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Morgan Rogers was delighted to make the most of his opportunity to impress for England against Wales, with the Aston Villa playmaker aware that "people will take your role" if the demands of head coach Thomas Tuchel are not met. Real Madrid superstar Jude Bellingham is among those to have missed out on a place in the latest Three Lions squad, with competition for places now fierce across all areas of the field.

• First England goal: Rogers takes his chance

  Tuchel has made it clear, in an ongoing countdown to the 2026 World Cup, that nobody can take places in his plans for granted. That includes ‘Galactico’ Bellingham and Chelsea talisman Cole Palmer – another of those to miss out this time around through injury. The absence of certain individuals is giving others a chance to stake their claim for a regular role.

  Rogers was handed a starting berth against Wales at Wembley and opened his senior international goal account inside three minutes of a friendly contest that was always going to have an edge as two geographical neighbours locked horns. He also hit the crossbar in the second half before being substituted to a standing ovation.

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  Competition for places: Bellingham & Palmer missing

  Rogers told afterwards when asked where a goal for England ranks in his career: "Right at the top. It's a proud moment to do it at home too in a home nation derby. A dream come true. The quality of players we have with people here and not here, you can never be too comfortable, or else people will take your role."

  He went on to tell : "Not a bad night for sure. It's a different team but it's the same idea. It's the same mindset. It's the same thought and the same way we want to play. The players that come in, the players that don't come in, we all know what we are doing and we are feeding off each other and it's a lovely place to be. It's a lovely environment and it's very nice to play for this team."

• Tuchel impressed: Rogers takes his opportunity

  Rogers endured a tough start to the 2025-26 campaign, being jeered by his own supporters at one stage, but opened his goal contribution account when assisting Emiliano Buendia in a 3-1 victory over Fulham and has since teed up Donyell Malen for an effort against Burnley.

  He completed 19 of his 24 passes against Wales, creating two chances alongside his goal, with Tuchel – who pointed out ahead of the game that he is "building a team" and "not collecting the most talented players" – left suitably impressed. England’s German tactician said: "Morgan is what he is. He is a number 10 and he is competing for his place. He is in a good way. We are ready for any team effort. Serbia was the next example of teamwork. We created a lot of chances. We could use Harry Kane all the time, but we need to play without Harry and Jude – the guys are injured."

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  Selection headache: Nice problem for England

  Tuchel now faces a welcome selection headache, with former England defender Stephen Warnock telling of seeing the likes of Bellingham, Palmer, Reece James, Jack Grealish and Phil Foden miss out: "Tuchel has been vindicated. The players named could start a match for England, but he has got big decisions to make.

  "His job isn't to make players happy. His job is to come in and win a World Cup for England. That is the difficult job he has got to do. The difficult part is you're going to upset people. You're going to get people in the press asking about your decisions. So far, the big decisions he has made have paid off, and it is looking in really good shape for England so far."

  Warnock added: "At the moment it looks fantastic and they might be able to continue that against the best teams in the world. There will come a point when you need a Jude Bellingham, a Cole Palmer, to perhaps have an influence on the game. The great thing is, we've got the players."

  England will be back in action on Tuesday when travelling to Latvia for their latest World Cup qualifier. If results go their way, that contest could see tickets booked to next summer’s finals in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

اعترف أليسيو تاكيناردي، أسطورة نادي يوفنتوس، أنه نادم كثيرًا على ترك البيانكونيري أحد لاعبيه الرحيل خلال الفترة الماضية ومن ثم الانتقال إلى ريال مدريد.

يوفنتوس سوف يحل ضيفًا مساء اليوم الأربعاء على نظيره ريال مدريد، وذلك لحساب منافسات الجولة الثالثة من مرحلة المجموعات في بطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا.

ويسعى يوفنتوس إلى الخروج بنتيجة إيجابية أمام ريال مدريد في لقاء اليوم، وذلك في ظل سلسلة النتائج السلبية التي يعيشها الفريق مع المدرب إيجور تيودور.

