All posts by z3u9t.icu

Arsenal have now turned their attentions to a low-cost Alexander Isak alternative in 2025, according to a fresh report, as they look to add more firepower to Mikel Arteta’s squad.

Arsenal hunting for a striker

It is no secret that Arsenal are keen to sign a striker in 2025. Mikel Arteta’s side explored the market in the most recent summer transfer window, but following Benjamin Sesko’s decision to extend his contract with RB Leipzig they opted to place their faith in Kai Havertz to lead the line for the 24/25 Premier League campaign.

The German has repaid that faith since being moved to the no.9 spot at the Emirates Stadium, but there is still a feeling that the Gunners require a more natural striker to provide competition for the former Chelsea man.

Appearances

25

Goals

13

Assists

8

Minutes per goal/assist

101

The chief transfer target seems to be Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak, who Arsenal have had a longstanding interest in stemming from the Swede’s time at Real Sociedad, but he is under contract at St James’ Park until 2028 and would be a mammoth signing both in terms of wages and transfer fee.

Sesko remains an option, while they have also been credited with interest in Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap, Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo and Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres, who they saw up close and personal as they thrashed his Sporting CP side 5-1 in the Champions League. Now though, a new potential option has emerged.

Arsenal in line for shock free agent signing

That comes according to a surprise report from Football Insider, who link Arsenal with a shock move to sign Dominic Calvert-Lewin next summer. The Everton striker has previously been on Arteta’s radar during his time at Arsenal, but a mixture of form and fitness have seen him struggle at Everton in recent seasons.

Ten clubs now want to sign Arsenal ace who played in win against West Ham

He is a man in demand ahead of the January transfer window.

ByBen Browning Dec 2, 2024

Nonetheless, the England international is a free agent come the end of the season as things stand, and will have his pick of interested clubs. Among those are Arsenal, the report claims, reporting that the north London side “have considered making a move” when his contract expires.

Any deal would likely see Calvert-Lewin require a major bump on his current £100,000 a week wages, with the report adding that “the 27-year-old may see a move as his last chance to land what would be a big contract”.

The 27-year-old scored seven goals last season to keep his side away from the relegation zone, and has managed two goals and an assist so far this campaign, though he was dropped by Sean Dyche in favour of Beto in their most recent game, where they went on to lose 4-0 against Manchester United, who Arsenal face next.

All in all, a deal seems highly improbable given the likely wage demands, Calvert-Lewin’s fitness concerns and Arsenal’s title ambitions. Should the Gunners opt for the cheap option when other, more reliable strikers are on the market, it would be a massive gamble from Arteta and co.

On Saturday evening, Aston Villa will make the relatively short 48-mile journey east to take on Midlands rivals Nottingham Forest at the City Ground.

The Villans have lost just one of their last eight meetings with the Garibaldi Reds, also beaten in only one of their previous 11 encounters in the Premier League, albeit this solitary defeat did come on the banks of the River Trent last season, thereby seeking to avoid successive defeats at the City Ground for the first time since 1989.

Unai Emery’s team come into this clash following three successive victories, having been winless in eight across all competitions beforehand, moving back up to sixth in the Premier League, while also sitting pretty in fifth in the gigantic Champions League table.

However, ahead of Saturday’s trip to Nottingham, Emery has a big decision to make: who should he start up front?

Ollie Watkins' season so far

Last season, Ollie Watkins was unquestionably one of the best forwards anywhere across Europe, scoring 27 goals in all competitions, while only Erling Braut Håland, Cole Palmer and Alexander Isak managed more than his 19 Premier League goals.

This earned Watkins a place in Gareth Southgate’s Euro squad, where he was used sparingly, but did become a national hero thanks to his last-gasp winner against the Netherlands in the semi-finals.

However, potentially feeling the after-effects of an energy-sapping summer, Watkins has not lived up to his own sky-high expectations this time round, scoring just seven times so far this season, netting only twice across his last 11 outings.

