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Sunderland would have felt slightly relieved at the prospect of an international break, taking some time out from their current dire standing in the Championship to assess what's truly made the wheels come off at the Stadium of Light.

A long list of injuries certainly hasn't helped Mike Dodds back in the interim hot-seat on Wearside, with the likes of 15-goal star Jack Clarke being absent really putting a spanner in the works.

At least the Black Cats can take some mild comfort in the fact that they do look safe from the second tier drop-zone, although it's still a dramatic drop-off for a side once chasing promotion as a wild dream.

It's not been quite as hard to watch as Sunderland's 2016-17 season however, where a number of expected top talents – including one forgotten flop – consistently waved the white flag under the doomed tenure of David Moyes that saw relegation down to the Championship confirmed.

Jeremain Lens' record at Sunderland

One-time Sunderland dud Jeremain Lens would only make two appearances that season, shipped out on loan to the likes of Fenerbahce and Besiktas over the following years to try and get him off the roster after a disastrous first campaign.

The Dutch winger would end up making just 24 appearances for the Black Cats before leaving for Turkey permanently in 2018, with the Wearside outfit left to rue the decision to fork out a substantial £8m on his services.

Starring with Dynamo Kyiv before relocating to England, it was a move that just never worked for Lens under Dick Advocaat – the now 36-year-old only managing to pick up four goals and three assists before being swiftly moved on.

Now, the move looks even more like a colossal waste of money when you consider how much Lens' transfer value has dropped since his ill-fated stint at the Stadium of Light.

Plying his trade in the French third division now, the veteran attacker comes in at being worth less than Black Cats reserve man Bradley Dack even whilst the former Blackburn Rovers midfielder remains a permanent fixture in the Sunderland treatment room.

Jeremain Lens' transfer value in 2024

According to Football Transfers, whilst playing for FC Versailles 78 as of December last year, Lens' transfer value had decreased all the way down to a meagre €200k (£171k) as the Dutchman begins to see out his extensive career in France.

That's some way off the £8m that the Black Cats once paid to land the ex-PSV Eindhoven man in his prime, only for his time with Sunderland to not go to plan.

Remarkably, Dack – who hasn't played in the league for Sunderland at all in 2024 so far – comes in at being worth €0.4M (£343k), which sees him boast the tag of being a more valuable asset than Lens.

That's the case even with Lens blowing off the cobwebs playing for Versailles, firing in nine goals from 35 appearances for his current employers even whilst his career winds down.

Staggeringly, Dack isn't the only Sunderland flop that boasts a higher transfer value than Lens currently with Luis Semedo – who is yet to score a single first-team Sunderland goal since joining as a highly regarded youngster – coming in as being worth €0.4m (£343k) as well.

Scanning over this table above, the ex-Sunderland dud would even be the least valued member of the current Black Cats camp if he did make a return to Wearside soil.

Lens will just want to continue playing for as long as he can before calling time on his playing days however, with his torrid spell at the Stadium of Light not one he'll ever look back on with fond memories.

Erling Haaland has questioned whether he needs to be more involved in Manchester City's play after scoring in a 2-0 win over Chelsea.

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• Haaland scores first Premier League goal of season
• City win 2-0 at Stamford Bridge
• Striker speaks about his role after victory

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Haaland's Premier League season is up and running after the Manchester City goal machine struck in a 2-0 win at Chelsea on Sunday. The Norwegian scored the opening goal of the game as Pep Guardiola's side got their title defence off to a strong start at Stamford Bridge.

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  Despite Haaland's phenomenal goalscoring record at City, he has often come under scrutiny for a lack of touches or involvement in games, particularly after a 4-0 win over Bournemouth when he managed just eight touches. Haaland produced 17 against Chelsea and said afterwards his manager wants to see him more involved in games.

• WHAT HAALAND SAID

  He told Sky Sports: "Three points, a perfect start. First games are always hard, for everyone, it doesn't matter if you had a pre-season or not. I had a long pre-season but I don't feel perfect, I'm not in the perfect state. It's good to get that win.
  "I knew exactly what to do, I think it was a really good goal. I remember last year he [Sanchez] made a really good save against me, it had been irritating  me for a long time, so yeah, it was a perfect goal.
  "The best players are the best on the easiest things. Touching it with your right and passing with your left. That's the important thing. Pep says this to me all the time.
  "I want to get more involved, that's what Pep wants. But in games like this, do I need to be that more involved? That's the million-dollar question. I want to get more assists and become a better player."

