Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard has named a “complete” star as the greatest player in the club’s history.
Odegaard vying to become first Arsenal captain since Vieira to lift Premier League title
It has been far too long since the Gunners lifted the Premier League title, with Patrick Vieira the last captain to do so, way back in 2004, but Odegaard is looking to end the soon-to-be 22-year wait this season.
Barring the disappointing 1-0 defeat at Liverpool, the Gunners have otherwise made an ideal start to the season, having introduced some star quality into the squad during the summer transfer window.
Perhaps most importantly, Mikel Arteta finally got a new striker through the door, with Viktor Gyokeres joining from Sporting CP, and the Sweden international has gotten off to an impressive start, scoring three goals in two games at the Emirates Stadium.
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He’s a future star…
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Following Thomas Partey’s departure, it was also vital to get another top central midfielder through the door, and Martin Zubimendi is looking like he could be exactly that, bagging a brace in the 3-0 victory against Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
The entire squad has the opportunity to write their names into the history books by ending the long wait for a league title this season, potentially placing themselves alongside the likes of Vieira Dennis Bergkamp, Robert Pires and Sol Campbell as club legends.
However, in an interview with Sky Sports earlier this year, Odegaard has named a different former Gunner as the club’s greatest-ever player.
When asked whether Thierry Henry is the best player in Arsenal’s history, the Norwegian said:
Henry one of the best in Premier League history
Not only is the Frenchman Arsenal’s greatest-ever player, but he is also one of the best in Premier League history, having been inducted into the Hall of Fame back in 2021.
The 48-year-old is a four-time Premier League Golden Boot winner, while he also holds the joint-record for number of assists in a Premier League season, chipping in with 20 during the 2002-03 campaign.
Season
PL appearances
Goals
1999/00
31
17
2000/01
35
17
2001/02
33
24
2002/03
37
24
2003/04
37
30
2004/05
32
25
2005/06
32
27
2006/07
17
10
The 123-cap France international also scored some remarkable goals during his time with the Gunners, and played a vital role in his side winning two Premier League titles and three FA Cups, in an era where Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United were dominant.
It will be a tall order for any Arsenal player to eclipse Henry’s achievements in north London, but Arteta will be hoping his side can finally end the long wait for the Premier League title this season, having spent heavily once again in the summer.
Shaheen Shah Afridi, Saud Shakeel and Kamran Ghulam have all been slapped with fines and a demerit point each for separate Level 1 breaches of the ICC’s code of conduct, after their tri-series game against South Africa in Karachi on Wednesday.Afridi was fined 25% of his match fee for breaching Article 2.12 of the code of conduct, which pertains to “inappropriate physical contact” with a player or someone else during a match.Related
Agha, Rizwan smash tons in Pakistan's highest ODI chase
Pakistan's first 350-plus chase, Rizwan-Salman's record stand
In the 28th over of South Africa’s innings, Afridi was seen stepping into the path of batter Matthew Breetzke as he attempted a run. This, as the ICC put it, led to “physical contact and a heated exchange between the two players”.That was off the last ball of the over. Just the ball before, Breetzke, after defending the ball, made a gesture with his bat, which Afridi reacted to by walking down the pitch and saying something. Breetzke didn’t back down, and the umpires were quickly at the scene.
Off the last ball, Breetzke took off for a run after playing the ball away to the leg side and Afridi moved towards the batter. Breetzke bumped into him before completing his run.Shakeel and Ghulam, the substitute fielder, were fined 10% of their match fees for “celebrating too closely to batter Temba Bavuma following his run-out in the 29th over”.That was a breach of Article 2.5 of the code, which relates to “using language, actions or gestures which disparage or which could provoke an aggressive reaction from a batter”.None of the three had any prior demerit points.Pakistan won the match, chasing down South Africa’s 352 for 5 with one over left – it was their first successful chase of 350-plus runs in ODIs, and got them into the final of tri-series, where they will take on New Zealand on Friday before the action shifts to the Champions Trophy.
Manchester United have now made an approach to sign a “world-class” player, according to journalist Sebastien Vidal, and he is thought to be keen on a move to Old Trafford.
Man Utd still looking to strengthen despite signing Sesko
The Red Devils set out to strengthen their attack as a priority this summer, bringing in Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and now striker Benjamin Sesko, in a deal that amounted to £74m, and Ruben Amorim is very happy with the addition of the Slovenian.
