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Ruben Amorim has navigated himself through his first window as Manchester United manager, finally starting to make the changes he wants to his first-team squad.

However, it’s just the tip of the iceberg for the 40-year-old, who still has a long way to go if he is to make the last impression desired to take the club back to Premier League glory.

His first signing came in the form of left-back Patrick Dorgu who cost £30m from Lecce, but will undoubtedly provide a long-term solution to the club’s ongoing full-back issue.

As for departures, Antony left to join Spanish side Real Betis on loan for the remainder of the season, with Marcus Rashford joining Aston Villa on a temporary basis after being frozen out under the new management.

However, the aforementioned pair could’ve been joined out the door by Alejandro Garnacho who was widely linked with a move away from Old Trafford throughout the entirety of the month.

Alejandro Garnacho’s potential switch away from Man United

Winger Garnacho has found life difficult under Amorim since his appointment at the end of November, unable to slot seamlessly into his 3-4-2-1 system.

His philosophy requires two number 10s in behind the lone striker, taking away the key asset of the Argentine’s game given his desire to cut inside off the flank onto his stronger right side.

Such a situation led to rumours around his long-term future at Old Trafford, with Chelsea and Napoli the two sides most strongly linked with a winter move for the 20-year-old.

However, despite all the speculation around a move away from the club, Garnacho stayed put, producing an impressive display off the bench against Leicester City in the FA Cup, placing two efforts on target as he looked to turn the game around.

With the theme of departures evident during the recent transfer window, Amorim should’ve looked to offload one player who’s failed to make an impact at the club in recent months.

The player who Man United should have sold in January

Centre-back Victor Lindelof looked to be an astute signing when arriving from Benfica for a fee in the region of £31m in 2017, looking like a player who could be a solid addition for the immediate and long-term at Old Trafford.

Nearly eight years on from his big-money transfer, the Swede has rapidly dropped down the pecking order in recent years, with injuries also plaguing him on a regular basis.

Whilst he’s made over 20 appearances in every season at the club to date, he’s often been a backup, either receiving minutes in cup competitions or off the substitutes bench.

In 2024/25, the 30-year-old has only made nine appearances across all competitions, with only five of which coming in the Premier League and none of which have come from a starting role.

Lindelof has only featured for a total of 46 minutes since the arrival of Amorim in late November, showcasing his rapid decline down the order, with numerous players now ahead of him in the ranks.

The defender, who’s previously been dubbed “woeful” by non-league manager Anthony Johnson, earns a small fortune despite his lack of action – demonstrating when the club desperately needed to offload him in January.

Lindelof currently earns a reported £120k-per-week at the Theatre of Dreams, a figure that is more than two times that of attacker Garnacho, who pockets £50k-per-week.

Leny Yoro

£115,000

£5,980,000

Joshua Zirkzee

£105,000

£5,460,000

Rasmus Hojlund

£85,000

£4,420,000

Diogo Dalot

£85,000

£4,420,000

Tyrell Malacia

£75,000

£3,900,000

Jonny Evans

£65,000

£3,380,000

Alejandro Garnacho

£50,000

£2,600,000

Kobbie Mainoo

£20,000

£1,040,000

His contract is set to come to an end on the 30th of June, with the club then able to save a fortune on wages and invest in other talents to bolster Amorim’s ranks.

However, last month was the final opportunity to recoup any of the fee paid for his signature, with the Swede set to go down as the latest big-money addition to depart the club on a free transfer this summer.

No need for De Ligt: Man Utd may regret selling special Carrington graduate

Man Utd might never have needed to sign De Ligt

ByJoe Nuttall Feb 9, 2025

Chelsea boss Sonia Bompastor is "not concerned" about Lauren James' hamstring injury but has admitted she cannot put a timeline on her return.

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Chelsea boss Bompastor "not concerned" by James injuryBut admits there is no timeline for Lionesses star to returnAlso provides updates on Girma & Kerr fitnessFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

James withdrew from the England squad in between the Lionesses' two April fixtures against Belgium, having come off at half time in the first of those matches with a hamstring issue. Chelsea last week confirmed that the winger "will be out for a period of time" with the injury but did not specify how long for, raising concerns among England fans ahead of this summer's European Championships.

