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Ex-BBC pundit turned Leeds United ambassador Noel Whelan has backed defender Stuart Dallas to make a return from his serious injury sooner rather than later.

The Lowdown: Dallas out for the foreseeable

The 31-year-old’s season came to a premature end after a horrific leg injury in the Whites’ 4-0 defeat against Manchester City back in April, and he has since undergone surgery.

Despite a successful operation though, there are still plenty of fears surrounding the player’s future after a Leeds source revealed to Football Insider just last week that the Northern Irishman could miss the entirety of next season as a result of a femoral fracture.

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The Latest: Whelan backs early return

Whelan admitted that whilst Dallas is set to face plenty of challenges throughout his rehabilitation period, but he is urging the 56-cap international to surprise medics with his recovery and even suspects he is already back in the dressing room.

He told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “Any long-term injury is a challenge, more so mentally and emotionally as well. You want to be taking part out there with the lads, fighting with them out on the field, especially with the predicament we’re in.

“It’s something out the blue for Stuart, he’s never really gone through a long-term injury before.

“I’m sure he’ll be in the changing room trying to give his opinions and gee the lads on. That’s fantastic but look, it is demoralising when you get a really long injury. Any injury is hard to take. Whether it’s a hamstring, a tear, a small fracture. Long term, it can take its toll on you mentally.

“But the good thing is that we’re near the end of the season. It gives him that six to eight weeks to kind of get his rehab under his belt. He’s had the operation, it’s now a healing process.

“At the end of the season, it’s nice to be away from the club so you can put your feet up, you can go on holiday. Yes, you’re injured but I think getting away from football at times is not a bad thing when you have a long-term injury, just to clear your mind.”

“Reflect, get your head into a good place and know that you’re gonna be working very hard to get back fitter and stronger like he says. There’s no doubt about it, he will. He’s one of these people that is very honest, he will put the hard work in, the graft.

“Knowing Stuart Dallas he will probably be back sooner rather than later because of that determination that he has in his mind.”

The Verdict: Focusing on the future

The £53k-per-week star having to miss the final three games of the season will come as a huge blow to Jesse Marsch, who will know just how much of an instrumental part Dallas plays in his starting XI.

Prior to picking up his injury, the 5 foot 9 colossus was averaging 2.7 tackles, 1.7 interceptions, and 1.4 dribbles per top-flight game, via WhoScored, showing that he can be effective both defensively and offensively going forward in that wing-back role.

Dallas, who was once dubbed as an “outstanding” player by BBC pundit Alan Shearer, will no doubt be absolutely gutted that he won’t be able to play any further part in trying to help the Whites maintain their Premier League status, but the most important thing for him now is to focus on his recovery so that he can be back fighting fit on that Elland Road pitch again as soon as possible.

In other news… a talkSPORT pundit has claimed that one Leeds ace appears to be ‘losing his head’.

West Ham have received a huge boost as David Moyes revealed an injury update which will be sure to please the club’s supporters.

Moyes is optimistic that Issa Diop will return before the end of the season as the Hammers approach some crunch fixtures in their hunt for Europa League glory and the quest to secure a possible top-six spot in the Premier League.

Diop missed the recent matches against Eintracht Frankfurt and Chelsea due to an ankle injury, with West Ham losing both in what could be damaging defeats for their respective aspirations in the season’s run-in.

Moyes will want to have him back as soon as possible, with the Scot stating prior to today’s clash against Arsenal: “Issa is making a really good recovery and there’s always an outside chance he’ll be back before the end of the season.”

Fans will be buzzing with Diop update

Diop has a seasonal rating of 6.69 on SofaScore, and despite him just playing 13 Premier League matches, West Ham have only lost three games this year while the Frenchman has featured. Also, figures from WhoScored highlight his no-nonsense defensive nature, with his match average of 3.2 clearances the third-highest in Moyes’ squad.

At 25 years of age, he has the potential to be part of the furniture at the London Stadium for a few years yet. With Angelo Ogbonna out until next season with a serious injury, Kurt Zouma also encountering injury problems and Craig Dawson the wrong side of 30, there appears to be an opportunity for Diop to establish himself for the Irons in the long-term.

Moyes might always be seeking to improve the West Ham squad, but he has no excuse not to make use of the Frenchman whenever he can for the rest of the season, particularly with such a sparsity of options at centre-back.

This injury update will be good news for supporters who ideally will want to see a clean bill of health, and hopefully Diop can play some part in the last few matches of the season.

