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Aston Villa will be without winger Leon Bailey for this afternoon’s trip to Burnley due to injury.

The Lowdown: Bailey’s season to forget

Bailey arrived at Villa Park over the summer from Bayer Leverkusen but hasn’t had a memorable first season in the Midlands.

The 24-year-old has scored just once in 18 appearances and has been limited to just seven Premier League starts.

Steven Gerrard was spotted fuming with the Jamaican in the 0-0 draw with Leicester City last month, and the attacker, who has been in the last 11 match-day squads, won’t be available at Turf Moor.

The Latest: Ankle injury

Bailey had to be withdrawn against Norwich City last weekend with an ankle problem.

Gerrard confirmed on Friday in his pre-match press conference that Bailey, along with Kortney Hause are unavailable, while Jacob Ramsey is also a ‘big doubt’.

The Verdict: Not ideal

Bailey made his third Premier League start in four games last time out, his best run of the season, so this latest injury blow isn’t ideal for himself or for Gerrard as preparations turn to next season.

He turned out in four different attacking positions in April, however, he may not start another game this season after this fresh update.

Hopefully, Villa will see a better version of Bailey in his second season, providing he stays at the club, with journalist Dean Jones believing Gerrard could cash in over the summer.

In other news: Villa now edging closer to summer move for ‘clinical’ ace as Gerrard gets his way. 

New Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag will be ‘monitoring’ the situation of Barcelona midfielder Frenkie De Jong ahead of the summer transfer window.

What’s the story?

That’s according to transfer insider Pete O’Rourke, who said to GIVEMESPORT: “I’m sure Ten Hag will be monitoring his situation.

“They’ve enjoyed success together in the past, and De Jong would be a big upgrade in that Man United midfield, if they were able to sign him.”

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The current Ajax boss coached De Jong before the midfielder’s move to the Catalan giants, and he could be keen to reunite with the 24-year-old at Old Trafford.

United need De Jong

Ten Hag is set to lead a major squad overhaul this summer, with the Dutchman having a serious rebuilding job ahead of him in Manchester.

The likes of Paul Pogba, Nemanja Matic, Juan Mata, Edinson Cavani and Jesse Lingard are all set to leave this summer upon the expiry of their contracts, whilst further outgoings is incredibly possible.

Therefore, adding new faces to the United squad is an absolute must for the 52-year-old, who will take charge of the Premier League giants from July.

With Pogba and Matic leaving, an entire restructuring of the midfield could be possible, with De Jong at the heart of it. As a result, Brazilian midfielder Fred could also be on his way out of Old Trafford.

The 29-year-old has been a regular this season under both Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick, making 33 appearances across all competitions. In fact, he scored the first goal under Rangnick’s management against Crystal Palace.

However, the Brazilian’s contract is set to expire next summer, and the Red Devils may be keen to receive funds for the midfielder before he can leave as a free agent.

As for De Jong, the £63m-rated Dutchman has been an integral part of Barcelona’s setup this season, making 43 appearances across all competitions, with Xavi Hernandez’s team sitting third in La Liga. Moreover, at just 24, he already has 40 caps for the Dutch national team, and he had made 89 appearances for Ajax by the age of 22.

The Netherland international, who has been dubbed a “genius” by his manager, has averaged a 7.08 rating from Sofascore for his performances in La Liga this term, compared to Fred’s 7.03 in the Premier League. Therefore, the former would likely supplant the Brazilian in United’s line-up.

Having performed excellently under Ten Hag in Amsterdam, coming to Old Trafford could certainly be a decent prospect for De Jong. Indeed, his prospective signing could spell the end of Fred’s much-maligned Manchester United tenure.

AND in other news: Man Utd handed setback in swoop for £60m “baller”, Ten Hag will be furious

West Ham United’s unbeaten run was brought to a halt by Liverpool on Sunday afternoon.

Now, the good news is that the Premier League champions were miles better than the Hammers, but the bad news is that they are still level on points with 18th-placed Leeds United.

