still just under a month left until the summer transfer window comes to a close, but Arsenal have already been far busier than usual.

Transfer Focus

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

Andrea Berta has made six first-team additions so far, with the likes of Christian Norgaard and Noni Madueke coming to bolster the squad, while Viktor Gyokeres and Martin Zubimendi have made their way to North London as marquee signings.

However, even though the Gunners have been more active than most fans expected they would be, the club still appear keen on making more additions to the team.

At least that is according to a recent report from Football Transfers, which reaffirms Arsenal’s concrete interest in Eberechi Eze.

In fact, it goes further than that, revealing that even though the potential sale of Fabio Vieira to VfB Stuttgart would have to be sorted first, an offer for the Crystal Palace star is ‘imminent.’

Interestingly, while the England ace has a release clause worth £68m in his current deal until August 15th, stories from earlier this month claimed that the North Londoners’ first offer will likely be worth around €60m, which is about £52m.

It’ll likely be a costly and complicated transfer to get over the line, but Eze has proven he’s worth the effort, especially as he’s been compared to both Saka and Palmer.

How Eze compares to Saka and Palmer

In this instance, the primary comparisons to Palmer and Saka stem from FBref, which analysed players in similar positions in the Premier League last season and concluded that the Crystal Palace star was the fourth most similar attacking midfielder or winger to the Chelsea ace and the ninth most similar to the Hale End gem.

Non-Penalty G+As

0.52

0.54

Shots

3.48

3.41

Goal-Creating Actions

0.35

0.42

Interceptions

0.38

0.31

Successful Take-On %

48.6%

45.1%

You can gain a better understanding of how these comparisons were made by examining the underlying numbers in which the Englishman ranked closely to his two compatriots.

In the former Manchester City gem’s case, these metrics included non-penalty goals plus assists, goal-creating actions, successful take-on percentage, interceptions and more, all per 90.

Non-Penalty Expected Goals

0.31

0.31

Shots

3.48

3.44

Passing Accuracy

74.2%

75.5%

Live Passes

29.5

33.5

Tackles Won

0.76

0.78

Clearances

0.35

0.42

Successful Take-Ons

2.33

2.14

Carries into the Final Third

1.67

1.67

In the case of the North Londoners’ crown jewel, the underlying numbers included metrics such as non-penalty expected goals, passing accuracy, live passes, shots, tackles won, clearances, successful take-ons and more, all per 90.

The comparisons to Saka are particularly encouraging as it paints a picture of a player who has the ability to be just as devastating in attack, while also being willing and able to help out in defence, which sounds like just the sort of attacker Arteta loves.

With all that said, while the comparisons to his two compatriots are certainly a positive sign, they aren’t the only reason the Premier League runners-up should be going out to sign the former QPR gem.

Another, just as important reason would be his output last season, as in just 43 appearances, totalling 3303 minutes, the midfield “magician,” as dubbed by pundit Micah Richards, was able to score 14 goals and provide 11 assists.

In other words, the 27-year-old maintained an average of a goal involvement every 1.72 games, or every 132.12 minutes, for a team that finished the season in mid-table.

Ultimately, it might not be an easy transfer to pull off, but Eze is such an incredibly gifted player that Arsenal should be doing all they can to sign him, especially given the comparisons to Saka and Palmer.

Arsenal can hand Arteta his own Isak-level signing in £100m Eze alternative

The incredible international could be a real game-changer for Arsenal.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Aug 6, 2025

Benjamin Sesko has been a player who has been massively on the radar of Manchester United this summer, unsurprisingly so given his goalscoring form in recent times.

The RB Leipzig striker managed to score 21 times for the Bundesliga side across all competitions, undoubtedly improving the situation within the final third at Old Trafford.

He’s found the net 39 times in his 87 outings for the German side, evidently ready for the next step in his career, which could see him move to the Red Devils this summer.

However, any deal for the Slovenian could be an expensive one, with a fee in the region of £80m constantly being mooted to see him move clubs this summer.

Their interest has been growing throughout the summer transfer window, leading to a huge update being dropped on his future over the last couple of days.

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

The Red Devils made their opening offer for the 22-year-old this week, with their bid totalling £74m including add-ons, but it’s unclear if such a bid will be accepted by the Leipzig hierarchy.

However, they’re not alone in their hunt for his signature this window, with fellow English side Newcastle United in the hunt for his signature – leaving the player with a decision to make before the end of the window.

He’s not the only player currently in their sights, which could see Galatasaray star Gabriel Sara also make the move to England, according to Takvim via Sport Witness.

They claim that the Red Devils are preparing a €40m (£35m) offer for the 26-year-old central midfielder this summer, just one year after he joined the club from Norwich City.

It also states that the player would be open to a move to join Amorim’s side, but the Turkish side are in no rush to offload him and will only part ways if his asking price is met in this window.

Why United’s latest target would be their next Bruno

Bruno Fernandes has been one of the key members of the United squad in recent years, playing a vital role despite the club’s lack of success in England’s top-flight.

The Portuguese international has often been the go-to man in terms of contributions within the final third, scoring a staggering 98 goals in his 290 appearances for the Red Devils.

Such a deal will go down as one of the best in the club’s history, with his £47m move from Sporting CP back in January 2020 now looking like an excellent piece of business.

However, the club have the opportunity to replicate such a move this summer with a deal to sign Sara, with the Brazilian potentially following suit of the 30-year-old and his own move to Manchester.

The 26-year-old could replicate such a move by joining the club from another European side outside the top five divisions – before making an impact with his creativity.

If he can replicate such figures from his recent season in Turkey, it would be a superb addition and one that could add another dimension to Amorim’s already impressive attack.

Sara, who’s been labelled “outstanding” by former boss David Wagner, registered 7.6 progressive passes per 90, along with 2.4 passes into the opposition’s box – with both figures ranking him in the top 7% of all players in Europe.

Gabriel Sara’s stats for Galatasaray (2024/25)

Statistics (per 90)

Tally

Games played

31

Goals & assists

10

Pass accuracy

82%

Progressive passes

7.6

Progressive carries

2.7

Passes into final third

6.3

Passes into opposition box

2.4

Take-ons completed

65%

Aerials won

68%

Stats via FBref

He also completed 2.7 progressive carries per 90, helping him complete 65% of the take-ons he attempted – showcasing his impressive ability with the ball at his feet.

The Brazilian’s talents are also reflected out of possession, winning 65% of the aerial battles he entered, whilst registering 1.6 tackles won per 90 – arguably being a perfect box-to-box option.

£35m for a player of Sara’s quality this summer would be great business by the club, adding needed depth within the midfield department in their quest for success.

If he can replicate the levels achieved by Bruno at Old Trafford, it would go down as another brilliant piece of work by the recruitment team – handing Amorim the platform he needs for success.

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Posts ByEthan Lamb Aug 5, 2025