AND in other news: “No agreement…”: Fabrizio Romano drops huge West Ham update, Moyes will be fuming

Sunderland’s extremely impressive start to life back in the Premier League has been built on a very strong defensive spine.

Indeed, the well-drilled Black Cats have only given up 11 goals across the 12 games they’ve played since dramatically returning to the big time, with five wins also coming their way.

Robin Roefs, in particular, has stood out as a top-drawer summer recruit in between the sticks, while Daniel Ballard has made the jump to the top-flight look routine, too, winning a commanding 6.3 duels per match across his seven Premier League starts.

This defensive doggedness is very unlike-Sunderland, when you look back at the woes they are used to experiencing at the foot of the top-flight table.

Still, even when times were consistently tough and bleak, previous club captain John O’Shea managed to stand out as a commanding force.

O'Shea's hero status at Sunderland

The Black Cats would have felt they’d won themselves a coup when O’Shea arrived through the door in 2011, having picked up 394 appearances for Manchester United during Sir Alex Ferguson’s heyday as a manager, before coming to the Stadium of Light.

The revered manager would even hail him as a “great professional”, despite his importance to the Red Devils’ cause sometimes slipping under the radar, with the Wearside outfit managing to win the five-time Premier League winner for just a reported £3m.

He would turn into a relegation fighter quickly, though, in his new surroundings, with his determined displays, matched by his knack of being in the right place at the right time to pop up with a big goal, making him a fan favourite from the get-go.

One of his former Sunderland bosses in Martin O’Neill, would go as far as to say he had “enormous” respect for the veteran defender, with the Irishman only absent from 18 league contests during his first four seasons at the club, all of which ended up in Sunderland surviving.

Unfortunately, the latter years of his Black Cats journey would culminate in a relegation down to the Championship, but he is still fondly remembered to his day for being a dependable giant.

In the current Sunderland ranks, it could be argued that the forceful Ballard – coming in at a 6-foot-2 frame – is most similar to O’Shea in his Stadium of Light prime, with two important goals already next to his name this season.

However, a different member of Le Bris’ rigid backline has caught the eye in this regard…

Sunderland's new John O'Shea

Sunderland might not be struggling against the drop this season, but that doesn’t mean certain members of Le Bris’ camp don’t still evoke similarities to heroes of the Black Cats’ recent past.

Like O’Shea, Nordi Mukiele would have been viewed as a statement deal for Sunderland to secure this summer when leaving Paris St Germain behind, having accumulated a hefty 200 appearances in both the Bundesliga and Ligue 1, before embarking on a fresh Premier League challenge.

For just £12m, too, Mukiele has now gone down as a steal similar to O’Shea, only costing £3m, with the Frenchman visibly at the peak of his career, donning Sunderland red and white.

The £100k-per-week fighter has jaw-droppingly beaten Ballard in the duels won count total so far for the season, with a mighty 7.6 duels won on average to date, among other impressive numbers, making him a regular from minute one of his Stadium of Light stay.

Games played

10

Goals scored

1

Assists

1

Touches*

63.7

Accurate passes*

29.9 (79%)

Clearances*

6.6

Total duels won*

7.6

Clean sheets

3

With a goal and assist also next to his name, alongside collecting three clean sheets, Mukiele has managed to stand out as a well-rounded performer for Le Bris and Co. so far, away from just being seen as a “colossus” in physical duels, as per the words of Sky Sports’ journalist Andy Sixsmith.

Mukiele will be aiming for a long career in the Premier League now, past just a standout debut season, to become even more like O’Shea, with his levels never dropping for the Black Cats so far, already putting him on the same pedestal as the “always solid” Irishman, as both Rio Ferdinand and Owen Hargreaves labelled him recently.

It could also be argued, like O’Shea, Mukiele’s determined performances have gone somewhat unnoticed to the neutral, next to Granit Xhaka stealing the spotlight for his equally combative showings.

But, if he were to be a vital part of the defence that saw Sunderland pick up a mid-table finish, or even higher, right after promotion, he would surely be handed his flowers, as a new batch of heroes begin to emerge on Wearside.

Le Bris can end £7m star's Sunderland career by signing Guendouzi

This Sunderland leader will surely be shown the exit door if Matteo Guendouzi does join Regis Le Bris’ ranks.

ByKelan Sarson Nov 26, 2025

While Liverpool began to show notable chinks in the armour before the international break, Manchester City looked to be back to their frightening best, after initially wobbling at the very start of the new Premier League campaign.

