All posts by h716a5.icu

It has been a long and rather dismal campaign for Arsenal this season.

Mikel Arteta’s side have once again failed to claim the Premier League title, although instead of just losing out to Manchester City, they have fallen miles short of Arne Slot’s Liverpool.

Going into the final game of the season, the North Londoners are 12 points off the Reds and, perhaps even more worryingly, have scored 18 fewer goals.

This evident weakness in the Gunners’ attack is something the board are clearly aiming to deal with in the summer, as reports have linked them to a whole host of incredibly talented players, including Nico Williams.

However, even with his lofty price tag, one of Arsenal’s own stars is worth millions more.

Why Arsenal want to sign Williams Market Movers

Football FanCast’s Market Movers series explores the changing landscape of the modern transfer market. How much is your club’s star player or biggest flop worth today?

Arsenal have been credited with an intense interest in Williams for the best part of a year now, and according to reports from earlier this month, he remains a ‘top priority’ ahead of the summer transfer window.

The story confirms that the North Londoners will need to activate the release clause in his contract to bring him to the club, which stands at a cool £48m.

With that said, then, what is it about the young winger that has made him such a firm target for the Premier League runners-up?

First and foremost, he’s a direct left-winger who can both score and create goals with relative ease.

For example, in 37 appearances for the Athletic Bilbao last season, the Pamplona-born dynamo scored eight goals and provided 18 assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.42 games.

He’s not been quite as sensationally effective this season, but he’s still been a useful outlet, scoring 11 goals and providing seven assists in 44 games, which is an average of a goal involvement every 2.44 games.

On top of his raw output, he has also shown an ability to deal with the biggest games.

He opened the scoring for Spain in their European Championships Final triumph against England last summer and also provided an assist in the final of last season’s Copa de Rey, which Bilbao won.

In all, it would be fair to say that Williams more than justifies the price tag Arsenal would have to pay for him, although if he does join the club, he’d have to hit the ground running to see his valuation match that of one of his new teammates.

The Arsenal star worth millions more than Williams

To tell the truth, there are actually several players who are worth more than Williams in the Arsenal squad, but in this case, we are talking about one of the club’s breakout stars from this season: Ethan Nwaneri.

Yes, even though this year has been the teenager’s first proper taste of regular first-team football, he’s been so impressive that his valuation has skyrocketed.

For example, Football Transfers now value the 18-year-old at a whopping €74.3, which is about £63m, or around £15m more than the fee the Gunners have to pay to sign Williams.

Now, this might all sound rather absurd to some of you, but there are some reasons for this, chief among them being the fact that the often “unplayable” gem, as dubbed by Jack Wilshere, has already scored nine goals and provided two assists in 36 appearances, totalling 1303 minutes this season.

In other words, the Hale Ender is currently averaging a goal involvement every 3.27 games, or more importantly, every 118.45 minutes, which is undeniably brilliant.

Moreover, given how he’s adapted to senior football so seemingly, there is no telling what his ceiling may be.

With that said, how does he stack up with the Bilbao gem when we compare their underlying numbers from this season?

Non-Penalty G+As

0.66

0.47

Progressive Passes

3.30

3.19

Progressive Carries

4.84

5.31

Goals per Shot

0.18

0.10

Goals per Shot on Target

0.50

0.26

Passing Accuracy

80.2%

70.7%

Key Passes

1.32

1.83

Passes into the Penalty Area

1.43

1.31

Passes into the Final Third

1.76

1.08

Crosses into the Penalty Area

0.66

0.38

Shot-Creating Actions

2.41

5.12

Successful Take-Ons

3.52

2.96

Well, it might surprise some people to find out that overall, it’s the youngster who comes out on top, as in the majority of relevant metrics, he does better.

The metrics include, but are not limited to, non-penalty goals plus assists, progressive passes, goals per shot and shot on target, passes into the penalty area and final third, crosses into the penalty area, successful take-ons and more, all per 90.

Ultimately, Arsenal should do what they can to sign Williams this summer, as he looks like he could add some much-needed dynamism to their left-hand side.

Still, in Nwaneri, the club already have another young talent who could further establish himself in the first-team next season.

Best CF since Auba: Arsenal look set to sign £55m "monster" next week

The sensational striker will be a game-changer for Arsenal.

ByJack Salveson Holmes May 21, 2025

One year ago, Liverpool stared down the barrel of a gun. Jurgen Klopp had finally wrapped up his tenure, packing his bags after almost nine years at the helm.