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James' absence has come at particularly tough timing for herself and Chelsea, too, as it meant the 23-year-old missed the first leg of the Champions League semi-final against Barcelona on Sunday, which the Blues lost 4-1. As well as the second leg of that tie on Sunday, Bompastor's side have four Women's Super League outings remaining in their season, as well as an FA Cup final against Manchester United next month. It's unclear at this point if James will be able to be involved in any of these games.

WHAT BOMPASTOR SAID

On Tuesday, Bompastor admitted she couldn't give a timeline for James' return, but did say she wasn't "concerned" by the blow. "I think she'll come back quite well from that injury," she said. "It just takes time because hamstrings in women's football are sometimes quite big injuries, but I think Lauren will be fine. It's difficult to put a timeline [on it], because everyone is different and in the rehab I think everyone can react in a different way. But I'm not concerned about LJ. She will be back. It's just a question of time."

Bompastor was speaking in a press conference ahead of Chelsea's squad WSL clash with bottom side Crystal Palace on Wednesday, for which she confirmed the squad will be the same as the one that faced Barcelona. That is with the exception of centre-back Nathalie Bjorn, who will be "managed". Fortunately, that coincides with the return to fitness of Naomi Girma, who made her injury comeback at the weekend. "I don't think she will be fit enough to play 90, but she's fit enough to start the game, if she has to start," the Blues' boss added of the United States star.

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That means that Sam Kerr is still not back from her ACL injury, either. The striker sustained the devastating blow in January of last year and has been working through a long rehab ever since. When Chelsea added her to their Champions League squad ahead of the knockout stages, fans were hopeful that it was a sign that the Australia international was almost ready to return. However, when asked if Kerr will play at all this season, Bompastor couldn't be sure.

"It's a difficult one for me to say, because again, everyone is different," she said. "Everyone reacts differently. So Sam is progressing in her rehab but I don't have enough elements to say if we will see her this season. Hopefully, yes, but it's difficult for me to say."

Ange Postecoglou is expected to leave Tottenham regardless of whether his team wins the Europa League this season.

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Postecoglou set to leave Spurs at end of seasonEuropa League win will not be enough to save coachTottenham down in 16th place in Premier League tableFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Tottenham have endured a miserable season and are set to part ways with Postecoglou even if he wins the Europa League, according to . Spurs sit down in 16th place in the Premier League table but could still end the campaign on a high by winning the Europa League. Yet time is running out for Postecoglou in north London and there is a "growing sense" he will depart at the end of the season even if he does secure a trophy.

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Tottenham will take on Norwegian champions Bodo/Glimt in the semi-finals of the Europa League, with the winners set to play either Manchester United or Athletic Club in the final. Postecoglou has spoken proudly of his record of winning silverware in his second season at clubs and remains on target to deliver again. But even if he does guide Spurs to European glory it's unlikely the trophy will save him from the sack.

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Postecoglou has admitted he has "no idea" if he will remain in charge of Spurs past the end of the current campaign, and an 18th Premier League defeat of the season on Monday against Nottingham Forest will have done little to help his cause. Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola and Fulham's Marco Silva have both been touted as potential replacements should Postecoglou leave Spurs.

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Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR TOTTENHAM?

Tottenham return to Premier League action on Sunday with a trip to Anfield to take on champions-elect Liverpool. Spurs then host Bodo/Glimt in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final on Thursday, May 1.

أعرب طارق يحيى، نجم الزمالك السابق، عن تحفظه الشديد على قرار تعيين أيمن الرمادي مديرًا فنيًا للفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي الزمالك، مشيرًا إلى أن هناك علامات استفهام كبيرة حول ما وصفه بـ”تجاهل أبناء النادي”، محذرًا في الوقت ذاته من الطريقة التي قد يتم بها فسخ التعاقد مع المدرب البرتغالي بيسيرو، لما لها من تبعات قانونية خطيرة قد تضيف المزيد من الأعباء على كاهل النادي.

