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Arsenal are “plotting to sign” a wonderkid, who is already travelling to London after the club’s employees were left impressed by scouting reports.

Arsenal 2-0 PSG as Gunners continue unbeaten run

The north Londoners are in imperious form right now and are yet to taste defeat in all competitions, with only Man City and Brighton getting anything against Mikel Arteta’s side who have just put PSG to the sword.

Darren Bent criticises Arsenal star who lost the ball 18 times against PSG

It is a surprising verdict to say the least.

By
Emilio Galantini

Oct 2, 2024

Arsenal managed the game extremely well against France’s champions, after two first-half goals from Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka handed the home side a quick-fire deserved lead.

Havertz fed off a looping cross from Leandro Trossard to head the ball over Gianluigi Donnarumma to make it 1-0, before Bukayo Saka’s free-kick found its way through a host of bodies and into the bottom corner to double their advantage.

The score remained until full-time, and it could’ve been more if Havertz converted his gaping free header 10 minutes after the restart. It was a statement performance by Arsenal, who were given precious little trouble by PSG despite their elite European status and star players.

Saka was criticised by some for a fringe performance overall (Darren Bent), but that verdict was arguably a harsh one, and every Arsenal player did their part. Thomas Partey was a general in midfield against PSG, alongside Declan Rice, with Arteta heaping praise on the latter.

“I am very happy,” said Arteta on Rice’s performance against PSG.

“We have to understand the context of games that we played, for example last Saturday when we played here he was very dominant with the ball I think he created one of the best starts that they were producing in the Premier League but obviously we play different context and this player has got the capacity to play different games and still be very, very important for the team. Today we used him as a six in the second half, it’s a great quality that he has as well, he gives us so much.”

It was a landmark night for other players too, with summer signing Mikel Merino making his Arsenal debut after recovering from a fractured shoulder. Meanwhile, Hale End academy ace Myles Lewis-Skelly made his first Champions League appearance.

Arsenal "plotting to sign" Marcello de Barros

Arsenal’s famed academy has produced many more talents than Lewis-Skelly, including Saka and latest rising star Ethan Nwaneri.

However, according to Football Insider journalist Pete O’Rourke today, it appears Edu Gaspar and the Gunners recruitment team are aiming to add another highly promising teenager to their set-up.

It is believed Arsenal are plotting to sign Marcello de Barros, who is very highly rated in Scotland with St. Mirren. The teenage wonderkid is already on his way to London for a trial, where he will be assessed by club employees after the centre-back impressed scouts with his performances for Scotland’s Under-15s.

The defender turned heads during an international youth tournament in Serbia at the end of last month, with Arsenal now looking to analyse his talents closely ahead of a potential contract offer.

West Ham United boss Julen Lopetegui has kept close tabs on a £25 million player – and the Hammers are prepared to bid for him in the new year.

West Ham's transfer plans for 2025

Centre-back Maximilian Kilman, winger Crysencio Summerville, striker Niclas Fullkrug, Brazilian Luis Guilherme, defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka, goalkeeper Wes Foderingham, Guido Rodriguez, Jean-Clair Todibo and Carlos Soler all put pen to paper on moves to east London before deadline day on 30th August, with technical director Tim Steidten spending £120m in the process.

West Ham see "quality" £23m forward as "key" possible signing for Lopetegui

The Hammers think he’s a great option.

By
Emilio Galantini

Sep 28, 2024

However, it is believed that the Hammers already have one eye set on the January window, and reports suggest that a new attacking player is very much on the cards for Lopetegui.

West Ham are planning a move for Besiktas playmaker Ernest Muci among their targets, according to some media sources, while Milan forward Samuel Chukwueze is also on Steidten’s radar heading into 2025.

The Irons will see both Danny Ings and Michail Antonio leave when their contracts expire next year, so it would make perfect sense for West Ham to bring in a striker at the turn of the year – or fresh forward options at the very least.

Lopetegui’s side have been sporadically linked with a move for Lyon star Rayan Cherki, with an update coming to light on the Frenchman and West Ham’s rumoured interest.