So how do Watkins’ stats from this current campaign compare to the last?

Statistic

Watkins 23/24

Watkins 24/25

Appearances

47

21

Minutes

3,970

1,464

Goals

24

7

Goals per 90

0.54

0.43

Assists

13

5

Assists per 90

0.29

0.31

Shots

127

51

Shots per 90

2.88

3.14

Shots on target %

43.3%

39.2%

Goal-creating actions

26

6

Goal-creating actions per 90

0.59

0.37

As made clear by the table, Watkins’ numbers are down for almost every attacking metric per 90, having more shots but fewer of which are on target, while his goals-per-90 figure has suffered a statistically significant decrease.

Last weekend against Southampton, Watkins began a Premier League match on the bench for the first time this season – while there are also concerns over his fitness – so could it be time for Unai Emery to unleash his other centre-forward option on a more regular basis?

Time for Jhon Durán to start

Since coming close to leaving Aston Villa in the summer, on the cusp of a move to West Ham United before a last minute U-turn, Jhon Durán has enjoyed quite a remarkable campaign.

On the opening day of the season, the Colombian came off the bench to bag a late winner against West Ham, of all teams, earning quite the reputation for being a super-sub, on target as a substitute with winners against Leicester, Everton, Wolves and, most memorably of all, Bayern Munich, all before mid-September.

This outrageous thunderbolt against RB Leipzig on Tuesday took Durán’s tally to ten goals for the campaign already, despite having started only four matches, two of which have come in the EFL Cup, marking all four starts with a goal.

So how do Villa’s two centre-forward options compare this season?

Statistic

Watkins

Durán

Appearances

21

21

Starts

19

2

Minutes

1,464

626

Goals

7

8

Goals per 90 minutes

0.43

1.15

Expected goals

9.9

4.6

Expected goals per 90

0.61

0.66

Shots

51

36

Shots on target %

39.2

41.7

Across almost all metrics, despite having played significantly fewer minutes, Durán has been outperforming Watkins.

Given that the Colombian averages 1.15 goals per game, had he played the same number of minutes as the Englishman, he would have 19 goals to his name across the Premier League and Champions League.

Having netted against Bayern Munich, Bologna and now RB Leipzig during the league phase, as noted by Aston Villa Statto on Bluesky, Durán has the second-best goals-per-90 strike rate of any player in the Champions League this season, behind only Robert Lewandowski, who isn’t bad is he?

A year ago, while he was still at Villa, the now departed Douglas Luiz described Watkins as “the best player in the squad”, but now might be the time for Emery to take his number 11 out of the side, to see if Durán can maintain his record of having scored every single time he’s started so far this season.

As well as Watkins: 5/10 Aston Villa man showed he's "regressed" vs Leipzig

Unai Emery will be concerned by the performances of this Aston Villa star recently.

ByKelan Sarson Dec 11, 2024

They might not have hit the halfway point yet, but Arsenal’s season has been less than stellar so far.

The Gunners would have been coming into the campaign hopeful of finally dethroning Manchester City in the Premier League, and while they are five points ahead of them with a game in hand, they are also nine points behind leaders Liverpool.

While poor form is undoubtedly part of the reason why Mikel Arteta’s side are so far behind the Reds, they have also been incredibly unlucky with injuries, as exemplified by the recent news that the talismanic Bukayo Saka will now be out for at least a couple of months following surgery on his hamstring.

However, things might not be all doom and gloom, as recent reports have linked a Premier League star with the club, a star who could be the perfect Saka stand-in.

Arsenal transfer news

According to a recent report from Caught Offside, Arsenal are ‘keeping tabs’ on several attacking talents, including West Ham United’s Mohammed Kudus.

The Ghanaian international has been unreal for the Hammers since completing his £38m move last summer and has unsurprisingly caught the attention of several clubs.

A potential price the North Londoners would have to pay is not mentioned in the story, but reports from earlier this month claimed that due to a £85m release clause set to reactivate in the summer, the Irons would demand a fee of around £100m to sell him next month.

