All posts by n8rngtd.top

Tottenham Hotspur’s long-awaited trophy finally came at the end of this season, but attention has quickly turned to the 2025/26 campaign, with work needing to be done to sustain the success.

Ange Postecoglou led the Lilywhites to a Europa League triumph, but it wasn’t enough to save his job in North London, as Daniel Levy relieved the Aussie of his duties.

He subsequently appointed Thomas Frank, handing the Dane the responsibility of building on the European victory and making the side a competitive Premier League outfit.

He will need to make a quick start to life at the club to prove the owner made the right decision in opting for a change, potentially coming under huge pressure should he fail to deliver.

However, if he is to be a success in the role, he will need backing within the current transfer window, handing him the platform for success during his first season at the helm.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new additions this summer

Over the last couple of days, Lyon star Georges Mikautadze has emerged as a key target for Spurs, with the club expected to make an offer for the Georgian forward after their relegation to Ligue 2.

Rodrigo Muniz is another player on their radar this window, but will cost a pretty penny during the off-season, as Fulham are demanding £50m for the Brazilian forward.

However, if either of the players are to move to North London, they will need to be provided with opportunities in the final third, with Xavi Simons a player in their sights, according to GIVEMESPORT.

Their report claims that the RB Leipzig star is keen on a move to the Premier League this window, but the German outfit are demanding a fee in the region of £60m to part with their star man.

It also states that the Lilywhites have registered a keen interest in the 22-year-old, who managed to register 10 goals and seven assists in the Bundesliga this campaign, with contact already taking place as the north Londoners have been ‘updated on Simons’ situation by his representatives’.

Why Spurs’ £60m target would be a better signing than Eze

Over the last couple of years, Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze has been constantly on Spurs’ radar, but they’ve never been able to complete a deal for his signature.

This window remains no different, with Frank already targeting the England international and considering making a move to take the star to North London.

His stock is undoubtedly higher this time around, after netting the winner in the FA Cup final this campaign, securing the Eagles’ first major trophy against Manchester City at Wembley.

However, he does currently have a £68m release clause in his contract, but could face huge pressure to land his services, as North London rivals Arsenal have also entered the race.

As a result, the Lilywhites hierarchy should shift their attention to a move for Simons, with the Dutch international a better option for Frank’s outfit this window.

He would provide the side with a younger and cheaper option, but when comparing the pair’s respective figures from 2024/25, he’s also managed to outperform him in key areas – subsequently making him a higher-quality addition.

Simons, who’s been labelled “exceptional” by OptaJohan, has completed more of the passes he’s attempted, and posted more progressive passes per 90 – handing other attackers at the club the chance to bolster their own tallies.

The youngster has also starred with his ball-carrying, registering nearly two times more carries into the final third per 90, showcasing his desire to get forward at any given moment.

Given his age, price tag and difference in figures produced, a deal for Simons should be a no-brainer this window, offering Frank the elite-level talent he craves within the final third.

It would be an expensive addition for the hierarchy, but ultimately, it’s one that’s needed if the club are to reach the next level during the Dane’s tenure at the club.

There’s no denying that Eze is a hugely talented player, but it’s evident that there is a tendency for more expensive fees to be touted for English stars, subsequently making Simons the better option this window.

A better signing than Semenyo: Spurs leading race to land £25m sensation

Tottenham Hotspur appear to be making strides in a move to land a new talent for Thomas Frank.

By
Ethan Lamb

Jun 27, 2025

Arsenal have been told exactly what it will take for Benjamin Sesko to leave RB Leipzig this summer, as his agent speaks out about reports linking his client with a move away from the Red Bull Arena.

Arsenal offered 21-goal striker who's a "priority signing" for Tottenham

The north London clubs could go head-to-head.

2

By
Emilio Galantini

Jun 19, 2025

Sesko has just finished a career-best Bundesliga campaign, bagging 21 goals in all competitions, but he couldn’t quite guide Leipzig to a European spot – with the Germans missing out on a place in the Conference League, Europa League and Champions League.

It is the first time Leipzig haven’t qualified for Europe since their top-flight arrival in 2016, and this will surely get Sesko thinking about his immediate future as Arsenal reportedly circle to offer him a route out.