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• DID YOU KNOW?

  Haaland has been directly involved in 106 goals in 100 appearances for Manchester City. His goal against Chelsea was his 91st for the club.

There’s no two ways about it: Watching Kobbie Mainoo stroll around the Manchester United midfield has been a breath of fresh air this season.

In truth, it’s extremely fair to say that without the 18-year-old wonderkid, Erik ten Hag and his team would be much worse off.

The number 37’s influence on the side was apparent the second he made his Premier League debut against Everton, and he just keeps getting better and better, notably making his England debut and scoring a sumptuous curling effort against Liverpool.

However, despite his quality, there’s obviously plenty of room for him to develop even further, and the signing of one target could just see him reach new levels next season.

Man United are keen to sign a centre-back

According to a report from Spanish outlet Sport via SportWitness, Man United are interested in signing Mikayil Faye from Barcelona.

The centre-back is set to be at the centre of a transfer battle between multiple clubs, including Arsenal and Juventus.

However, Faye is currently contracted to the Spanish giant until 2027, and he has an enormous £340m release clause.

The 19-year-old has "shown willingness" to leave Barca in an attempt to receive more game time, but the club is keen to keep hold of the promising gem.

Ratcliffe lines up Man Utd signing who could turn Garnacho into a monster

The Man United target has been one of the best creators in Spain this season.

By
Tom Lever

Apr 9, 2024

How Faye could supercharge Mainoo

Faye only joined Barcelona from Croatian side Kustosija last summer, and since then, he’s failed to make a single competitive appearance for the first team.

This season, the 19-year-old has played 22 matches in the Primera Federacion (Spain's third tier) scoring four goals, and he recently featured on the bench for Barca against Las Palmas towards the end of March.

The defender has amazingly made his first senior start for Senegal before making his club debut for the Spanish giant, but he’s still impressed enough in the Barcelona Atletic side to attract potential suitors.

Nonetheless, on his debut for his nation against Gabon in a recent friendly, Faye scored his first international goal, but it was during his cameo in a friendly against Club America in December that he really shined.

As you can see below, it's instantly clear that the number 41 is extremely composed on the ball, with his technical ability allowing him to retain possession for his side, which United have struggled with in spells this season.

However, it’s his defensive dominance and athleticism that would inevitably make Mainoo much more impactful, with U23 football scout Antonio Mango labelling Faye one of “the biggest centre-backs in the world.”

That said, the 6 foot 1 defender is very physical and extremely difficult to get past due to his speed. The current issue for Ten Hag is the lack of dynamic defenders at the club, which often means that they are wary of playing a high line.

With the instruction for the midfielders to stay high with a man-to-man press, this often leaves huge gaps in the middle of the park, which is simply why they concede so many shots.

With the introduction of Faye, he could help decrease the space given to the opposition, in turn making Mainoo’s job so much easier from an out-of-possession perspective, which is scary considering he’s thriving while completing an impossible task.

Against Liverpool on Sunday, the United academy graduate was fantastic when undertaking his defensive duties, making five tackles, two interceptions, and being dribbled past on zero occasions.

However, that type of performance will only become more common with a profile like Faye at the back, with his signature potentially becoming a game-changer for United.

Tottenham Hotspur will have this weekend off as they fight to bounce back from the chastening 4-0 defeat against Newcastle United at St. James' Park one week ago.

While a chance to recalibrate and let the cascade of action pass them by this matchweek might prove to be a good thing, next up in the Premier League are title-chasing Arsenal, whose need for three points is heightened further after losing against Aston Villa last time out.

Spurs, who are fifth in the Premier League and currently perch three points behind Aston Villa in the top four – who have played an extra fixture – have undoubtedly improved under Ange Postecoglou but need to sign some impactful players in the summer.

One of the biggest problems right now is the lack of mettle and control in central midfield, and while Tottenham have a range of good options in the centre of the park, another injection of high-level quality could be the order of the day.

Spurs back in for former top target

According to Football Insider, Tottenham are in hot pursuit of Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher once again with the Blues willing to sell their homegrown product to stay in line with financial fair play regulations.

Gallagher was the subject of a failed approach from Spurs last summer and again during the winter market, and despite the England international's prominent position within the Chelsea first-team, he could be available for just £40m.