ومن بين اللاعبين الذين رحلوا عن يوفنتوس خلال السنوات الماضية ومن ثم انتقلوا إلى ريال مدريد هو دين هويسن.

هويسن لعب في أكاديمية يوفنتوس لعدد من السنوات، قبل أن ينتقل إلى روما على سبيل الإعارة ومنه إلى بورنموث، قبل أن يتعاقد ريال مدريد معه هذا العام مقابل 58 مليون يورو.

وقدم هويسن عروضًا أكثر من رائعة رفقة ريال مدريد، وأصبح ابن الـ20 عامًا لاعبًا أساسيًا ولا غنى عنه في تشكيل المدير الفني تشابي ألونسو.

اقرأ أيضًا .. تيباس ينفجر بعد إلغاء مباراة برشلونة في أمريكا: “يتحدثون عن النزاهة وهم يضغطون الحكام”

وقال تاكيناردي في تصريحات نقلتها صحيفة “آس”: ”كان خطأ فادح بترك هويسن يرحل ولم ندركه إلا الآن، شاهدته يلعب مرات عديدة مع فريق يوفنتوس تحت 23 عامًا لأن منزلي يقع بجوار الملعب مباشرة”.

وأضاف: ”إمكاناته هائلة ويمكنه أن يكون قلب دفاع استثنائيًا، لكنه بحاجة إلى تحسين أدائه الدفاعي ليصل إلى هذا المستوى، كان من المؤسف رحيله”.

وعن نيكو باز، لاعب ريال مدريد السابق وكومو الحالي أضاف تاكيناردي: ”إنه لاعب موهوب للغاية ولقد رأينا ما فعله ضدنا بالفعل، لو كان القرار قراري بضمه إلى ريال مدريد لضممته فورًا، ولا أعتقد أن هناك الكثيرين من اللاعبين في أوروبا بمستواه، هو يلعب كرة قدم لا مثيل لها”.

واستمر تاكيناردي في حديث عن باز: ”لديه أسلوب لعب رائع ورؤية ثاقبة لكن إذا عاد إلى ريال مدريد فيجب أن يكون ذلك من أجل اللعب بكل منتظم، الشيء الوحيد الذي يحتاج إلى تحسينه هو قدرته على اللعب مع زملائه، عليه أن يزيد من سرعته إلى جانب يامال ويلدز، سيكون نيكو أحد نجوم كرة القدم العالمية لسنوات قادمة”.

ثم تطرق إلى الحديث عن نجم برشلونة، بيدري موضحًا أن الأخير لن ينجح في إيطاليا، حيث أردف: ”نعم قلت ذلك، إن بيدري لاعب جيد جدًا وأُعجب بسلوكه وتواضعه، لكن في إيطاليا المساحة ضيقة والضغط كبير وسيكون من الصعب عليه تقديم أداء مماثل لما قدمه في إسبانيا”.

وعن نجم ريال مدريد السابق وإي سي ميلان الحالي، لوكا مودريتش، واصل تاكيناردي: ”مودريتش لاعب عبقري ولديه مدرب ذكي يريده أن يكون محور كل شيء، أليجري يسعى لوضعه في أكثر مركز يكون فيه أكثر حرية لأن ميلان يعتمد عليه، لقد غير لوكا أسلوب لعب الفريق ورفع مستواه بشكل ملحوظ”.

ويعتقد تاكيناردي أن مودريتش كان بإمكانه الاستمرار لموسم إضافي في ريال مدريد، حيث تابع: ”لديه ما يكفي من الجودة واللياقة البدنية، ليس الأمر كافيًا للعب كل مباراة ولكنه كافٍ للعب في المباريات المهمة، حيث تكون جودته وخبرته في أمس الحاجة إليهما، لا يمكن إيقاف مودريتش والدفاع ضده، لكن استبدال لاعب كهذا يكاد يكون مستحيلًا، يستطيع لعب مباراة واحدة أسبوعيًا وكان بإمكانه اللعب بمستوى عالي بلا شك”.