The Slovenia international is a top target for Gunners manager Mikel Arteta, who’s been chasing his signature for 12 months.

Arsenal had a proposal rejected for Sesko last summer, who instead put pen to paper on a contract extension to remain at Leipzig and further his development, with the north Londoners also having an attempt rebuffed in January (Ben Jacobs).

They’re now trying to make it ‘third-time-lucky’ with another move for Sesko, and “concrete talks” have been taking place since late May (Florian Plettenberg). However, as things stand, Sky Germany are reporting that Arsenal are unwilling to match Leipzig’s financial demands for the centre-forward.

With plenty of work still to do, the 22-year-old’s own representative, Elvis Basanovic, has now provided an update on his client’s future in an interview with GiveMeSport this week.

Arsenal told key transfer condition by Benjamin Sesko's agent

Speaking to GMS, Basanovic has revealed the key condition for Sesko to depart Leipzig before summer deadline day on September 1.

The agent claims he’ll only leave Leipzig for a “special” new destination, refusing to clarify whether Arsenal fall into this category. When asked if the plan for Sesko is to find a new club, Basanovic said: “Well, his numbers at his age compared to some strikers with already great careers at his age are confirming my words.

“He will move from RB Leipzig only when we recognise a special club, a special project with a special coach.”

More worryingly for Arteta, the intermediary even suggested that Sesko could stay at Leipzig for years if they deem it the right call.

“It can be next week, or next year, or in 3 years,” Basanovic continued.

“Even if there may be – or will be – a strong desire of the player to move to a certain club, we will never force or blackmail RB Leipzig. I believe this is not the right way, because the way you actually exit from the club shows your values. Values that you are bringing into a new club.

“I can understand in very big transfers, there are a lot of different interests, but no matter what, I believe in the football world ‘there’ should be more respect. So that’s why we do things in the right way, or we don’t do them. It’s very simple, even maybe in the media it looks very complicated.”

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers may have to deal with interest from other clubs in his top players yet again during the summer transfer window.

The Northern Irish head coach’s plans were disrupted around this time last year when Denmark international Matt O’Riley left to sign for Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League.

There are now clubs reportedly interested in snapping up the club’s key players this year, as Tottenham Hotspur have been linked with an interest in Japan international Daizen Maeda.

Turkish giants Fenerbahce, managed by Jose Mourinho, are also reportedly interested in a deal to sign the winger from the Scottish giants this summer.

The Japanese forward produced 16 goals and ten assists in the Scottish Premiership in the 2024/25 campaign, and it would be a big blow for the Hoops to lose him to Spurs or Fenerbahce ahead of next season.

Celtic would have to go back into the market to bolster their options on the flanks, and Rodgers could be on the lookout for his next version of Scott Sinclair.

Why Scott Sinclair was a star for Brendan Rodgers

The English attacker played for the Northern Irish head coach at both Swansea and Celtic earlier in his career and caught the eye with his performances at the top end of the pitch.

Sinclair racked up 95 goals and 49 assists in 238 appearances for the manager at those two clubs combined, and no player, Luis Suarez and Jamie Vardy included, has scored more goals for Rodgers to date.

The former Great Britain Olympic star was particularly impressive for Celtic as a right-footed left winger who thrived as both a scorer and a creator of goals, cutting in from the left to provide a huge threat in front of goal.

As you can see in the table above, Sinclair enjoyed a hugely successful first season at Parkhead with a return of 28 goals and assists in 35 Premiership matches.

The winger signed for the club in the same summer that Rodgers made the move to Glasgow in 2016, as he joined from Premier League side Aston Villa for a reported fee of £3m.

That £3m transfer fee looks like a bargain in hindsight because he went on to deliver plenty of goals and assists for the Scottish giants as an impressive and exciting left-sided attacker for Rodgers.

He was a star for the Northern Irish head coach because he could provide consistent quality in the final third, and the Celtic boss could unearth his next version of Sinclair by signing one of the club’s current transfer targets.

Celtic identify winger as top target

According to Celts Are Here writer Mark Hendry, Celtic have identified Royal Antwerp winger Michel-Ange Balikwisha as a top target for the summer transfer window.

The reporter claims that the Belgian forward is a target for the club because Rodgers would like to bolster his options in the wide areas, which suggests that he could be signed irrespective of any exit for Maeda.