Since suffering two defeats in a row in August, Pep Guardiola’s men have gone on to win five matches in all competitions, amid a seven-game unbeaten streak that included a comprehensive 3-0 drubbing of Ruben Amorim’s Red Devils in yet another one-sided Manchester Derby.

Unsurprisingly, Erling Haaland has been City’s reliable goal machine once more as they now sit just three points shy of the Premier League summit.

With a goal next to his name in the break too for Norway, it looks very unlikely – moving forward – that the lethal 25-year-old will suddenly suffer a dip in form, as he only looks to strengthen his tag as City’s main marksman even more.

Erling Haaland's unbelievable start to the season

Staggeringly, Haaland can now boast an other-worldly tally of 19 goals across his last ten games for club and country, with wild claims from the Spanish media once upon a time that he is a “cyborg” in front of goal very much ringing true.

Nine of those efforts have come in the bread and butter of the Premier League this season, with this effort against Brentford last time out – which was put away with strength and class in equal measure – taking the robotic 25-year-old to an absurd 94 goals in total in the punishing division.

Of course, there will be slight worries about his injury record and whether that could derail this unbelievable stretch of form down the line, with Haaland going on to miss 21 games overall across City’s last two seasons, owing to injury concerns popping up.

Having sat out Norway’s last friendly contest, though, he should be sharp and ready to return to Premier League action very soon as the notorious goalscoring beast he is.

Amazingly, despite reaching these superhuman levels for the Citizens, there is another player at Guardiola’s disposal who has been compared to his insane levels.

Man City have found the "Haaland of defenders"

In all fairness, while Haaland does often steal the headlines for his ridiculous goalscoring prowess, City’s recent spree of Premier League title wins – before Arne Slot’s Liverpool took over – wasn’t all just down to the individual brilliance of the number nine.

Indeed, football is a team sport after all, with Haaland no doubt blessed to have lined up alongside the likes of Bernardo Silva, Kevin De Bruyne, and many other sublime attacking partners since joining the illustrious club in 2022.

Yet, it’s Josko Gvardiol who has been dubbed the “Haaland of defenders” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, with the Croat very rarely looking out of place in City’s first-team set-up himself, since leaving the Bundesliga behind in 2023, much like his Nordic teammate’s route.

In total, now for Guardiola’s giants, the ex-RB Leipzig warrior has picked up 103 appearances across three seasons, with one performance during his debut campaign in England even seeing ex-footballer Steph Houghton refer to the Zagreb-born star as “flawless.”

Games played

69

Minutes played

5947

Goals scored

9

Assists

2

Pass accuracy

4524 (90%)

Duels won

309

He has certainly looked composed and assured this season, even when things haven’t entirely gone City’s way, with an unerring pass accuracy averaged this campaign in league action coming in at a high 91%.

Similarly, Haaland has never looked fazed by City dropping points here and there, with the ice-cold number nine actually benefitting from a superb Gvardiol through ball against Brentford to seal that 1-0 win.

Also, despite being a defender by trade, the much-loved number 24 has very much proven to be a hit in terms of popping up with a big goal on occasion.

Of course, he is nowhere near Haaland’s extraordinary ability in this department, but the Croat did suddenly spark into life at the close of his debut season when scoring four goals across his team’s last seven games to secure a Premier League title triumph.

As City attempt to lick their wounds and challenge for Premier League titles once more, Guardiola will know he needs Gvardiol to be this exceptional version of himself across the rest of the challenging top-flight marathon, alongside an equally untouchable Haaland.

Man City duo who "enjoy playing together" are the new Aguero and Dzeko

Sergio Agüero and Edin Džeko are arguably Manchester City’s best-ever strike partnership.

ByBen Gray Oct 15, 2025

Liverpool haven’t been at their best in the Premier League this season, and yet Arne Slot and his squad have claimed five wins from five, sitting pretty five points clear at the top.

However, Saturday presents a tough test, all right, with Crystal Palace awaiting the Reds at Selhurst Park. Under Oliver Glasner, Palace have been transformed, winning the Europa League and the Community Shield (against Liverpool) in 2025.

The Eagles have yet to click into gear in an attacking sense this term, but neither have they been leaking goals. No side have conceded fewer strikes than their two this term.

Marc Guehi has helped shape this successful start to the season, with his move to Anfield falling through on deadline day. To breach his backline, Liverpool’s frontline will need to be sharp and fluent, but they will have to do it without the in-form Hugo Ekitike.