West Ham prepared to bid £25 million for Cherki

According to reports from Spain, West Ham are prepared to bid £25 million for Cherki, who is valued at around that amount by the Ligue 1 club. It is also believed that Lopetegui has personally been watching the player closely and views him as an ideal potential squad upgrade.

The 21-year-old made 33 French top-flight appearances last season, bagging six assists and a goal, with 10 goal contributions coming the season before that. Still very young, Cherki has plenty of room to develop, making him a pretty astute addition for his reported asking price.

“He’s really an attacking midfielder, although he can also play as a left-winger,” said Eurosport reporter Martin Mosnier last summer.

“Cherki is an exceptional dribbler, one of the first things one notices when watching him is that he appears to be ambipedal, as he can seemingly utilise both feet equally well.

“His strengths are as follows: key passes, dribbling and his ability to create something out of nothing. But, because there’s always a but, he’s not a great defensive contributor and he’s still very inconsistent – but he’s still only 19.”

Celtic and Brendan Rodgers are eyeing a new 20-year-old gem who has been compared to former Argentina great Angel Di Maria, according to a fresh transfer claim.

Celtic strong in Scottish Premiership but suffer Dortmund defeat

The Hoops still look nailed-on favourites to win yet another Scottish Premiership title this season, having won all seven games in the competition, sitting top of the league in the process. While Aberdeen are level on points with them at the moment, it would be a surprise if they remained in the hunt all the way through the campaign, with Rangers the biggest threat five points behind.

Celtic’s limitations have been exposed in the Champions League, however, with a 7-1 defeat away to Borussia Dortmund one of the most dispiriting results they have suffered in a long time.

Granted, they won their opening match in Europe’s most prestigious tournament, seeing off Slovan Bratislava in a 5-2 victory, but more quality could be needed for Rodgers’ side to be a genuine force in Europe.

The January transfer window will offer Celtic the chance to make new signings, at which point they will hopefully still be in the Champions League, and they have been linked with a move for a hugely exciting talent.

Celtic eyeing gem with "a lot of personality"

According to a new report from The Boot Room, Celtic are now eyeing Midtjylland forward Dario Osorio, as they battle rivals Rangers for a fresh transfer target.

The two Scottish giants “admire” the 20-year-old, but there is also believed to be plenty of interest from Premier League clubs, with Aston Villa, Brentford, Brighton, Crystal Palace, Wolves and Newcastle United all mentioned as potential suitors.

Osorio is a young player with such a high ceiling, so the idea of Celtic beating many top clubs to his signature is a mouthwatering prospect. The fact that the young attacker has been likened to Di Maria immediately bodes well, with the Argentina one of the best and most successful wingers of his generation, winning the 2022 World Cup and many other trophies in his career.

Meanwhile, Chile legend Alexis Sanchez has heaped praise on his compatriot, saying: “Dario has a lot of personality and that is important. You need that to play for the national team and at the highest level. Gary Medel and Arturo Vidal once had it and he has it, too.”

Osorio has scored 11 goals in 40 appearances for Midtjylland and has also netted once in 13 caps for Chile, and the fact that he still has so many years ahead of him means he should only mature into a more complete player over time.

Ange let "gifted" Celtic star leave for £0, now he's outscoring Engels

The former Hoops star is also on par with McGregor…

By
Robbie Walls

Oct 11, 2024

Predominantly a right-sided attacking player, the youngster has proven himself in the Europa League this season, scoring once in two outings, and Rodgers could be viewing him as a long-term addition who can make his squad even more formidable moving forward.

West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta has been accused of intentionally receiving a yellow card as a birthday gift for his brother.

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• Paqueta accused of intentionally getting booked
• Allegedly did so as a gift for his brother
• Midfielder set for FA hearing next month

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Evidence submitted to a parliamentary enquiry in Brazil claims Paqueta told whistleblower Bruno Lopez that he planned on getting booked in a match against Aston Villa on March 12 as a "birthday present" for his brother, Matheus, reports. He went on to receive a yellow card for a foul on John McGinn.

