Manchester United vs Arsenal has become one of the biggest fixtures in the WSL calendar since it was first played in 2019. The most recent meeting between the sides on Sunday afternoon was watched by a crowd in excess of 8,000 for the third year in a row at Leigh Sports Village.
It’s been an interesting summer for Arsenal so far.
On the pitch, Mikel Arteta’s side have left a lot to be desired with wins over AC Milan and Newcastle United, but losses against Tottenham Hotspur and Villarreal.
However, off the pitch, it would be fair to say that Andrea Berta and his team have exceeded expectations so far with smart depth additions and a couple of big-money deals for Viktor Gyokeres and Martin Zubimendi.
Moreover, the North Londoners look primed to do more business, with both Eberechi Eze and Ademola Lookman touted for moves to the Emirates.
As things stand, Arsenal continue to be linked with both Eze and Lookman, with the former having a release clause worth £68m in his current contract that’ll expire in a week, and the latter reportedly being available for a fee of around £43m.
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While it seems unlikely that the Gunners would sign both internationals, it’s easy to see why they are interested in them.
For example, despite playing in a mid-table team at best, the Englishman managed to rack up a brilliant haul of 14 goals and 11 assists in 43 appearances, totalling just 3303 minutes, last season.
That means the 27-year-old “magician,” as dubbed by pundit Micah Richards, maintained an average of a goal involvement every 1.72 games, or every 132.12 minutes.
On top of that, he also scored in the quarter-final, semi-final, and final of the FA Cup, leading the Eagles to the first major trophy in their existence.
On the other hand, the Nigerian star has been a lean, mean goalscoring machine for several years now.
For example, since moving to the Bergamo outfit in August 2022, the “world-class” attacker, as dubbed by the BBC’s John Bennett, has scored 52 goals and provided 25 assists in 118 appearances, totalling 7538 minutes.
In other words, the former RB Leipzig star has averaged a goal involvement every 1.53 games or every 97.89 minutes over the last three seasons, which is a level of output that could fire the Gunners to glory next year.
In all, it’s easy to see why Arteta and Co would want to splash the cash on one of these stars, although whoever they decide on will have to smash all expectations to see their valuation even approach that of another Arsenal star.
While they’re yet to win anything with them, Arsenal are a club blessed with an abundance of incredibly talented stars in their squad, although it’s still really quite easy to pinpoint their most important player: Bukayo Saka.
The Hale End icon has developed from an exciting academy graduate into a fully-fledged superstar and the poster boy of Arteta’s project over the last few years, and his valuation reflects that.
Transfermarkt, for example, now prices the 23-year-old game-changer at a staggering €150m, which converts to about £130m, or at least £19m more than Lookman and Eze combined.
While some might question such a valuation, we reckon it’s pretty spot-on, and the first reason why is down to his output.
For example, despite missing almost four months of action with a hamstring injury last season, the Gunners’ “future legend,” as dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, was still able to rack up a sensational haul of 12 goals and 14 assists in 37 appearances, totalling just 2619 minutes.
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Saka vs Eze & Lookman in 24/25 |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Season |
Saka |
Eze |
Lookman |
|
Appearances |
37 |
43 |
40 |
|
Minutes |
2619′ |
3303′ |
2871′ |
|
Goals |
12 |
14 |
20 |
|
Assists |
14 |
11 |
7 |
|
Goal Involvements per Match |
0.70 |
0.58 |
0.67 |
|
Minutes per Goal Involvement |
100.73′ |
132.12′ |
106.33 |
|
All Stats via Transfermarkt |
|||
Not only did that make him the most effective player in the North Londoners’ squad, but the dynamic winger maintained an average of a goal involvement every 1.42 games, or 100.73 minutes, which is not only world-class, but better than Eze and Lookman.
On top of that, the Ealing-born monster has also established himself as an essential member of the national team, earning 44 senior caps, in which he’s produced 20 goal involvements, and winning back-to-back Player of the Year awards.
Ultimately, while Lookman and Eze are brilliant players who’d make excellent signings for Arsenal, we don’t think their valuations will ever be able to reach Saka’s.
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The international would be a game-changer for the Gunners.
By
Jack Salveson Holmes
Aug 8, 2025
This summer has been one to remember for Chelsea.