Now, that’s an extraordinary amount of money, but given his incredible ability and Arsenal’s need for a Saka replacement, it could be a price worth paying.

Why Kudus could solve Arsenal's Saka problem

So, to get straight to the point, there is one very simple reason that Kudus could solve Arsenal’s Saka problem: his output.

With the Hale End icon out for some time, the Gunners will need someone who can be a reliable provider of goal involvements to come in and start off the right, and based on the last couple of seasons, the West Ham star could be just the player to do that.

For example, in just 45 appearances for a rather underwhelming Irons side last season, the sensational attacker scored 14 goals and provided six assists, meaning he maintained an average of a goal involvement every 2.25 games and did so playing across the entire frontline.

This season, for an even more dismal West Ham side, the Ghanaian international has still been able to make his mark, scoring three goals and providing two assists in 16 appearances.

Moreover, he’s not just thrived in a lacklustre Irons team; in his final full campaign for Ajax, he was simply sublime.

Appearances

87

61

47

Goals

27

17

14

Assists

12

8

3

Goal Involvements per Match

0.44

0.40

0.36

For example, in 42 appearances, the 24-year-old magician scored 18 goals and provided seven assists, meaning he produced a goal involvement on average every 1.68 games.

Lastly, once the Gunners’ mercurial poster boy is fit enough to play, the Accra-born dynamo’s positional versatility could see him remain an essential player in the team, either as competition for the Englishman or off the left or down the middle.

Ultimately, with his immense output, it’s quite clear that, with Saka out injured, Kudus would be, as analyst Ben Mattinson said in the summer, “a game-changer of a signing.”

Arsenal target £58m "world-class" Jesus upgrade who's "Bergkamp-esque"

The sensational talent would make Arsenal far more dangerous.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Dec 27, 2024

With the January transfer window just a matter of days away, Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce side are reportedly interested in dealing Aston Villa a frustrating blow by signing one of their attacking players on loan.

Aston Villa transfer news

The Villans have endured a mixed season of fortunes and form, as summarised by their Premier League defeat to Newcastle United last time out.

Suffering a 3-0 defeat at St James’ Park just one week after defeating Manchester City with relative ease, Villa found themselves at the centre of controversy when Jhon Duran was given his marching orders in a decision that is still up for debate.

McGinn 2.0: Aston Villa battling PL rivals for "underrated" £50m maestro

Aston Villa are eyeing up a move for a La Liga midfielder…

ByRoss Kilvington Dec 28, 2024

Since failing with their appeal against the red card, those in the Midlands will now be without their in-form striker for the next three games, much to Unai Emery’s frustration.

Now sat as low as ninth in the Premier League standings, Villa could yet be dealt another blow when the January transfer window swings open next week.

According to TRT Spor (via Fotomac) in Turkey, Fenerbahce are now interested in signing Jaden Philogene on loan in the winter window, with the summer arrival struggling for game time at Villa Park in an all-too-familiar feeling.

Earning a reported £40,000 a week, Philogene returned to Aston Villa in the summer after a year away at Hull City, where he impressed to earn a move back to his former club.

However, six months later, the winger has started just twice in the Premier League and made 15 appearances across all competitions – failing to score in that time.

So a loan move away may not exactly be a bad idea, but whether Aston Villa agree with that notion remains to be seen.

"Ridiculous" Philogene needs time

The idea of a loan move away should concern Philogene. After all, the last thing he needs is to begin a repeated cycle of first-team struggles followed by aimless loan moves away.

It’s how his previous Aston Villa spell went, and it’s how his current spell must not end. Still just 22 years old, Philogene is still finding his feet in the Premier League and at Villa Park again. In the face of that, he needs patience and opportunity.

At his best, the winger can produce moments to savour, as former Hull manager Liam Rosenior described last season, telling reporters after Philogene scored a Puskas Award contender against Rotherham, as relayed by beIN Sports: “We should give him the goal, we need to appeal to the FA for the outrageous piece of skill.