Ekitike misses trip to Selhurst Park

Ekitike has been in fine fettle since signing for Liverpool this summer, having posted five goals and an assist for the Merseysiders, less than two months after making his debut.

The latest of which, sadly, saw him sent off, shown a second yellow after removing his shirt in celebration for scoring the winner against Southampton in the Carabao Cup.

Ekitike will be missed, not least because record signing Alexander Isak is not yet considered to be totally match fit.

However, Federico Chiesa is enjoying a resurgence in his second season at the club, and Slot suggested in his pre-match presser that the Italian could play an important role at the weekend.

It’s unlikely that Chiesa would start the game over Isak, who scored his first goal for the club on Tuesday, but he is bound to see some second-half action.

And given Liverpool’s proclivity and need for last-minute winners this year, it’s likely he’ll be expected to contribute strongly. However, Slot may have an even more exciting super-sub he could call upon.

Slot's Liverpool super-sub

Chiesa came up trumps on the opening day of the Premier League season, putting Liverpool back in front as they snuffed out a brave Bournemouth comeback.

However, Rio Ngumoha’s winning goal at St. James’ Park one match later was more emphatic still, with the 16-year-old writing his name into the division’s record books and rubber-stamping his prodigious reputation.

Described as a “phenomenal talent” by his former youth coach Saul Isaksson-Hurst, who also stressed he has the natural talent to challenge for the Ballon d’Or one day, Ngumoha’s rise has come at the expense of Liverpool signing a new left winger, having parted ways with Luis Diaz in August.

That bears testament to his skills, all right, having featured four times in total this term, starting against Saints in midweek.

With electric pace and a directness and drive that bespeaks his precocious qualities, Ngumoha will not be afraid to help steer Liverpool over the line against an undefeated Palace team who would relish causing another upset after lifting the Community Shield at Liverpool’s expense.

1

James Vaughan

16 yrs, 8 months, 27 days

2

James Milner

16 yrs, 11 months, 22 days

3

Wayne Rooney

16 yrs, 11 months, 25 days

4

Rio Ngumoha

16 yrs, 11 months, 26 days

5

Cesc Fabregas

17 yrs, 3 months, 21 days

He’s already got one Premier League strike to his name this season, and if Liverpool find themselves pressing against the Palace ramparts in the final stages, searching for another late winner, it wouldn’t be too much of a surprise if Ngumoha enters the fray and finds the space and time to make something happen.

This kid is the real deal, after all.

Now worth more than Guehi: Liverpool lost "superstar” for less than Quansah

Liverpool must regret parting ways with this iconic Jurgen Klopp talent.

ByAngus Sinclair Sep 26, 2025

Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke did not get his wish for more quality at the top end of the pitch in the final few days of the summer transfer window.

The former Norwich City tactician made it clear, after the 0-0 draw with Newcastle United in the Premier League, that his team needed reinforcements up front.

Farke said: “In defence and midfield, goalkeeper position and full-back position, we’ve done really good business. But we spoke quite open and honest about it, we would need to add some more quality up front.”

The board were unable to get any deals over the line after those comments from the German boss, although they did try to get a deal done for Harry Wilson on deadline day before Fulham pulled the plug at the last minute.

In the end, Leeds added three attacking players to their squad during the summer transfer window: Lukas Nmecha, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, and Noah Okafor.

The Switzerland international, Okafor, was the only player they paid a fee for, as strikers Nmecha and Calvert-Lewin both arrived as free agents.

Why Leeds United signed Dominic Calvert-Lewin

It is easy to understand why the former England international was an attractive target for the club when they sat down and discussed who they wanted to target in the transfer market.

Calvert-Lewin left Everton at the end of June after his contract with the Premier League side expired, which meant that he was available on a free transfer and Leeds did not have to shell out millions on a transfer fee.

The 28-year-old marksman also had 249 appearances in the Premier League under his belt, per Transfermarkt, during his time with the Toffees, scoring 57 goals and providing 18 assists.

On paper, Calvert-Lewin’s availability and experience made him a very attractive target for a team that had just been promoted to the top-flight from the Championship.

However, the English forward was also available on a free transfer for a reason. His injury record in recent seasons with Everton did not make for great reading.

24/25

2

15

23/24

3

6

22/23

4

29

21/22

2

33

As you can see in the table above, Calvert-Lewin has not been a reliable player over the last four years because he has suffered too many injuries, and missed too many matches.