Entering the final year of his contract at Stamford Bridge next season, Gallagher's sale does make sense from the Chelsea board's standpoint, and Tottenham would only be too happy to take their long-time target off their London rivals' hands.

Conor Gallagher's season in numbers

Gallagher is a product of the infamous Cobham Academy and after successful loan spells with West Bromwich Albion and Crystal Palace in the Premier League, he has cemented himself as a regular starting presence in the Chelsea team.

This season, Gallagher has played 43 times in all competitions, scoring five goals and supplying eight assists, regularly captaining his west London side in the Premier League.

Sofascore presents Gallagher's seasonal heat map in the Premier League and showcases the elite robustness and athleticism that surely speak of his perfect suitability for Tottenham's system.

Across 30 appearances in the top-flight this term, the £50k-per-week ace has clinched nine goal contributions, completing 91% of his passes, averaging 1.6 key passes, 2.4 tackles, 6.2 ball recoveries and 5.8 successful duels per match and succeeding with 70% of his dribbles.

His ball-playing, ball-carrying, far-reaching skill set has established him in a Chelsea side that has struggled to impress once again this season, currently ninth in the Premier League.

But Chelsea's unrelenting financial approach under Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali has yet to breed success. That said, the Blues will forge ahead with big-money acquisitions this summer and Gallagher has been deemed expendable as a result.

But how would he slot into Postecoglou's Tottenham team?

How Conor Gallagher would fit in at Spurs

With Yves Bissouma flattering to deceive in the holding midfield role of late, Postecoglou may well seek to sign a new No. 6 this summer, but while Gallagher is competent in such a position, he would not be the solution in that regard.

That doesn't mean that he shouldn't be signed, however, with Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg likely headed for the exit, having recently been offered to Serie A side AC Milan, and sporadically-used Giovani Lo Celso also pushing for a departure this summer.

Gallagher's tactical versatility would make him a great addition to compensate for both sales, providing Postecoglou with a better-fitting star who can actually push for a regular role from the starting whistle.

As per FBref, Gallagher ranks among the top 25% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for goals and shot-creating actions, the top 17% for assists, the top 13% for pass completion, the top 20% for tackles and the top 12% for touches in the attacking box per 90.

An all-action stud of a centre-midfielder, Gallagher boasts the dynamism and the depth to succeed at the heart of Postecoglou's Tottenham system, with his multi-functioning ability leading one analyst to describe him as a "pressing and transition monster."

He's also been regarded as something of a "dynamo" and his team's "heartbeat" by journalist Henry Winter, and he might just be the perfect signing to lift James Maddison back to the height of his game.

Gallagher's fellow Three Lions star signed for Tottenham from Leicester City in a £40m deal last summer and won the Premier League's Player of the Month award for August, very much off to a flyer.

But he's struggled to perform to the same blistering levels that preceded his ankle injury suffered against Chelsea in November, picking up a 4/10 match rating – by football.london's Alasdair Gold – during last week's drubbing by Newcastle, with the reporter remarking that he tried to make things happen but ultimately failed to spark the needed creativity.

Maddison is still an elite playmaker though and ranks among the top 5% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for assists, the top 1% for shot-creating actions and progressive passes and the top 6% for passes attempted per 90.

With a steely and energetic player in Gallagher doing the dirty work in the centre of the park, Maddison could hit the rich vein of form that captivated the masses in the earlier stages of the campaign.

Postecoglou's Tottenham system is built on hard graft and seamless interchangeability, and by landing a proven Premier League phenom such as Gallagher, the ripple effect might just be a thing to behold, with Maddison rekindling the elite-level class that is very much within his capability.

Spurs lining up move for “world-class” £310k-p/w Kulusevski upgrade

Ange appears to be eager to bolster his team with some added firepower.

By
Angus Sinclair

Apr 19, 2024

Harry Kane has sent a touching message to Kieran Trippier after his former Tottenham team-mate announced his international retirement.

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• Kane sends message to Trippier
• Played together for Spurs & England
• England lost Euro 2024 final

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Trippier has announced his retirement from international duty following England's second-placed finish at Euro 2024. The right-back won a total of 54 caps and scored once, with his solitary goal coming in the Three Lions' World Cup semi-final defeat to Croatia in 2018.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Now, Kane has sent a touching message to his former Tottenham team-mate. The pair have played together 130 times, for both club and country, and the Bayern Munich striker made sure to send his pal his best wishes on social media.

