Anderson Talisca rescued a point for Al-Nassr in Cristiano Ronaldo's absence as the Saudi Pro League title hopefuls drew 3-3 with Al-Kholood.
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Ronaldo rested against Al-Kholood on Friday
Talisca rises to the occasion to secure a draw
Another lacklustre performance from Pioli's side
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Stefano Pioli decided to rest the big guns like Ronaldo and Marcelo Brozovic for the league fixture against the 13th-placed side and the Italian manager was almost made to pay dearly by Al-Kholood. The hosts sliced open Al-Nassr's defence with ease for the opener in the 12th minute through Myziane Maolida and though Aymeric Laporte equalised four minutes later from a corner, the Knights of Najd never looked in control. Almost against the run of play, Talisca scored from a rebound but their lead was short-lived as Maolida scored the second of his night to erase the deficit. He was provided ample time and space to lock and load and the French forward made the most of it.
Al-Nassr remained flat in the second-half as the match was craving for individual brilliance to light it up. However, without Ronaldo on the bench, they were missing that spark and Laporte's injury further complicated matters for their brittle defence. Al-Kholood made the most of their dominance and got the third with Hammam Al Hammami taking Ayman Yahya for a ride before drilling a low cross for Jackson Muleka to tap in from close range.
It seemed that Al-Nassr would concede their first defeat of the season against an inspired Al-Kholood but a late penalty saved their blushes. In the absence of Ronaldo, Talisaca stepped up to do the honours and the Brazilian converted from 12 yards deep inside stoppage time to salvage a draw for the visitors.
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THE MVP
Talisca has been receiving enough flak for his subdued performance since the start of the season, but the Brazilian delivered the goods when it mattered the most. His first strike of the night was pretty well taken, whereas, he oozed calmness and composure while dispatching the penalty at the death. Although, there remains ample scope for improvement, this performance would definitely boost his morale going ahead in the season.
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THE BIG LOSER
Questions will be asked of Pioli's methods after another insipid display. The coach must look to tighten things at the back while in attack his side lacks imagination and creativity. Otavio seemed to be the only silver lining on a day in the absence of Ronaldo. He had been fortuitous to earn that late penalty, otherwise, it would have ended in an embarrassing defeat against a side residing in the bottom half of the standings.
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WHAT COMES NEXT?
Al-Nassr will be back in action against Al-Taawoun in a King Cup of Champions fixture next on Tuesday.
Following Max Kilman's departure from Wolverhampton Wanderers last week, Gary O'Neil's side are now on the lookout for a new player to fill the void in the centre of their defence.
Wolves keen for quick Kilman replacement
Following Kilman's £40 million move to fellow Premier League side West Ham United, the higher ups at Molineux will need to move fast to replace the 27-year-old in the heart of Wolves' backline. Kilman featured in all 38 of Wovles' league games last season as his side finished fourteenth in the league.
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The English defender also captained his side in all but one Premier League outing last campaign, showing just how important he is to O'Neil's team. Whilst Kilman will be difficult to replace, the fee received for the player should go some way towards bringing in a suitable reinforcement in this area of the pitch.
Max Kilman celebrates
Reports from last month suggested that Wolves had been in contact with the representatives of Feyenoord defender Thomas Beelen. It was claimed that a fee to the tune of £17 million would be needed to prise the defender away from Rotterdam this summer.
Whilst there are yet to be any concrete links to a new centre back, recent developments suggest that Wolves could return to a target that they previously made contact with.
Wolves eye Elvedi deal this summer
As reported by Sport Witness, the German media are claiming that Wolves will make an attempt to sign Nico Elvedi from Borussia Mönchengladbach this summer. The report suggests that the Swiss defender is on the Midlands outfit's agenda for the second straight summer, having allegedly even agreed contract details with the 27-year-old last year.
nico-elvedi-premier-league-everton-transfers
Wolves should have no issue getting the transfer over the line if they really want it, as the report claims that the Swiss central defender has a release clause of a little over £8.5 million inserted into his contract.
Elvedi featured 30 times in the Bundesliga last season and was called up to Switzerland's squad for Euro 2024. Whilst the defender failed to make an appearance during the tournament, the player is still held in high regard in his home nation.