Worse than that, though, at least in the immediate, is the fact that Nuno Espírito Santo is now going to be without Lucas Paqueta for the Hammers’ trip to Manchester United on Thursday night following his sending-off for dissent.

The Brazilian’s absence is undeniably a big problem, but Nuno might have a surprise solution in the shape of a particularly exciting prospect.

The latest West Ham team news

With every game now becoming increasingly crucial for West Ham and Nuno this season, it’s equally important that players are available.

Chalkboard

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

Fortunately, there are only two first-team players out injured at the moment who will miss Thursday’s game, alongside Paqueta.

Unfortunately, while nobody was expecting Ollie Scarles to be declared fit given his surgery, there was hope, at least among the fanbase, that Crysencio Summerville would be fit enough to play.

However, speaking in his pre-match press conference on Tuesday afternoon, Nuno revealed that “there are still some issues” with the knock that the Dutchman picked up in the game against Bournemouth.

He then added that, while the club “are still assessing” the issue, they believe “Thursday is probably going to be too soon.”

It’s a real blow for the East Londoners, as while the former Leeds United star hasn’t quite delivered in terms of output, he is still one of their most dangerous and electric attackers.

Moreover, with him out and Paqueta out, that left-hand side looks a lot weaker, that is, unless Nuno makes a bold decision and unleashes one of the academy’s most exciting products there.

The academy star who could replace Paqueta

West Ham have a proud history of developing and promoting their best academy gems, and the latest youngster who could join the likes of Declan Rice and Freddie Potts, while also stepping in for Paqueta, is George Earthy.

The 21-year-old first joined the club at the under-6 level and has since worked his way up through the age groups, impressing the right people at every step.

For example, in 60 appearances for the u18s, totalling 4804 minutes, he scored 25 goals and provided 18 assists, which is an average of a goal involvement every 1.39 games, or every 111.72 minutes.

Appearances

60

55

Minutes

4804′

3703′

Goals

25

19

Assists

18

15

Goal Involvements per Match

0.71

0.61

Minutes per Goal Involvement

111.72′

108.91′

And if that’s still not enough, he has scored 19 goals and provided 15 assists in 55 appearances, totalling 3703 minutes, for the U21S, which comes out to a goal involvement every 1.61 games, or every 108.91 minutes.

Last but certainly not least, the “priceless” youngster, as dubbed by coach Steve Potts, also has four first-team appearances under his belt, in which he’s scored one goal.

In other words, the boyhood Hammer is a huge attacking threat, whether scoring goals or assisting.

Now, some might argue that he lacks enough senior experience to be thrown in the deep end by Nuno on Thursday, but they would be mistaken.

Last season saw the Havering-born gem go on loan to Championship side Bristol City, where he not only made 40 appearances but was named the club’s young player of the year.

Finally, while it is undoubtedly true that the youngster is primarily an attacking midfielder, he has spent time out wide, and it’s not uncommon for managers to stick academy products where they are needed in the team.

Moreover, Paqueta is banned for just one game, and Earthy has more than enough talent and mental fortitude to do a job in a newish position for such a brief spell.

Ultimately, losing the Brazilian for Thursday’s game is far from ideal, but if Nuno is bold enough to start him there, Earthy might just be the solution he needs.

Bowen repeat: West Ham plot move to sign "the best FK taker in the world"

West Ham United could replicate the signing of Jarrod Bowen with a move for the brilliant talent.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Nov 27, 2025

Rangers have now turned their attention to an “amazing” manager after the deal with Kevin Muscat collapsed, with talks advancing so much the new candidate is already en route to Ibrox.

Rangers suffer Muscat blow

Until the weekend, Muscat had looked likely to take charge of the Gers, coming in as a popular appointment after spending time at the club during his playing career.

Unfortunately, the Australian has now decided against taking the job, with a breakdown in talks over the weekend, as reported by Sky Sports.

It means that Muscat joins fellow leading target Steven Gerrard in not taking the Rangers job, which must feel concerning to the supporters, in terms of managers not wanting to come in and turn things around, especially after Gerrard’s camp were alarmed by the inner workings at Ibrox.