• WHAT KANE SAID

  Kane wrote on Instagram: "Congratulations mate. Been a pleasure."

  Instagram @harrykane

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Kane has been included in Lee Carsley's first squad as England's interim manager. The Three Lions are next in action against the Republic of Ireland on September 7.

Leeds United have a rich history and a devoted fanbase. After suffering relegation last season, the Whites have the chance to be promoted to the Premier League at the first time of asking, which is an exciting prospect for fans.

With just one Championship game remaining, the Whites are no longer in control of their promotion destiny, having handed Leicester City their tickets to the Premier League after being thumped by QPR on Friday night.

Their defeat in west London also means Ipswich have the opportunity to wrest control of the promotion battle heading into the final weekend. The Tractor Boys, who also have a game in hand on the Whites, can go three clear of Leeds with a win over Coventry in midweek. If Ipswich can grab four points from their final two matches, Daniel Farke's side will be consigned to the play-offs.

Of course, it's not the end of the world if the automatic promotion places end up being out of reach, but the scary thing about the play-offs is that it can be a lottery at times.

Let's take a look at how things could pan out for Leeds and what fans could expect…

Championship Table: Latest standings for the 2024/25 season

Latest English Football League Championship standings 2024/25.

By
Stephan Georgiou

Apr 22, 2025

Leeds United's 2022/23 season

The 2022/23 season for Leeds ended up being one to forget. However, there were some memorable moments along the way, which included beating Liverpool and Chelsea. Although, there were a fair few manager changes, as Jesse Marsch, Michael Skubala, Javi Gracia and Sam Allardyce all had their turns at the helm.

Leeds' late-season collapse was what did for them as they gave up three goals in 20 minutes against Arsenal, five in slightly over 30 minutes versus Crystal Palace at home, six in 55 minutes against Liverpool, and two in five minutes against Bournemouth. Leeds broke the Premier League record for the leakiest defence in a single month as they gave up 23 goals in April alone.

After defeating Nottingham Forest at home on 4th April, they should have gained newfound energy and confidence; instead, they took two of the next 27 points available, fired their manager, and let themselves get deeper into trouble.

They ended up finishing in 19th on 31 points for the season.

Leeds in 2023/24

Leeds United got off to a very slow start in the current Championship campaign, winning just one of their first five matches. They were sent crashing out of the Carabao Cup in the second round on penalties, as Salford City sailed through.

In the FA Cup, Leeds made it all the way to the fifth round and probably should have made it further if they put their chances away, but it was Chelsea who ran out as 3-2 winners at Stamford Bridge.

However, things were transformed since the slow start in the league, as the Whites made an incredible start to 2024, going on a 12-match unbeaten run, which included a nine-game win streak in the Championship.

Unfortunately, their run-in brought about some of their worst form of the season, and after just one win in their last five games, now risk missing out on automatic promotion ahead of next weekend's final-day clash against Southampton.

When Leeds United can get promoted to the Premier League

As mentioned, Leeds are firmly in the race for promotion from the Championship. The top two go up automatically to the Premier League, with teams placed 3rd-6th entering the play-offs.

Leeds' defeat to QPR has put the onus on Ipswich to seal their fate. With Leicester assured of a place in next season's Premier League, Ipswich will join them if they can earn four points from their last six available.

With the Tractor Boys dropping points away at Hull City last week, the race is guaranteed to go to the final day. However, Kieran McKenna's side need just a point from their upcoming trip to Coventry to be in control next weekend. The Tractor Boys host the all-but-relegated Huddersfield Town, while Leeds face the tougher assignment of Southampton at Elland Road, with the Saints now certain to finish outside the top two in fourth.

Put simply, if Ipswich win their games, they will be promoted this weekend. If they fail to do so, Leeds can pounce if they slip up on the final day.

Championship play-offs 2024: Fixtures, ticket info, prize money & more

FFC looks forward to the 2023/24 Championship play-offs with all you need to know, including updated ticket information.

By
Luke Randall

May 20, 2024

Leeds United's fixtures and standings

Leeds will definitely have their promotion dream on the line on Saturday afternoon, but will be helpless to entering the play-offs if rivals Ipswich can do their own job. Daniel Farke's Whites just have to better the Tractor Boys' result on the final day to return to the Premier League at the first attempt.