  The report, which was prepared by former Brazil star and current senator Romario, cites WhatsApp messages between Bruno Lopez and a bettor named Marlon Nascimento da Silva mentioning the plan. Investigators also found that Matheus Paqueta is close to Marlon and followed him on social media. The document goes on to say that Marlon received around £13,000 across five bank transactions from Paqueta's uncle.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The file on the 27-year-old was submitted as part of an investigation into gambling in football. Despite the allegations, the commission has not called for Paqueta to face punishment in his homeland. However, he faces severe repercussions from the Football Association (FA) over four suspicious yellow cards – in games against Leicester in 2022 and Leeds, Aston Villa, and Bournemouth in 2023. Paqueta has insisted he is innocent amid the ongoing investigation and will face an FA hearing in March.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  If found guilty of the charges Paqueta could be hit with a lifetime ban from football. The Brazil international has remained a key figure for West Ham as the investigation goes on, scoring five goals in 25 appearances this season.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR PAQUETA?

  Paqueta missed West Ham's last game with a hip injury but could be back in the squad for the clash against Brentford on Saturday. It remains to be seen how much longer the club will have him at their disposal, although they are confident he will be available for most of 2024-25.

Sky Sports pundit Roy Keane believes the atmosphere at Ipswich Town has softened after a tough start on the pitch, taking away a huge part of what usually makes promoted teams tough to beat.

The Tractor Boys will have been expecting a difficult start to life in the Premier League, and it has certainly been that, as they are still yet to pick up their first win of the league season. Kieran McKenna’s side sit on four points, one place above the relegation zone.

Ipswich ace who played just eight games on loan is now better than Delap

Ipswich Town never got the best out of this star before he then exploded into life.

By
Kelan Sarson

Oct 24, 2024

Ipswich Town news and updates

One player who has been fairly regular in the Ipswich side this season is Kalvin Phillips, as he looks to get his career back on track while on loan at Portman Road. The midfielder has played five times in the league this season, but a report has now emerged that Ipswich chiefs are not happy with Phillips’ condition. They are “amazed” by his lack of mobility and running power, while insiders say his fitness is nowhere near Premier League level.

Meanwhile, despite Ipswich’s struggles this season, it hasn’t stopped top Premier League teams from keeping an eye on their best players. Ipswich signed Liam Delap in the summer, and he has done rather well in the early months of his career at the club, so much so that Tottenham Hotspur are keen on signing Delap.

The Tractor Boys are said to have an asking price of 40 million euros (£33.3 million), as Arsenal, Aston Villa, Newcastle United, and former club Manchester City are also interested. Ipswich will be hoping Delap can be among the goals more often as they look to get their first win under their belt, but Roy Keane believes the fans can also play their part.

Roy Keane reacts to Ipswich's tough start

Speaking on the latest episode of Stick to Football podcast, relayed by the East Anglian Daily Times, Roy Keane believes lack of energy from Ipswich Town fans is an issue after such a tricky start. The former Town manager fears for the Tractor Boys this season, as they look destined to struggle in the top flight.

Keane, who managed Ipswich between 2009 and 2011, thinks his former club and Southampton will both be relegated this season. He states that seeing the lack of energy from the crowd at Portman Road could be a factor in their struggles, as home games are supposed to be massive opportunities for sides near the bottom of the table.

“I fear for Southampton and Ipswich with relegation this season. Even when they are struggling, the energy of the crowd keeps you going in the first few weeks, but even that is looking like it’s going already.

“When the defeats are getting to you each week, they’re starting to look physically smaller than their opposition. Even Everton going down to Ipswich last weekend and getting a result, I bet that Ipswich saw that as a good opportunity of getting three points and would have been thoroughly disappointed.”

Ipswich are not back at Portman Road until next weekend, as they face a tricky tie away at Brentford on Saturday, a match that McKenna will hope will be where they pick up their first win of the league season.