Whilst nobody is expecting Elvedi to slip straight into Kilman's place at Molineux, there is still no doubt that the 27-year-old would be a great asset for O'Neil's side going into the next campaign.
English referees were slammed as "the worst in football" after PSV's Champions League goal was allowed to stand following a controversial throw-in.
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PSV took just 14 minutes to score against Girona
A long throw from Tillman set up Ryan Flamingo
Replays showed VAR was right to award goal
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WHAT HAPPENED?
The Dutch champions hosted the Spanish side at Philips Stadium, and while the fixture was anticipated for its competitive edge, the conversation quickly shifted to the officiating after a disputed throw-in resulted in a PSV goal. The controversy unfolded in the 16th minute when PSV defender Ryan Flamingo headed in a goal from a long throw delivered by Malik Tillman. While the home crowd celebrated the early lead, many fans questioned whether Tillman's throw-in was even legal as it seemed that the USMNT star had stepped over the white line.
Later on, Ismael Saibari had a strike ruled out after appearing to stand on a defender's foot while dribbling into the penalty area. Again, this was met with frustration on social media at the standard of officiating.
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WHAT THE FANS ARE SAYING
Regarding Flamingo's goal, @TheonlyDG wrote: "David Coote has just allowed a goal for PSV from a blatant foul throw 😂 PGMOL officials stink."
Meanwhile, a United fan, @United4Life_20, wrote: "English officiating proving to be absolutely shocking once again, clear as day foul throw and David Coote on VAR giving the goal. Abysmal, shocking, embarrassing, pure incompetence. They need to be held accountable this is unacceptable #VAR #UCL @UEFA @FA_PGMOL @premierleague."
@N_Macca74 echoed these thoughts and wrote: "David Coote fks up again on VAR….foul throw and PSV score directly from it. We really have got the worst officials in football."
@roguedr0id wrote: "VAR in PSV game asleep? Shocking."
Whereas, @AVFCJoshuaa wrote: "How has that goal even stood?!?! He’s miles on the pitch when he takes the throw?! DAVID COOTE ON VAR 😠WE ARE COOKED."
When Saibari's effort was disallowed, @footballmurph wrote: "That is a shocking decision against PSV for the 3rd goal. The player has the ball and shields himself off a CB. Defender falls over theatrically and VAR call the goal off. I give up! English officials. Would have thought a more physical view on the game and less falling about.
@MissSimber2, meanwhile, sarcastically commented: "One of the worst VAR decisions I’ve seen for a long time in the PSV v Girona game. Surprised to see it’s the English officials involved."
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
After considerable scrutiny, the first goal was ultimately permitted to stand, a decision attributed to the exact positioning of Tillman’s feet during the throw. Upon review, it was noted that Tillman's rear studs remained on the line, technically making the throw legal according to FIFA rules. However, Saibari's strike remains subject of debate.
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DID YOU KNOW?
Flamingo’s goal, though shrouded in controversy, marked a milestone for PSV. His strike made him the first Dutch player to score with his maiden shot on target in the Champions League. Additionally, the goal carried historical significance as it became only the second goal ever scored by a Dutch team in the competition directly from a throw-in situation. The previous instance dates back to 2003 when PSV capitalised on a similar play against Deportivo de La Coruna.
Moreira is the third member of the Crew, and fourth-overall honoree and winner of the award across the club's history
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Crew's Moreira wins MLS Defender of Year
Was named 2024 MLS All-Star
Helped club to Leagues Cup title
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WHAT HAPPENED?
MLS has named Columbus Crew centerback Steven Moreira as their recipient of the 2024 Defender of the Year award. The 30-year-old was an integral part of Wilfried Nancy's squad that made it to the final of the Concacaf Champions Cup, earned the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference in the playoffs and won the 2024 Leagues Cup.
Inter Miami defender Jordi Alba came second in voting, while Seattle Sounders Jackson Ragen came in third.
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
The Crew conceded just 29 goals (1.2 goals per-game) when Moreira started (23 of his 27 matches were starts), and claimed six of their 10 shutouts with him on the pitch this season. He ranked second in defenders among goal-contributions this season as well, scoring twice and recording six assists.