وقال طارق يحيى، خلال مداخلة إذاعية عبر أثير “ميجا إف إم”: “قصة بيسيرو تحتاج إلى دراسة متأنية، وأتمنى أن يخرج الزمالك منها رابحًا، لأننا لا نريد تكرار السيناريوهات المؤلمة، مثل ما حدث مع باتشيكو وغيره”.

وأضاف: “الزمالك ظل لأكثر من ثماني سنوات يدفع غرامات بسبب قرارات خاطئة في التعاقدات والفسوخ، حتى اللاعبون المصريون أنفسهم أصبحوا يقدمون شكاوى ضد النادي ويتسببون في إيقاف القيد”.

رسميًا | تشكيل الجهاز الفني الجديد لـ الزمالك.. أجنبي وحيد

وتابع:”لا بد قبل فسخ عقد بيسيرو أن يتم التأكد من الوصول إلى صيغة تراضي واضحة، تضمن عدم لجوئه إلى الاتحاد الدولي لكرة القدم (فيفا)، لأن سُمعة الزمالك باتت على المحك، ولا يصح أن نظل في دائرة النزاعات القضائية”.

أما بشأن تعيين أيمن الرمادي مديرًا فنيًا للفريق، فقال طارق يحيى بلهجة غاضبة: “هذا القرار بمثابة اغتيال معنوي لمدربي الزمالك السابقين والحاليين، هل لو كان الأمر في الأهلي، كنا سنرى مدربًا غير محسوب على النادي يتولى المهمة بهذه البساطة؟”

وأردف: “لدينا أسماء كبيرة من أبناء الزمالك يمكنها قيادة الفريق بكفاءة، مثل طارق مصطفى وآخرين، فهل انتهى أبناء النادي؟ هل لا يوجد من يستطيع؟”.

واستطرد:”لماذا لم يتم التواصل معي؟ هل لأنني كنت ضمن مجلس سابق؟ إن صح هذا فهذه كارثة، لأن الانتماء للكيان لا يتغير بتغير الإدارات”.

وأكد طارق يحيى أن الزمالك فنيًا ليس في أفضل حالاته، لكنه يملك مجموعة من اللاعبين يمكن البناء عليها، شريطة أن يُسند الأمر إلى من يفهم طبيعة النادي وتاريخه.

 واختتم تصريحاته قائلاً:”أحترم الرمادي، ولكن هذا القرار صعب قبوله من أي زمالكاوي حر، لا يستطيع العبور بالزمالك في هذه المرحلة إلا أبناؤه”.

Chelsea are in fast-moving talks to offload a “very big” player in their squad, with his suitors apparently eager to get him tied up and over the line by the very start of January.

Chelsea prepare for Astana as Enzo Maresca confirms squad decision

The west Londoners are back in action this afternoon, as manager Enzo Maresca prepares his side to face off against Kazakhstani minnows Astana in the Conference League.

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Chelsea have been allocated a bizarre kick-off time of 15:30 this afternoon due to time zones, with Kazakhstan being five hours ahead of the United Kingdom, so local supporters will watch the two teams play at around 20:30 in their region of the world.

Maresca also has to factor in their Premier League clash against Brentford on Sunday, and the Italian has vowed in his pre-match press conference to give as many players as possible a full 90 minutes each week, no matter what competition.

“We have a session this morning,” said Maresca on Chelsea’s line up against Astana in his pre-match press conference.

“The general decision [over the squad] is already there but we will see.

“Some of them will be here, some of them will fly with us. We try to manage in the same way we have done until today. We have many young players with us, the rest will be working.

“The target since we started the season is to allow all of them, no matter the competition, to play 90 minutes every week. Most of those who play tomorrow would have also played against Southampton last week. So we will try to keep them in the regular situation of playing 90 minutes every week. This is what we’re trying to do.”