Every 2024 Puskas Award nominee – ranked

The award for the best goal in football is down to the final 11.

ByBarney Lane Dec 3, 2024

“He is trying to beg it in the dressing room that it’s his goal. I said to him that at least it’s an assist. That is Jaden’s goal, it’s what we pay money for. Ridiculous, it’s ridiculous, his ability is something we have missed for a long time. He is only going to get better the more games he plays.”

Newcastle United returned to form at the end of 2024, and now the onus is on maintaining December’s giddy level and fighting for silverware and success in the Premier League.

Trailing Liverpool by 13 points having played an extra fixture, the top-flight title is probably unattainable; let’s shelve that one for now. Still, progress is sweet, and United must be revelling in the restoration of their balance and bite in the final third.

Eddie Howe knows that the business months of the 2024/25 campaign will present numerous blips and bumps, but that his side have the talent and togetherness to pass with flying colours.

However, adding to the ranks this month could make all the difference for the Magpies, and though Alexander Isak and co are tearing it up right now, Newcastle are desperate to bolster their frontline.

Newcastle eyeing new forwards

As per Sky Sports, Newcastle are ready to do business in the transfer market after a disappointing summer window, though several sales could be needed to keep the PSR beast placated.

Regarding incomings, the first port of call should be on the right flank, and Sky’s report reveals that Newcastle are ready to battle Liverpool for Antoine Semenyo. Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo is also on both Premier League sides’ radar.

The Bournemouth winger has been red-hot this season and has been priced at £50m by the Cherries, a figure that is supposed to act as a repellent from suitors like Newcastle.

He’d cost a pretty penny, but he’d be worth every piece.

What Antoine Semenyo would bring to Newcastle

Newcastle’s turnaround has been emphatic. Howe’s tactics and drive were vindicated after the struggles last season seeped into the opening months of 2024/25, causing critical conversation to be directed toward his name.

Semenyo would add that bit of pace and crackle to a frontline that is currently thriving and has demonstrated balanced prowess across the past few years.

Newcastle might be more inclined to invest in Brentford’s Mbeumo, whose stock is probably higher right now, but the 24-year-old Semenyo is thriving in his own right.

Looking at the statistical breakdown between the respective forwards in the Premier League this term, you understand why Liverpool and Newcastle have earmarked these two players specifically, with both combative and creative as well as relentless ball strikers.

Matches (starts)

18 (18)

19 (19)

Goals

5

11

Assists

3

2

Shots (on target)*

4.1 (1.1)

1.6 (0.9)

Pass completion

76%

76%

Big chances created

6

7

Dribbles*

2.3 (59%)

1.4

Ball recoveries*

5.3

4.5

Tackles + interceptions*

1.7

1.7

Total duels (won)*

6.9 (44%)

4.7 (45%)

Semenyo may not have Mbeumo’s potency in front of goal, but he’s still an electric and dangerous player in his own right. Mohamed Salah’s uncertain future rumbles on, and the mere fact that Liverpool are considering Bournemouth’s maverick speaks volumes concerning his current level and scope for growth over the coming years.

And anyway, the duty of a wide player has almost been rewritten in recent years, with Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola reshaping the Premier League zeitgeist and turning wingers into goalscoring machines.

Twinkle-toed Semenyo’s respectable return in 2024/25 could be transformed into something even better, something more devastating, under Howe’s wing, especially since he would be combining with the likes of Isak and Anthony Gordon.

Of course, his arrival would limit Jacob Murphy’s game time, and this is a somewhat poignant thing given that the industrious Magpie has been in such fine fettle recently, but then Murphy’s form cannot and will not detract from the fact that Newcastle need a player of a higher calibre to propel United deeper into the ascendency.

Dreams of Champions League lights have returned to St. James’ Park following the December purple patch, but harking back to the struggles of last season will dredge up unwanted memories of injury-hit misfortunes stifling Newcastle’s remarkable return to Europe’s premium competition.