The consternation washed through Anfield and out onto the red-bannered streets of Merseyside, but Klopp has been vindicated in his decision, seeing something the Liverpool faithful didn’t when handing the keys to someone else.

That someone, Arne Slot, deserves his share of credit and then some, having taken Klopp’s squad and won the Premier League with relative ease, not wiping the slate clean but dovetailing into the heavy-metal system and toning down the volume, creating a smoother tune to which the players have danced to across the campaign.

Liverpool, after several transfer windows of bided time, are now ready to strengthen considerably. Jeremie Frimpong has signed and deals for his Bayer Leverkusen teammate Florian Wirtz and Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez in the works.

However, none of these players are centre-backs, and Liverpool could do with some more depth at the rear, especially after missing out on Dean Huijsen.

Liverpool's failed bid for Dean Huijsen

Liverpool made it clear Bournemouth’s Huijsen, 20, was to be a top summer target when it became clear his £50m release clause would be activated at the end of the season, a whole host of high-profile suitors lining up.

Real Madrid won the race, the Spain international never thinking twice about making the move to the Santiago Bernabeu.

After such an incredible breakout campaign on the south coast, it’s disappointing that FSG were unable to get this one done, but then the player’s mind had been set.

With Jarell Quansah mooted for a summer sale after his nominal role under Slot’s wing, Liverpool could have struck gold in securing Huijsen’s services, especially when Quansah is also reportedly worth around £50m.

In any case, given that Ibrahima Konate, who is out of contract in one year, was the last senior centre-half to join the Liverpool cause, leaving RB Leipzig in 2021, it’s clear Liverpool need to identify a new star to join Virgil van Dijk’s ranks.

And they might just have at that.

Liverpool line up Huijsen alternative

According to Football Insider, Liverpool are planning to accelerate their interest in Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi after the defender made it clear he would not be joining Tottenham Hotspur this summer.

Newcastle are also in the race; the Magpies saw four mammoth bids turned down for the England international last year, and are now expected to return for the £65m-rated ace, as corroborated by The Telegraph.

The FA Cup champion is out of contract at the end of the 2025/26 season and does not intend to renew, thus convincing Eagles chairman Steve Parish that he must cash in while he still can.

Why Marc Guehi would be perfect for Liverpool

Guehi has got a taste for silverware, defeating Manchester City in the FA Cup final last month, and while Tottenham have ended their interminable drought, Liverpool offer more stable conditions and a squad replete with title-winning credentials.

The 24-year-old has been a pillar of strength for Palace since signing from Chelsea back in 2021. He struggled to make that chasmic leap from Cobham to the Stamford Bridge senior set-up, but Chelsea’s loss was the Eagles’ gain as he is now regarded as “the best centre-back” his side have had since promotion 12 years ago, according to content creator HLTCO.

Liverpool could really benefit from his addition, especially if he could emulate Van Dijk in being a right-footer on the left, a rarity in the modern game. Analyst Ben Mattinson echoed this, calling him “one of those versatile CB’s who can play both sides equally as comfortably,” while he’s also now renowned as “England’s best centre-back” following his immense form at Euro 2024.

Huijsen, admittedly, is naturally left-footed, but then he is out of the equation now, and Guehi might just be the perfect alternative.

Matches (starts)

34 (34)

32 (26)

Goals

3

3

Assists

2

2

Clean sheets

11

7

Touches*

64.9

63.9

Pass completion

84%

84%

Key passes*

0.5

0.5

Ball recoveries*

4.3

3.3

Tackles + interceptions*

2.6

2.7

Clearances*

4.6

6.1

Duels (won)*

4.9 (59%)

3.6 (56%)

Errors made

2

4

There’s a case to be made that Guehi, in spite of the noise around Huijsen, was the better defender throughout the campaign. Certainly, he was more robust in defensive scenarios, more active, crisper.

Huijsen established himself as something of a menace in the final third for Bournemouth this season, but Guehi has showcased an attacking weaponry just as efficient, if not more so.

Guehi’s former England U21 teammate Josef Bursik has even remarked that his peer is a “tank” of a defender, so complete in his defensive work and with an underrated technical ability that would allow him to thrive in Slot’s ball-playing system.

Is Guehi the long-term solution? Maybe so. He might not have quite the same pedigree as Huijsen, who operates in a modern suit that allows his remarkable strength in skill to stand out among the rest of Europe’s central defenders, but the Englishman is well-rounded and a progressive player besides, completing 86% of his dribbles in the top flight this term.