Chelsea’s next Premier League fixtures	Date
Brentford (home)	December 15
Everton (away)	December 22
Fulham (home)	December 26
Ipswich Town (away)	December 30
Crystal Palace (away)	January 4

Youngster Josh Acheampong has attracted recent interest from Real Madrid amid disputes over a new Chelsea contract, but his omission from the squad has come to an end recently, as the club are apparently close to tying him down with an extension.

The 18-year-old is also likely to start against Astana this afternoon, confirms Maresca, which would be his second senior appearance of the season after a brief cameo in the Carabao Cup against Barrow.

A player who could also feature tonight is exit-linked midfielder Cesare Casadei, but according to Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport, tonight could be one of his last games in Chelsea blue this season.

Chelsea in fast-moving talks over loaning Cesare Casadei to Monza

As per the outlet, via Sport Witness, Chelsea are in rapid negotiations over loaning Casadei to Monza, and the Serie A side are very keen to sign him by January 2, as they desperately look to bolster their midfield options.

Talks are said to be “moving quickly” and have been ongoing for several weeks, and the potential transfer is seen as a real win-win.

The 21-year-old, who worked with Maresca at Leicester, has featured regularly in cup competitions and attracted praise from Chelsea’s head coach – but this move would allow the player to garner more minutes in his homeland.

“This year, we are using him like a holding midfielder,” said Maresca on Casadei’s use for Chelsea in October.

“The reason why is because I think we go in the direction where the middle you need physical players. Cesare is very big, physically strong and helps us when we want to press. On the ball, he is improving a lot. Tonight he played one touch, so we are very happy. For him, it’s the same as the rest; many things he can do better but he is in the right direction.”

Aguirre weighed in on roster decisions ahead of Thursday's clash against Canada

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• Luis Ángel Malagón, Érik Lira and Jesús Gallardo will start vs Canada.

• Aguirre assured that the team has what it takes to defeat the Canucks.

• The coach did not want to reveal whether he will start Raúl Jiménez or Santiago Giménez as the striker.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Mexico manager Javier Aguirre revealed three guaranteed starters for Mexico’s match against Canada in the Nations League Final Four. As expected, Luis Ángel Malagón will be the starting goalkeeper, Jesús Gallardo will play as the left-back, and Erik Lira will take charge in midfield, he confirmed during Tuesday’s press conference. However, Aguirre did not disclose whether Raúl Jiménez or Santiago Giménez would start as the main striker, though he hinted that both could feature in the lineup against the Canucks.

  "That's not something I'm going to talk about," Aguirre quickly said regarding who will be in the starting lineup. "Of course, they can fit into the same system…Both are in good form, and both can start."

  With César Montes unavailable due to card accumulation, 'Vasco' stated what he is looking for in a replacement at center back

  '[Someone who] knows the position, is capable of handling last-man situations, communicates a lot, lives the game intensely, stays alert throughout the match – that's what I need, a player who defends," Aguirre said.

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  Jiménez and Giménez are both in excellent form with their respective European clubs, but in recent years, the Mexican National Team has rarely played with two strikers. This has sparked debate among fans and media about who should be starting forward moving forward. Aguirre also mentioned that he prefers to see Julián Quiñones playing behind a number nine, meaning the Al-Qadsiah attacker – who is also enjoying a strong run of form – could be considered for a starting role against Canada.

• Getty Images
  

  WHAT AGUIRRE SAID

  "We have to play good football, execute the game plan, and have a perfect match against Canada if we want to advance to the next round. We are capable of beating Canada; they will fight, but if we play the game we are planning, we can move forward," Aguirre said. "Our goal is to win it, and after seeing the group and training with them, I am sure they have the desire to turn things around."

• Getty Images Sport
  

  DID YOU KNOW?

  Mexico is currently on a three-match winless streak against Canada. Before this, enjoyed five consecutive victories over their northern rivals. In their most recent official encounter, Canada defeated Mexico 2-1 at home.