On top of that, the former Sheffield United striker has underperformed his xG by 25.20 goals (57 goals from 82.20 xG) across his Premier League career, per UnderStat, which shows that the Leeds attacker is a wasteful finisher in front of goal.

Leeds supporters have already had a glimpse of his underwhelming finishing skills. Calvert-Lewin missed four ‘big chances’ in 32 minutes off the bench against Sheffield Wednesday in the League Cup, before firing his penalty over the bar in the shootout, per Sofascore.

The concerns over the ex-Everton marksman’s injury record and goal return may explain why the club are now being linked with another centre-forward ahead of the next window.

Leeds preparing January offer for Premier League striker

According to CaughtOffside, Leeds United are one of a number of clubs already eyeing up a potential swoop for Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta ahead of the January transfer window.

The report claims that the Whites are keen on a deal to sign the French centre-forward and that they are preparing to make a formal offer for his services at the start of next year.

Transfer Focus

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

It states that Aston Villa and Newcastle United are also in the race to sign the former Mainz number nine. All three clubs are said to have made Mateta a priority target heading into the next transfer window.

CaughtOffside adds that Crystal Palace are ready to demand a fee of around £40m for their star striker should any of those three teams attempt to snap him up in January.

It now remains to be seen whether or not any of the interested teams are willing to offer as much as £40m, but it the report does claim that Leeds are ‘determined’ to improve their attack with respect to their pursuit of the striker.

Why Leeds should sign Jean-Philippe Mateta

The Whites should pay the £40m that it could take to prise Mateta away from Selhurst Park in the January transfer window because he could come in as an instant replacement for Calvert-Lewin, just five months on from his arrival at the club.

As aforementioned, the concern with the former Everton man is that he will not deliver enough quality in front of goal, due to his injury record and his underwhelming finishing in the Premier League over the years.

Leeds may get to January and realise that they need a prolific centre-forward to lead them to safety in the top-flight, and Mateta could be just the man for the task.

The French attacker is a proven Premier League striker whose form in recent seasons suggests that he would arrive in West Yorkshire as a huge upgrade on Calvert-Lewin for Farke.

Mateta scored 16 goals from 10.94 xG in the top-flight in the 2023/24 campaign, per Sofascore, whilst Calvert-Lewin scored seven goals from 12.93 xG for Everton that term.

Appearances

37

26

xG

13.53

6.75

Shots on target per game

0.9

0.8

Goals

14

3

Big chances created

7

1

Assists

2

1

As you can see in the table above, the Eagles frontman also outperformed the current Leeds striker in front of goal last season, scoring 11 more goals and outperforming his xG once again.

The Palace star, who was described as a “threat” by podcaster HLTCO, is a proven and clinical goalscorer who knows how to find the back of the net on a consistent basis in the division, something Calvert-Lewin has not shown in recent seasons.

Mateta has also only missed four Premier League games through injury in the last two seasons, per Transfermarkt, and could be far more reliable for Farke week-in-week-out.

Therefore, signing the £40m-rated striker in January could be a huge move by the club to improve the team and immediately replace Calvert-Lewin in the number nine position, given that the Frenchman appears to have far more to offer to the side.

Summerville really rates him: Leeds have their own O'Reilly in 19-year-old star

Leeds United may already have their own Nico O’Reilly in a young talent who is currently out on loan.

ByDan Emery Sep 8, 2025

Manchester United’s need for a new striker this summer is there for all to see, with their dismal record in front of goal massively contributing to their lowly Premier League finish this season.

Rasmus Hojlund was Ruben Amorim’s number one option in such a department throughout 2024/25, scoring just four times in the league throughout his 32 appearances.

Such a tally saw him find the net every eight games, proving that he’s not at the level required if the Red Devils are to rise back up the table in 2025/26.

He’s since been massively touted with a return to Italy, with Inter Milan and Napoli the two sides vying for his signature, but it’s likely the club would lose a whole heap on their £72m investment.

Any funds raised from a potential sale will hand Amorim the needed money to reinvest into the first team squad, to further bolster his ranks if he’s to be successful at Old Trafford.

The latest on United’s pursuit for a new striker this summer

Hugo Ekitiké has been the main option on United’s shortlist over the last couple of weeks, even holding talks with Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt over a move for the Frenchman, who netted 22 goals this season.

Dušan Vlahović has also emerged as a surprise target, with the Serbian international wanting a Premier League move this summer, but his hefty wage demands could prove to be a stumbling block.