With Miguel Almiron expected to be approaching the climax of his Newcastle career, it’s crucial that a player like Semenyo is brought in. Murphy deserves to retain his spot in the side, but he’s a player who relies heavily on form. He’s hot right now but bound to lapse back into mediocrity before the season reaches its conclusion.

Indeed, the Englishman’s return of just 15 goals and 25 assists in 194 total games for the club makes for rather grim reading, even amid his haul of three goals and six assists this season.

As per FBref, Semenyo ranks among the top 1% of attacking midfielders and wingers in the Premier League this term for shots taken, the top 14% for successful take-ons and the top 8% for aerial battles won per 90, highlighting a dynamic and determined approach to his attacking and defending.

Along with the fleet-footed and skilful nature of his craft, he’s industrious and will prove to be a constant thorn in opponents’ sides. Conversely, Murphy, 29, is averaging only 1.4 shots per Premier League match this term as well as 0.4 dribbles and 1.5 successful duels on average, as per Sofascore, making a rather telling comment on his stop-start success in the final third.

While Newcastle are in a good moment, there have been too many obstacles, too many setbacks, in recent years to suggest that Howe can keep his current mix and expect to skate through the business end of the season without adversity.

Semenyo would be the perfect energetic option to complete the set up front, propelling Isak to even more prolific heights and working in conjunction with Gordon to claim a Champions League spot and defend it over the coming years.

Imagine him & Hall: Newcastle in pole position to land "extraordinary" ace

Eddie Howe would be overjoyed to welcome this Newcastle United recruit in through the door.

ByKelan Sarson Jan 2, 2025

Manchester United are yet to complete a transfer this month, but they could be about to change that as they are ready to make an offer for a “remarkable” new attacker, according to a report.

Man Utd transfer news

There could be a few big departures from Old Trafford in the next couple of weeks, as the futures of Marcus Rashford, Antony, Casemiro and Christian Eriksen hang in the balance. It would be expected that if one or two of these players leave, then United will enter the market for replacements.

Man Utd and Amorim hold talks for new attacker; move may happen this month

United may let Marcus Rashford leave this month and they could already have a replacement in mind.

ByBrett Worthington Jan 14, 2025

Antony’s departure could trigger the Red Devils going after Nuno Mendes, as the Paris Saint-Germain defender is high on the list of new left wing-back targets. Talks have already been held with the Portugal international, and United want to accelerate that transfer, as they don’t want to lose out to Real Madrid or Manchester City, who are also interested in signing the 22-year-old.

Meanwhile, Rashford’s potential departure to AC Milan could mean United goes into the market for a new striker or forward-thinking player. It emerged on Monday that the Premier League side are interested in signing Conrad Harder from Sporting CP, as he’s seen as a “plan B” if a deal for Viktor Gyokeres cannot happen.

The Red Devils have also added Nene Dorgeles to their list of targets as talks have been held to get an understanding of the price and package for a deal to happen.

Man Utd ready to make transfer offer to sign £50m international

It’s not just Harder and Dorgeles who United are interested in signing, as TuttoJuve now reports that United are ready to make a transfer offer to sign Randal Kolo Muani from PSG this month.

The 26-year-old France international, who has been dubbed “remarkable” by German legend Lothar Matthäus, has been with the French champions since September 2023, when he made a big-money move from Eintracht Frankfurt after scoring 15 goals and registering 14 assists in 32 Bundesliga games.

Kolo Muani joined PSG as a player who was going to have a bright future at the club, but he has been unable to replicate his best form in France. Last season, it was just six goals in 26 Ligue 1 games, and with only two in 10 this season, PSG are now ready to let the striker leave this month.

Apps

54

Goals

11

Assists

7

TuttoJuve reports that Juventus are considered to be close to signing the Frenchman, but it is not a done deal. German giants Borussia Dortmund have recently joined the list of potential suitors, but according to this report, there could be further twists.