CSA recognised that Smith’s tenure with them had been difficult for him and “regrets,” the “unwarranted public disclosures of his personal information”

Firdose Moonda25-Apr-2022Graeme Smith, the former CSA director of cricket, has been cleared of racism charges in an independent arbitration process following the Social Justice and Nation-Building (SJN) commission’s report. The SJN made tentative findings that Smith had engaged in prejudicial behaviour on three counts; advocates Ngwako Maenetje SC and Michael Bishop cleared him on all of them.CSA has been ordered to pay all the costs associated with the arbitration process.The arbitration award found that there was no evidentiary basis that Smith had engaged in racial discrimination: 1) against former wicketkeeper Thami Tsolekile in the period 2012-2014, when Tsolekile was nationally contracted but was not picked for the Test team; 2) against black leadership at CSA after it was alleged that he refused to work with former CEO Thabang Moroe and 3) in the appointment of Mark Boucher over Enoch Nkwe as national men’s coach in 2019.Related

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The last of those three ties in with CSA’s submission to parliament in March where board chair Lawson Naidoo confirmed that the appointments of Smith and Boucher were ratified by the previous board and would not be investigated further after the SJN report raised concerns over the manner in which the pair was appointed.Now, the arbitration process has also found that Smith, in his position as director of cricket, did not discriminate on the basis of race in appointing Boucher, who faces a disciplinary hearing next month for gross misconduct. CSA is seeking Boucher’s dismissal, which, if successful, would bring a premature end to his contract that runs until the end of the 2023 World Cup.Smith’s tenure at CSA has already come to a conclusion. His contract expired on March 31 and he chose not to reapply for the position prompting CSA to advertise the post.”I’m grateful that my name has finally been cleared. I’ve always given South African cricket myutmost, as a player, captain and administrator, over the last 20 years. So, to hear these baselessallegations of racism being made has been extremely difficult, both for me and my family,” Smith said in a statement. “It has been exhausting and distracting, not least because South African cricket has also been going through a well-publicised rebuilding process which has required a lot of attention.”I’m just pleased that we have now gone through a robust arbitration process before independent, objective arbitrators and I have been completely vindicated.”Graeme Smith, Enoch Nkwe, Mark Boucher and Linda Zondi at the unveiling of South Africa’s coaching structure some time ago•AFPCSA was silent on his departure but acknowledged the work Smith did in ensuring South Africa played cricket through the worst of the pandemic and in overseeing a fairly successful period for both men’s and women’s national cricket. “Now that finality on these processes has been reached, it is appropriate to recognise the extraordinary contribution that Graeme has made to South African cricket, first as the longest-serving Test captain in cricket history and then as Director of Cricket from 2019 to 2022. His role as the DoC has been critical in rebuilding the Proteas Men’s team in particular and has laid a solid foundation for his successor,” Naidoo said.ESPNcricinfo understands that CSA was interested in securing Smith’s services as a consultant but they haven’t been able to as he pursues other interests. “We fully appreciate that after his time as the DoC, Graeme wants new challenges in the commercial and cricket worlds. He has a long career ahead of him and we very much hope that he will still work in the cricket world in appropriate capacities going forward.”CSA also recognised that Smith’s tenure with them had been difficult for him and “regrets,” the “unwarranted public disclosures of his personal information, including his remuneration, during the SJN process.” Smith was revealed to earn R540,000 (US$35,000) a month, which made him better paid than the CEO.The SJN report, which was made public in December, made “tentative findings” that Smith, Boucher and former international AB de Villiers, among others, had engaged in conduct that was prejudicial and discriminatory on the basis of race. However, in the absence of definite findings, ombudsman Dumisa Ntsebeza recommended a further process be undertaken. Smith’s arbitration and Boucher’s disciplinary hearing are the two actions CSA has taken so far. The SJN cost CSA R7.5 million (approximately US$500,000) and was over budget by R2.5 million (US$150,000). CSA will now also have to foot the bill for Smith’s arbitration.

Aston Villa are among the Premier League teams considering a January move for a £29 million midfielder, according to a recent report. The Midlands side is back in Premier League action on Wednesday, as they host Brentford at Villa Park, looking to end a poor run of form which has seen them lose five of their last seven games in all competitions.