Amorim believes Sesko has the mentality to succeed at Old Trafford, saying: “He has the characteristics that we needed. Ben is a player that, with all the information that we have, we need to stop the guy from working – it is not the opposite! That is also important.
Having now signed a striker, however, the Red Devils have started work on strengthening other areas of the squad, with their summer of heavy spending perhaps reliant on getting the likes of Rasmus Hojlund and Alejandro Garnacho off the books.
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Brighton & Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba has emerged as a major target in central midfield, while United also remain interested in bringing in a replacement for Andre Onana, who received a lot of criticism for his performances last season.
According to a new update from Vidal on X, Man United have now made an approach to sign Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, who “could be sold” this summer, as his contract is set to expire next year.
The journalist adds that Donnarumma has lost his number one spot at PSG following Lucas Chevalier’s arrival, and a deal could be possible for a “reasonable” price, with Premier League rivals Chelsea also in the race.
Gianluigi Donnarumma at Club World Cup final.
A price tag of £26m for the goalkeeper has previously been touted, with the French champions now willing to cash-in.
"World-class" Donnarumma keen on Old Trafford move
TalkSPORT reporter Anil Kandola has recently dropped an exciting new update, suggesting the Italian shot-stopper would be keen on a move to Old Trafford this summer.
“Received a text late last night that Gianluigi Donnarumma WANTS a move to Man Utd. After PSG put a £26m price tag on the goalkeeper, the player is attracted to the Premier League and more specifically, Manchester United. Still no sign as of yet that United are looking to bring him in, but it seems a similar situation to the Benjamin Sesko deal… if United want him, they get him.”
As such, United cannot afford to pass up the opportunity to bring in the 26-year-old for such a low fee, given that he could be a massive upgrade on Onana, having been lauded as “world-class” by members of the media in the past.
Donnarumma is proven at the top level, making 15 appearances en-route to PSG winning the Champions League last season, and given his age, he could be a fantastic option for Man United between the sticks for many years to come.
NSW veteran Kurtis Patterson has scored an unbeaten 167 to lift his side to 463 for 9, leading by 252 against WA
AAP08-Dec-2024Sam Konstas has missed out on another century but teammate Kurtis Patterson managed to break a long drought to give New South Wales a chance of pulling off victory in their Sheffield Shield clash with Western Australia at the SCG.The Blues went to stumps on day three at 463 for 9 in their first innings, with a lead of 252 after WA were rolled for 211. Heavy rain washed out most of day two, but NSW made up for that lost time by piling on the runs on Sunday.Konstas (88) resumed on his overnight score of 80, but his hopes of scoring his fourth century of the summer were dashed when he edged Lance Morris to second slip.Patterson picked up where Konstas left off, scoring an unbeaten 167 off 255 balls to lift the home side to a big first-innings lead. It marked a big turnaround for Patterson, who was dropped last season amidst a form slump.He now has 527 runs this season at an astounding average of 105.40, thrusting his name back into the national selection puzzle to add to his two Tests.Patterson yelled out in joy upon reaching his century – his first ton in 769 days. The previous highest first-class total by Patterson was 157 on debut as an 18-year-old, but he surged past that late on day three.The 31-year-old struck 15 fours and three sixes during his glittering knock, while Chris Green (35) and Jack Edwards (30) added some handy runs lower down the order.WA paceman Brody Couch finished with 3 for 66, while Morris (2 for 69) and Cameron Gannon (2 for 99) also chipped in.Spinner Corey Rocchiccioli, who is trying to earn a spot on Australia’s two-Test tour of Sri Lanka, returned figures of 1 for 87 off 27 overs.For WA, the final day will be all about survival given there’s no hope the defending champions can win the match. NSW sit second last on the table, and desperately need to win in order to revive their finals hopes.WA, winners of the past three titles, entered the match second on the ladder.
Nottingham Forest’s success story last season in the Premier League was heavily dependent on the goalscoring heroics of Chris Wood.
The Tricky Trees will be competing in the Europa League thanks to their lethal New Zealander, who would finish the campaign with a blistering 20 league strikes next to his name as Nuno Espirito Santo’s men soared to seventh position.
It will be up to Wood to keep up these explosive levels heading into next campaign, with some help potentially coming his way in the centre-forward department if Forest can strike up a deal for this lethal striker to join.