He joins Chad Marshall (2008, 2009) and Robin Fraser (2004) as the winners of the award from the Crew organization.
He claimed 32.4 percent of the media vote, 13.92 percent of the player vote and 9.38 percent of the club vote to earn a total voting percentage of 18.57 percent. Alba narrowly trailed with 15.5 percent of the total vote while Ragen was behind with 8.85 percent.
DID YOU KNOW?
During Cape Verde's phenomenal Africa Cup of Nations run in early 2024, Moreira started four out of their five matches as they reached the semifinals of the competition. The defender played a key role in their performance during the tournament.
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WHAT NEXT FOR MOREIRA
The Crew are now in offseason mode as they prepare for the 2025 campaign after exiting the playoffs in Round One after falling to the New York Red Bulls. Moreira and Co. will return to the pitch in the new year for preseason.
Everton Football Club have a long history of American footballers playing at their club. They have had three notable Americans at their club during the Premier League era, with one in particular who would no doubt be considered a club legend at Goodison Park.
Goalkeeper Tim Howard played for Everton 414 times, a position that ranks him ninth in the most appearances in the club's history, and second for the most Premier League appearances for the Toffees. During his nine-year stint at Goodison Park, Howard kept 134 clean sheets and represented his side in Europe as well as domestically.
The other two notable Americans to have represented the Toffees are centre-forward Joe-Max Moore, and legendary USMNT midfielder Landon Donovan. Moore played 61 times for Everton, scoring ten goals during that time, whilst Donovan played for the Toffees for just two seasons, scoring twice and grabbing nine assists in just 22 games.
With this history of American footballers playing at Goodison Park, it seems unsurprising that, for their final season at the historic stadium, the Toffees are linked with a current USMNT player, who has already played in the Premier League during his career.
Everton target Onana replacement
The player in question here is Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie. The 25-year-old, who was born in Texas, could depart Juven this summer after new manager Thiago Motta looks to clear out much of his squad. The Premier League could offer McKennie a destination, particularly with the Toffees hunting for a replacement for Amadou Onana as he gets set to move to Aston Villa in a £50m deal.
According to reports from Italy, Everton have made contact with the Italian giants to 'ask for info' on potentially adding the 26-year-old midfielder to their squad this summer. The American is not in the Turin club's plans and will be allowed to leave.
Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie
Everton are not necessarily the only destination for the midfielder. According to Italian outlet, Gazzetta, David Beckham's Inter Miami want to recruit McKennie in a deal that would see him link up with Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez.
The Old Lady are 'working to sell him' during the summer transfer window, having already moved on several players so far this summer. A price for McKennie has not yet been named by Juve. However, he could cost Sean Dyche's team around £19m, a number which is consistent with his value, according to Football Transfers.
Why McKennie would be a good signing
Despite the fact McKennie is viewed as a sellable asset by Juventus this summer, he still had an important role under former manager Massimiliano Allegri last season. He played 38 games in all competitions last season and registered ten assists, which included seven in Serie A.
McKennie creative numbers vs. Juve teammates
Stat
Number
Rank
Assists
7
1st
Expected assists
3.16xA
6th
Big chances created
5
4th
Key passes per game
1.2
3rd
Stats from Sofascore (2023/24 Serie A)
Given his impressive assist record, McKennie could form an excellent link-up with Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin. The England international scored seven goals in 32 Premier League games for Everton last season.
The American averaged 0.97 passes into the penalty box and 0.38 crosses into the penalty box per game last term, with the latter ranking him in the top 9% of midfielders throughout Europe, as per Fbref. Given McKennie's impressive creative stats, and Calvert-Lewin's instinct in the penalty box, the two could form a deadly duo in the final third.
Weston McKennie for Leeds United
Football talent scout Jacek Kulig called McKennie "underrated", and given his proficiency in the final third, it is clear to see why. Also hailed as an "incredible" player by Jesse Marsch, the midfielder would ba a cheaper alternative to Onana, but one who still brings quality in the middle of the park. Vitally, this could see the birth of an exciting new partnership with Calvert-Lewin.
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The club are still trying to bolster their forward line this summer.