If Liverpool are to sell Quansah this summer, bagging Guehi feels like something of a no-brainer, for it would reinforce Liverpool’s backline with another player capable of playing a significant role in the years ahead.

And even if this doesn’t happen, FSG were clearly willing to green-light a sizeable outlay on Huijsen this summer, and though he will continue to make gains over the coming years, in Guehi, Liverpool would sign a ready-made star to add that little bit of extra defensive fortitude.

If Tottenham are indeed lagging behind in the fight for Guehi’s signature, Liverpool might want to make their move quickly, before Newcastle steal ahead.

The dream XI Liverpool could build: Wirtz signs & "the next Mbappe" arrives

Liverpool are making sweeping changes in the transfer market as Slot prepares to defend his PL title.

3 ByAngus Sinclair Jun 3, 2025

This summer looks set to be a massive one for Arsenal.

Mikel Arteta told us as much in April, and considering his side finished a distant second place to Liverpool in the Premier League this season, it’s not hard to see why.

However, on top of bringing in some truly game-changing attackers to help push the club over the finish line at home and in the Champions League, the Gunners need to address other areas of the team.

For example, while Martin Zubimendi looks set to join, the midfield could still do with more rejuvenation, and based on recent reports, that might happen as the club circle an up-and-coming talent who could send Thomas Partey packing.

Arsenal transfer news

For some time this season, it looked as if Thomas Partey would be thanked for his service and allowed to leave at the expiration of his contract this month.

Transfer Focus

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

However, on April 23rd, The Athletic’s David Ornstein broke the news that talks had begun over a new deal that could see the former Atlético Madrid star remain in North London for two or more years.

Since then, there have been a few updates on the talks, but nothing definitive either way.

Interestingly, while talks are still going on, the club have now been linked to an exciting midfield talent who could be an ideal replacement for the 32-year-old: Lucien Agoumé.

Yes, according to a recent report from Spain, Arsenal are now very interested in the Sevilla star.

In fact, the report claims that Arteta, in particular, wants the club to sign the Frenchman, who has caught the eye of Manchester United as well.

A potential price is not mentioned in the report, but considering the £17k-per-week ace joined the Spanish side for €4m – £3.4m – last summer, there is a chance he wouldn’t cost an arm and a leg.

Even so, Arsenal should do what they can to sign Agoumé, as he looks incredibly promising and someone who could make resigning Partey unnecessary.

How Agoumé compares to Partey

So then, if Arsenal are looking to sign Agoumé this summer and as a potential replacement for Partey, how do the pair stack up to one another?

Well, as they are both primarily defensive midfielders by trade, the best way to see what’s what is to take a look under the hood and compare their underlying numbers.

Interestingly, and perhaps somewhat surprisingly, it’s the Sevilla gem, who talent scout Jacek Kulig described as a “10 out of 10 talent” who comes out on top when we do this.

Non-Penalty G+As

0.16

0.14

Progressive Carries

1.23

1.20

Progressive Passes

5.74

5.41

Passing Accuracy

81.5%

87.2%

Key Passes

1.15

0.68

Passes into the Final Third

5.36

5.24

Passes into the Penalty Area

0.81

1.02

Crosses into the Penalty Area

0.13

0.10

Shot-Creating Actions

2.55

2.00

Goal-Creating Actions

0.21

0.37

Tackles

2.98

2.63

Blocks

1.28

0.98

Interceptions

1.69

1.11

Clearances

1.79

1.56

Errors Leading to a Shot

0.00

0.12

Ball Recoveries

5.79

4.41

Aerial Duels Won

1.79

0.85

Aerial Duel Win %

51.2%

46.7%

Now, while the Gunners’ star does better in some areas, such as passing accuracy, passes into the penalty area and goal-creating actions per 90, he is a distant second in practically every other relevant statistic.

For example, the former Inter Milan gem comes out on top in things such as non-penalty goals plus assists, progressive passes and carries, tackles, blocks, interceptions, clearances, key passes, ball recoveries and many, many more, all per 90.

On top of all of that, the Yaoundé-born star also has a far better injury record, having missed just 16 games for club and country across his entire career.

In stark contrast, the Odumase Krobo-born titan has missed 81 games for club and country since the start of the 20/21 campaign.