Forest in race to sign goalscoring veteran
Away from adding in more strikers, the experienced 33-year-old will, for sure, be joined by an exciting new winger supplying him with chances in the form of Dan Ndoye.
It has now been confirmed that Ndoye will don Forest red ahead of the 24/25 season, having finally agreed a deal to move from Bologna to the City Ground for a bumper £35m.
He could soon be followed through the door by another statement addition in the form of Chelsea outcast Christopher Nkunku, alongside another deal potentially getting off the ground for this goalscoring veteran to join Nuno’s expanding ranks.
A move for Mehdi Taremi does appear to have more legs at this point than the Frenchman boldly switching Stamford Bridge for the Midlands, with a report by the Tasnim News Agency stating that the Iranian marksman is tempted by the prospect of a Premier League move, away from current employers Inter Milan.
Inter are also noted as being keen to offload the 33-year-old, amid interest growing in his services from Fulham, Leeds United, and West Ham United, on top of Forest throwing their hat into the ring.
Forest will hope they can strike gold with another seasoned striker joining the ranks, with Taremi possessing the same goalscoring prowess that Wood has showcased at the City Ground all across his nomadic career to date.
Why Taremi can become Forest's next Wood
On the books of Porto, before embarking on a big move to Italy, Taremi had managed to reach the same heroic status that Wood has now achieved at the City Ground.
In total, the seasoned 33-year-old would fire home a prolific 91 strikes for his Portuguese employers from 182 outings, with his overall career tally standing at a devastating 202 goals from 445 clashes subsequently.
Taremi’s career numbers vs Wood’s career numbers
Stat
Taremi
Wood
Games played
445
531
Clubs played at
7
15
Goals scored
202
182
Assists
101
43
Sourced by Transfermarkt
He hasn’t had it all his own way, however, with his current spell in Serie A only seeing him score a meagre three times from 43 clashes. Yet, he will back himself to bounce back and get back to his best if Forest comes calling, with Wood also displaying that same level of resilience across his lengthy playing days to date.
Indeed, the towering 6-foot-3 striker has experienced plenty of ups and downs himself when lining up for a mammoth 15 different teams, with an equally barren spell coming his way at Newcastle United, just before the Tricky Trees became his next home.
Only five goals would be handed to him from 39 appearances on Tyneside, yet Forest’s gamble in acquiring Wood has more than paid off, with their “outstanding” striker – which he was labelled by Match of the Day 2 pundit Stephen Warnock – now 36 strikes down and counting for Nuno’s high-flyers.
With Taremi coming in at the same age as Wood, alongside also boasting a similarly lofty 6-foot-2 frame, this might well go down as another shrewd catch if a move accelerates into motion, with the in-demand Iranian also receiving glowing praise for being “ridiculous” in front of goal by Rio Ferdinand.
Porto's Mehdi Taremi
With Igor Jesus also in through the door this summer, Nuno’s centre-forward options could soon be brimming with even more quality if the Inter number 99 makes his Premier League dreams a reality.
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In May, Football Insider reported that Leeds United were not planning to build their attack around Dutch centre-forward Joel Piroe in the Premier League next season.
It claimed that the Whites have doubts over his ability to make the step up to the top-flight as the first-choice number nine, but we are two months further on and no marquee striker signing has arrived at Elland Road.
Joel Piroe
Leeds had been linked with an interest in Brighton forward Evan Ferguson this summer, but he is now reportedly in talks to join Roma on an initial loan deal.
This means that the Ireland international may be one name that has to be crossed off the club’s shortlist of options to lead the line for Daniel Farke next season.
Leeds could make new offer for Serie A striker
Missing out on Ferguson to the Serie A giants may not be a major concern for the Championship champions, though, because they are keen on signing an even better striker who is already playing in Italy.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
According to La Gazzetta del Mezzogiorno, Leeds United remain interested in a deal to sign Lecce centre-forward Nikola Krstovic to bolster their attack this summer, after seeing a bid turned down earlier in the window.
The report claims that the Whites are in the ‘background’ in the race to sign the Montenegro international at the moment, because he would prefer to stay in Italy or play for a team in a European competition.
However, the outlet adds that Leeds will make a new offer to bring the striker to England later in the window if he does not move elsewhere in the coming weeks, in the hope that the player will change his mind.
Why Leeds should sign Krstovic
If the Whites can convince the £21m-rated number nine to make the move to Elland Road, Farke could land an even better striker option than Ferguson for his side next term.