Dejan Kulusevski has been a brilliant addition to Tottenham Hotspur since his £25m move to north London from Juventus back in the summer of 2023.
The club decided to sign him permanently after his impressive 18-month loan stint for the club that saw the Swedish international register seven goals and 16 assists in his 57 appearances.
He finished last campaign as the club’s third top scorer behind Heung-min Son and Richarlison, helping Ange Postecoglou’s side secure a fifth-placed Premier League finish, qualifying for the Europa League.
Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou.
Postecoglou has conducted some shrewd business since arriving at Spurs last summer, signing players such as Micky van de Ven and Brennan Johnson, with both talents now integral parts of his squad.
He has the opportunity to strengthen his squad once more during the ongoing transfer window, potentially repeating a deal for a player who could follow in the footsteps of Kulusevski at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Spurs seeking attacking reinforcements
As reported by Caught Offside earlier this week, Spurs have made contact with the agent of Juventus winger Federico Chiesa over a potential move to north London this summer.
Juventus forward Federico Chiesa.
The 26-year-old could be available for just €25m (£21m) during the off-season, with his current contract in Italy set to expire at the end of the 2024/25 campaign.
The report also states that Postecoglou’s side have offered to match his current €6m-a-year contract, but face competition from Chelsea and Newcastle United in the race for his signature.
Only a handful of years ago, Chiesa was lighting up the European Championships, scoring two goals in his four starts for Italy, but just a handful of years on, he could be set for a bargain move to the Premier League, following Kulusevski in a move to the white side of north London.
Why Chiesa could be Kulusevski 2.0 for Spurs
Whilst the obvious comparison that could be drawn is that they would’ve joined from the same side, the pair also have a lot of similarities when comparing their respective playstyles.
Dejan Kulusevski after defeat for Tottenham
Following his initial move to Spurs in January 2022, Kulusevski found himself at home off the right-hand side, often cutting inside onto his left foot and often finding the back of the net.
The “sensational” Chiesa, as described by journalist Adam Digby, also tends to operate in a similar way, but off the left flank, with his goal for Italy in the Euros an example of the quality he possesses when given the space.
However, when looking at his stats from Serie A last season, it’s evident that the £21m fee touted for his services would be an absolute bargain – potentially helping Ange’s side mount a push for a Champions League spot next campaign.
In his 33 league outings last season, the Italian registered an average of 4.8 shot-creating actions and 1.4 successful take-ons per 90 – demonstrating his quality in getting past defenders and either getting a shot off or finding a teammate.
Federico Chiesa's Serie A stats per 90 (2023/24)
Statistics
Tally
Games played
33
Goals + assists
11
Shot-creating actions
4.8
Progressive passes
2.9
Progressive carries
4.6
Successful take-ons
1.4
Key passes
2.2
Stats via FBref
He also managed an average of 2.2 key passes, with 4.6 progressive carries, with Chiesa loving to drive forward with the ball whenever possible, but also having the end product – a part of Spurs’ play that was lacking for large spells of the campaign.
Whilst they may face stiff competition for his signature this summer, the Juventus forward would be a statement signing for Postecoglou’s side, potentially giving them the added attacking threat they’ve desired in recent months.
It could also allow Kulusevski – who has 34 goals and assists in 96 games for the club – to reach the next level in north London, with the duo able to form a deadly partnership on either wing and boost Spurs’ chances of ending their 16-year wait for a trophy.
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Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has revealed that they have opened talks with tech giants Apple over an 'infinite Santiago Bernabeu' project.
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Real Madrid facing ticket availability issues
Perez reveals 'infinite Santiago Bernabeu' plans
Los Blancos open talks with Apple over project
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WHAT HAPPENED?
Real Madrid and Apple are negotiating the creation of specially created and curated Vision Pro glasses experience that would allow supporters to watch the game from the comfort of their own homes. Los Blancos president Perez confirmed the plans to work on ticket availability issues on Friday.
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
The initiative aims to address the issue of limited season tickets, as demand exceeds supply. Real Madrid is attempting a novel solution to the issue as they are in talks with Apple to develop the "Infinite Santiago Bernabeu," an immersive augmented reality experience that will allow supporters to enjoy the game from the comfort of their own homes.