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Ahead of the game against Brentford, Unai Emery was asked about Emi Martinez, and the Villa boss was unsure if the Argentine goalkeeper would be fit enough to start this week. The shotstopper had to come off at half-time on Sunday with a hand issue, and Emery said in his pre-match press conference that the club “are going to try this afternoon” to see if he is ready.

Meanwhile, Emery was also asked about what the club’s plans are for the January transfer window, and he stated that “the club are working on it” and that they must be “alert in case”: “I am focused on the matches, but we always have to be alert in case we can improve something in the squad.”

One player who could be on Villa’s radar is midfielder Valentin Atangana, as they had scouts in place last week to watch the player live. His performances for Reims have put him on the radar of a host of teams from England and abroad, and Villa could be a team that makes a move in the New Year. But Atangana is not the only midfielder in their sights.

Aston Villa considering January move for Nicolo Fagioli

According to TBR Football, Aston Villa are interested in signing Juventus midfielder Nicolo Fagioli in January. The 23-year-old has been at Juventus since July 2015, but it wasn’t until the 2022/23 campaign that he became a regular in the first team, as he impressed under Andrea Pirlo.

The Italian international, who has seven caps to his name, can operate in a number of different positions, as he’s able to play as a central midfielder but also has the ability to play out wide as well as just behind the striker.

This report states that Juventus are looking to offload Fagioli in January, after he lost his place in the side under Thiago Motta. The midfielder missed most of last season due to a betting scandal and has struggled to make an impact this season.

He has been offered to a few clubs around Europe, with Juventus open to a loan move as well as a permanent switch. Aston Villa are among the Premier League clubs that have taken note of Fagioli’s situation, with Juventus wanting around €35 million, which is roughly £29 million should he be sold next month, but they are also open to a loan with a buy option.

Apps

62

Goals

3

Assists

8

Fagioli may not be known much in England, but during his time under Pirlo, the then Juventus boss likened Fagioli to himself when he was a player: “The biggest leap was made by Fagioli, who made his debut with me. He knows how to do everything and is a cornerstone of Juve and has the qualities to excel in directing play. He could be the new Pirlo, but better remembered as Fagioli.”

Arsenal, a team once known for penny-pinching and refusing to spend too extravagantly under the management of Arsène Wenger, have since become far more liberal in their spending in recent years.

However, while the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea have seen their enormous spending sprees amount to nothing, the Gunners have been transformed from a team fighting to finish eighth to one in their third Premier League title race in as many years.

Moreover, the North Londoners are still not quite as happy to splash the cash as some of their nearest competitors, as this summer they spent under £100m, which was a dramatic reduction in their spending compared to last summer.

In 2023, Arsenal went all out to secure the services of several top-class players, including Jurrien Timber, but before they settled on the Ajax star, they were reportedly keen on another defender who would go on to join Tottenham Hotspur.

Arsenal's 2023 summer transfer window

Last summer, Arsenal spent over £200m on transfers for the first time in their history, £105m of which went towards the capture of West Ham United captain Declan Rice.

The Englishman is far and away the Gunners’ record transfer, but that pressure hasn’t impacted him, as in the year and a bit since his arrival, the 25-year-old has shown just why he was worth every penny, making 63 appearances across all competitions, scoring eight goals, providing 12 assists and making it into the PFA Team of the Year.

The second most expensive addition last summer, Kai Havertz, cost about £65m, and while he struggled early on, he has also become an integral part of Arteta’s team.

For example, while he’s scored just six goals and provided no assists in 33 midfield appearances, the German has been incredibly effective up top, scoring 13 goals and providing eight assists in 29 games, equating to a goal involvement every 1.38 games.

Lastly, Timber joined Arteta’s North London title chasers from Ajax for around £38m following a brilliant campaign with the Amsterdam club in which he made 47 appearances, scored two goals and provided two assists.

However, following an impressive preseason, the Utrecht-born defender suffered an ACL injury in the season’s opening game against Nottingham Forest and wouldn’t return to the team until the final match of the campaign against Everton.

Fortunately, while he’s suffered a few minor knocks this year, the “elite” international, as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, has remained relatively fit and, in his ten appearances thus far, has shown the supporters how effective he can be across the backline.