Transfer Focus

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

Hendry’s article adds that the club have monitored the 24-year-old for some time and that he remains ‘active’ on their shortlist, as they eye a deal for the wing wizard.

The journalist states that Royal Antwerp look set to cash in on the Pro League attacker this year to avoid losing him on a free transfer at the end of next season, as his current contract with the Belgian side is due to expire in the summer of 2026. His valuation, as per Transfermarkt, currently stands at £4.6m

Celtic could, therefore, take advantage of that situation to swoop in and agree a deal for the left-sided forward, who could be Sinclair 2.0 for Rodgers at Parkhead.

Why Balikwisha could be the next Sinclair

Like the English forward, who played for Bristol Rovers this season, Balikwisha is a right-footed forward who predominantly plays off the left flank, cutting in onto his favoured foot to make things happen in the final third.

This immediately suggests that they are stylistically similar and could, therefore, fulfill a similar tactical role within Rodgers’ system, whilst starting on the left wing in his favoured 4-3-3 set-up.

Balikwisha also has the quality to make a real impact in the final third. He returned from injury during the second half of the 2024/25 campaign to deliver four goals and seven ‘big chances’ created in just 12 Pro League starts.

The Hoops target has shown that he has the potential to be a Sinclair-esque figure on the left wing if put in the right environment, as he caught the eye in limited game time.

As you can see in the table above, Balikwisha has consistently outperformed his xG in the Pro League since the start of the 2023/24 campaign, whilst regularly creating three chances every two games on average.

One scout, Emir, on X, claimed that the winger has the quality at the top end of the pitch to “wins games on his own”, which is backed up by the statistics above as he can score and assist goals at a good level in Belgium.

A move to Scotland to play in an incredibly dominant Celtic team could allow him to flourish, as Maeda did this season with his 26 goal involvements in the Premiership, and truly reach Sinclair’s level of goals and assists under Rodgers.

Balikwisha has also shown potential in Europe, with two goals in seven games in the Champions League in the 2023/24 campaign, which suggests that he could hit the ground running in the league phase of the competition next term for the Hoops.

Celtic can unearth Jota replacement in "phenomenal" star who's like Foden

Celtic could unearth a surprise replacement for Jota by bringing this star back to Parkhead.

By
Dan Emery

Jun 8, 2025

Overall, the Royal Antwerp star could be an excellent signing for Celtic due to his age, his contract situation in Belgium, and the potential he has to be Sinclair 2.0 for Rodgers as an electric winger who can score and assist goals from the left flank.

The Premier League trophy’s ribbons run red once again, with Liverpool dethroning Manchester City after their historic four-in-a-row dynasty at the peak of English football.

Arne Slot oversaw Anfield’s success, and it was a triumph that few beyond the club’s fanbase saw coming. But it’s happened, Liverpool so dominant through the course of the campaign, easing the intensity over the past month, picking up two points from 12 available after thrashing Tottenham Hotspur 5-1 in April to wrap up the title and spark frenzied celebrations.

It’s got to be said, the job Slot and FSG have done over the past year has placed Liverpool in a promising position, surely primed for a sustained period of success at the forefront of domestic and European football.

With the elite support, peerless conditions and illustrious history, prospective transfer targets must leap at the chance to join Slot’s side, especially when looking at the sky-high growth of talents such as Ryan Gravenberch and Cody Gakpo.

This is certainly applicable in the case of Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz.

The latest on Florian Wirtz to Liverpool

FSG have a certain way with finalising transfers swiftly once settled on a top target. This is especially true in the case of Wirtz, who is in the final stages of a transfer to Merseyside less than two weeks after Manchester City cooled their interest in the German international, citing concerns over the bulk of the financial package.

As per Fabrizio Romano, Wirtz, 22, has been enticed by the Liverpool project and only wanted to leave Leverkusen for Slot’s project, with the structure of the package all that stands in the way of that glorious official announcement.

It will break the bank, for sure, with FSG ready to crush their transfer record by signing Wirtz for a fee rising to £110m with add-ons and bonuses.

It’s a stunning show of strength from the Anfield side, ready to defend their title by making impactful additions. Bringing Wirtz in shouldn’t spell the end of the forward arrivals, however.