The Uruguayan's reported transfer fee would be the second-highest received by the club

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• NYCFC transfer Santiago Rodriguez to Botafogo
• Uruguayan nets club second-highest transfer fee in history
• Leaves MLS as club legend
• Get the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games now

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  New York City FC have transferred club superstar Santiago Rodriguez to Brazilian powerhouse Botafogo for an undisclosed fee, labeled to be the second-highest in club history, and also one of the highest in MLS history. Various reports have suggested the fee is around $17 million.

  Rodriguez signed with the club in 2021 on loan from Montevideo City Torque before joining on a permanent transfer as a Designated Player in 2023. Across 144 appearances, the midfielder scored 34 goals and provided 28 assists across all competitions for the . He played a crucial role in their MLS Cup victory in 2021.

  “Santi has established himself as one of the best attacking midfielders in MLS. His development across the last four years with the club and his recent performances resulted in interest from teams around the world,” said New York City FC Sporting Director David Lee. “We have a proud track record of supporting our players’ journeys to help them maximize their career ambitions. While we will miss Santi’s infectious personality in the locker room and his impact on the field, we wanted to support Santi’s wishes while also making sure the club received appropriate compensation for a player of his caliber.

  “We’re incredibly proud of the impact that Santi had throughout his time here. From joining us on loan in 2021 to becoming our No. 10 and Designated Player, Santi has played a pivotal role in our success, helping us lift both the MLS Cup and Campeones Cup. Joining The Century Club and becoming a key figure in our team speaks to his quality and consistency,” Lee added. “The fee we received will be one of the highest ever for an outgoing transfer in MLS history and is a reflection of Santi’s hard work and growth, as well as the strength of our player development pathway through City Football Group,” said Lee.

  He added, “The move provides us with the opportunity to reinvest in our roster, giving us additional flexibility, including an open Designated Player spot, as we continue to build around an already strong core of players under Head Coach Pascal Jansen’s vision. We thank Santi for his contributions to New York City FC both on the field and in the wider community. We will all be following his time in Brazil closely and wishing him all the best in this next chapter of his career.”

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Rodriguez had a breakout 2024 season, scoring 16 goals and recording 10 assists in 40 appearances across all competitions. He departs MLS as one of the most talented players to don the NYCFC kit, and is just one of 13 players to ever record over 100 appearances for the club.

  “Looking back, so many moments and incredible memories have shaped my time here. From the start, New York City FC has felt like home, and I’ve been fortunate to share this journey with amazing teammates, staff, and, most importantly, the fans. Their support and love have meant everything to me, and I’m truly grateful,” Rodriguez said. “After five years with this club, saying goodbye is not easy. New York City FC has been a defining part of my career and life, and I will always carry these memories with me. While this chapter is ending, the love and connection I’ve felt here will never fade. Thank you for everything — this city and this club will always have a special place in my heart.”

  At Botafogo, he will join the reigning Copa Libertadores champions, who are also set to compete in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup and are paired with MLS side Seattle Sounders in the Group Stage of the competition.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  NYCFC's club-record sale was Valentin "Taty" Castellanos to Serie A side Lazio for a reported fee of around $17M. MLS never disclosed the official transfer fee for the Argentine, but reports suggested it was anywhere from $16.7M to $17.3M.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR NYCFC?

  The begin their 2025 MLS season Saturday evening against Lionel Messi's Inter Miami.

Tennis legend Boris Becker has hit out at Jamie Carragher for questioning Vincent Kompany's position at Bayern Munich, with Rio Ferdinand piling in.

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• Carragher called Kompany into question
• Tennis hero Becker labelled him 'uninformed'
• Ferdinand chimed in amid AFCON backlash

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Carragher suggested that "there will be question marks" about the decision to hire Kompany if Bayern fail to reach the semi-finals of the Champions League, predicting Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen will win their upcoming last-16 tie in the European competition.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The Bavarian side have been in fine form under Kompany, however, sitting eight points clear of the reigning champions in the German top flight. Former world tennis No.1 Becker, who sits on the Bayern board, says regaining the domestic crown is their top priority as he criticised Carragher.