The Gers’ season is already in danger of falling apart, following yet more dropped points in the 2-2 draw at home to Dundee United in the Scottish Premiership on Saturday, and it remains to be seen who will be Martin’s successor.

Danny Rohl travelling to Glasgow to sign for Rangers

Give Me Sport revealed Rangers are in talks with Danny Rohl over the vacant manager’s job, after it was initially thought he too had removed himself from the running. Those talks have clearly advanced however, as popular podcast Heart & Hand shared further news on Monday lunchtime.

“Danny Rohl will arrive on Glasgow in the next couple of hours to finalise his deal,” they shared on social media.

“This will bring to a conclusion a two-week process that historians will use as a case study in how not to recruit a manager.”

The German should be seen as an exciting option for Rangers, with the 36-year-old a talented young manager who shone at Sheffield Wednesday in tough circumstances, being hailed by Owls legend Chris Waddle.

Granted, there is an element of risk in bringing in Rohl, who uses a 4-2-3-1 system, given his lack of experience and the fact that he is yet to manage a team of Rangers’ stature.

Rohl won't like him: Rangers must drop Ibrox star with "big potential"

It’s unlikely Smith will persist with this Rangers underperformer.

ByBen Gray Oct 20, 2025

But if those high up at the club see him as the best alternative to Muscat and Gerrard, they need to be trusted, even if that may be tough for the supporters to do following the failed appointments of Philippe Clement and Martin.

Pep Guardiola can certainly be credited with bringing through some exciting young talent from Manchester City’s academy. The Spaniard has certainly relied a lot on academy graduates, with the Citizens’ youth sides producing some of the best up-and-coming players in world football.

Of course, it was Guardiola who gave Cole Palmer his first forays into professional football, although the England international left for Chelsea back in 2023. The best homegrown star Guardiola brought through at the Etihad Stadium is Phil Foden, who has made 327 appearances for his boyhood club.

In more recent times, Nico O’Reilly has broken into the first-team squad.

Why Pep Guardiola loves O’Reilly at Man City

There is a lot to like about 20-year-old Mancunian star Nico O’Reilly. He has shone during his short City career so far, and was even rewarded with a call-up to Thomas Tuchel’s latest England squad, although he didn’t play a game.

So far, the youngster has made 30 appearances at first-team level for his boyhood club. He’s even chipped in with five goals and three assists in that time.

In 2025/26, O’Reilly has started the last four Premier League games.

The youngster has left a big impression on Guardiola, with the Spanish manager explaining he is “helping us a lot” in the senior side, before confirming he is “taking his opportunity” to impress for City.

It is easy to understand what the long-term City boss is talking about when he says those things. O’Reilly is like a Swiss army knife, able to operate in multiple positions.

A number 10 by trade, he’s played as a left-back more often than not for City, as well as in midfield and even as a centre-forward.

The versatility O’Reilly brings to the table is important in Guardiola’s squad. In many ways, his emergence has seen him leapfrog a similar profile of player in the pecking order.

The Man City star now on borrowed time

Guardiola himself summed it up perfectly, explaining that O’Reilly has grabbed his chance with both hands.

It is easy to consider him a nigh-on indispensable member of the group nowadays, with his England call-up cementing that.

However, O’Reilly’s role in the first team has meant that Rico Lewis’ opportunities have diminished this season. The 20-year-old full-back is also a graduate of City’s academy, and has played a lot of games since he broke into the side back in 2022/23.

In fact, the Bury-born star has reached exactly 100 games for his boyhood club, bringing up the milestone against Burnley last month.

He’s bagged five goals and assisted ten for the Citizens so far, including a strike in the FA Cup semi-final last season against Nottingham Forest.

Described as a “serious talent” by football statistician Statman Dave, Lewis can operate all over the pitch, just like O’Reilly. He has predominantly played at right-back, but has also featured on the opposite side and all across the midfield.

The ability to play as a right-back and tuck inside as a midfielder when his side has the ball has led Guardiola to describe Lewis as City’s “little Philipp Lahm.” However, since O’Reilly has broken through, he has seen his game time reduced, likely due to the similarity of the players.