On the pitch, Enzo Maresca’s side have looked sharp, making their way to the Club World Cup final with ease and then dispatching Paris Saint-Germain in the showpiece event without so much as breaking a sweat.
On top of that, the West Londoners have been active and purposeful in the transfer market, bringing in young, exciting additions to the team, like Jamie Gittens, Liam Delap and most recently Jorrel Hato.
The young Dutchman could end up being an excellent addition to the Blues’ squad, although if reports are anything to go by, the club could be closing in on another talent who might end up being an even better signing.
Chelsea have been linked with Hato for some time now, with some reports touting the Dutchman for a move to Stamford Bridge as far back as the winter window.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
However, it was over the last couple of weeks that the Conference League champions really stepped up their interest in the young defender, and, ahead of rivals like Arsenal, secured his services for a fee of around £37m.
As things stand, this looks like a brilliant bit of business from the West Londoners, but it looks like they are already working on another, potentially better signing this summer.
At least that is according to a recent report from Caught Offside, which has reaffirmed Chelsea’s serious interest in Alejandro Garnacho.
The report has revealed that Manchester United are ‘now looking to make around €50-60m’ from the player’s sale, which is between £44m-£53m, and that, as things stand, the Blues have ’emerged as the most serious contender’ for his services.
It would be a lot of money to invest in a player the Red Devils are seemingly intent on selling, but there is serious potential in Garnacho, and there is every chance that he could end up being a better signing than Garnacho this summer.
Okay, so we have to first say that we do really believe that Hato is a brilliant signing for Chelsea, and that he could develop into a massively important defender for them in the coming years.
However, goals win games, exciting players get fans on their feet, and, for our money, Garnacho has the potential to be an even better signing for the club, at least this season anyway.
One of the main reasons the Argentine could be even more important than the Dutchman is that, somewhat surprisingly, it does feel like the West Londoners could do with some reinforcements off the left and in central areas.
For example, after Cole Palmer, Maresca isn’t blessed with an abundance of exciting back-up options to fill in as the ten, and with Noni Madueke gone, and Tyrique George reportedly keen to leave, new signing Jaime Gittens could do with some more competition and back-up on the left flank.
However, away from purely plugging gaps when and where they arise, the Madrid-born attacker could be a great signing because he is a supremely talented player and someone who, with the right coaching and in the right environment, could develop into something quite special.
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Garnacho in 24/25 |
|
|---|---|
|
Appearances |
58 |
|
Minutes |
3568′ |
|
Goals |
11 |
|
Assists |
10 |
|
Goal Involvements per Match |
0.36 |
|
Minutes per Goal Involvements |
169.90′ |
|
All Stats via Transfermarkt |
|
For example, despite starting last season as a 20-year-old and playing in a historically poor United side, the “full-back’s nightmare,” as dubbed by former Manchester United winger Febian Brandy, scored 11 goals and provided ten assists in 58 appearances, totalling 3,568 minutes.
In other words, the young dynamo was able to maintain an average of a goal involvement every 2.76 games, or more impressively, every 169.90 minutes for a team that looked unable to buy a win for large swathes of the campaign.
Moreover, he is capable of the extraordinary at times, as you only have to look at his 2024 Puskas Award-winning goal against Everton, in which he pulled off one of the best bicycle kicks we’ve ever seen.
Ultimately, there is an element of risk in signing a player who’d fallen out with his coach so publicly, but Garnacho has the raw ability to develop into a superstar, and given Chelsea’s attacking needs, we reckon he could end up being a better signing than Hato this summer.
Former U.S. international Herculez Gomez offered his assessment of the hostilities between Inter Miami and Seattle Sounders ahead of their first meeting since last month's controversial Leagues Cup final. The former MLS striker referenced the postmatch altercation that resulted in suspensions for multiple Miami players.
Sunday afternoon’s draw with Crystal Palace was not how Chelsea wanted to kickstart their Premier League campaign.
Enzo Maresca’s side were not terrible, but they were toothless, and in sharp contrast to his pre-season form, Joao Pedro was anonymous.
The Brazilian forward didn’t register a single shot on target or complete a single dribble during his 73 minutes of inaction and took 20 fewer touches than Robert Sanchez.
It was a seriously disappointing performance from a player we all know can do so much more, and therefore, fans should be delighted about reports linking them to someone who’d help make him more lethal.