  He wrote on X: "There haven’t been any questions regarding the appointment of Kompany! In fact [Bayern] just said domestic title most important trophy this year and are happy with the work of Vincent Kompany! Jamie is NOT well informed at all…"

  Carragher responded in good humour, replying: "Apologies @TheBorisBecker it won’t happen again!"

• WHAT FERDINAND SAID

  Carragher has faced further backlash for comments he made regarding the Africa Cup of Nations during a discussion on Mohamed Salah's hopes of winning the Ballon d'Or following Liverpool's 2-0 win against Manchester City. The ex-Reds defender claimed winning the competition would have no impact on his chances of being crowned the best in the world and after Ferdinand gave his opinion on the matter on his podcast, Carragher responded by calling the ex-Manchester United star a "clown".

  Ferdinand jumped on Becker's comment to keep the jibes going, saying: "Boris… he’s having a bad couple weeks. Let him off".

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Salah will be looking to enhance his hopes of claiming the Ballon d'Or this year by firing Arne Slot's team to the Premier League and Champions League titles in what appears to be his last season at Anfield.

Nottingham Forest boss Nuno Espírito Santo has done a magnificent job during the opening ten games of the Premier League campaign, leading his side to third place before this weekend’s action.

Chris Wood has played a huge part in the recent success, registering eight goals in his ten appearances, with Manchester City’s Erling Haaland the only player to score more than him at this stage.

The defence has also massively improved since last season, conceding just seven times, with new signing Nikola Milenkovic undoubtedly playing a huge role in the decrease of goals conceded.

Such recruitment over the summer has taken the Reds massively clear of the drop zone already, with survival still the first priority despite the incredible first few months of the campaign.

Owner Evangelos Marinakis appears to have strengthened the off-the-field staff at the City Ground, with the appointment of Arsenal sporting director Edu Gaspar – joining as the CEO of the Greek’s football empire, which also includes Olympiacos and Rio Ave.

It could leave the 46-year-old with some big decisions to make when he finally gets his foot under the table, with three calls needing to be made upon his arrival under Marinakis.

1

Ola Aina's contract extension

After arriving on a free transfer from Italian side Torino last summer, not many people knew what to expect from Ola Aina after his previous stint in England’s top flight with Fulham back in 2020.

He only agreed a one-year deal with many expecting him to be a backup to the likes of Neco Williams and World Cup-winning loanee Gonzalo Montiel.

However, the Nigerian quickly cemented himself as a key player under both Steve Cooper and Nuno, registering a total of 22 league appearances, but did struggle with injuries during certain parts of the season.

Aina scored his first goal for Forest during the 2-0 win over Aston Villa at City Ground back in November 2023, with his fine strike flying past Emiliano Martínez and into the bottom corner.

As a result of his displays in 2023/24, the 28-year-old was handed a 12-month extension, a deal that takes him until the summer of June 2025.

The former Chelsea youngster has gone from strength to strength this campaign, being part of the second-best backline in the division – even scoring a screamer off his weaker foot in the victory over West Ham United.

His recent form hasn’t gone unnoticed, with the likes of AC Milan and Roma reportedly eyeing a move for the full-back in January – potentially able to agree a pre-contract should he fail to agree a new deal with the Reds.

The hierarchy can fend off any interest by handing Aina a new contract, something which he thoroughly deserves after his recent performances at the City Ground.

2

Anthony Elanga’s potential departure

Deadline day during the summer transfer window saw Forest frantically try for a new striker, with Omar Marmoush and Santiago Gimenez just two games who were both strongly linked with a move to the East Midlands.

However, it also saw a flurry of bids placed for key first-team members, including Anthony Elanga, who was the subject of huge interest from fellow Premier League side Newcastle United.

Eddie Howe’s side tried to secure a move for the Swedish international in the deal that saw Elliot Anderson move to the Reds, but instead, Odysseas Vlachodimos made the move to Tyneside.

Despite this, the Magpies made a £50m bid for Elanga on deadline day, an offer which the Reds’ hierarchy turned down – a surprise decision given the nature of the bid.