Ultimately, Partey has been a great player for Arsenal and could well contribute for another year or two, but if there is an opportunity to sign Agoumé, the club have to take it, as he looks like the perfect midfielder to come in and replace the 32-year-old.

He's just like Saka: £68m winger is Tognozzi's dream target for Arsenal

The exciting wonderkid would be a superb addition to the Arsenal squad.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jun 13, 2025

While Arsenal supporters have been craving additions in attack this summer, it’s actually the midfield that’s seen the biggest upheaval so far.

Jorginho has departed for Flamengo while Thomas Partey, a player Mikel Arteta reportedly wanted to keep at the Emirates Stadium, now looks set to leave when his contract expires at the end of the month.

Terms haven’t been agreed on a new deal and as a result, the Gunners have had to move fast to secure a replacement.

Martin Zubimendi is widely seen as the replacement for Partey and is set to arrive in a deal worth just over £50m from Real Sociedad.

He’s due to be joined in the middle of the park by Brentford captain Christian Norgaard.

The Dane has been with the Bees since 2019, but Arteta now views him as the player to fill the leadership void left behind by Jorginho.

So, what’s next on the agenda for Andrea Berra and Co?

Arsenal's transfer plans post Zubimendi & Norgaard

Surprise, surprise, Arsenal are in the market for another defender.

Amid links to Ajax wonderkid, Jorrel Hato, it was reported by various sources on Thursday that Valencia’s Cristhian Mosquera is now on the club’s radar.

According to BBC Sport’s Sami Mokbel, the Gunners have already opened talks to bring the 20-year-old to England this summer.

That said, it’s not all about the defence and the midfield at Arsenal with Berta ready to strengthen out wide.

Transfer Focus

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

Real Madrid star Rodrygo remains a primary target, but as per journalist Ben Jacobs, they have now added Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze to their shortlist.

Eze possesses a £68m release clause, which, according to Arsenal insider Teamnewsandtix, can be paid in three instalments of £20m with £8m in add-ons.

The same source actually reports that the club have already agreed personal terms with the FA Cup, further fuelling that Arteta and Co are extremely keen on signing him this summer.

How Arsenal's new look attack with Eberechi Eze could shape up

If Arsenal were to bring Eze to the club this summer, it would be a landmark moment for the England international, primarily because he’s already spent time in the Hale End academy.

Now 26, the Eagles sensation has become a “superstar” in the words of data analyst Ben Mattinson, having initially been in the Arsenal academy but released at the age of 13.

Speaking about that time previously, Eze admitted:

Well, he now has the opportunity to return and live out that dream as a man, and as one of the most exciting players in the Premier League.

In 2024/25, the Palace no.10 had an outstanding personal season, scoring 14 times and supplying 11 assists across 43 matches. To put that into context, only Kai Havertz (15) scored more goals in the Arsenal side, while only Bukayo Saka (14) and Martin Odegaard (12) provided more assists.

While Eze largely played as an attacking midfielder last season, he can also play on the left flank, thus possessing the ability to help provide depth and additional quality in two key areas for Arteta.

Potentially providing competition for Odegaard behind the striker or taking over from Gabriel Martinelli on the left, he could be game-changing for the shape of Arsenal’s attack.

Games

40

31

43

Goals

10

11

14

Assists

4

6

11

Mins played

2,686

2,285

3,303

Let us not forget that a new striker could join too. Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres are the two players in the pipeline, but at the moment it feels like the latter is the leading contender to become Arteta’s new number 9, having reportedly fallen out with the Sporting hierarchy.

The scorer of a staggering 54 goals in 52 games last term, the idea of Gyokeres and Eze playing together in the same attack is certainly a mouthwatering one.

The latter is a pure magician on the ball, a player who oozes class and can unlock a defence with a dazzling piece of play, much in the same way Saka can.

Throughout last season’s Premier League campaign, he ranked inside the top 10% of attacking midfielders and wingers in the division for successful take-ons, the best 11% for shot-creating actions and the top 18% for key passes.

As a result, he seems like the ideal player to help someone like Gyokeres hit the ground running at Arsenal if both arrive.

Together, they could be dynamite. The big Swede isn’t just a goalscorer either. Capable of running in behind, he ranks among the best 3% of strikers in Europe’s top five leagues and premier competitions for progressive passes received, indicating that he’s always making himself an option for the creative hub of the team he’s playing for.

While some Arsenal fans might be sceptical about signing either Gyokeres or Sesko, there’s no doubting that they’d thrive if partnered with Eze in the final third.