When looking at a statistical comparison from last season in the Premier League, it is easy to see why Guardiola might favour O’Reilly.

The Mancunian star does outperform Lewis in several key metrics, although the latter did play more forward passes, with 11.9 compared to 11.

Chances created

0.3

0.7

Forward passes

11.9

11

Take-ons completed

0.5

1.6

Duels won

3.8

4.8

Ball recoveries

4.6

5.3

Perhaps Lewis is on borrowed time at City. He has been leapfrogged in the pecking order by a player the same age and a vastly similar profile. It will be tough for him to nail down a spot if things continue the same way.

Last summer, he was a transfer target for a number of Premier League clubs, with Nottingham Forest believed to have made a bid.

If his lack of game time continues this way, maybe he will explore a move away from his boyhood club.

Worth more than Isak & Wirtz: Man City struck gold on "generational" star

Erling Haaland isn’t alone in his world-class status at Manchester City.

ByAngus Sinclair Oct 12, 2025

Despite slipping to a late defeat on the road at Crystal Palace on Saturday, Liverpool remain at the summit of the Premier League for the time being.

Arne Slot and Co had five straight league wins to thank for their table-topping position, but the concerning nature of their defeat at the hands of Oliver Glasner’s Palace will make those with connections to the Anfield giants worry about more crushing losses to come.

It’s too soon to be furiously pounding the panic button, but there will still be an uneasiness in the air surrounding Mohamed Salah’s poor performances of late, as the ageing winger now inevitably faces the winding down of his esteemed playing days.

Salah's poor performances in numbers

Staggeringly, if you remove his opening day strike against AFC Bournemouth from the equation, Salah only has a last-minute penalty against Burnley to shout about for his goalscoring efforts this season.

He does also have two assists next to his name, but it was a worryingly sub-par showing from the usually enigmatic Egyptian against the tough to break down Eagles, with Tyrick Mitchell managing to make the “world-class” ace – as he was once dubbed by Jurgen Klopp – look ordinary.

Salah was arguably lucky to last the full 90 minutes, with the lacklustre number 11 managing to complete none of his dribble attempts to try and catch out a resolute Palace defence, while also squandering two big chances to try and keep the Reds’ 100% record intact.

It does feel rather far-fetched that Salah will be dropped, though, even with these off-days popping up, but Slot will have one eye on the future now, surely, with the left-footed ace coming in at 33 years of age.

Thankfully, Liverpool do have some shiny starlets in the youth set-up who will be desperate to make more considerable strides in the first team picture soon, with one rising attacker maybe even aiming to become the next Salah in time.

Liverpool's up and coming Salah heir

When the day comes that Salah leaves Anfield behind, it will be an extremely tough task to try and instantly replace the Egyptian’s unmistakable star quality.

Despite visible chinks in his armour now appearing, Salah does boast an unbelievable 248 goals and 116 assists for the Reds, with two Premier League triumphs and a Champions League trophy lifted off the back of his blistering heroics.

Still, everybody has their day in the sun before they have to walk away, and with Liverpool already beginning to put the pieces together for a new-look attack with Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitike, and Florian Wirtz in through the door this summer, there could soon be a queue of candidates wanting to take over from the modern day icon as Liverpool’s electric spark down the flanks.

Rio Ngumoha might well fancy his chances at being a long-term successor to Salah’s throne, having already lit up the Premier League this season with a Salah-like moment of quality when breaking Newcastle United hearts with a last-gasp winner at St. James’ Park.

In the right place at the right time to smash home that decisive strike, the tricky 17-year-old also managed to complete one successful dribble, despite only being present on the Tyneside turf for eight minutes.

Having also scored and assisted for fun in pre-season for Slot’s men – with two goals and two assists registered against the likes of Athletic Bilbao and AC Milan – it does feel like only a matter of time before Nguhoma enters into the Dutchman’s first team plans and remains there.

The future is immensely bright for this talented teen, with his former youth coach in Saul Isaksson-Hurst even going as far as to say he could one day make the Ballon d’Or shortlist like Salah.