As a result, the Red Devils have turned their attention elsewhere, plotting a big-money move to sign Fiorentina striker Moise Kean, according to Corriere Fiorentina via Sport Witness.

The report claims that the club are closely monitoring the Italian’s progress and could make a move during the off-season if they fail to land other key targets.

It also states that the 25-year-old currently has a £44m release clause in his deal with the Serie A outfit, a potential bargain given his record of 25 goals in 44 outings this campaign.

Why United’s £44m target could be Amorim’s own Haaland

Most teams around the world must wish they had a talent as big as Erling Haaland, with the Norwegian forward a constant threat to countless backlines.

The 24-year-old has demonstrated his clinical edge during his time at Manchester City, netting a staggering 121 goals in his 142 appearances for Pep Guardiola’s side.

Such a record previously catapulted the Citizens to a famous treble back in 2022/23, emulating the success set by United during the Sir Alex Ferguson era.

He’s even set the record for the most goals scored in a single 38-game Premier League season, netting a hat-trick in the 6-3 battering at the Etihad that campaign.

However, talents like Haaland are extremely hard to come by, with many costing extortionate transfer fees and making them virtually impossible to sign.

That could be about to change with the Red Devils’ potential deal for Kean, with the Italian talisman being ranked as a similar player to the City star by FBref.

He’s managed to outperform him in numerous key areas, including a better goal per shot on target record, evidently making the most of the chances that fall his way within the final third.

Games played

31

31

Goals & assists

20

25

Goals per shot on target

0.4

0.3

Pass accuracy

70%

66%

Progressive carries

1.4

0.7

Take-on success

44%

36%

Carries into final third

1

0.4

Aerials won

54%

53%

Kean, who’s been labelled “remarkable” by journalist Marco Messina, has also completed more passes and won more aerial battles – showcasing his all-round nature that could play a vital role in United’s build-up.

His dominance doesn’t stop there, completing more take-ons and progressive carries per 90, subsequently able to create his own opportunities without relying on players around him.

Given the prices quoted for other forwards in and around Europe this summer, a deal for Kean could prove to be an excellent one, handing Amorim the ammunition he desperately needs.

If he can replicate Haaland’s success in England’s top flight, it would be one of the signings of the window, offering the side a clinical option that could transform their ambitions of rising up the table in 2025/26.

He'd be perfect for Bruno: Man Utd set to hold talks for "incredible" star

Manchester United could be about to land a star who could take Bruno Fernandes to the next level.

ByEthan Lamb Jun 20, 2025

Silly season is officially here, and it looks like it’s going to be a long but exciting one for Arsenal.

The areas Mikel Arteta and Co need to strengthen over the coming months are apparent, with perhaps the most significant position of need being centre-forward.

One of the names who has been most heavily linked with the Premier League runners-up in recent weeks has been Benjamin Sesko.

The Slovenian striker looks like he could be one of the game’s next great strikers, but if recent reports are to be believed, the North Londoners are also looking at someone else who could be an even better option.

Arsenal eyeing Sesko alternative

Before getting to the man in question, it’s worth looking at some of the other talented strikers who have been touted for a move to Arsenal in recent weeks, like Evann Guessand and Nick Woltemade.

Transfer Focus

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

The former enjoyed an impressive campaign with OGC Nice this season, in which he scored 13 goals and provided ten assists in 42 games, which more than justifies the £25m price tag on his head.

Likewise, the £42m VfB Stuttgart reportedly want for Woltemade doesn’t feel too unreasonable, as in just 33 games this season, the German poacher was able to score 17 goals and provide three assists while also winning the German Cup.

However, the Gunners might prefer a striker with more Premier League experience and a proven track record in England, which is where Ollie Watkins steps up.

According to a recent report from The Athletic, Arsenal have maintained an interest in the Aston Villa star despite failing to sign him in January.

The report claims that the England international, whom Arteta pushed for in the winter window, is still a topic of discussion among the club’s decision-makers, although his price could once again prove to be a stumbling block.

The Villans wanted £60m for him earlier this season, although with profit and sustainability rules still reportedly a cause for concern, there is a chance they’ll accept a lower fee in the coming weeks.

It would be a complicated transfer to get over the line, but given Watkins’ immense ability, it’s one worth pursuing, especially as he’d be a better signing than Sesko.