وعن نجم هجوم ريال مدريد ، كيليان مبابي: ”إنه لاعب كرة قدم مذهل لكني أفضل فينيسيوس، بيلينجهام أيضًا نجم في أوج عطائه، رغم أنه يعاني قليلًا للوصول إلى إيقاعه”.

Top of the Premier League with maximum points, having just enjoyed an all-timer of a transfer window too, things could hardly look any better for those of a Liverpool persuasion.

On Sunday, as the champions faced the challengers at Anfield; to describe the game as cagey would be an understatement, but it was the home side who snatched the points, with Dominik Szoboszlai’s astonishing late free-kick downing Arsenal.

Having also enjoyed dramatic late victories over Bournemouth and Newcastle, Arne Slot’s side are sitting pretty at the top of the table, with a trip to Burnley, followed by a Merseyside derby, to come after the international break.

Meantime, things are going pretty well off the pitch as well, with the Alexander Isak saga finally coming to an end on deadline day, the Swedish international striker getting his wish by leaving Newcastle for Liverpool for a reported fee of £125m.

This is the second time this summer that Liverpool have broken the Premier League transfer record, having signed Florian Wirtz for £116m in June, while a further £204m has been spent to recruit Jeremie Frimpong, Miloš Kerkez, Giorgi Mamardashvili, Hugo Ekitiké and Giovanni Leoni, taking their summer spending splurge to £450m.

Thus, the reigning champions have to be favourites to retain their Premier League title, however, would this Slot super team be even more impenetrable had they signed a Jürgen Klopp target who has become “one of the best players in the world”?

Where Alexander Isak will fit into Liverpool's attack

The most frightening aspect for Liverpool’s title challengers is that it’s not like they were finding goals hard to come by before smashing the British transfer record on Monday.

Yes, they were largely stifled by Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal on Sunday but, before that, Liverpool scored twice against Crystal Palace in the Community Shield, four times against Bournemouth on the opening weekend and then thrice more at Newcastle on Monday.

Summer signing Ekitiké scored in all three of these matches, to add to the 22 goals he bagged for Eintracht Frankfurt last season, form that has earned him a first-ever senior France call-up over the weekend.

However, could he be the biggest casualty of Isak’s arrivals?

When a player is signed for £125m, they are arriving to be first-choice, and the table below underlines why Liverpool are willing to spend big money to recruit the Swede.

Goals

23

2nd

Goals in the box

20

2nd

Headed goals

4

2nd

Shots

95

7th

Shots on target

41

5th

Big chances missed

18

6th

Goal – xG

+2.7

17th

Average SofaScore rating

7.29

2nd*

*among forwards only (minimum 30 apps).

As the table highlights, only Mohamed Salah scored more goals than Isak in the Premier League last season, scoring 23 goals from just 95 shots, of which only 41 were on target, underlining his clinical finishing.

So, the general consensus is that Ekitiké will play off the left, but that’s something he’s never really done before at any of his previous clubs, namely Vejle, Reims, PSG or Frankfurt, and what would that mean for Cody Gakpo, who signed a new contract only a matter of days ago?

Nevertheless, hoping to play 66 games this season, Slot will want as many attacking options as he can possibly get his hands on.

Federico Chiesa and teenager Rio Ngumoha have been the attackers introduced as substitutes in recent weeks, both scoring crucial late winners in fairness to them, but they’ll need more and, well, they’ve got it, with this a sharp reminder of the tragic loss of Diogo Jota, so often the super sub himself.

With this array of attackers at Anfield, could Liverpool also have signed one of the best midfielders in the world, had Klopp got his way?