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WHAT PEREZ SAID
Speaking at a club assembly on Friday, Perez said: "It's a problem. Everyone wants to come to the Santiago Bernabeu and that's why we're negotiating with Apple about being able to put on glasses and watch the game as if you were in the stadium, it would be the infinite Santiago Bernabeu."
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WHAT NEXT FOR REAL MADRID?
With talks still underway and how complicated the project will be for both Apple and Real Madrid to work on, it may be a while before this vision can actually come to life. Los Blancos will take on Leganes later today at Estadio Municipal de Butarque.
Celtic are set to continue trimming their squad ahead of the new season, and have made a trio available this summer as they look to hand Brendan Rodgers a side capable of competing in the Champions League next season.
Celtic slow on transfer front
It has not been quite the summer many Celtic fans envisioned following their Scottish Premiership and Cup double last season, with the club having done little more than what was necessary so far.
Rodgers' side have confirmed the arrival of one former Premier League winner to replace another, with Kasper Schmeichel arriving on a one-year-deal in place of the retired Joe Hart.
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They have also added another goalkeeper to their ranks, with Finnish shot-stopper Viljami Sinisalo arriving from Aston Villa. The 22-year-old is considered very much one for the future at Celtic Park.
Meanwhile, the rest of the summer has seen the Bhoys chasing permanent deals for their successful loanees and trimming their squad, with Hyeon-gyu Oh and Sead Haksabanovic both having departed. One player who looks set to arrive is Paulo Bernardo, with Rodgers admitting after the 4-1 thrashing of Chelsea in pre-season that he "hopes" to have the Portuguese midfielder among his ranks sooner rather than later.
“I hope so. You want to have them in as soon as you possibly can. Their current group is working very hard in their own right and we’ll improve the squad over the course of the window.”
As things stand though, their focus is on outgoings and three players have been put up for sale in a bid to trim the squad.
£30,000 a week trio put up for sale
That comes as Football Insider reveal that three Celtic defenders are allowed to leave this summer, either on loan or permanently before the end of the transfer window.
Fringe pair Gustaf Lagerbielke and Yuki Kobayashi are both deemed surplus to requirements 12 months on from their arrivals, with the latter failing to make an appearance across the 2023/24 campaign for Rodgers' side.
Lagerbielke managed 10 appearances, but those appearances totalled just over 500 minutes across all competitions, and he is clearly not favoured by the Celtic boss.
Celtic defenderGustaf Lagerbielke.
Perhaps most surprisingly, fellow centre-back Stephen Welsh has also been put up for sale, and the report claims that "loan and permanent bids will be accepted for the three players" as Celtic look to overhaul the heart of their defence amid links to Burnley's Dara O'Shea.
Appearances for Celtic 23/24
Stephen Welsh
Yuki Kobayashi
Gustaf Lagerbielke
Appearances
14
0
10
Goals/Assists
0
0
1
Yellow Cards
1
0
1
The trio's departures would be a financial boost for the Hoops, with the defenders taking home more than £30,000-a-week as things stand.
But it will likely leave Celtic needing reinforcements ahead of the new season, with the exits leaving just Cameron Carter-Vickers, Liam Scales and Maik Nawrocki as options in the heart of the defence. Should they leave, Celtic fans may see their own transfer business heat up between now and deadline day.
Manchester United are set to allow Christian Eriksen to depart on a free transfer when his contract expires in the summer.
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United to let Eriksen depart for nothing
Midfielder started Amorim's first game
United linked with Douglas Luiz move
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WHAT HAPPENED?
The news that the Danish midfielder's contract will be allowed to expire may come as a surprise given Eriksen started Ruben Amorim's first game in charge against Ipswich last weekend.
Eriksen has never truly nailed down a consistent place in the starting 11 at Old Trafford since his switch following a successful spell with Brentford and does not appear to have much of a future in Manchester, according to Florian Plettenberg.
The new United boss will be keen to move on from the 32-year-old and is already lining up alternatives.