How Watkins compares to Sesko

So, with Arsenal undeniably needing a new striker this summer, who would be the better choice out of Watkins and Sesko?

Well, when it comes to their raw output, which is ultimately what matters most for a forward, it’s the Villa star who has the far better ratio of goal involvements to minutes played this season.

For example, in 54 appearances, which came to 3578 minutes of action, the Englishman, whom podcaster Rohan Jivan described as “one of the best centre-forwards in Europe,” scored 17 goals and provided 14 assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 115.41 minutes.

In contrast, the Slovenian international scored 21 goals and provided six assists in 45 appearances, totalling 3258 minutes this season, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 120.66 minutes.

Unfortunately for the RB Leipzig star, the comparison only becomes more one-sided when we take a look at their underlying numbers, with the former Exeter City gem coming out on top in the majority of relevant metrics, from non-penalty expected goals plus assists to progressive carries and more, all per 90.

Non-Penalty Expected G+As

0.59

0.40

Non-Penalty Goals + Assists

0.76

0.61

Progressive Passes

1.07

1.74

Progressive Carries

1.90

1.78

Shots

2.84

2.50

Shots on Target

1.25

1.10

Passing Accuracy

72.4%

67.6%

Key Passes

0.83

0.72

Passes into the Penalty Area

0.45

0.34

Shot-Creating Actions

1.84

1.93

Goal-Creating Actions

0.42

0.34

Successful Take-Ons

0.35

1.48

Finally, on top of being statistically more impressive, the former Brentford star is also the safer bet, as he’s already proven that he can thrive in the Premier League, and the club needing a major trophy next season, it makes far more sense to go with the known quantity.

Therefore, while Sesko is great, Arsenal should do what they can to sign Watkins this summer, as he may be the missing piece of the puzzle that lands them a Premier League or Champions League title next year.

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Liverpool have been extremely busy in the transfer market even before the window has officially opened, and there is also a chance they could convince a £49m forward to become their fourth signing of the summer.

Liverpool to put icing on title cake with three new signings

Reds supporters have been treated to a dream week, as the Premier League trophy was hoisted by a Reds captain in front of a fully packed Anfield for the first time, having celebrated their previous top flight title behind closed doors.

The fun didn’t stop on Sunday either, as thousands of supporters took to the streets of Liverpool to celebrate their heroes at Monday’s parade.

Away from the action on the pitch, FSG, Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes have already been hard at work to ensure they capitalise on their domestic dominance, with three signings close to completion.

Florian Wirtz is expected to join from Bayer Leverkusen, with a first bid of over £80m submitted and the player keen to join, while his teammate, wing-back Jeremie Frimpong, is all but signed, sealed and delivered having already completed his Merseyside medical.

Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez is expected to become their third capture of a busy summer period – he has agreed personal terms and the clubs remain locked in talks over a possible £45m move.

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But with Darwin Nunez expected to move on this summer as well as doubts over the futures of Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota, there could also be movement on a fourth new face in the shape of a £49m forward.

According to a report from Spain, Liverpool are now Real Madrid’s biggest rival in the race for Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams, and there is a feeling he is tempted to ignore the interest from Spain and move to Anfield.

Williams is willing to listen to offers from English clubs, and being part of a Reds frontline which may soon include Wirtz is seen as exciting by the speedy Euro 2024 winner.

Bilbao are desperate to keep hold of the winger, but they could be powerless to prevent a departure if the £49m release clause is paid in full, although there is a feeling those at Anfield would have to dish out hefty wages to win the race for his signature.

"Electric" Williams could be perfect Luis Diaz heir

Diaz is yet to sign a new contract, with the Colombian now approaching the penultimate year of his deal, and interest from Barcelona could pose a problem for the Reds, with Hansi Flick reportedly a huge fan of the tricky winger.

Williams however has been a key player in Bilbao for quite some time despite only being 22 years of age, making 166 appearances for his boyhood club and picking up 11 goals and seven assists in all competitions this season.

Much like Diaz, the Spain international also likes to drive at opposition defences, ranking in the top 2% for successful take-ons per 90 over the past year, making it no surprise La Liga’s official media channel called him “electric”.

Statistic

Average per 90

Successful take-ons

3.32 (98th percentile)

Progressive carries

5.70 (92nd percentile)

Shot-creating actions

5.24 (89th percentile)

Slot may be hoping that Diaz is tempted to extend his stay at Anfield, having scored 13 Premier League goals this season, but Williams is clearly a solid long-term replacement, with similar pace and directness and potential to even better the Colombian’s end product as he approaches his prime.