Liverpool join race for PL talent

According to Stretty End, Liverpool are among the contenders to have joined the race for Brighton & Hove Albion talent Yankuba Minteh, alongside rivals Manchester United.

With the Red Devils looking to strengthen their attacking flanks this summer, Liverpool may be forced into acting now, should they want to sign the 20-year-old after his promising breakout campaign in the Premier League.

Brighton signed Minteh from Newcastle United for £30m last summer before he had ever kicked a ball in black and white, swooping as Seagulls do when presented with an opportunity.

Why Liverpool want Yankuba Minteh

Slot knows Minteh well, having managed the Gambian prospect across the 2023/24 campaign at Feyenoord, the loanee hitting 16 goal involvements from 37 matches.

Now, he’s passed the first level of the Premier League test, scoring seven goals and providing five assists across all competitions this season.

With his explosive pace and budding eye for goals and assists, Minteh could become Liverpool’s new version of Sadio Mane, three years on from the 33-year-old’s departure to Bayern Munich, ending his illustrious Merseyside career.

The key point of difference, of course, would be that Minteh is typically more of a right-sided forward, thus illustrating a future role as Mohamed Salah’s successor, but maybe more in the mould of the one-time Jurgen Klopp favourite.

One football scout has even put it more directly, saying Minteh “can reach Sadio Mane[‘s] level” in the future, with his athletic properties and killer instinct reminiscent of the Senegalese sensation in his pomp.

As per FBref, Minteh ranked among the top 8% of Premier League attacking midfielders and wingers this season for touches in the attacking box, the top 12% for successful take-ons and the top 13% for tackles per 90.

Here you can see the strength, progressive power and tenacious attitude, all wrapped into one. Minteh is, undoubtedly, one of the most talented young wingers in the Premier League, and he could explode in the coming years, especially if he makes the move to Merseyside and replicates Mane’s own rise.

As you can see below, Minteh has produced this season a similar sort of roundedness to Mane before his big break, with work to be done on his finishing, sure, but not a drastic amount. Indeed, Minteh is proving to be the full package, with his existing ability to find the back of the net something which could develop in the years to come, especially if under Slot’s wing.

The Southampton version of Mane still has the edge over Minteh, but not by a significant margin. Moreover, the legendary Premier League winger joined Liverpool in a £34m deal when he was 24 years old; Minteh, conversely, is still only 20.

This all points toward an auspicious future for Minteh, and Liverpool would be wise to invest their stakes now, before his value skyrockets.

If rumours of Federico Chiesa and Ben Doak’s respective departures carry truth, this would be the perfect way for FSG to sign a new Salah understudy after the elation of bagging Wirtz.

And given his similarities to one Mane, it might be a deal that fans look back on in the years to come as yet another masterstroke on Michael Edwards’ part.

Another Suarez situation: Liverpool expect bid for "world-class" £72m star

Liverpool may have to contend with the sales of a few stars this summer.

By
Angus Sinclair

May 30, 2025

Summer has officially begun with a mini-transfer window open until June 10, allowing Tottenham Hotspur to go and strike early recruitment deals ahead of the 2025/2026 season.

Tottenham make transfer plans amid Ange Postecoglou uncertainty

Lilywhites boss Ange Postecoglou is apparently set to learn his fate as Spurs boss this week (ESPN), with supporters still anxiously waiting for chairman Daniel Levy’s decision after an incredibly mixed campaign.

Once-£137m forward wants to join Tottenham after Europa League win

They’re seen as favourites.

10

By
Emilio Galantini

Jun 4, 2025

Postecoglou ended the club’s long 17-year wait for a piece of major silverware by guiding them to victory in the Europa League final, at Man United’s expense, but the Australian also led them to a record-breaking 22 Premier League defeats in a single season.

Before Spurs can make real headway on their summer recruitment drive, Postecoglou’s future must be resolved, and reliable club insider Paul O’Keefe recently shared that Levy has in fact made a call on when to do next – without formally communicating it just yet.

With Levy set to communicate his decision sooner rather than later, Spurs can then start getting to work on their transfer plans, if their potential search for a new manager doesn’t take centre stage for too long.