Krstovic has played for Lecce in the Serie A in the last two seasons and has proven his ability to find the back of the net at an impressive rate in one of Europe’s major leagues.
The 25-year-old Leeds target ended the 2024/25 season with an eye-catching haul of 11 goals in 37 games in the Serie A for Lecce, which is more goals than Ferguson has ever managed in a single senior campaign.
Season
23/24
24/25
23/24
24/24
Appearances
27
21
35
37
Goals
6
1
7
11
Minutes per goal
231
418
345
279
Big chances created
1
2
4
5
Assists
0
0
1
5
As you can see in the table above, Krstovic has outscored Ferguson by 11 goals at league level in the past two seasons, whilst also creating six more ‘big chances’ for his teammates.
These statistics suggest that the Lecce forward, who was hailed as “integral” by former boss Roberto D’Aversa, would be a much better signing for the Whites for next season, as he appears more likely to have what it takes to make a significant impact in front of goal on a regular basis.
Nikola Krstovic
At the age of 20, Ferguson is still learning and developing as a player, which is why he would have been a risky signing for the club. Krstovic, however, is in the prime years of his career at the age of 25 and could hit the ground running at Elland Road.
Therefore, the Whites should be doing everything possible to convince the player to ditch Italy for England this summer to bolster Farke’s options in the number nine position, as the Montenegro international could be the proven goalscorer they are looking for.
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Piroe is yet to score a goal in one of Europe’s major leagues in his career and the aforementioned report from Football Insider stated that there are doubts over his ability, which is why Leeds should sign Krstovic to fill that spot in the team.
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe isn’t rushing into anything this summer. The Englishman is desperate to enhance his squad during the transfer window, but he won’t be making signings for the sake of it.
With Champions League football gracing St James’ Park next term, bringing in some high-quality players will be crucial to their ambitions of going far in the competition.
Newcastle United manager EddieHowebefore the match
There are several key areas in which Howe wishes to improve, notably his attack. Will he be able to sign his top targets this summer?
Newcastle's search for new signings
One area the Toon are desperate to strengthen is the attacking department. As such, a bid of around £45m was submitted to Nottingham Forest for winger Anthony Elanga.
This was swiftly rejected, but it shows the direction that Howe is looking to take. It remains unclear whether another bid will be made for the Swedish winger in the coming days.
Signing a new goalkeeper is also on Howe’s wish list and it appears as though the club are closing in on a deal to sign James Trafford.
“Newcastle are closing in on James Trafford deal, final details being sorted, said Fabrizio Romano on X.
“Agreement almost done with Burnley and then it will be here we go. Newcastle are planning to get the deal done very soon.”
James Trafford for Burnley.
Burnley value the player at £40m, and Trafford could turn out to be a better signing than Elanga.
Why James Trafford could be a better signing than Elanga
Last season, Newcastle scored 92 goals across their 48 matches in all competitions, which works out as just shy of two goals a game.
In comparison, they also conceded 58 goals in the same number of games, which is 1.2 goals conceded per match.
Given the statistics, surely the need to improve their defence is far greater than signing a winger, especially when Howe can call upon the likes of Jacob Murphy, who enjoyed his best year in Toon colours, England international Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes. Depth is no doubt important, of course, but a new forward is hardly a priority.
Metric
Trafford
Pope
Dubravka
Games
45
28
10
Goals conceded
16
35
12
Goals conceded per game
0.4
1.3
1.2
Accurate passes per game
24.1
13.8
21.1
Saves per game
2
3.1
2.9
Balls recovered per game
7.6
8.6
7.9
Last season, Trafford was excellent for Burnley as they finished second in the Championship.
Remarkably, he conceded just 0.4 goals per outing in the second tier, while succeeding with 100% of his run outs per game and making two saves per match – a success rate of 85% – for Burnley.
England's Jarell Quansah,JamesTraffordand Taylor Harwood-Bellis line up before the match
Overall, Trafford only conceded 16 goals from 45 matches, a truly stunning record, and there is no doubt he would improve Howe’s backline considerably.
The 22-year-old hasn’t even hit his peak yet, but he certainly isn’t short of confidence, dubbing himself “world-class” a few months ago.