Leeds United's results

Leeds' shocking result against QPR leaves promotion out of their hands, and having started the calendar year so well, their form since Easter has been horrendous for a side chasing promotion.

Having 90 points at this stage is by no means a terrible season, but they are set to miss out on automatic promotion bar a similarly catastrophic collapse from Ipswich. Looking back at some of their recent results, they will only have themselves to blame.

Leeds United's top scorers in 2023/24

Leeds have been blessed with plenty of goalscoring options in the current campaign, with seven players on five goals or above in all competitions.

Manchester City will be on alert after Jamal Musiala refused to rule out leaving Bayern Munich when his contract expires.

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• Musiala viewed as De Bruyne successor
• Bayern star's contract expires in 2026
• Man City linked with German ace

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  With City midfield maestro Kevin De Bruyne nearing the final year of his contract, the reigning Premier League champions are already looking ahead to the future. The Belgian, who has been instrumental in City's dominance over the last decade, has been linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League once his current deal expires at the Etihad Stadium in the summer of 2025 which has left Pep Guardiola looking for his successor.

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• WHAT MUSIALA SAID

  The City hierarchy believes Musiala has the talent and potential to slip into the shoes of De Bruyne and they would be excited to know that the German international has not shut the door on a future transfer to England.

  When asked about his Bayern contract, which is expiring in June 2026, Musiala told : "I'm very happy at FC Bayern and fully focused on our goals. Playing abroad like Bellingham? I'm not thinking about where I will be in five years. Things can always change quickly in the world of football."

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Musiala's rise to prominence has been meteoric. Born in Germany but raised in England, Musiala developed his footballing skills at two English clubs, Southampton and Chelsea, before returning to Germany in 2019 to join Bayern Munich’s youth setup. Within a year, Musiala had made his senior debut for Bayern and quickly established himself as a key player for the Bavarian club. Since breaking into the first team, Musiala has been nothing short of sensational. The attacking midfielder has made 166 appearances for Bayern across all competitions, contributing 44 goals and 31 assists.

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• DID YOU KNOW?

  While Musiala has been a central figure at Bayern Munich, contract negotiations between the player and the club have reportedly hit a snag. Bayern had been in discussions with Musiala over an improved deal throughout last season, but progress has reportedly stalled during the summer.

Tottenham have their eyes on a clinical new striker target for manager Ange Postecoglou, and they've been told he'll cost just £17 million to sign this summer.

Spurs still in Champions League race as Ange prepares for Chelsea

Despite their entertaining 3-2 north London derby defeat to Arsenal last weekend, where Spurs very nearly mounted a late comeback from three goals down, Postecoglou's side are still very much in the race for Champions League qualification.

Tottenham keen on "very dangerous" £315k-p/w star with club open to sale

He would be a massive statement of intent.

By
Ben Browning

May 1, 2024

The Lilywhites hold two games in hand over rivals Aston Villa as both teams battle for that coveted fourth spot, and while Unai Emery's men are seven points clear, Tottenham could narrow that gap to just one if they win their extra couple of matches.

Postecoglou will be relying on favours from one of Brighton, Liverpool or Crystal Palace, who Villa face in their remaining three games of the season, but the prospect of Champions League football is still very much alive at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Tonight, they come up against old boss Mauricio Pochettino as they prepare to face a topsy-turvy Chelsea side at Stamford Bridge, and the clash could have a crucial bearing on how Spurs finish the 2023/2024 campaign.

"For us it’s a constant evolution of overcoming different challenges we've had since then," said Postecoglou on the difference between now and the last time they faced Chelsea.

"It's fair to say that up until that point we were in good shape from a squad point of view. We had a good rhythm in terms of games. Since then we've had some disruptions in many areas and had to overcome those challenges, some well, some not so well. For the most part we've been fairly consistent.

"Chelsea, their recent form has been very good. They've got some real talent and Mauricio is an excellent manager, so I think irrespective of all of that, you're playing away from home, at their ground, it's a London derby, so you know it's going to be a tough game."

As Postecoglou attempts to guide his side to a strong finish, Spurs transfer chiefs are busy working ahead of the summer window's opening. Reports suggest that Tottenham are very keen to sign a new striker and replace Harry Kane, who departed for Bayern Munich last year.