The 22-year-old only cost the club £15m from Manchester United 12 months prior, with the rejected bid seeing the club make £35m profit on the winger – a phenomenal piece of business given the recent PSR drama.

It appears that the offer may have turned the youngster’s head, with Elanga failing to score in the current campaign and only registering one assist in his first ten league outings.

The “frightening” winger, as dubbed by journalist Laurie Whitwell, has also been left out of the Sweden national side for the upcoming Nations League matches against Slovakia and Azerbaijan- an indication as to how poor he’s been in recent weeks.

Given his lack of form under Nuno, should the club receive a bid of a similar nature from Newcastle, they simply cannot afford to turn it down, handing Edu the funds to work his magic in the transfer market upon his arrival.

In recent days, Bayern Munich winger Mathys Tel has been touted with a potential move to join Nuno’s side, with Elanga’s potential fee potentially covering any move for the Frenchman.

3

Andrew Omobamidele loan move

Centre-back Andrew Omobamidele joined Forest on deadline day back in January 2024, arriving in an £11m deal from Championship side Norwich City.

The Irishman arrived providing key depth to the defensive department as Nuno aimed to avoid relegation just a couple of months after taking over from fan-favourite Cooper.

Omobamidele would go on to make 14 appearances in all competitions during the second half of last season, scoring on his full debut in the FA Cup victory over Blackpool at Bloomfield Road.

However, after the arrival of the aforementioned Milenkovic, the 22-year-old has found first-team minutes extremely hard to come by, featuring for a total of 90 minutes – failing to appear for a single minute in the Premier League.

As a result of his lack of minutes, the centre-back has been left out of the Republic of Ireland squad for the upcoming international break, replaced by current Norwich defender Shane Duffy.

Omobamidele has never put a foot wrong when featuring for Nuno, but ultimately, he’s become the victim of the club’s rapid success, falling down the pecking order as a result of the investment and form of other players.

He desperately needs a loan to either a bottom-half Premier League side or a promotion-chasing Championship side to give him the valuable minutes he needs if he is to progress and reach the potential he arrived with.

Edu has the opportunity to facilitate such a move, potentially enabling the Reds to reach the next level with their recruitment – helping Nuno and the coaching staff sustain their impressive start in 2024/25.

However, if the Brazilian is to make a great first impression in the East Midlands, he must look to implement all three aforementioned dilemmas allowing for all the players to continue their varying stages of development.

Edu simply must offload Nottingham Forest dud who earns more than Murillo

Nottingham Forest’s big-money signing has been a huge flop during his time at the City Ground.

By
Ethan Lamb

Nov 7, 2024

It's extremely likely the club's trophy drought will reach the five-year mark, with questions being asked over the manager and his mentality

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Arsenal no longer need an on-field miracle to catch Liverpool in this season's Premier League title race, rather an inexplicable reason for the table-topping Reds to be deducted points. The gap from Arne Slot's men to the Gunners stands at 15 after this weekend's results, with Southampton beaten 3-1 at Anfield 24 hours prior to Arsenal's frustrating 1-1 draw at Old Trafford.

The likelihood is, for a third successive year, the red half of north London will have to settle for silver instead of silverware. Manchester City pipped them to the post on the previous two occasions, and now Slot's Liverpool have proven far too strong a matchup over the course of a season.

Considering where Arteta found Arsenal – toiling in mid-table amid a failed rebuild following Arsene Wenger's departure – there has been remarkable progress at the Emirates Stadium. But questions remain over whether the team and club in this current iteration have what it takes to shake off their 'contender' status and become winners.

Being held by the worst United team in a generation, and perhaps being a little grateful to even leave the north-west with a draw, was the latest in a long line of gut-punches Arsenal have had to withstand during this hellish domestic season. And despite all the caveats brought about by injuries and extenuating circumstances, there's no guarantee things get better for them.

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  Keane's criticism

  Never one shy to air his feelings, Roy Keane was particularly scathing in his assessment of Arsenal, not only in Sunday's draw at United, but the trajectory of their project under Arteta.