Liverpool’s second-half collapse may have put a dampener on Sunday’s clash with Arsenal, although the Premier League champions had started the day in rampant mood, after racing into a two-goal lead at Anfield.

Two goals in the space of a minute from Cody Gakpo and Luiz Diaz came amid that first-half onslaught for the hosts, with the pair having now scored 18 and 17 goals, respectively, this season in all competitions.

With Mohamed Salah – who boasts 33 across all fronts – rounding off that frontline, the trio have been the standout figures in Arne Slot’s attacking unit in 2024/25, with no other player having reached double figures for goals thus far.

While there had been doubts over Diaz’s future at the club, more recent reports suggested that a new deal could be on the cards for the former Porto man. Salah, of course, has already put pen to paper on his long-awaited contract extension.

Games (starts)

35 (17)

33 (21)

Goals

8

10

Scoring frequency

206min

179min

Big chances missed

6

6

Big chances created

5

8

Assists

5

3

Key passes*

0.7

1.0

Pass accuracy*

79%

84%

Successful dribbles*

0.9

0.9

With Gakpo, meanwhile, tied down until 2028, the flanks look to be in a good place for the Merseysiders moving forward. That said, a new wideman could be on the cards this summer…

Liverpool's search for a forward

It is no secret that Liverpool’s priority ahead of next term is likely to be the addition of a new centre-forward, with Darwin Nunez looking set to depart after netting just seven times in total this season.

The primary target would appear to be Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak, albeit with the £100m-rated Swede seemingly out of reach, the likes of Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres are also reportedly under consideration.

Away from the pursuit of a number nine, however, journalist Graeme Bailey has also reported that the Reds could be in the mix for Athletic Club sensation, Nico Williams, with the Spaniard seemingly ‘willing’ to move to England this summer.

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According to Bailey, it is Arsenal and Chelsea who are leading the race at present, although Manchester City, Newcastle and Liverpool have all made contact with the player’s representatives.

As reported elsewhere, the Euro 2024 winner would be able to depart if any suitor triggers his €58m (£49m) release clause, albeit with one potential sticking point likely to prove his wage demands. The Daily Mail – via GOAL – reported he would be looking to earn more than £400k-per-week, a figure close to what Virgil van Dijk will seemingly be taking home following the signing of his own extension.

Such a salary could prove a real stumbling block for Slot and co, although should a compromise be met, the 22-year-old would be a more than worthy addition to the Anfield ranks.

Why Liverpool could be targeting the next Gakpo

As noted above, Sunday’s stalemate with the Gunners saw Gakpo get on the scoresheet once again, with the 26-year-old nodding home from Andy Robertson’s whipped cross to notch his tenth Premier League goal of the campaign.

That marked the first time that the former PSV Eindhoven man has reached double figures for league goals for the club, after netting 15 times in the 18 months prior to that, following his £35m arrival in January 2023.

Prior to moving to Merseyside, the then-Manchester United target had been a real revelation in his homeland for PSV, having registered 55 goals and 49 assists in 149 games for the Eredivisie giants, offering a relentless threat down the left flank or in a central role.

Such quality had also been on show on the international scene, with Gakpo scoring in every group stage game at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, just a matter of months before moving to England.

In many ways, there would be a sense of Deja Vu if young Williams is to follow suit this summer, with the Bilbao wizard having also dazzled in his homeland, with 61 goals and assists in 166 senior games.

That includes a return of 11 goals and seven assists in all competitions this season, amid the Basque side’s surge to the Europa League semi-final, with it no surprise that he has been dubbed “one of the best wingers on the market” by analyst Ben Mattinson.

Like Gakpo too, it is for his national team where Williams has perhaps made the bigger splash, having started in six of Spain’s seven games en route to glory last summer, while memorably netting in the showpiece success over England.

A natural right-footer who typically operates off the left flank, much like Gakpo, Williams also emulates his Liverpool counterpart due to his versatility, having also been just as comfortable operating on the opposite side in his career to date,

That flexibility should ensure that the in-demand speedster provides welcome competition and cover for the likes of Diaz, Gakpo and Salah on either flank, with the chance there for Williams to enjoy gradual progression in a Liverpool shirt – much like Gakpo has been afforded the time to do.

As this campaign has already showcased, Slot’s starting lineup looks strong and healthy – now it’s the time to really enhance the squad as a whole with exciting, high potential moves.

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