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
United's problems in the centre of the park are not a new phenomenon and were a crippling issue throughout Erik ten Hag's time in charge of the Red Devils. Manuel Ugarte's big-money move from Paris Saint-Germain has not quite clicked yet and with the talented Kobbie Mainoo still young, Amorim will be eager to make some bolstering moves in the transfer window. They have been linked with a deal for Juventus' Douglas Luiz, although the Old Lady favour a deal that sees Joshua Zirkzee move the other way.
DID YOU KNOW?
Eriksen started both Amorim and Ten Hag's first Premier League games in charge. United slumped to a 2-1 defeat at home to Brighton in Ten Hag's first game and improved slightly to draw 1-1 with Ipswich under Amorim. With Eriksen set to depart at the end of the season, it is unlikely he will start the first Premier League game of Amorim's successor – but who knows?
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WHAT NEXT FOR ERIKSEN?
Eriksen has not been linked with a transfer and Amorim will likely rely on his experience in his first few months in charge so it is unlikely the Dane will depart from the club in a transfer in January. He will continue to play a squad role until the end of the season when his contract expires and he will be free to choose his next club.
Although Arsenal suffered a defeat at the hands of Liverpool in the early hours of this morning, so far, their pre-season has been going relatively well.
Mikel Arteta survived the US tour without any significant injuries to his squad. He's also been able to give valuable first-team minutes to a host of Hale End prospects while finally announcing Riccardo Calafiori's signing to the world.
The Italian is the first major addition to the first team this summer, although, based on reports, Mikel Merino should be signing for the club any day now, which would be another impressive addition to the team.
However, Edu Gaspar and Co aren't quite done there. The club have also been heavily linked with another exciting star who could be the perfect man to replace Reiss Nelson and who may well have a better left foot than both Calafiori and Merino.
Arsenal transfer news
According to a report from Thursday's print edition of The Sun via Sky Sports, Arsenal are keen to sign Bayern Munich star Leroy Sané this summer.
In fact, the report claims that this is a move spearheaded by Arteta, likely due to his previous relationship with the player, and that the German would be willing to 'swap Bavaria for north London.'
No price is mentioned, but previous reports have revealed that offers in the region of £40m should be enough to tempt FC Hollywood into selling the winger this summer.
It wouldn't be a cheap transfer, but with it looking like Nelson will leave this summer, Sane would be the perfect upgrade, and his left foot is even deadlier than Calafiori and Merino's.
How Sane compares to Nelson and his wicked left-foot
Okay, so before we compare Sane to Nelson, let's examine this brilliant left foot of his as if he does join this summer, he'll have to compete with Merino and Calafiori for the title of best left foot at the club.
samuel-iling-junior-leroy-sane-tottenham-opinion
So, the first thing to look at are his statistics from his time in the Premier League, and when we do that, it becomes abundantly clear why people like journalist Tom Young have described the German's left foot as being "like a traction engine."
For example, in his 90 league appearances, he scored 25 goals, and a whopping 23 of them came off of his left boot, with just one coming off his right. How he scored that last one is anyone's guess.
However, while it's fun to wax lyrical about the German's incredible left peg, let's look at how his underlying numbers stack up to Nelson's.
Well, unsurprisingly, it's an emphatic win for the former Manchester City ace, as he comes out way ahead in every relevant metric, such as non-penalty expected goals plus assists, actual non-penalty goals plus assists, progressive passes and carries, shots and shots on target, shot and goal-creating actions, and successful take-ons, all per 90.
Sane vs Nelson
Stats per 90
Sane
Nelson
Non-Penalty Expected Goals + Assists
0.75
0.33
Non-Penalty Goals + Assists
0.62
0.41
Progressive Passes
4.21
3.06
Progressive Carries
4.97
3.06
Shots
2.88
2.48
Shots on Target
1.15
0.28
Shot-Creating Actions
5.41
4.65
Goal-Creating Actions
0.71
0.40
Successful Take-Ons
3.76
1.63
All Stats via FBref for 23/24 Season
Ultimately, if Arsenal can get their hands on Sane for a reasonable fee this summer, signing him as the upgrade on Nelson seems like a no-brainer, as he beats the Englishman in practically every comparison and by quite some way at that.
Moreover, if he can rekindle the form he showed under Arteta at the Etihad, the Gunners would have a genuinely exceptional winger on their hands, a winger with a wand for a left foot.
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