That is because INEOS have not given up on the idea of giving Kolo Muani to Ruben Amorim, and they are “ready” to make their first offer to sign the striker this month. It just remains unclear if this offer would be for a permanent switch or a loan deal, as PSG are said to want £50 million for the forward.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has used the January transfer window to sign a few players who will play key roles in the club’s direction going forward.

It’s fair to say that this season represents the end of an era at the Etihad. Trailing in the Premier League, out of the League Cup and struggling in the Champions League, it appears as though the FA Cup is the most realistic chance of silverware this season.

Having secured the signings of Vitor Ries (19), Abdukodir Khusanov (20) and Omar Marmoush (25), it is clear that signing talented youngsters is Guardiola’s new mantra.

Could he perhaps bring another youngster to the club this month before the window closes?

Man City looking at another January addition

Fabrizio Romano has provided an update on a player who Man City are reportedly after, saying on X:

“Arsenal, City Group (Girona with a future move to Manchester City) and Aston Villa have all presented their project to Sverre Nypan. Decision is up to the player who’s taking his time to visit club and pick the best option.”

Transfer Focus

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

Nypan is certainly a player in high demand, that’s for sure. A reported fee of just £10m may be enough to secure the signature of the 18-year-old talent, who has an extraordinarily bright future in the game.

If he does join City, could the Norwegian youngster be the next David Silva? He has all the required attributes to become a success in England without a shadow of a doubt.

How Sverre Nypan compares to David Silva

Silva was arguably the finest signing City made in their quest to dominate English football. Arriving for a relatively modest fee of £24m, Roberto Mancini ultimately labelled him as “one of the best midfielders in Europe” and he proved that in England.

Ten years, four Premier League titles and 436 appearances later, it is clear that Silva was a huge success for City. It wasn’t just the numbers which made him one of the finest to ever do it in England, but his spellbinding performances that saw him terrorise opposition defences.

2019/20

40

6

11

2018/19

50

10

13

2017/18

40

10

14

2016/17

45

8

11

2015/16

36

4

12

2014/15

42

12

11

2013/14

40

8

13

2012/13

41

5

11

2011/12

49

8

19

2010/11

53

6

14

Nypan has similar sort of qualities. In 60 matches for Rosenborg, the teenager has scored 13 goals while grabbing 11 assists for the club. Like Silva, his job is primarily to create chances but he also finds the net on a regular basis himself.

Indeed, in the Norwegian top flight during 2024, Nypan created seven big chances, and averaged 1.4 key passes while succeeding with 1.4 dribbles per game. It’s clear to see why data analyst Ben Mattinson explained that he has a “devastating final ball”.

These attacking numbers show just how effective he is in the final third, creating countless opportunities for his teammates, along with not being shy in utilising his dribbling skills either.

Hailed as a “wonderkid” by one prominent content creator, Nypan could very well be the next best thing to emerge from Scandinavia and blessed with the ability to play as a no.10 or as a no.8, he certainly fits the Silva mould.

If they manage to secure his signing, Nypan may be the heir to the Spanish sensation that Guardiola has been looking for. That’s a certainty.

Better signing than Kimmich: Man City could land £70m Luiz alternative

Man City are interested in a move for a Serie A midfielder

2 ByRoss Kilvington Jan 26, 2025

Celtic have only made one addition to their first-team squad during the January transfer window so far, and they only have a matter of hours left to do further business.

Last week, the Hoops completed a deal to sign Jota on a permanent transfer from Ligue 1 side Rennes, 18 months on from his exit from Parkhead to sign for Al Ittihad.

The Portuguese forward made a terrific return to life with the Scottish Premiership giants by scoring the third goal in the 3-1 win over Motherwell on Sunday.

Celtic are, now, reportedly on the verge of signing another player to bolster their squad before the deadline, and he could form a partnership with Jota down the left flank.

Celtic closing in on Premier League ace

According to Sky Sports journalist Anthony Joseph, Celtic have made an offer to sign Crystal Palace full-back Jeffrey Schlupp on loan until the end of the season.