Liverpool could have had a world-class midfielder

Back in April 2023, as reported by the Guardian, Liverpool ended their interest in signing Jude Bellingham, with Borussia Dortmund demanding in excess of £135m for the then-teenager.

The report adds that Klopp told Fenway Sports Group to ‘move swiftly’ amid Real Madrid’s interest in the England international and, of course, Bellingham did move to the Bernabéu for around £88m that same summer.

Well, los Blancos legend Luís Figo believes that Bellingham is now “without a doubt… one of the best players in the world”, praising his “talent and commitment”.

Since arriving in Madrid, the Englishman has scored 38 goals and registered 28 assists, making his 100th appearance for los Merengues against PSG at the Club World Cup in July, yet to feature since due to a shoulder injury.

Well, the CIES Football Observatory certainly agree with Figo’s assertion, believing Bellingham’s estimated transfer value to be around £198m, below only Lamine Yamal and Erling Braut Håland in world football, while Isak is 12th on this list with an approximate value of £99m.

​​​​​​​

So, while Liverpool have two £110m+ players in their squad, namely Wirtz and Isak, they could have had a third back when Klopp was in charge, choosing to focus on other targets, ending up signing Ryan Gravenberch, who has proved to be pretty handy.

Nevertheless, since the start of the 2023/24 season, Salah, Ekitiké, Isak, Gakpo and Wirtz have scored a combined 209 club goals, so just imagine if they’d added Bellingham’s tally of 38 from midfield on top of this.

As good as Szoboszlai: £40m star dropped his best game in a Liverpool shirt

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MatériaMais Notícias

No início da temporada, a diretoria do Grêmio entregou reforços ao técnico Renato Gaúcho e animou o seu torcedor com dias mais tranquilos.

No primeiro objetivo do ano, o Tricolor manteve a sua hegemonia no Gauchão e faturou o seu sexto título estadual consecutivo. Empolgado, o gremista teve no discurso do treinador a garantia que poderia encarar qualquer clube do futebol nacional.

O problema é que desde o início do Brasileirão a situação mudou. Com o aumento do nível dos rivais, as vitórias desapareceram e o bom futebol foi embora.

Agora, o técnico Renato Gaúcho e elenco sentem a ira da torcida, que no último jogo, após o empate com o Fortaleza em casa, vaiou muito.

Semana importante 

Para acabar com a turbulência, o Tricolor tem uma semana especial. O primeiro desafio é o Cruzeiro, pela Copa do Brasil. Na sequência, Renato Gaúcho e cia terão mais um Gre-Nal. Vitória nos dois jogos em casa certamente acalma os ânimos da torcida e entregatranquilidade a elenco e comissão técnica.

Even before the summer transfer window opened, Manchester United entered the off-season with one clear goal: improve the forward line ahead of 2025/26.

Such a task needed to be undertaken after the Red Devils only managed to score 44 times in their 38 Premier League outings during the most recent campaign.

Ruben Amorim has showcased his desire to improve the current situation, making multiple moves to land Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha from Brentford and Wolverhampton Wanderers, respectively.

Whilst the pair notched 35 combined goals in the Premier League last season, other additions are still being pursued within the final third before the end of the summer window.

Given the climate of the current window, a new talisman would likely cost a pretty penny, but that hasn’t stopped the hierarchy from targeting numerous players over recent days.

The latest on United’s hunt for new additions

Moise Kean has been a player firmly on United’s radar throughout the current window, even making contact with Fiorentina over a deal to land the Italian striker.

However, if they are to land a deal for the 25-year-old during the current window, they will have to pay over the odds, after his £44m release clause expired on the 15th of July.

He’s not the only player who’s currently in their sights at present, with Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins once again a player they’re interested in, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.

The journalist claimed that the Red Devils have held talks over a move for the 29-year-old star, after he scored 16 league goals last campaign.

He also claims that Unai Emery’s side see the England international as not for sale during the ongoing transfer window, potentially making any deal for his signature somewhat harder.