Nguhoma’s current moment in the spotlight at Anfield could have well been Chelsea’s own success story in an alternate reality, with the teenage sensation lining up nine times for the Chelsea U18s before moving to Merseyside.

Liverpool U18s

10

0 + 3

Chelsea U18s

9

1 + 1

Liverpool U21s

9

2 + 0

Liverpool first team

3

1 + 0

Liverpool youth league

6

0 + 1

Of course, Salah was also once let go of prematurely by the Blues, before turning into a world beater donning Liverpool red.

With a Salah-like directness present in his game, also making him “one of the best young wingers in Europe” according to Secret Scout, there is an unbelievable level of hype already surrounding the 17-year-old’s name.

It will be up to the England U19 international and those around him to ensure he is brave enough to ride these choppy upcoming waves, but a homegrown Salah potentially being in the works is an absurd thought.

Slot has found the new Nunez in Liverpool star who's "struggling" big time

Liverpool have problems to fix after suffering their first league defeat of the season at Crystal Palace.

ByAngus Sinclair Sep 28, 2025

Leicester City may be on the hunt for a new manager, but that doesn’t mean they have put a pause on recruiting players with pre-season now underway.

Leicester City's hunt for a new manager

Ruud van Nistelrooy was relieved of his duties at Leicester City nine weeks after their relegation from the Premier League, which has put the cat among the pigeons regarding who his successor will be at the King Power Stadium.

Chris Wilder and Sean Dyche have been mentioned in connection with the role, though the chaotic nature of events at the Foxes hasn’t impressed former player Matt Piper.

He stated: “Flip-flopping around from different managers, different journeymen, just reeks of what we’ve all been pointing fingers at the club for. It all seems a little bit unprofessional, not well planned out and scraping the barrel. No candidates really on that list that you’re really excited about or I’m certainly not anyway.”

Certainly, there is an understandable level of dissatisfaction from supporters heading into this season and questions are there to be asked about the process that led to Van Nistelrooy’s future being decided so late on in the grand scheme of things.

Nevertheless, recruitment must go on in the East Midlands, and Leicester could pounce for free agent Jack Kingdon if enough of their budget is put aside to thrash out a deal.

Leicester City’s 2025/26 start

Sheffield Wednesday (H)

Championship

Huddersfield Town (A)

EFL Cup

Preston North End (A)

Championship

Charlton Athletic (A)

Championship

Birmingham City (H)

Championship

Retaining key stars or assets for the future will also be important. However, 16-year-old Louis Page has rejected a professional contract at the Foxes, which will need to be looked at.

Either way, there may finally be some positivity for Leicester fans to get their teeth into amid reports involving their pursuit of a high-profile England international.

Leicester City keen to sign Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

According to Haber Turk, Leicester City are keen on bringing Besiktas midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to the King Power and his current employers are happy to offload him this summer.

The Turkish giants could move to terminate his contract, leaving the former Liverpool man free to leave for nothing, though Premier League newcomers Burnley are also in hot pursuit of the 31-year-old.

Leicester City may now approach 4-4-1-1 boss who has coached 322 PL matches

Ruud van Nistelrooy could find himself ousted at the King Power Stadium.

BySean Markus Clifford Jun 5, 2025

Earning 35 caps for England in his pomp, Oxlade-Chamberlain scored once in 20 appearances for Besiktas last term, struggling to break into their side regularly due to a string of injury issues.

It remains to be seen whether he would be willing to drop to the Championship, but his affordability will definitely appeal to those in the corridors of power at the Foxes.

Once labelled “brilliant” by Paul Merson, Oxlade-Chamberlain still has more to give at a high level. Nevertheless, his wage demands will need to be factored in should Leicester press ahead in negotiations, as he currently earns £69,000-a-week with Besiktas.

Wasting no time after being rejected by Juventus’ Timothy Weah, Nottingham Forest have now reportedly opened talks to sign another Serie A star this summer.

Weah rejects Nottingham Forest move

Looking to get their summer business officially underway, Nottingham Forest set their sights on Weah and would have been hoping to flex their European muscles for the first time. The American has since burst that bubble, however. As reported by Fabrizio Romano, the versatile winger has sent the Tricky Trees back to the drawing board after rejecting a move to the City Ground this summer.