However, before the club settled on signing Timber in 2023, they were supposedly keen on another Dutch defender, someone who went on to play for Spurs.

Arsenal's interest in Micky van de Ven

Yes, it might surprise some, but in early 2023, Arsenal were supposedly keen on then-Wolfsburg defender Micky van de Ven.

In fact, according to a report from German journalist Christian Falk in March of last year, the Gunners were one of many clubs scouting the Dutchman, alongside Liverpool, Manchester City, Barcelona, Inter Milan, Juventus, AC Milan and Roma.

However, as we all know, the Wormer-born “freak”, as podcaster Michael Caley dubbed him for his outlandish pace, went on to join the other team in North London for around £43m: Spurs.

Since then, the 23-year-old has established himself as arguably the most crucial defender at the club.

His sensational speed, which saw him break the Premier League sprint record last season, has allowed Ange Postecoglou to persist with his aggressive high-line.

Van de Ven’s senior career
Club	FC Volendam	VfL Wolfsburg	Tottenham Hotspur
Appearances	48	41	39
Goals	2	1	3
Assists	2	3	2
Goal Involvements per Match	0.08	0.09	0.12
All Stats via Transfermarkt

However, the “dominant” centre-back, as dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has one significant issue that could hamper his career in the long term: injuries.

Since the start of the 21/22 season, the ten-capped international has injured his hamstring on four occasions – including against Manchester City this week – and while that could be chalked up to bad luck, it does seem like his explosive pace makes him susceptible to such issues.

Ultimately, Van de Ven is an undeniably talented player and someone who would probably have helped make Arsenal even stronger thanks to his unique skill set, but considering how well Timber has played for the Gunners and his compatriot’s worrying hamstring problem, Arteta probably signed the right Dutchman in 2023.

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Jack Salveson Holmes

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After defeat against Southampton sent a timely reminder of just how much progress those at Goodison Park still need to make, The Friedkin Group now reportedly want to replace Dominic Calvert-Lewin by sealing an impressive first deal at Everton.

Everton transfer news

It certainly seems as though Dan Friedkin wants to shake things up at Everton when his team complete their takeover of the club. He’ll at least be relieved that the Toffees turned their early season form around but a 1-0 defeat at the hands of fellow relegation candidates Southampton should have brought any dreamers crashing back down to the reality that Everton still find themselves in.

Friedkin, of course, will want to make sure that those dreamers can fantasise about more than just survival and look set to turn their attention straight to the transfer window as a result, amid links to players such as Stanis Idumbo as of late. The Sevilla gem has reportedly been watched by Everton scouts, who have been hugely impressed.

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Before signing a player for the future, however, the Toffees could welcome the ultimate replacement for Calvert-Lewin. According to GiveMeSport, Friedkin Group now want to sign Jonathan David in a surprise move ahead of the likes of Newcastle United and Chelsea to replace their own soon to be out of contract star in the summer.

Like Calvert-Lewin, David is set to become a free agent at the end of his current Lille contract next year, representing a bargain deal for whoever is lucky enough to land his signature.

If it is to be Everton, then it would be quite the statement. Alas, at this moment in time, David is reportedly keen to join a club competing on the European stage which instantly leaves those at Goodison Park needing to pull a surprise to welcome the star striker.

"Strong" David would transform Everton

In the form of his career with 13 goals in his last 18 games in all competitions, including against both Real Madrid and Juventus, David would be the signing of the summer if Everton were to lure him to Merseyside. The Canada star has the quality to play for a top-six side, so it would of course have to be some offer from the Toffees, but there’s no doubt that he’d transform them back into a top-half side.

The Lille forward has earned plenty of praise over the years, including from Arsenal and Premier League legend Thierry Henry, who said via HITC in 2022: “When you have a player like Jonathan David, who runs the way he does, in behind.

“His directness. Don’t ask him to come to play or assist because he has none this season. If he sees the centre-back dropping, then he will go in behind. But as soon as he sees there is a gap, he will run and he is also pretty strong too and he loves contacts.”