Why United’s latest target would be a better signing than Sesko

Alongside a deal for Watkins, the United hierarchy have been targeting a move for RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko in an attempt to complete their hunt for a new centre-forward.

The Slovenian has been a key target for numerous sides this summer, but the Red Devils could be about to have a free run at his services after Arsenal and Liverpool opted for other targets.

He could prove to be a viable option for Amorim’s men, after he bagged 21 goals across all competitions for the Bundesliga outfit throughout 2024/25.

At just 22, he has bags of time to develop into an elite-level talisman, but any move could prove to be a huge risk given his current £67m asking price.

As a result, it would make Watkins a cheaper option for the hierarchy, whilst also providing a more experienced Premier League option in the club’s hunt to return to their former glory.

The Englishman did register more league goals last time around, subsequently offering a bigger goal threat, with his underlying stats also just as impressive.

Watkins, who’s been labelled “one of the best strikers in Europe” by boss Emery, also posted a higher shot-on-target accuracy rate, subsequently taking advantage of more chances that fall his way in front of goal.

Games played

38

33

Goals scored

16

13

Shot on target accuracy

44%

43%

Goals per shot on target

0.4

0.3

Pass accuracy

72%

67%

Key passes made

0.8

0.7

Carries into opposition box

1.3

0.5

Progressive carries

1.9

1.7

He also completed more of the passes he attempted, whilst posting a higher key passes per 90 tally, able to provide fellow new additions Cunha and Mbeumo with chances in the final third.

The Englishman’s talents are further reflected in his tally of carries into the final third per 90, able to create his own chances rather than being reliant upon others around him.

Given the difference in the stats and price tag, Watkins would evidently be the better addition for United during the current transfer window, subsequently bolstering their chances of success next season.

If he can replicate the levels he’s produced at Villa Park, it would be a phenomenal addition and one that would inject the added dimension Amorim is hunting for in his forward line.

Mbeumo 2.0: Man Utd make direct phone call to sign "sensational" £22m star

Manchester United appear to be making a move for a star just like Bryan Mbeumo.

ByEthan Lamb Jul 24, 2025

Tottenham are reportedly now favourites to sign a “remarkable” defender this summer, with Thomas Frank’s side earmarking the addition of a centre-half as one of their key priorities before deadline day on September 1.

Levy told key condition to sign £47m Frank target as Tottenham open talks

Spurs have been informed of the requirements.

1

By
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Jul 22, 2025

After Spurs triggered the obligation to buy clause in Kevin Danso’s deal, Frank currently boasts around six centre-backs in his squad right now – even if that number does include youngsters like Ashley Phillips and Luka Vuskovic.

Despite this, The Telegraph and journalist Matt Law confirmed earlier this week that Tottenham are still looking into signing another central defender – with Crystal Palace stalwart Marc Guehi remaining on their agenda after Daniel Levy failed with an audacious £70 million bid for him in January.

While the focus right now appears to be finally concluding a deal for Nottingham Forest playmaker Morgan Gibbs-White, amid an ongoing legal dispute with Nuno Espirito Santo’s men over the transfer, it appears a new defender is also in Tottenham’s sights.

“Tottenham remain confident about their chances of signing the player. But, obviously, now this is a legal topic. They need to have discussions directly with Nottingham Forest to find the solution,” said Fabrizio Romano on the GMS Market Madness podcast a few days ago.

“Of course, it changes the timing of the deal. Tottenham’s perfect plan was probably to sign Kudus and Gibbs-White in 24 or 48 hours. It is now going to take a bit longer, but they remain intent on signing the player. That is still their plan, so let’s see how it continues on the legal side. But, for sure, Tottenham still want Morgan Gibbs-White.”

In terms of the defensive addition Levy could make, a lot of noise has surrounded Bournemouth star Illia Zabarnyi, despite PSG’s lengthy talks for the Ukranian which stretch back for weeks (Fabrizio Romano).