As it is every year, this summer has been a busy one for Chelsea on the transfer front, as on top of selling a swathe of players they no longer wanted, the club have made a number of exciting additions to the side.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Jorrel Hato, for example, is looked at by many as one of the next great defenders, while Liam Delap and Jamie Gittens should bring more dynamism, and crucially, more goals to Maresca’s side.
Yet, with the window still open until next month, the West Londoners appear intent on adding even more talent to the squad, and are now eyeing someone who’d help make Pedro far more lethal.
At least that is according to a recent report from The Athletic, which has claimed Chelsea are still interested in Morgan Rogers.
The report has revealed that the England international is ‘highly rated at Stamford Bridge’ and that the board would like to bring in an attacking midfielder before the window closes.
A price is not mentioned in the story, but reports from earlier this summer claim that the Aston Villa star could cost as much as £100m, and while that is an outrageous sum of money, he might just be worth it, especially if he can help make Pedro more lethal.
From watching him in the Club World Cup and pre-season, we know that Pedro is a fine finisher and someone you can trust to lead the line, so why was he so poor on Sunday?
Well, simply put, his teammates did not fashion enough chances for him, as while he certainly wasn’t at his best, the team collectively created just two big chances, which isn’t great when playing a mid-table side at home.
The good news here is that this is a problem Rogers can help with.
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Rogers’ 24/25 |
|
|---|---|
|
Appearances |
54 |
|
Minutes |
4496′ |
|
Goals |
14 |
|
Assists |
16 |
|
Goal Involvements per Match |
0.55 |
|
Minutes per Goal Involvement |
149.86′ |
|
All Stats via Transfermarkt |
|
For example, in his 54 appearances across all competitions last season, totalling 4496 minutes, the Halesowen-born “machine,” as dubbed by The Athletic’s Jacob, scored 14 goals and provided 16 assists.
That means the often “unstoppable” midfielder, as dubbed by former Liverpool defender turned pundit Jamie Carragher, was able to average a goal involvement every 1.8 games, or every 149.86 minutes.
In other words, the Englishman was a lean, mean output machine, and someone his teammates could rely upon to finish the chances they created, or more importantly for Pedro, depend on him to create an avalanche of chances for them.
Another significant advantage of the Villa ace is his versatility.
The dynamic 23-year-old is comfortable playing in midfield and on the wing, which should allow him to play more games for the Blues and develop a deeper understanding with the Brazilian poacher.
Ultimately, we know Pedro is a brilliant striker, but we also saw how anonymous he can be without the right service.
Therefore, Chelsea should be doing all they can to sign Rogers before the window slams shut, as, on top of his goal-scoring ability, he is an assist-making machine.
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By
Dominic Lund
Aug 18, 2025
Paris Saint-Germain star Achraf Hakimi has broken his silence on rape allegations as he insists he is being accused of a lie, describing how the claims have affected his family, tarnished his name, and forced him to change his life. The defender, who has consistently denied the charges, speaks candidly about the emotional toll and the precautions he has taken to protect himself and his loved ones.
Pochettino promised this roster would offer a clearer vision into his World Cup thoughts, with a 60-man roster winnowed to 26
During the September window, Mauricio Pochettino offered a glimpse into what this month's camp would look like. It would be less experimental, he said. It would also likely be more European-based. Having expanded the player pool by giving opportunities to as many contenders as possible, it was time to start tightening.
In truth, it was time to really start looking ahead.
On Thursday, Pochettino announced his latest squad, a 26-man list including most of the heavy-hitters. Only 11 are holdovers from last month's camp, showing just how much has changed. Several absences are due to injury. One is due to paternity leave. Much of the squad, though, is made up of players being welcomed back in for one reason or another.
From big names such as Weston McKennie to less familiar ones such as James Sands, this team is, by and large, made up of talented players with points to prove. More than anything, though, it's a team that makes sense.
Pochettino promised that this month would offer a clearer vision into his World Cup thoughts and, by and large, it does. What was once a 60-player pool has been winnowed down. This camp, then, will narrow it even further as those in the team, and those out of it, fight for those World Cup spots.
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With Adam Idah set to join Swansea City, Celtic have now reportedly opened talks to sign a £10m striker who was once backed to follow in the footsteps of the legendary Marco van Basten.