This could be just the duo Arteta needs to really catapult his side to the next level.

A better move than Zubimendi: £68m star "will sign" for Arsenal this summer

The game-changing international could be sensational for Arsenal.

1 ByJack Salveson Holmes Jun 26, 2025

“I started bowling legspin in nets about nine months ago, and they came out really well,” he said

ESPNcricinfo staff18-Jun-2024In the first round of the T20 World Cup 2024, when a lot of cricket was played in the USA, the fast bowlers held sway. Now, with the show moving fully to the West Indies, spin is more likely to be the dominant force, and Tim David is preparing for that: with bat, and with ball.Ahead of Australia’s first Super Eight game, against Bangladesh in Antigua, David, a big-hitting finisher and part-time offspinner by trade, said he has been trying out legspin over the past few months, hoping to give his side another option should they need it.”It just gives you options as a match-up. I started bowling legspin in nets about nine months ago, and they came out really well,” David, who is yet to get a chance to bowl at this World Cup, said. “So just been working really hard on it. And to be honest… I really enjoy bowling. It’s more fun in the game than just sitting there for 20 overs in the field.”Related

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Australia’s frontline spinners, Ashton Agar and Adam Zampa, have been working with David on his bowling. “It’s been really good to bowl with Ash, [and] bowl with Zamps when they’re around in the nets, [and] rub ideas off them,” David said. “There’s [also] bowling coaches, and it’s really good to get different ideas from people. But again, it’s about what works for me and [about] finding my own method.”Australia are grouped with Bangladesh, India and Afghanistan for the Super Eight, so they are wary of it being a trial by spin. Bangladesh’s new poster boy, legspinner Rishad Hossain, could pose a particular challenge since Australia have not seen much of him, but David said they will not back down.”I suppose that’s the nature of the World Cup, isn’t it? You play every team once,” David said. “You might get a team twice if you play in the final, so you don’t get to face a lot of lot of these guys; you don’t get a big look at them. I don’t think anyone in our team will have played against him [Rishad]. So we’re going to take him on.”

“I’ve practiced a lot against spin over the last couple of weeks. Day before a game or couple of days before game [though], it’s not that big of a stress. You know if you can’t change too much in that last stage”Tim David

David has been batting against spin in the nets in preparation for all this, but at this point in time, so close to the game, it’s not worth thinking too much about it. “I’ve practiced a lot against spin over the last couple of weeks. Day before a game or couple of days before game [though], it’s not that big of a stress,” he said. “You know you can’t change too much in that last stage. You just get feeling good [in the nets], ticking a couple of boxes, having fun at training. That’s the most important thing for me [so close to the game].”One thing he’ll particularly be looking at come game day, is the direction of the wind at the ground. “Yeah, the wind’s really important. You hit the ball into the wind, [and] it goes 50 metres shorter; you get one downwind, [and] you can’t stop it. I think the other night in St. Lucia, if you hit the ball downwind, it went out of the stadium,” David said.”So yeah, that all comes into stuff when you’re out in the middle, you’re weighing up risks, weighing up what the best option is for taking ends down, and I guess… if you can sum it up quicker with your experience, you have an idea of what the risk is like if you have to take it on. You can feel [the wind] out there. It’s pretty strong in the Caribbean. Some islands are windier than others.”

CWI is hopeful of Matthews recovering for the T20I series which gets underway from June 24

ESPNcricinfo staff19-Jun-2024West Indies captain Hayley Matthews will miss the third and final ODI against Sri Lanka due to an illness, Cricket West Indies (CWI) has announced.Matthews missed the second ODI in Hambantota too, as West Indies were rolled over for 92 in 31 overs with Sri Lanka chasing down the target in 21.2 overs and winning by five wickets. Shemaine Campbelle led the West Indies unit in the second game and is likely to continue as captain for the third ODI which will be played in Hambantota on June 21.CWI was, however, hopeful of Matthews recovering in time for the three-match T20I series which gets underway from June 24 at the same venue.”West Indies Captain, Hayley Matthews has been ruled out of the ongoing ODI Series against Sri Lanka due to illness,” read a statement from CWI. “She will continue to be monitored by the CWI Medical Team and will hopefully recover in time for the T20I series. Everyone at CWI wishes her a speedy recovery.”Matthews has been the lynchpin of the West Indies unit in the last year and a half. She is comfortably the highest run-scorer for West Indies in ODIs since the start of 2023 with 519 runs in nine games, averaging 74.14, which includes three centuries. With the ball, she has picked 11 wickets during this time frame, the joint-highest with Afy Fletcher.West Indies have already conceded the three-match ODI series by a 2-0 margin. They lost the opening game last Saturday by six wickets before going down again on Tuesday. Matthews played the first ODI where she scored 38 off 53 balls and went for 33 runs off her five overs without picking a wicket.The three T20Is will be played on June 24, 26 and 28 with all the matches being played in Hambantota.