News emerged on Tuesday that Son Heung-min could leave Tottenham this summer after 10 years at the club (The Telegraph), despite Tottenham triggering a one-year extension clause in his contract.

If the South Korean star does leave, Spurs will acquire a fee for his faithful service, but they’d also need a replacement for him. In light of this news, it is no coincidence that Bayern Munich star Leroy Sane is being repeatedly linked with a move to north London.

Dejan Kulusevski is also out with a long-term injury and could take some time to get fully match fit again, so the need for a new winger is pretty prevalent.

Sergio Reguilon is confirmed to be leaving Tottenham as well, with Destiny Udogie now their only senior natural left-back.

Tottenham hold talks over signing New England left-back Peyton Miller

According to New England Revolution journalist Seth Macomber, who covers them for The Blazing Musket, MLS sensation Peyton Miller is now attracting serious interest from the Lilywhites.

As per Macomber, Tottenham have held talks with New England about signing Miller, with Levy and co displaying a real interest in signing the teenager.

The versatile full-back, who can play nearly anywhere on the left-flank, has been called the ‘real deal’ by American critics and is now a regular for New England after becoming the second-youngest player to both appear and start in an MLS match for them.

He could be an adept back-up option to Udogie, and his meteoric rise in the last two seasons looks to have really impressed Tottenham scouts.

If Glasgow Rangers are going to topple their arch-nemsis next term, the new owners are going to have a job on their hands to appoint the right successor to Barry Ferguson at Ibrox.

Given their cross city rivals’ recent success, the Light Blues need to find somebody who can come in and install a playing style that will see Rangers win trophies and progress in Europe. That simply hasn’t happened in the last few years.

Steven Gerrard managed to do all those things and more during his three-and-a-half-year reign between 2018 and 2021. Could he be an option this summer for a second stint in Glasgow?

The latest on Steven Gerrard's future

According to the Daily Record over the weekend, Gretar Steinsson from the 49ers and sporting director Kevin Thelwell have reportedly narrowed down the list to the final couple of targets.

A new manager could be announced by the end of next week if all goes to plan and Gerrard could certainly be on this list.

The Englishman led the club to their first Premiership title since 2011 during the 2020/21 campaign, going through the league season undefeated.

Of course, it wasn’t all sunshine under Gerrard. The first two seasons saw plenty of tough defeats and post-Christmas collapses, but he would be a solid option to restore the sinking ship.

However, the 49ers must take a strategic gamble on the next manager. It looked as though Davide Ancelotti was going to get the role, but ultimately, nothing came to pass with the coach set to follow his father, Carlo, to Brazil.

The ideal alternative to Gerrard and Ancelotti

So, who could they go after instead? Well, Italian manager Francesco Farioli announced his decision to leave Ajax after just a single season in the Netherlands.

Manager Focus

Who are the greatest coaches in the land? Football FanCast’s Manager Focus series aims to reveal all.

It would certainly be a major statement of intent if the 49ers could entice him to Ibrox this summer, that’s for sure.

Farioli left after failing to win the Eredivisie for Ajax, despite leading by nine points with seven games left.

It was a dismal collapse, no doubt about that, but any hopes of the club looking to go close again next season with Farioli at the helm have been dashed as the manager announced he was leaving Amsterdam.

“Francesco also played a key role in enhancing the high-performance culture at Ajax, for which we are extremely grateful,” said director Alex Kroes. He was also dubbed “unique” by journalist Lars Jesse following the news.

The 36-year-old tends to utilise an attacking 4-3-3 system, which could be a good fit for several players at Rangers.

Across his 54 matches in charge of the Dutch side, Farioli’s side scored 115 goals – 2.1 per game – while he accumulated 2.09 points per game.

One of the most overlooked aspects was just how well the Italian improved their defence. In the 2023/24 campaign, Ajax conceded a staggering 61 goals.

This season, they conceded only 32, having the best defensive record in the top flight. It wasn’t enough to seal the title, however.

For someone aged just 36, the boss has managed 167 games across his four club sides. It would be a risk, but the way he approaches the game with an impressive attacking philosophy, plus a resolute defence, could transform the fortunes of Rangers.

While the last player to come from Dutch football in Gio van Bronckhorst ultimately ended up being given the boot, his immediate success, winning the Europa League, proves that the adaptation period from the Netherlands might not be too challenging.