After a 50-minute cameo to forget against Kairat in the Champions League, Idah has been shown the door by Celtic in ruthless fashion. Returning to English football just one year since swapping Norwich City for the Scottish champions in a move worth £9.5m, Idah will be desperate to put his recent Celtic form behind him back in the Championship.
The forward is set to leave with 29 goals in 76 appearances to his name, which includes a last-gasp Scottish Cup winner against Old Firm rivals Rangers in 2024. For that moment alone, some may argue that Idah proved to be worth every penny.
Ultimately, however, with Brendan Rodgers keen to bolster his side before the deadline, Idah has been shown the door. The Celtic boss told reporters when asked about potential incomings following his side’s Champions League exit in midweek: “I always think that investment is great, but it has to be a timely investment.
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1
By
Ben Gray
Aug 29, 2025
“It has to be at the right time. I think at this moment in time, we’ve just lost a game. Like I say, this group of players have given everything. We’re obviously being limited to what we could do in the game at the moment, but like I said, they gave everything.”
At that stage, there was arguably little room to welcome further arrivals. With Idah now set to seal his exit, however, the Bhoys could welcome an instant upgrade.
According to Sky Sports’ Anthony Joseph, Celtic are now in talks to sign Kasper Dolberg from Anderlecht this week. The 27-year-old forward is reportedly valued at £10m – a similar price that the Bhoys initially paid for Idah last summer – and negotiations are underway.
The Dolberg name is one that many will remember from several years ago. The Dane was the supposed to be the next best thing at Ajax. He was billed as football’s latest wonderkid. His own father even went as far as to compare him with the legendary Van Basten, whilst the Ajax scout who discovered Dolberg dubbed him an “extraordinary talent”, but things never quite worked out as planned.
That said, whilst the Dane is not among the world’s best players like many expected him to be, he still has a knack for goals and has already netted five in just eight games this season. And it is that knack for goals which should see Celtic push all the way for his signature.
It wasn’t just incomings that Liverpool were focused on this summer and one Reds star has now revealed he had the chance to leave the club.
Liverpool have been accused of standing still when crowned Premier League champions in the past, almost settling for what they had earned. This time, such accusations would be incredibly far-fetched. Sat atop their throne after becoming champions last season, the Reds have enjoyed a transformative summer — spending over £400m and ruthlessly selling a number of stars to fund it.
In came Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitike, Florian Wirtz , Giovanni Leoni and Jeremie Frimpong, and out went Harvey Elliott, Jarell Quansah, Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez , plus more. It was about as ruthless as it gets from Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes, who have created a side capable of enjoying an era of dominance at Anfield, keeping Liverpool second in the net spend pile despite breaking the British transfer record twice.
A lot has been made of Liverpool’s spending and why they’ve suddenly spent more than ever, but one look at their summer sales will provide an emphatic answer. They’re one of the smartest clubs in European football and that was on show for all to see in the summer window.
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By
Angus Sinclair
Sep 5, 2025
The Reds didn’t just sell for any offer that came in, either. They were tactical. The likes of Nunez and Diaz were seen as players that should be moved on, but only for the right price, with the club even happy to let Diaz run his contract down rather than sell too soon for too little. Hughes and Edwards simply waited for that price to come before cashing in.
What Diaz’s move allowed them to do was also keep hold of another star, who has now spoken about interest from Bayern Munich.
Whilst it was Diaz that moved on in the end, the story could have been very different. Cody Gakpo has admitted that Bayern Munich “did come” in for his signature, but he chose to stay put at Liverpool in a “difficult” saga.
It’s a decision that would have been a relief to Arne Slot too, given just how emphatically the Dutchman has started the current campaign.
For all of Liverpool’s standout business, keeping hold of Gakpo will prove to be of underrated importance, with the Netherlands star signing a new contract that will keep him in red until 2030.
The winger has scored once and assisted twice in just four Premier League games this season and will be looking to keep hold of his place following the arrival of Isak on deadline day.
Former Manchester United star Michael Carrick is in frame to take over as Rangers manager after Liverpool icon Steven Gerrard decided to step away from the race to replace Russell Martin at the Scottish club. After a poor start to the 2025-26 campaign, which saw fans protesting against Martin and demanding his removal, the head coach was finally sacked from his position earlier this month.