His rejection comes at a time when Newcastle United have set their sights on Anthony Elanaga and that could yet deal Nottingham Forest a double blow. Whilst those at the City Ground have reportedly rejected a bid worth around £45m for the Swede, it can’t be ruled out that the Magpies return with a second offer before the end of the summer.

Although Elanga remains a Nottingham Forest player, the Midlands club would be wise to think about a potential replacement. Already, it looks as though Jair Cunha and Igor Jesus are on their way to add more firepower fresh from an impressive Club World Cup campaign with Botafofo, but Forest will not be done there.

With European action to balance alongside any domestic responsibilities, squad depth will be the key to any success at the City Ground. Weah would have helped on that front, but now that Forest are back to the drawing board they could welcome an option who is an even greater talent than the winger.

Nottingham Forest open talks to sign Musah

According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Nottingham Forest have now opened talks to sign Yunus Musah from AC Milan this summer. The American international initially looked destined to be on his way to Napoli before a move ultimately broke down to open the door for Forest to make their move.

Nottingham Forest join race for one of the rising stars of U21 Euros

Anderson already knows all about his quality…

ByTom Cunningham Jun 26, 2025

At 22 years old, the American international, who came through Arsenal’s academy, already has some impressive experience under his belt in La Liga with Valencia and in Italy with Milan. Now, he could be on his way back to English football to offer Nuno Espirito Santo a versatile star who can play as a central midfielder, attacking midfielder and right midfielder.

Particularly standing out at the 2022 World Cup, Musah was described as a “hardworking” player with an “elite engine” by scout Jacek Kulig and those are just two traits that he could now bring to Nottingham Forest this summer.

Likely to be Nottingham Forest’s first departure of the summer, Lyon have now reportedly reached an agreement to sign one of Nuno Espirito Santo’s players who earns around £40,000-a-week at the City Ground.

Nottingham Forest write to UEFA about Crystal Palace spot

Whilst transfer rumours rumble on, Evangelos Marinakis is also attempting to improve Nottingham Forest’s position away from the pitch and before a ball has even been kicked next season. The Greek owner has reportedly written to UEFA in an attempt to take Crystal Palace’s Europa League spot amid concerns that the Eagles could be in breach of multi-club ownership rules.

Those at the City Ground certainly aren’t out to make any friends in South London with their reported letter. What they are out for is an upgraded European spot. Of course, had it not been for Crystal Palace’s FA Cup win, Nottingham Forest’s seventh place finish would have been enough to secure a spot in the Europa League rather than the Europa Conference League.

Now that Palace could be kicked out of European competition due to John Textor’s involvement with both the South London club and Lyon, who also qualified for the Europa League, Forest seemingly want to take full advantage.

Whether they’re successful with those attempts remains to be seen, but a Europa League spot could go a long way towards both boosting Forest’s finances and welcoming key players.

What it may not stand in the way of, however, is an exit for one particular player. With Morgan Gibbs-White already at the centre of speculation amid Manchester City’s reported interest, one Nottingham Forest player now looks to be on his way out.

Lyon reach agreement to sign Nottingham Forest's Matt Turner

According to Fabrizio Romano, Lyon have now reached an agreement to sign Matt Turner from Nottingham Forest in a deal worth just €8m (£6.7m) this summer. The backup goalkeeper, who cost £10m, looks destined to be the first out the door at Forest at a loss and will clear around £40,000-a-week from the Midlands club’s current wage bill.

Although Turner eventually lost his starting place to Matz Sels, the American still had moments to savour at the City Ground and during his time at Arsenal, earning plenty of praise as a result.

When at Arsenal, the goalkeeper found himself at the centre of Mikel Arteta’s praise with the Spaniard telling reporters after Turner kept a clean sheet against Bodo/Glimt: “He was much better in the first half than in the second half in my opinion. We could have had some more control.

Nottingham Forest ready to sign £40m+ star who wants Premier League return

The Tricky Trees could land a midfielder with international pedigree.