Goldson 2.0: Rangers "interested" in signing £2m star from England

Rangers have earmarked a Premier League defender as a potential new signing.

By
Ross Kilvington

May 18, 2025

Glasgow Rangers must make the right call when it comes to choosing Ibrox’s next manager. No ifs, no buts, no maybes.

With their Old Firm rivals recently securing their fourth Premiership title in a row, Rangers have won only two domestic honours in the last four seasons. This is simply not good enough for the Light Blues.

While an experienced manager is top of the priority list, might a left-field name stand a chance of securing the vacant role?

Rangers search for a new manager

Names such as Russell Martin, Gary O’Neil and Rob Edwards have been linked of late. Indeed, even Steven Gerrard has been touted for a return to Ibrox ahead of the 2025/26 season.

According to Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, Davide Ancelotti had emerged as a candidate to take over the role at Rangers in recent days.

He looked to be in line to take over at Como if Cesc Fàbregas departed but things have now changed in the last 24 hours or so.

Son of Carlo, Ancelotti has never managed at senior level, but he has been an assistant to his father at clubs such as Real Madrid, Napoli, Bayern Munich and PSG. Well, he’s now set to break up that link.

Manager Focus

Who are the greatest coaches in the land? Football FanCast’s Manager Focus series aims to reveal all.

Reports emerged from Spain on Monday evening suggesting that he is, in fact, ‘set to become Rangers manager’ where he will be joined by fellow Real Madrid first-team coach, Francesco Mauri, as his No.2.

The news comes after it was confirmed that his father would be leaving Madrid behind at the end of the month as he becomes the new head coach of Brazil.

Why Ancelotti would be Gerrard 2.0 for Rangers

When Gerrard was appointed in the summer of 2018, his only previous role was taking charge of Liverpool U18s.

During his time as a coach at Anfield, the legendary midfielder won 18 of his 32 games while leading the U18s and U19s and thus, placing him in control of a club with the prestige of Rangers was a gamble. That gamble didn’t work out too badly at all.

Indeed, Gerrard’s first two seasons in charge saw the Light Blues defeat Celtic three times, including a first victory at Parkhead in nine years, as well as mounting a title challenge.

2020/21 would become his Annus mirabilis. Not only did the Ibrox side win the Premiership title, but they also did it undefeated.

Following the end of that season, the club needed investment in the playing squad in order to prove that the league title success wasn’t a fluke.

For Gerrard, he didn’t receive the backing required and eventually left in November 2021. The board took a risk on the inexperienced manager, and it eventually paid dividends.

Could they do something similar this summer? Ancelotti would certainly be left-field but has the name, although that shouldn’t count for too much, and the vital experience of having worked under one of the greatest managers of all time.

So, why’s he so highly thought of? Well, a sports science graduate, he clearly values the fitness of players but he’s particularly astute tactically too.

His main role at Madrid has been to offer different tactical perspectives to his father, which has seen his role grow incredibly important in the Spanish capital.

Not just content at being a second voice, according to the BBC, Davide also oversees training, takes charge of set-pieces and devises patterns of play.

In that sense, he’s a proper coach, perhaps a bit like Michael Beale. He’s the brains on the training ground. While tactically he might be more efficient than Gerrard, the lack of experience is certainly very similar here.

For further insight, the words of former Dundee United coach, Tam Courts, certainly help after he worked with the Italian during a coaching course. He previously praised the 35-year-old, saying: “He’s very humble but he has a lot of decisiveness too. He’s a man of character and has a bit of steel about him.

“I totally understand why he’s a guy Rangers would be considering, especially in terms of player attraction and retention. He’s a big name. Players would want to come, not just to play for Rangers, but for him as well.”

A glowing appraisal of his abilities, no doubt about that and if new reports are anything to go by, a move to Glasgow looks imminent.

Their new Morelos: Rangers eyeing "top striker" who'd cost just £8,000

Rangers have their eyes on a talented young striker

By
Ross Kilvington

May 12, 2025

Will Manchester City qualify for next season’s Champions League?

Last Sunday, the Sky Blues reached a third successive FA Cup final, courtesy of a 2-0 victory over Nottingham Forest at Wembley, in which Rico Lewis and then Joško Gvardiol were the scorers.