Transfer Focus

The reporter claims that a deal is close to being agreed between the two sides and it will see the versatile star make the move to Parkhead for the second half of the 2024/25 campaign, before returning to Selhurst Park in the summer.

Joseph reported that the Hoops also made an enquiry about a potential deal to sign the 32-year-old ace in the summer transfer window last year, which suggests that he is a long-term target for Brendan Rodgers.

Kieran Tierney is due to sign on a free transfer in the summer and it appears as though Schlupp has been targeted as a stop-gap until the Scotland international’s deal with Arsenal expires at the end of the season.

Why Jeffrey Schlupp could be a good signing

Firstly, the Ghana international has the versatility to play in a plethora of positions, as he has been deployed at centre-back, left-back, defensive midfield, central midfield, and left wing, among other roles, throughout his career.

This means that Rodgers could use him to fill gaps in the team in various areas, if needed, due to injuries or suspensions in the second half of the campaign.

Left-back could be his main position for the Hoops, however, after Alex Valle’s loan was cut short, and he will have to fight with Greg Taylor for a starting spot.

Schlupp, who was hailed as “fantastic” by Eagles boss Oliver Glasner, is a vastly experienced player who could be a great asset to Jota on the left wing this season.

Appearances

29

12

Starts

17

0

Goals + assists

4

0

Big chances created

2

0

Duel success rate

50%

43%

As you can see in the table above, the Premier League veteran has made 41 appearances in the English top-flight since the start of last season, which shows that he has still played semi-regularly at the top level in the past 18 months.

He could provide a solid option at left-back when required and a great presence in the dressing room and on the pitch, given his 280 Premier League appearances, to help Jota, who is settling back into life at Parkhead after struggles at Al Ittihad and Renes, to get back to his best.

Idah 2.0: Celtic interested in last-gasp deal for "clinical" PL star

Celtic have been linked with an interest in the Premier League centre-forward.

1 ByDan Emery Feb 3, 2025

Everton supporters are loving life again now that David Moyes is back at the Toffees helm, with the popular Scotsman picking up three wins from four since taking on the reins from Sean Dyche.

The end of Dyche’s stay at Goodison Park saw the Merseyside outfit slip dangerously close to the Premier League relegation zone, but under Moyes’ fresh approach, the once relegation-threatened side are now nine points clear of 18th position.

But, the ex-West Ham United boss will still be keen on adding some fresh recruits before the transfer window officially slams shut, with an exciting top-flight youngster tipped for a late move to the Toffees.

Everton make late enquiry for Chelsea starlet

As per a report from the Mail on Sunday, Everton have made a late enquiry to try and snap up Chelsea youngster Carney Chukwuemeka on a loan deal.

A number of clubs have been looking at the 21-year-old this window so far with Borussia Dortmund and Ipswich Town other named suitors reportedly keeping tabs on the former Aston Villa youth product.

Everton are not messing about when it comes to late business through the door, therefore, with Carlos Alcaraz expected to seal a move shortly to call Goodison Park his new home, as Moyes goes about stamping his authority onto the group.

What Chukwuemeka could offer Everton

Moyes will hope his current reinvigorated troops blend in well with any fresh faces entering the building, with the potential for Chukwuemeka to strike up a great relationship with Everton star Iliman Ndiaye if a move does get over the line.

Ndiaye has been an absolute revelation this season for the Toffees with the former non-league footballer turned regular Premier League starter has bamboozled top-flight defences all campaign long.

Indeed, the on-fire 24-year-old is now up to six league goals for 2024/25 after adding to his team’s sizeable goal haul last time out versus Leicester City.

Whilst Ndiaye has a concrete starting position in the Moyes’ XI down the left flank, the attacking midfield spot in his side is an intriguing one to fill with Abdoulaye Doucoure playing here versus the leaky Foxes.