Widely believed to be the next England number one, Trafford could fast-track his way into this position by securing a move to Newcastle. Evidently, his potential is huge, even bigger than Elanga’s, scoring just six times last term. On that evidence, the Swede isn’t going to improve the Magpies significantly.
Trafford may have played just 28 Premier League games during his embryonic career so far, but the youngster is heading straight for the very top and would undeniably make an instant impact at St James’.
If Howe can get this deal wrapped up as soon as possible, hopefully, it will be the catalyst for more new signings.
Never mind a better signing than Elanga, Trafford might turn out to be the best signing of the summer for Howe.
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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.
Liverpool's Cody Gakpo wins the Premier League
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.
Bayer Leverkusen's FlorianWirtz
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.
Sadio Mane Liverpool graphic
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.
Prem Comparison – Yankuba Minteh vs Sadio Mane
Stats (* per game)
Minteh (24/25)
Mane (15/16)
Matches (starts)
32 (20)
37 (30)
Goals
6
11
Assists
4
6
Shots (on target)*
1.1 (0.5)
2.3 (0.9)
Big chances missed
8
12
Accurate passes*
9.5 (69%)
21.1 (81%)
Key passes*
0.9
1.1
Dribbles*
1.4
2.1
Tackles + interceptions*
1.8
2.4
Duels won*
3.8
6.1
Stats via Sofascore
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.
Liverpool's FedericoChiesaand Alexis Mac Allister
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.
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Liverpool may have to contend with the sales of a few stars this summer.
As their profit and sustainability (PSR) concerns continue to steal the headlines, Aston Villa could yet lose one of Unai Emery’s most important players amid reported interest from Diego Simeone and Atletico Madrid.
Players Aston Villa could sell this summer
On paper, it’s easy to assume that Villa are in one of their strongest positions that they’ve ever been in the Premier League. But as impressive as Emery’s side have been on the pitch, that success hasn’t been without sacrifice away from the pitch. Financially speaking, the Villans are still not a European superpower and are likely to pay the price for spending like one this summer.
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PSR rules state that clubs are not allowed to hit £105m in losses over the course of a rolling three-year period and whilst Aston Villa’s accounts are yet to be published detailing their concern, reports have suggested that they could need to sell at least one star player before the end of June to comply with the rules.
BBC Sport’s chief football writer Phil McNulty spoke about Villa’s concern in a recent Q&A session, saying: “Aston Villa may have to do deals to fend off any lingering PSR concerns, but I think the club are in safe hands with the current ownership and those sales will be smart without weakening the squad.
“We have even seen Morgan Rogers linked with Chelsea, but I do not see Villa entertaining that sort of deal as they want to push on from what Unai Emery has already achieved.”
Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers
Although it may not be Rogers, as McNulty notes, it could yet be the likes of Jacob Ramsey or even Ollie Watkins who head for the exit door this summer amid recent links with Arsenal and Chelsea. The same, meanwhile, can be said for arguably one of Emery’s most important stars.
Simeone personally eyeing Emi Martinez
According to Spanish outlet AS, Diego Simeone now personally wants Atletico Madrid to sign Emiliano Martinez from Aston Villa this summer. The £150,000-a-week goalkeeper has found himself at the centre of the transfer headlines this week after he appeared to bid a tearful goodbye to the home fans following the victory against Tottenham Hotspur.
What should only add fuel to the fire is the fact that Emery didn’t deny that Martinez’s exit is a possibility this summer, telling reporters after the Spurs game: “We will see. Of course, it is the last match here [this season], and I don’t know. We will see about the team, the players, but of course, they are responding on the field.”
It’s not just Atletico Madrid who have been linked with the World Cup winner, either. Reports have also suggested that both Manchester United and Barcelona are chasing Martinez’s signature ahead of what could be a long summer saga for Aston Villa.
Celtic clinched their 55th league title and their fourth Scottish Premiership title in the last four seasons with a 5-0 win over Dundee United last weekend.
The Hoops only needed a point at Tannadice Park to rubber stamp their place at the top of the division, but they claimed the trophy in style with a convincing victory.
It was a big afternoon for Brendan Rodgers and his side, as they won the league title, but it was also a big game for Ireland international Adam Idah, who made a big impact off the bench.
The former Norwich City marksman scored two goals after coming on for the injured Jota, and will now be hoping to land a regular spot in the starting XI between now and the end of the season.
He has only started 16 of his 31 appearances in the Premiership so far this term, which shows that the Irish forward has been unable to nail down a place in the side throughout the campaign.