He was a mainstay in Andoni Iraola’s backline last season, helping the Cherries to their best-ever Premier League points tally, and Bournemouth will undoubtedly be reluctant to lose another star defender after Dean Huijsen.

While media sources suggest that Zabarnyi has already agreed personal terms with PSG, a new report from journalist Pete O’Rourke states that Spurs are definitely not out of the race just yet.

Tottenham emerge as "the frontrunners" to sign Illia Zabarnyi

According to O’Rourke, in a piece for Football Insider, Tottenham “have now emerged as the frontrunners” to sign Zabarnyi ahead of PSG – with Spurs said to be advancing a move for the 22-year-old.

The Lilywhites could now hijack PSG’s deal for Zabarnyi, it would seem, but Levy will have to fork out north of £60 million, as Bournemouth attempt to make a handsome profit off the £24 million they originally paid for him.

Interestingly, Sky Italia reporter Gianluca Di Marzio claimed last week that Spurs are prepared to do just that, so this could be one to keep an eye on in the coming days.

In terms of Zabarnyi’s obvious quality, there is little doubt he’d upgrade Frank’s current options, with pundit Jamie Redknapp suggesting the Euro 2024 star didn’t quite get the credit he deserved last season.

“He is probably the most underrated player,” said Redknapp.

“I also spoke with Ukrainian legend Andriy Shevchenko, and he mentioned that Illia has everything it takes to reach the next level. Everyone is talking about Dean Huijsen. Yes, he is a fantastic young player, but Zabarnyi plays very aggressively in defense as well. I was genuinely impressed by him. He shows remarkable calmness on the pitch.”

Sheffield Wednesday have now suffered “another blow” regarding the future of a current player, according to an update from reliable journalist Joe Crann.

Grim summer for Sheffield Wednesday continues

This is a dark period in Owls history, with the club’s finances in dire straits and supporters desperately hoping to see Dejphon Chansiri sell the club.

Both Wednesday players and other club employees have seen long delays in their wages being paid in recent months, while Danny Rohl’s future as manager is very much up in the air.

Meanwhile, key players have now departed, including attacking heroes Josh Windass and Michael Smith – their contracts were both terminated – with nothing but negatives on show heading into the new Championship season.

Big changes have to happen at Wednesday as soon as possible, in terms of the ownership and finances, or it is difficult to see anything other than an extremely difficult 2025/26 season ahead of them.

"Great" Sheffield Wednesday player set to leave

Now, according to The Star‘s Crann on X, Sheffield Wednesday defender Akin Famewo is set to be the next player to leave the club this summer, with a move to Hull City edging closer:

“Akin Famewo is in talks with Hull City, and could be their player in the next couple of days. Another blow, although not an unexpected one, for SWFC this summer.”

These setbacks must be so hard to take for Owls fans, and while Famewo may not be an indispensable figure, he has still been a good servant at the back, being lauded by Crann in the past.

Famewo was a part of Wednesday’s squad that reached the Championship back in 2022/23, following a memorable run in the League One playoffs, – he started 15 league matches – and the 26-year-old’s defensive ability will be a miss.

The fact that Hull want to sign him shows that he is valued by other second-tier clubs, and he could prove to be a shrewd signing for them for a number of years. The question at the moment now seems to be, which Owls player will leave next?

With Thierno Barry signed and delivered, Everton have reportedly made their first approach to sign a fresh midfield star in a deal that could be worth £30m this summer.

Thierno Barry: "It's a dream to play in the Premier League"

Kicking off their summer business in style, Everton finally unveiled the arrival of Barry earlier this week. The talented striker has arrived in a deal worth around £27m and should put any concerns over Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s departure to rest. Alongside Beto, the former Villarreal star should provide David Moyes with more than enough firepower.

The new striker expressed his delight after putting pen to paper, telling Evertontv: “I’m very happy. It’s very exciting to be here. I just can’t wait to start and I hope to start very quickly.