He did score from this further forward spot, but with no recognised number ten in the camp away from an injury-stricken Dwight McNeil, adding in Chukwuemeka temporarily might well prove to be a smart capture with the 21-year-old desperate for more top-flight opportunities.

CM

51

5

11

AM

26

7

3

LM

2

0

0

DM

2

0

1

CF

1

0

0

Whilst it’s clear from the table above that the young Chelsea gem is a very adaptable presence – with his career to date at both a senior and youth level seeing him line up in five different positions – Chukwuemeka is more than comfortable lining up in that number ten role with a stunning ten goal contributions coming his way from this area of the pitch throughout 26 contests.

He could well be an exciting partner for Ndiaye to bounce off subsequently, with the Senegalese ace once an up-and-coming gem himself trying to make his way in the game, seen in his sharp rise from lining up for Boreham Wood to starring week in week out at Goodison Park.

Chukwuemeka will hope he can thrive in his potential new surroundings in a similar way, with a worry in the air that the Chelsea prospect’s development is being stunted under Enzo Maresca, having played zero times this season in the Premier League.

After all, the 6 foot 2 star was once described as a “top-level” talent by Scouted Football, with a short-term loan move away to Merseyside perhaps working a treat.

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Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy is apparently weighing up the possibility of firing under-pressure boss Ange Postecoglou, and the club are being privately told to appoint one particular successor for the Australian.

Tottenham told to sack Postecoglou amid torrid 2024/2025 campaign

It’s been a second season to forget for Postecoglou, who’s seen over half of his squad diminished by injuries to key first-team players, with his side free-falling down to an unacceptable 14th in the Premier League table.

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Spurs were most recently knocked out of the FA Cup by Aston Villa, dealing a major blow to Postecoglou’s hopes of winning a second major trophy before the end of 2024/2025, which now rests solely on their participation in the Europa League.

Man United (home)

February 16th

Ipswich Town (home)

February 22nd

Man City (home)

February 26th

Bournemouth (home)

March 9th

Fulham (away)

March 16th

While Postecoglou has been hindered by extenuating circumstances like player availability, the 59-year-old’s attracted criticism for his lack of adaptability, as calls increase for him to be handed his P45.

“Ange Postecoglou’s vow that he ‘always’ delivers silverware in his second season will now rest entirely on the Europa League, after another avenue to a trophy disappeared for Tottenham,” said The Telegraph’s John Percy (via football.london).

“Postecoglou is coming under intense pressure after a week in which Tottenham have been knocked out of both domestic cup competitions.

“It was chairman Daniel Levy who was once again the target for criticism from Tottenham’s supporters, but you have to wonder just how much longer this will be allowed to continue for the club’s manager.

“His team are seriously depleted by injuries, yet they rarely threatened an Aston Villa defence that is also so short of centre-backs that two defensive midfielders were at the heart of the back-four.”

Tottenham are believed to be drawing up a shortlist of managerial alternatives, in the event they do opt to part company with Postecoglou. Former Borussia Dortmund boss Edin Terzić has admirers at Spurs, while Brentford’s Thomas Frank and Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola are rumoured to be top Tottenham manager targets if Postecoglou leaves.

Tottenham privately urged to appoint Inter Milan manager Simone Inzaghi

Inter Live.it claim to have exclusive information in regard to Postecoglou’s future. The Italian news outlet reports that Levy is considering sacking Postecoglou at the end of this season, and one name being floated to them as an option to replace him behind-the-scenes is Inter Milan head coach Simone Inzaghi.

The 48-year-old guided Inter to a Serie A title last season, with Tottenham being privately urged to appoint Inzaghi as Postecoglou’s successor by close advisors.

“I know Inzaghi so well; we played together at Lazio,” said former Inter Milan star Goran Pandev, likening the tactician to José Mourinho.

“He is so similar to Mourinho in the way he talks. I think he can do great things. Inter signed experienced players in the summer, and the club has done very well in recent years. The midfield is very strong and worthy of being among the top three in Europe. And I go crazy for Thuram; he has improved so much.”