Manchester United are believed to have agreed personal terms with an “unplayable” player and are now willing to pay more than £60m to get a deal done.

Who could Man Utd sign this summer?

Ruben Amorim will know the importance of the Red Devils signing top-quality players this summer, following a dismal 2024/25 Premier League campaign, with exciting names continuing to be linked with moves to Old Trafford.

A new striker is a must for United, and Juventus marksman Dusan Vlahovic has been mentioned as an option before next season gets underway. In fact, they are even reportedly awaiting talks over a transfer.

Meanwhile, Emiliano Martinez continues to be seen as a target for the Red Devils this summer, as Amorim eyes up a summer switch for the Argentine. An upgrade on Andre Onana is required and the World Cup-winning 32-year-old appears to be a leading target between the sticks.

Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo is also a front-runner to join United imminently, joining Matheus Cunha in the process, and now a fresh update has emerged regarding their pursuit of him.

Man Utd agreed personal terms with "unplayable" star

Taking to X, journalist Rudy Galetti claimed that Manchester United have now agreed personal terms with Mbeumo, as a £63m move to Old Trafford edges closer:

At this point, it would be a huge surprise if Mbeumo wasn’t a United player come the beginning of next season, with the winger constantly edging closer to completing a move in recent weeks.

The Cameroonian enjoyed a fantastic 2024/25 season, scoring 20 goals in 38 Premier League appearances, and former Bees manager Thomas Frank is well aware of his ability, saying:

“Bryan Mbeumo today was unplayable. The way he holds the ball up and links play, like today to Kevin Schade [for the fourth goal] was very impressive.”

United are desperately in need of signing a wide player who can bring guaranteed end product to the team, with Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford and Antony all loaned out in 2024/25, and the Brentford ace could be perfect in that respect.

Granted, Mbeumo takes up the same right-sided role as Amad Diallo, so there is the risk that he could stunt the youngster’s progress, but the Red Devils need to be in a position where they have top-class players battling for minutes all over the pitch.

Man Utd come blistering into race to hijack Arsenal deal to sign £20m star

They could get one over on their rivals.

ByTom Cunningham Jun 22, 2025

The Bees attacker has proven himself in the Premier League, and at 25 years of age, there is still so much more to come from him, so there are few positives to the move happening this summer.

Manchester United’s need for a new striker has been massively evident over the last couple of months, massively holding them back from any success.

The Red Devils’ lack of goals is reflected in their Premier League goalscoring tally in 2024/25, with no player in the squad able to register double figures.

Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee were the two main options at Ruben Amorim’s disposal last season, but only managed to net seven goals between them in England’s top flight.

If the club are to be a success throughout 2025/26, it’s crucial that the board back the manager to allow him to make the additions he requires if he is to be a success in the near future.

Countless players have already been touted for switches to Old Trafford this summer, but it’s important he makes the right call as to which forward he makes his priority in the coming months.

The latest on United’s hunt for new attackers

Ollie Watkins is a striker who has been constantly mentioned over the last couple of days, but no deal has yet been completed for the Englishman’s signature.

Unai Emery’s side are demanding a £60m fee to part ways with the forward, a fee that may prove to be too expensive given his age of 29 and undoubtedly coming to the back end of his career.

As a result, other alternatives have been considered over the past couple of days, with Juventus star Dušan Vlahović emerging as an option, according to the Daily Mail.

They claim that the Serbian has been involved in talks between the two sides, with the Italian outfit using the forward as leverage in a separate deal which could see Jadon Sancho leave the club.

It also states that the 25-year-old – who has a reported price tag of £26m – could be open to a move to the Premier League, but his wage demands could provide a stumbling block in any move this summer.

Why United’s latest target would be better than Watkins

There’s no denying that Watkins would be an excellent option, but his current price tag is way beyond the fee you would expect for a forward given his age.

However, he would offer a Premier League-proven option in the final third, as seen by his tally of 60 goals across the last three seasons under Emery at Villa Park.