“Everton is a big club in the Premier League. They have a good history and good players have played here, like Wayne Rooney and Romelu Lukaku. When I was young I liked to watch these players, now I want to do like these players who have gone before.

“I had good conversations with the manager. He told me I have the quality to play in the Premier League. He wants to do good work with me. He wants to help me on my road and I felt the sincerity with him so that’s why I chose to come here as well.

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“For me, it is a dream to play in the Premier League. I think I proved in my career so far that I can adapt. For example, last season I went to LaLiga, which is a top league, and I think I had a good season for my first season. I’m not scared to play here and do the same.”

The Toffees aren’t waiting around to admire their new signing, however. Instead, it’s full steam ahead in pursuit of further arrivals and perhaps even a Premier League rival.

Everton make first £30m John McGinn enquiry

As reported by Wayne Veysey of Football Insider, Everton have now made their first enquiry to sign John McGinn, telling Aston Villa that they’d be willing to pay £30m to welcome the midfielder this summer. Despite reports that the Scotland international is unhappy about his current role under Unai Emery, though, the Villans have swiftly rejected that approach.

Alas, this saga may be far from over. Everton are reportedly still optimistic that they can strike a deal to sign McGinn in the latter stages of the transfer window, especially if Aston Villa welcome a midfield reinforcement of their own.

If their optimism turns into a summer move, then McGinn will be bringing an end to an excellent seven-year spell in the Midlands, in which he has earned plenty of praise.

Emery, among those with plenty of positives to say about his captain, told reporters in 2023: “He is a very good example, of how he is consistent and trying to help and to be an example, a very good example for players. I really, really appreciate a lot as a person how he is, but as a professional, he is fantastic.”

Fabrizio Romano has shared an update on Arsenal and their plans to sign a new striker, amid their widely reported talks for RB Leipzig starlet Benjamin Sesko.

Arsenal hold talks over signing Benjamin Sesko

Near the end of May, it became evident through reliable media sources that Sesko had emerged as Mikel Arteta and Andrea Berta’s prime striker target.

David Ornstein: Arsenal consider deal for player as "done and signed"

Gunners chiefs are extremely confident.

ByEmilio Galantini Jun 11, 2025

Arsenal entered “concrete” negotiations with Leipzig over a deal for the Slovenia international, who’s fresh off the back of a productive campaign where he scored 21 goals and six assists in all competitions.

Since then, talks have been ongoing and advancing cautiously (Fabrizio Romano), with reliable journalist Ben Jacobs sharing that the major sticking point in this potential transfer is Leipzig’s financial demands.

According to his information, Arsenal want to strike a deal for Sesko at around £60 million, whereas Leipzig want to sell for nearer £70 million.

“They have discussed whether or not there is flexibility beneath the variable release clause, set at the moment around €80 million,” said Jacobs on The Football Terrace last week.

“That’s why that one’s taking time, because Arsenal want to do Sesko for €70 million, or within that ballpark.”

Sesko is also attracting interest from Saudi Arabia, even if his priority is to stay in Europe (The Telegraph), but so far, no middle ground appears to have been found on the final price, despite some reports that the 22-year-old has already agreed personal terms.

If they cannot reach an agreement with Leipzig over Sesko, Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres apparently remains on their radar as an alternative.

Viktor Gyokeres on Arsenal list if Benjamin Sesko talks fail

That is according to Romano, who reports in his GiveMeSport newsletter that Gyokeres is on Arsenal’s target list in case talks for Sesko fall through.

“It’s an open race for Gyokeres,” said Romano.

“He remains on Arsenal list in case Sesko deal doesn’t happen, Man United have called his agents again over the weekend.”

The “underrated” and “exciting” 26-year-old bagged an incredible 54 goals and 13 assists last season, spearheading Sporting to their first domestic double win in 20 years, but it is worth noting that he might not be much cheaper than Sesko.