  Asked by presenter David Jones if the Gunners could win the 2025-26 Premier League with the Spaniard at the helm, the ex-United captain replied. "No. Why would I? What makes you think the manager can do it? They've got close over the last few years, but [Manchester] City will be strong next year and I'm sure Liverpool will be too.

  "Where is the evidence to think they can do it? Getting a striker in would help, have they got the right mentality? Has the manager? You see a different side to them when they're winning every week, but they get all agitated when they're losing.

  "I don't think getting a striker in who'll score 20 goals a season will necessarily be the difference. Will City and Liverpool just stand still? They're going to look to improve, Pep [Guardiola] will bounce back and I think Liverpool will be stronger next season. We don't know where Chelsea are, but what's the evidence of this group of players that they can do it?

  "It's alright challenging, but it should be about winning titles."

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  Undoubted promise

  The questions over Arteta's credentials to this point have been disingenuous and attention-seeking. Of the 10 managers in history to have recorded more than 100 wins from their first 200 games as manager, the ex-midfielder ranks fifth (118), with only Pep Guardiola (146), Jose Mourinho (137), Jurgen Klopp (127) and Sir Alex Ferguson (122) coming away with higher tallies. Arsenal's two-season rolling average of 86.5 points from 2022 to 2024 is their highest ever at any point of their history. The numbers don't lie.

  The Gunners are no longer the laughing stock they were throughout Wenger's final years, Unai Emery's short-lived spell or even the first 18 months of Arteta's reign. He has completely reinvented the team in his image, restored a dying club to conversations that matter. For that, he deserves enormous credit – it's hard to imagine many other managers walking into N5 back in 2019 and doing a better job.

  For these reasons, Arsenal fans are particularly protective of their manager, and not just because he was an important player for them during the twilight years of his past life. When it comes to picking holes in Arteta's approach to date, they're right to get their tails up. Supporters liking the person in the dugout and wanting them to succeed compared to asking questions of how the future may actually look do not have to agree with one another, however.

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  Cracking up?

  It's rather ludicrous how often managers have to front up for the media, sometimes taking six press conferences in a week, plus an additional six interviews pre-match and post-match for TV. That is, however, part of their job in the modern day, and a young coach like Arteta should know the importance of saving face.

  Not for the first time, he lost his cool in the aftermath of a disappointing result. When quizzed by ' Patrick Davison about the title race, he walked off set. This show of petulance came three weeks after he claimed conceding to Liverpool would have to come "over my dead body". Since then, Arsenal have taken two points from nine available in the Premier League.

  Arsenal have been afforded a bit more grace than some of their other rivals in recent years as part of recognition that Arteta picked them up from such a low ebb. That kindness has slipped this season and there is more demand than ever for them to not only win a trophy, but the Premier League title itself, particularly with Guardiola's City toiling.

  The 2024-25 season will likely go down as a missed opportunity for Arsenal. Whether they'll have the energy to go again next term is another can of worms.

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  Need for evolution

  Keane, part of various United teams who always found new ways to win, made an important point about teams needing to evolve. The expectation is City will be back with a new cohort of stars, that Liverpool will re-tool regardless of what happens to out-of-contract trio Mohamed Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk.

  So what of Arsenal? As the Irishman suggested, the obvious next step is a big-name striker to add more firepower, but the Gunners' problems run deeper. Their only improvement on this season compared to last is their set-piece proficiency and menace, yet even then the goals have started to dry up in that department. This current iteration of the team cannot hold a torch to their 2022-23 and 2023-24 selves.

  The easy answer to the question of why this has happened is injuries. For two years, the Gunners got by with only William Saliba's back problem, which ended his 2022-23 campaign, as the only major headache for Arteta to contend with. Tugging at the string of squad depth has exposed further issues this year, with both captain Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka missing months of action.

  That can't be the only reason why Liverpool have sprinted 15 points ahead of them, though. Arsenal's regression from the league's premier entertainers to a slower and more methodical side has come at a cost. Their inability to maintain that extra attacking edge, or discover how to pick that pace up again, has had the same effect as sticking a Ferrari in farmland mud. Set-pieces were bailing them out to some extent and giving them that extra dimension, though that still hasn't been enough.