As a result, he’s been one of the deadliest stars in the division, but that doesn’t make him the best addition on the market, with other options being a better fit or the current squad.

Vlahovic would certainly be better than Watkins, being four years younger than the Villa star, and having the ability to build on the success he’s already built for himself in Italy.

When comparing their respective stats from last season, the Juve star has managed to outperform Watkins in numerous key areas, showcasing why he’d be a better addition this window.

The Serbian, who’s been labelled “world-class” by one analyst, has registered more shots on target per 90, whilst notching more shot-creating actions, handing Amorim’s side the constant threat they’ve lacked in recent times.

He’s also won more of the aerial battles he’s entered in 2024/25, providing a focal point for the Red Devils to play off and allowing for improved link-up play in the final third.

Games played

29

38

Goals & assists

14

24

Shots on target per 90

1.3

1.2

Shot-creating actions

2.1

1.8

Take-on success

32%

24%

Aerials won

48%

42%

Progressive passes

1.1

0.9

Passes into final third

0.6

0.2

Vlahovic’s dominance is further reflected in his progressive passes and passes into the final third per 90, having the skillset to provide others with opportunities rather than focusing on his own goalscoring record.

It’s unclear how much a deal for the 25-year-old would cost this summer, but if he’s used in a deal for Sancho, it could prove to be excellent business from the hierarchy.

No doubt Watkins would also be a super signing, but Vlahovic has the all-round tools needed to play a vital role in their hunt for glory during Amorim’s spell in charge at Old Trafford.

Amorim's own Van Persie: Man Utd preparing £60m bid for "phenomenal" CF

Manchester United look set to pursue a move to land one star who could follow in Robin van Persie’s footsteps.

ByEthan Lamb Jul 4, 2025

Will O’Rourke and Jacob Duffy also given their first deals but Adam Milne declined to be available for a contract

ESPNcricinfo staff09-Jul-2024Rachin Ravindra, Ben Sears, Will O’Rourke and Jacob Duffy have been offered their first New Zealand central contracts while left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel returns to the list.Fast bowler Adam Milne has joined Kane Williamson and Lockie Ferguson in declining a contract and Blair Tickner has dropped out of the 20 players.Ravindra was a breakout star of the 2023 ODI World Cup where he made 578 runs and then scored his maiden Test century against South Africa in Mount Maunganui which he converted into 240. He became the youngest recipient of the Sir Richard Hadlee Medal as the New Zealand men’s player of the year in March.Related

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“Growing up you’d see those contract lists come out each year and think it would be cool to be on that list one day – and for it to eventuate now is a pinch-myself moment,” Ravindra said. “It’s been a really cool past 12 months playing international cricket. I’ve learned a lot and the hunger is definitely there to keep improving and giving to the Blackcaps.”Pace bowlers Sears and O’Rourke impressed on their Test debuts last season. O’Rourke claimed nine wickets against South Africa in Hamilton and Sears took 4 for 90 against Australia in the fourth innings in Christchurch. Sears was also a regular member of the T20I side while O’Rourke debuted across both white-ball formats.Duffy, 29, is not a regular in New Zealand’s teams and is yet to make his Test debut. He has featured in six ODIs and 14 T20Is since his debut in 2020. Last season he took 31 wickets at 24.41 in the Plunket Shield.”It’s especially exciting for Ben, Jacob, Rachin and Will to receive their first contract offers, and well deserved following their hard work and performances,” New Zealand selector Sam Wells said. “These younger guys are the future of the team and it’s been encouraging to see their progress on the international stage.”ESPNcricinfo LtdPatel’s return to the contract list is a reflection of a Test-heavy schedule New Zealand have coming up which includes overseas assignments against Afghanistan (one Test), Sri Lanka (two Tests) and India (three Tests). They then play a three-match home series against England in December.Top-order batter Henry Nicholls retains his contract despite dropping out of the Test side last season. Kyle Jamieson is currently undergoing rehab from another back injury which was diagnosed in February and could keep him out for a year. He, too, is on the contract list.It was announced last month that Williamson would not take up a central contract as he will be heading to the SA20 in January but he is available for New Zealand either side of that and is expected to remain a regular in the Test side.One of the terms in the contract is availability to both New Zealand and the Super Smash T20 competition.”We’re producing international-ready Blackcaps and we’re pleased with the current depth,” Wells said. “The strength of the list is perhaps best measured by the quality of some of the players who weren’t offered contracts.”New Zealand will need a new white-ball captain following Williamson’s contract decision.The retired Neil Wagner is the other player to drop off the contract list from last season.New Zealand central contracts 2024-25Finn Allen, Tom Blundell, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Will O’Rourke, Ajaz Patel, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Ben Sears, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Will Young

Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan, who had lost their central contracts for not prioritising domestic cricket, are also back

Shashank Kishore14-Aug-2024Rishabh Pant is set to make his comeback in red-ball cricket with the 2024-25 Duleep Trophy, as the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee picked the squads for the first round of the tournament. This is the first time Pant will play first-class cricket since his car accident in December 2022.Mohammed Shami, however, isn’t part of any of the four squads. He is nearing full fitness and has begun bowling full tilt as he targets a comeback during the two-Test home series against Bangladesh from September 19. Shami is expected to continue training under the NCA’s watch in Bengaluru.Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan, who had lost their central contracts for not prioritising domestic cricket last season, are also back in the first-class fold along with a host of other top players, including KL Rahul, Suryakumar Yadav, Shubman Gill and Kuldeep Yadav.Related

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As reported by ESPNcricinfo, Test captain Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, R Ashwin and Jasprit Bumrah have been given an extended break ahead of India’s home season.Fast bowler Prasidh Krishna, whose most recent competitive game was in January 2024, is also set to make a comeback after a lengthy injury layoff. He is in the final stages of rehab for a quadriceps tendon injury, for which he underwent surgery in February. Prasidh will miss the Maharaja T20 Trophy, Karnataka’s domestic T20 competition, to complete his recovery ahead of the first round of the Duleep Trophy matches played simultaneously in Anantapur and Bengaluru from September 5.Top-order batter Tilak Varma, who suffered a wrist injury towards the end of IPL 2024, was also picked for the Duleep Trophy. He wasn’t picked in India’s squad that played five T20Is in Zimbabwe in July because of the injury.The selection panel has rewarded domestic form, an example of which is the inclusion of Mumbai allrounder Musheer Khan. The 19-year-old had a breakout year in which he was part of India’s Under-19 World Cup squad as well as Mumbai’s victorious Ranji Trophy campaign.Musheer, who struck a double-hundred in the Ranji Trophy quarter-final and a match-winning hundred in the final, will play alongside his older brother and India batter Sarfaraz Khan, one of the several contenders for a place in India’s Test middle order.Allrounder Nitish Kumar Reddy has been included subject to fitness. He is recovering from a sports hernia surgery in June, after being withdrawn from India’s T20I squad to Zimbabwe. Some notable names not to make the cut were Rinku Singh, Sanju Samson and Shams Mulani. It is not yet known whether any of them would come in as replacements for the Test players who will leave after the first round.Originally a zonal competition featuring teams from six zones – North, South, East, West, Central and North-East – Duleep Trophy will have only four teams this time, named Team A, Team B, Team C and Team D. The players who will be picked for the Bangladesh series will be replaced in the Duleep Trophy.Duleep Trophy 2024-25 squads (first round)Team A: Shubman Gill (capt), Mayank Agarwal, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel (wk), KL Rahul, Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Tanush Kotian, Kuldeep Yadav, Akash Deep, Prasidh Krishna, Khaleel Ahmed, Avesh Khan, Vidwath Kaverappa, Kumar Kushagra, Shaswat Rawat.Team B: Abhimanyu Easwaran (capt), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sarfaraz Khan, Rishabh Pant (wk), Musheer Khan, Nitish Kumar Reddy (subject to fitness), Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohd Siraj, Yash Dayal, Mukesh Kumar, Rahul Chahar, R Sai Kishore, Mohit Awasthi, N Jagadeesan (wk)Team C: Ruturaj Gaikwad (capt), Sai Sudharsan, Rajat Patidar, Abishek Porel (wk), Suryakumar Yadav, B Indrajith, Hrithik Shokeen, Manav Suthar, Umran Malik, Vyshak Vijaykumar, Anshul Khamboj, Himanshu Chauhan, Mayank Markande, Aryan Juyal (wk), Sandeep WarrierTeam D: Shreyas Iyer (capt), Atharva Taide, Yash Dubey, Devdutt Padikkal, Ishan Kishan (wk), Ricky Bhui, Saransh Jain, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Aditya Thakare, Harshit Rana, Tushar Deshpande, Akash Sengupta, KS Bharat (wk), Saurabh Kumar