Sporting president Frederico Varandas poured cold water over reports that Gyokeres and the club have an agreement that he can leave for £59 million this summer, telling the Portuguese press that he will indeed cost more.

“I can guarantee that Viktor Gyokeres will not leave for 60m euros plus 10m euros because I never promised that,” Varandas said.

“To this day Sporting has not had an offer for Gyokeres – neither today nor last season.”

While this comes as a statement which Arsenal need to be aware of, Varandas does guarantee that Gyokeres will leave for less than his £84 million release clause.

“One of the agent’s biggest concerns was whether we would demand the termination clause,” said Varandas.

“He wanted to guarantee certain things. And what was agreed? That Sporting would not demand a release clause now. For one reason: he was going to be 27 years old, and no player leaves Portugal at 27 for 100m euros or 90m euros.”

It’s been a tough campaign to take for Arsenal fans this year.

Instead of going on to lift the Premier League title for the third time of asking, Mikel Arteta’s side are set to finish in a distant second place while also failing to pick up any silverware in the cup competitions.

Now, injuries have undoubtedly played a part in the North Londoners’ lacklustre season, but it has to be said that much of the Gunners’ attack has seriously underwhelmed, including Gabriel Martinelli.

Unfortunately for the Brazilian, the board might be running out of patience with him, as recent reports have linked the club with someone who’d be a massive upgrade.

Arsenal's winger search

Before getting to the superstar in question, it’s worth going over some of the other wide players who have been touted for moves to Arsenal in recent weeks, like Daizen Maeda and Leroy Sané.

Transfer Focus

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The former could be a real bargain this summer, as in 50 appearances for Celtic this year, he has scored 33 goals and provided 12 assists, and could be available for just £25m.

On the other hand, Sane wouldn’t cost a penny, as his contract expires at the end of the season, and with a pretty impressive haul of 13 goals and six assists in 45 games for Bayern Munich, he’d certainly improve the North Londoners’ attack.

However, to ensure they get a significant upgrade on Martinelli this summer, Arteta and Co might want to sign a genuine superstar near the top of his game, someone like Rodrygo.

According to a recent report from Spain, Arsenal are incredibly interested in signing the Real Madrid winger.

More good news: The report claims that an exit for the Brazilian is a very real possibility and that, as things stand, the Gunners are leading the race for his signature.

The story does not mention a potential price, but reports from earlier this week claimed that an offer of around £85m could be enough to get the deal done.

While that is a lot of money, it’s a transfer Arsenal should be looking to complete, especially as he’d be a massive upgrade on Martinelli.

How Rodrygo compares to Martinelli

So, while Rodrygo has spent much of his time at Real off the right, he is a natural left-winger, and as Bukayo Saka has the right nailed down, it’s almost certain that the Brazilan would play on the opposite flank were he to make a move to the Emirates.

Therefore, one of his primary competitors for game time next season and beyond would be Martinelli, so how do the pair compare to one another?

Well, when it comes to their raw output, it is the two-time Champions League winner who comes out ahead, as in 50 appearances, totalling 3290 minutes, he has scored 13 goals and provided ten assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.17 games, or every 143.04 minutes.

In contrast, the Gunners’ number 11 has scored ten goals and provided six assists in as many games, totalling 3493 minutes, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 3.12 games or every 218.31 minutes.

Unfortunately, the one-sided nature of this comparison only continues when we take a look under the hood at their underlying numbers.

Here, the “terrifyingly good” Real ace, as dubbed by journalist Sam Tighe, comes out ahead in almost all relevant metrics, such as non-penalty goals plus assists, progressive passes and carries, passing accuracy, shots and shots on target, shot and goal-creating actions, key passes, successful take-ons and more, all per 90.

Ultimately, Rodrygo is a far superior winger to Martinelli in practically every measurable way, so while the latter could still be a valuable squad player next season, Arsenal should be doing all they can to sign the former this summer.

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