2 BySean Markus Clifford Jun 6, 2025

“But I think he was phenomenal in the goal in situations especially when defending the area in behind the centre halves, and in the one-against-one situations he was really good.”

It’s not hard to work out Arsenal’s most significant area of need this summer.

This season has proven beyond all doubt that Mikel Arteta’s side need a new striker, not only to help cover for injuries but to come in and replace Kai Havertz in the starting lineup.

The first choice among the majority of fans would likely be the simply unreal Alexander Isak, who has been linked with the club on many an occasion in the past.

However, it was reported that he could cost up to £150m earlier this year, and since the Toon qualified for the Champions League, we can only assume that the price tag has increased further.

Yet, the good news is that the Gunners are now being heavily linked with a centre-forward who could be their own Isak.

Arsenal's striker search

Given Arsenal’s need for a new striker this summer, it’s hardly been a surprise to see them linked with a plethora of free-scoring forwards in recent weeks and months, such as Viktor Gyokeres and Ollie Watkins.

Transfer Focus

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

The former could reportedly cost around £59m and has a simply sensational tally of 54 goals and 13 assists in 52 games for Sporting CP this term, but a lack of a track record in a top-five league makes the comparison to Isak difficult.

Watkins, on the other hand, has that experience and a brilliant haul of 17 goals and 14 assists to his name in 54 games this season, but with him set to turn 30 at the end of the year, he’s too old to draw paralells to the Swedish superstar.

Fortunately, another centre-forward has been heavily touted for a move to the Emirates, someone who very much could be compared to the Toon star: Benjamin Sesko.

Yes, according to a recent report by journalist Ben Jacobs, Arsenal have maintained their intense interest in the RB Leipzig star.

In fact, Jacobs goes a step further, stating that it now “looks like they [Arsenal] are going to make a bid for Benjamin Sesko,” and that while he has a €80m release clause in his current deal, which is about £67m they’d “like to negotiate something a little lower.”

It might be a costly deal to get over the line, but given Sesko’s impressive ability and potential, it would be more than worth fighting for, especially as he could be the club’s answer to Isak.

Why Sesko could be Arsenal's Isak

So, the first thing to say is that we are not trying to claim that Sesko is as good a striker as Isak at the moment.

After all, the Swedish international is arguably one of the best in the business, and his brilliant tally of 27 goals and six assists in 42 games this season proves as much.

However, there are some key ways in which signing the Slovenian star could be looked upon as the Gunners recruiting their own version of the Newcastle phenom, but before he’s quite at the same level.

For example, the “incredible” Leipzig ace, as dubbed by The Athletic’s Alex Barker, only turned 22 this season, whereas the Toon’s talisman reached that age in the 21/22 season while he was still plying his trade in Spain with Real Sociedad.

That campaign saw the Solna-born monster rack up a decent but hardly earth-shattering haul of ten goals and three assists in 41 appearances, totalling 2761 minutes, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 3.15 games, or 212.38 minutes.

Appearances

45

41

Minutes

3258′

2761′

Goals

21

10

Assists

6

3

Goal Involvements per Match

0.6

0.31

Minutes per Goal Involvement

120.66′

212.38′

In contrast, the Gunners’ current target scored 21 goals and provided six assists in 45 appearances, totalling 3258 minutes, which comes out to a better average of a goal involvement every 1.66 games or every 120.66 minutes.

Furthermore, just as respected analysts and scouts like Jacek Kulig were describing the then-Sociedad gem as “simply amazing,” the likes of EBL have recently claimed that the former RB Salzburg ace “has the potential to become the best #9 in the world.”

Ultimately, it’s unlikely that Sesko will be able to reach the same level as Isak next season, but in a couple of years, there is a genuine chance we could be looking at the two strikers as equals, and for that reason, Arsenal should be doing all they can to sign him this summer.

Arsenal's own Wirtz: Berta now eyeing "one of the best 10s in the world"

The incredibly gifted attacking midfielder would add some much-needed dynamism to Arsenal.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jun 4, 2025