Back in the Premier League, Pep Guardiola’s team have enjoyed three successive victories, now seeking to win four in a row for the first time since the first four matches of this season.

Victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers on Friday night would propel the Sky Blues up to third, but this won’t be easy, considering Wolves travel to the Etihad following six successive victories, achieving this in the top division for the first time since 1970.

If Guardiola is going to end Wolves’ winning streak, he should make a change to his forward line with Jack Grealish likely to come out of the side.

Jack Grealish's Manchester City decline

When Grealish arrived at Manchester City for £100m, at the time breaking the British transfer record, few would’ve forecast that, four years later, he’d merely be a peripheral figure.

The 29-year-old has started just 16 matches across all competitions this season, going a whopping 392 days without a club goal, starting only once in the Premier League since Christmas, hence why his name was a surprise inclusion against Nottingham Forest on Sunday.

The table below illustrates the England international’s decline.

As the table outlines, since Grealish’s best season, the treble-winning campaign of 2022/23, he’s been little more than a bit part player, no longer a regular starter and not a regular contributor when it comes to goals and assists.

Jeremy Cross and Oli Gamp of the Daily Mirror believe it is very likely that Grealish will depart this summer, making it pointless Guardiola picking him for Man City’s four remaining league fixtures, so here’s who he should unleash against Wolves instead.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

The Man City forward yet to fulfil his potential

Jérémy Doku joined Manchester City two summers ago from Stade Rennais, costing a reported £55.5m, with Director of Football Txiki Begiristain describing him as a “very exciting young player” who has the potential to “develop into a world-class attacking talent”.

Meantime, Jacek Kulig of Football Talent Scout labeled him an “explosive winger” with “superb dribbling skills” who “plays with a natural flair”.

Well, so far, we’ve only seen this in glimpses, with the Belgian scoring only six goals both this season and last, the most recent of which came during the 6-0 demolition of Ipswich all the way back in January.

Nevertheless, Doku does rank more favourably when it comes to other metrics, as outlined by the table below.

As the table highlights, despite his relative lack of minutes, Doku has accumulated the most progressive carries and successful take-ons of any player in the Premier League.

Meantime, only Mohammed Kudus of West Ham has attempted more take-ons, while only Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah has registered more carries into the opposition penalty area.

Still only 22-years-old, Doku has the potential to be the future of this team, while the same cannot be said of Grealish.

Thus, given that Vítor Pereira is likely to set Wolves up in a low defensive block on Friday night, their back three quickly retreating and becoming a back five, Doku’s one-vs-one dribbling ability could be invaluable as Man City seek to break them down.

'Shades of De Bruyne': Man City preparing to make offer for £35m sensation

Manchester City are preparing to make an offer to sign a highly-rated talent to replace Kevin De Bruyne, described as Guardiola’s dream signing.

By
Ben Gray

Apr 29, 2025

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta faces the prospect of losing a player he “loves” this summer, with the Gunners star holding exit talks despite the club’s wish for him to remain at the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal players who could leave this summer

A host of players appear set to depart N5 this summer, but some won’t be major losses for Arteta.

£16m player now keen to join Arteta after holding talks with Arsenal

He fancies a switch to the Emirates.

2

By
Emilio Galantini

Apr 24, 2025

Left-back Kieran Tierney has been handed opportunities this season, partly due to Arsenal’s shortage of options at points, after looking as if he’d already played his final games for the north Londoners in 2023.

This time last year, nobody expected that Arteta would hand the 27-year-old a total of 17 appearances in all competitions, including a very rare Premier League start against Brentford, but these will be among his last outings for the Gunners.

Tierney is set to join Celtic this summer after agreeing a pre-contract in the January transfer window, and will make a return to his former club in July.

The defender could be joined by a host of his teammates in vacating Arsenal, including out-of-favour left-back Oleksandr Zinchenko, who has struggled for consistent minutes throughout 2024/2025.

Arsenal will sell Zinchenko this summer in the event a suitable offer arrives, while veteran midfielder Jorginho is currently set to depart on a Bosman deal when his contract expires past June 30th.