Idah is yet to prove that he has what it takes to be the main man for Celtic in the number nine position, despite Kyogo Furuhashi’s exit in the January transfer window.
Why Kyogo Furuhashi was a success at Celtic
The Japan international joined the club from Vissel Kobe in the summer of 2021, signed by Ange Postecoglou, and hit the ground running at Parkhead with 20 goals and five assists in 33 appearances in all competitions.
Kyogo did not fit the prototypical centre-forward mould, standing at 5 foot 7 and being fairly weak in his physical duels, but he made up for that with lethal finishing and exceptional movement.
The Japanese star, who scored 34 goals in the 2022/23 campaign, did not need to be a 6 foot 3, powerful, number nine who could bully opposition defences week-in-week-out, because he had the technical ability to impact matches without getting involved in physical tussles.
Kyogo ended his Celtic career with a return of 85 goals and 19 assists in 165 matches in all competitions, which illustrates just how effective he was at the top end of the pitch.
Kyogo’s three full seasons at Celtic
Premiership
21/22
22/23
23/24
Appearances
20
36
38
Goals
12
27
14
Duels won per game
1.7
1.2
1.5
Ground duel success rate
43%
44%
45%
Aerial duel success rate
20%
13%
26%
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, the former Celtic striker consistently struggled with the physical side of the game throughout his three full Premiership seasons, yet still managed to consistently score goals.
This shows that he was a success at Parkhead because of his movement and his technical quality, and is proof that Celtic do not need a tall, physical, experienced number nine if they opt to recruit one in the summer.
Celtic eyeing Premiership striker
In fact, Celtic may be able to unearth their next version of Kyogo by signing a Premiership player whom they are now, reportedly, showing an interest in.
According to the Chronicle Live, the Hoops are one of a number of clubs eyeing up a swoop for Hearts centre-forward James Wilson ahead of the summer transfer window.
James Wilson in action for Hearts.
The report claims that the Hoops have ‘checked’ the 18-year-old striker out this season, in what has been his breakthrough year at senior level with the Jam Tarts, as Rodgers lines up a move for the youngster.
However, the Scottish giants will face some significant competition for his services because the outlet adds that Premier League clubs, including Newcastle United, are also interested in the forward.
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It also reveals that fellow Glasgow club Rangers have also checked out the teenage sensation’s performances for Hearts this term, but Celtic may have the upper hand over their rivals because they have just won the Premiership title and may be a more attractive proposition.
Why Celtic should sign James Wilson
The Hoops must, now, swoop to sign Wilson ahead of Rangers and Newcastle, and any other Premier League teams, because he has the potential to be an exciting addition to the squad.
Celtic would be signing a young player with so many years left ahead of him to develop and improve in the future, because the Scotland international only turned 18 in March, which means that there would not be too much emphasis on him needing to be an instant success.
Like Kyogo, Wilson has a lean build and is not your prototypical, physical, Scottish centre-forward who is going to win aerial duels and hold the ball up under pressure constantly.
Instead, the Scotland international is an effective finisher who has clever movement and clean technique in front of goal, which allows him to make an impact at Premiership level.
24/25 Premiership
James Wilson
Starts
15
Goals
5
Big chances missed
4
Duels won per game
2.6
Ground duel success rate
45%
Aerial duel success rate
29%
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, Wilson does not win many duels per game and he has been dominated by opposition defenders in duels on the ground and in the air throughout this season, which has been his first of regular football in the league.
This shows that he is similar to Kyogo in the sense that they both struggle with the physical side of the game, but his goal return speaks to his ability in possession.
Wilson, whose appearance as Scotland’s youngest ever debutant was described as “incredible” by Neil Critchley, scored five goals from 4.77 xG, which shows that he has been efficient in front of goals in the top-flight.
This suggests that he has the potential to be similar to Kyogo at Celtic as a centre-forward who can provide a clinical touch in the final third, without offering a physical presence, by using his movement and technical qualities to make a big impact.
Worth less than Nawrocki: Celtic must axe flop who "wants to be at the club"
Celtic must ruthlessly bin this player who is now worth even less than Maik Nawrocki.
ByDan Emery Apr 29, 2025
Couple that with his age profile and potential to improve, and this is why the Scottish giants should push to bring him to Parkhead in the upcoming summer transfer window.