  Arsenal have not only given up that threat in attack, but look much weaker at the back, despite that becoming the key point of focus. United, one of the least effective teams in the final third across all of Europe, found it far too easy to force David Raya into action. When performances are down across the board, it's a cry for tactical development, only Arteta has shown no desire to this point to stray away from his favoured system and routine structures of play.

  It is this rigid approach which has ultimately led to Arsenal's decline from a tactical and footballing perspective. They've spent too long trying to perfect every little detail, attempting to become the best at the intricacies. Their obsession has been with control rather than winning at all means and costs.

Nottingham Forest have made an extraordinary start to the season. Nuno Espirito Santo has guided his side to a remarkable fifth in the Premier League at the November international break, with 19 points to their name. They are outside of a top four spot on goal difference.

Impressively, the men in Garibaldi Red have lost just two games all season. Both of those defeats have come at the City Ground, losing to Fulham 1-0 in September and, most recently, suffering a 3-1 defeat against Newcastle United.

Of their five wins so far, the three points they got at Anfield was certainly the most impressive, especially with Liverpool sitting top of the table.

There have been several standout players for Forest this season, but perhaps none more so than Chris Wood.

Wood’s stats in 2024/25

It has been a superb campaign so far for experienced Forest centre-forward Wood. The 32-year-old has already scored eight goals this term, having played just 11 games. He is just six goals away from equalling his best-ever Premier League season, with a maximum of 27 games to go.

There is currently just one player who has scored more goals than Wood this season in the top flight of English football. Unsurprisingly, that man is Erling Haaland, who has found the back of the net 12 times.

Wood’s best month this season was October. The New Zealand international scored four of his eight goals during that period, which was enough to earn him the Premier League’s Player of the Month award. Nuno was the recipient of the Manager of the Month for October, too.

As per FBref, the striker is ninth in the list across Europe’s big five leagues when it comes to the biggest overachievement of expected goals. Indeed, his tally for that particular metric is just 4.5xG, meaning he has a difference of 3.5 between his expedited goals and his actual goals scored. He is simply deadly in front of goal.

It has been an incredible start to the season for Wood and his side. However, Forest might well look to spur him on further by strengthening the striker department and adding competition to continue bringing the best out of their talisman this season.

Nottingham Forest's search for a striker

The player in question here is Brazilian striker Yuri Alberto. According to a report from Trivela earlier this week, a move for the striker ‘has been speculated. by the Midlands side. The report suggests that Forest would have to pay £25m to sign one of the most in-form strikers in Brazilian football.

It is fair to say that the striker has been on fire this season for his side, Corinthians. In 53 games in all competitions, the Brazil international has scored 26 goals and has six assists to his name.

That includes an impressive nine goals in ten games in the Copa Libertadores.

It certainly seems like the striker could keep Wood on his toes. He clearly knows where the back of the net is, and was described as a “complete forward” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig. He averages 0.6 goals and assists per game at this stage, slightly less than Forest’s experienced number 11, who averages 0.72.

The Midlands club have already brought players into the club from Corinthians in recent seasons. Last summer, they signed defender Murillo for £15m, and this summer signed 6 foot 8 goalkeeper Carlos Miguel for £3.4m. The centre-back, in particular, has been a great success in Garibaldi Red so far and has seen his value skyrocket in the process.

Given those past negotiations, it might not be too difficult of a deal to complete.

This deal could be a very smart move from Forest. Not only would they be signing a proven goalscorer who can provide real competition to Wood, but adding to the talented crop of Brazilian players – such as Murillo – at the club would also represent a coup for the present and future, especially if they can sell him for healthy profit in the years to come.

For just £25m, it certainly seems as though Yuri Alberto would be an excellent addition to a Forest squad who are performing so well, and could get their biggest stars to raise their levels even more.

Edu simply must offload Nottingham Forest dud who earns more than Murillo

Nottingham Forest’s big-money signing has been a huge flop during his time at the City Ground.

By
Ethan Lamb

Nov 7, 2024