Tottenham set sights on Kevin Denkey as Levy told bargain price tag

According to rumours from Germany, they have a new target in mind – Cercle Brugge striker Kevin Denkey. Fussball Transfers state that Tottenham are one of the contenders to sign Denkey this summer, coming after an excellent campaign, where he's bagged 26 goals in all competitions for the Belgian side.

The Togo forward, it is believed, can also leave Cercle for a fee of around £17 million – which is pretty affordable from a Spurs perspective. Still just 23-years-old, Denkey also fits the profile of a young player with plenty of potential still to be had.

Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson says their strong start to the season "doesn't count for a great deal" in the long-run after easing past Shrewsbury Town.

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• Wrexham beat Shrewsbury Town 3-0
• Welsh side go top of League One
• Parkinson downplays great start

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Goals from Ollie Palmer, Elliot Lee, and Jack Marriott secured a comfortable win against local rivals Shrewsbury at SToK Cae Ras on Saturday, lifting Wrexham to the top of League One. Despite picking up 13 points from a possible 15 so far, manager Parkinson is not getting carried away with their results this term.

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  WHAT PHIL PARKINSON SAID

  He told The Leader: “It’s a great start for us, it really is. We’re pleased but five games in now, we know it doesn’t count for a great deal. But we have to be pleased with our work so far this season and now we can take a deep breath."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Despite sealing back-to-back promotions, Wrexham were expected to struggle a bit more in League One this season. However, their flying start means that promotion to the Championship for Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney's could be a possibility – albeit it is very early in the season.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Wrexham take a break from League One action on Tuesday when they take on League Two team Salford City in the EFL Trophy, before travelling to promotion hopefuls Birmingham City in the English third-tier on Saturday.

Arsenal could sign two new strikers as manager Mikel Arteta also personally takes a real liking to one club's £60 million star.

Arsenal set sights on new nunber nine despite Havertz form

The exceptional form of 2023 signing Kai Havertz has been among the key reasons why Arsenal are still in with a shot of clinching their first Premier League title in 20 years.

Arsenal hold internal talks over signing trophy-laden £199,000-a-week ace

The Gunners are looking to shore up a key department.

By
Emilio Galantini

May 14, 2024

Tottenham ultimately failed to do Arteta any favours on Tuesday evening, as they fell to a 2-0 defeat at home to Man City, who now have one hand on their potential fourth consecutive domestic crown.

Arsenal supporters will still be ruing that spurned Son Heung-min opportunity when the South Korea star was one-v-one against Stefan Ortega, but they're still very much on City's heels heading into the final day, and now turn to David Moyes' swansong in search of a favour.

The nature of the Premier League means you cannot rule out a last second twist, as Arsenal pray that West Ham can do the business at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

Havertz is set for another key Arsenal role on the same afternoon, as the Gunners must also dispatch Everton. The German, despite early-season criticism, has really come into his own as he stars in a makeshift forward role, but will face a stern test against an improved Sean Dyche side.

Over 2023/2024, the former Bayer Leverkusen sensation has racked up 12 goals and seven assists for Arteta's side in the top flight alone, standing out as their joint-second top scorer.

However, despite Havertz's success, it is still believed that sporting director Edu is aiming to sign a classic, goalscoring number nine this summer. Arsenal are apparently set to bring in an "important" new striker, and they've been repeatedly backed to do so over the last 12 months.

Many interesting names have been linked in the last two weeks alone, and one of the most consistently mentioned frontmen is £60 million Bologna star Joshua Zirkzee. Reports in the last few days have also claimed that Arsenal appear favourites over Man United to sign Zirkzee as things stand, with Tribal Football now sharing an update of their own.

Arsenal could sign two strikers as Arteta personally eyes Zirkzee

According to their information, Arteta is a great admirer of Zirkzee and Arsenal could even sign two new strikers. Both Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah look likely to depart the Emirates Stadium, meaning Edu may have to replace both of them. Alongside Zirkzee, it is believed Arsenal are doing work on other names.

They're monitoring both RB Leipzig ace Benjamin Sesko and remain interested in Brentford star Ivan Toney, while Aston Villa forward Ollie Watkins is a far more complex option. However, it appears a move for Zirkzee may well have the most legs right now.

"Joshua is Joshua, he’s special," said Bologna boss Thiago Motta. "I hope he continues like this and I won’t compare him to anyone. He plays well but above all he works, I will never stop saying that from the first day of training camp, he has always been the first to work and has become a leader. He must continue like this and we must help him continue like this because this is on the right path.”