Jorginho has an offer from Flamengo, according to Fabrizio Romano, so a return to Brazil is on the cards for him during these twilight years of his impressive career.

While Arsenal appear ready to let the Italy international leave, they’re not prepared to lose fellow midfielder Thomas Partey, who has impressed in his arguably best season to date.

Thomas Partey still talking to other clubs over Arsenal exit

The Ghana international has made more appearances this term than in any of his previous campaigns, putting his past issues with injuries behind him and proving a very useful member of Arteta’s starting eleven.

Partey helped to dominate Real Madrid in the last round of the Champions League whilst also filling in at right-back this term, to great effect, and his impressive displays have prompted the club to open talks over an extension.

While Partey will have to take a cut to his £200,000-per-week wages to remain at Arsenal, according to ESPN, there is a real eagerness to extend his stay beyond 24/25. However, according to journalist Graeme Bailey, in a piece for The Boot Room, the 31-year-old is still keeping his options open.

Partey and his camp are actively in talks with other clubs as well, something which Arsenal are fully aware of, with the African putting contingency plans in place if an agreement can’t be reached over his stay.

Bailey adds that Partey is a player who “Arteta loves”, following on from the Spaniard’s public statement that the midfielder is a “massive” player for them.

Everton have been incredibly strong defensively this campaign, both under Sean Dyche and David Moyes since his arrival. However, the other end of the pitch hasn’t been as free-flowing, scoring just 34 goals so far this season from a total xG of 40.29 (4th lowest in the Premier League).

The Toffees netted just 40 goals last campaign, scoring just 34 the season prior, which shows this goal-scoring issue isn’t a new one.

Whilst Beto has done a good job since Moyes took over, scoring six Premier League goals, much of the attacking burden has fallen upon summer signing, Iliman Ndiaye, who has netted nine times this campaign in 32 appearances.

Therefore, Everton could be forced to look into attacking reinforcements next season, in order to strengthen Moyes’ squad and give him the best possible chance of bringing the Toffees back towards mid-table, with the potential to even aim for the top half in their first season at Bramley Moore.

Everton eyeing outrageous star

According to a report from TEAMtalk, Everton are planning on signing a striker in the summer transfer window and their hunt is ‘well underway’ with Monaco forward, Mika Biereth, one of the names on their shortlist.

This comes as the Toffees could be set to lose both Dominic Calvert-Lewin (contract expiry) and Armando Broja (loan) this summer.

The 22-year-old has played in England previously, coming through the Fulham academy system and finding his way to Arsenal, making 26 appearances for the Gunners U21 side, netting 12 goals and providing five assists there.

Biereth has made 16 appearances for the French outfit this season, scoring 12 goals, providing three assists, and totaling 1,186 minutes played, which means that he is currently outscoring Beto. This comes after joining the club in January, previously netting a further 14 goals for Sturm Graz in Austria this campaign.

Why Biereth could be Everton's own Haaland

According to the ‘similar players’ tool on FBref, Biereth is compared to Manchester City talisman, Erling Haaland, despite being different types of strikers.

Haaland relies more on his physical attributes, bullying defenders inside the box to carve out his goal-scoring chances. Whereas Biereth has a mixture of natural height (6ft,2) and clever movement, not possessing the same brute strength as Haaland.

When comparing the underlying metrics of both Haaland and Biereth alongside Beto, you can see the level of clinical finishing the 22-year-old would bring to Everton, overperforming his xG, having the best goals/shot conversion ratio, and also providing for his teammates with assists/shot-creating actions.

Biereth has been labeled “outrageous” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, after scoring his third hat trick in seven games for Monaco back in February. The goal-scoring prowess of the ex-Arsenal gem at such a young age is clearly catching the eye, with acrobatic and clever finishes inside the box reminiscent of Haaland, mixed with poachers’ goals to ensure that the tally keeps ticking upwards.

Keeping Beto around as a brilliant outlet option, especially given his upturn in form under Moyes, but also adding Biereth as a younger option with brilliant goal-scoring instincts and high potential could be a great balance for Everton next season in their striker department.

Their next Tarkowski: Everton make contact to sign £120k-per-week defender

David Moyes is ready to strengthen this Everton side this summer with a move for Tarkowski 2.0.

By
Angus Sinclair

Apr 25, 2025