Tag Futebol

It's not very fair is, it? Come on Erling, these people have families. The rampant Norwegian is proving to be the usual source of chaos, chaos that once all is said and done will probably see Manchester City beat Arsenal to the Premier League title for the third year in a row.

Haaland is a robot, an alien, a footballing juggernaut who destroys everyone and everything in his wake.

As Arsenal slumped to a 1-1 draw with Brighton in Saturday's lunchtime kick-off, Man City responded in emphatic fashion. Well, their striker responded.

Pep Guardiola's main man was at it again at the London Stadium to down West Ham in brutal, mesmerising fashion.

Haaland's performance against West Ham

The Norway international's hat-trick against Ipswich Town the weekend prior felt inevitable. Kieran McKenna's men performed some admirable business in the transfer window but very little can prepare you for the onslaught of Haaland.

The Tractor Boys went 1-0 up but the powerhouse forward responded by knocking three goals past them. Well, he was at it again against West Ham on Saturday evening.

Another hat-trick was notched up to take his early season tally to seven goals in three outings. For anyone who doesn't have him in their fantasy team, quite frankly, what are you playing at?

This is an unstoppable beast and the way in which he took his trio of goals in the capital two days ago was freakish. The second was a rasping crunching effort that soared past the goalkeeper and the third, out of nowhere, was quite magnificent.

Haaland ran in behind and comfortably slotted the ball past substitute goalkeeper and former Arsenal man Lukasz Fabianski as if he wasn't even in the net.

So, good luck Gunners. Truly, good luck finding a way to beat Man City when they have him up front.

How do they respond? Well, despite not adding a centre-forward to their ranks over the summer, they are beginning to build quite the weapon up front.

Arsenal's answer to Haaland

Now, hear us out, but Kai Havertz does have similar attributes to Haaland.

He may not have the goalscoring prowess – although that is improving – but he has a lengthy build that ensures he is a nightmare for defenders, boasts remarkable strength and is left-footed.

That last one is rather tenuous, admittedly, but like we said, hear us out for a few minutes, he has come a long way since his blase attitude was said to be "like Mesut Ozil" by Paul Merson.

Standing at 6 foot 4, the £65m signing from Chelsea is actually the same height as City's no.9. So, there's the first box ticked.

Where else are they similar? Well, they've got that style of play that looks rather effortless. The German has already been compared to a figure like Dennis Bergkamp and it's clear to see why.

He may not be as graceful as the great Dutchman but like Haaland, that wirey frame and the long strides they possess come in handy when looking for two things; someone to hold the ball up and someone to regularly hassle defenders.

Until recently, Havertz had been playing as more of a false 9 in the Arsenal team. Yet, in 2024/25, he's been given the keys to become the leading man. The way he took his goal against Brighton on Saturday was Haaland-esque, racing onto a ball in behind and plonking the ball over Bart Verbruggen.

Stylistically there are also clear differences. Haaland has pace. Havertz isn't blessed hugely in that department. The numbers do tell us something interesting though, even if we can't quantify their biggest similarity; strength.

Progressive carries

1.33

2.00

Progressive passes

1.00

3.33

Passes completed

6

15

Passes into final third

0.33

0.33

Shot-creating actions

1.67

2.67

Tackles won

0.67

0.67

Touches

16.7

32.3

As we noted above, there are clear differences in some areas. Havertz is more creative, boasting more progressive passes per 90 minutes. There is a reason former teammate Roberto Hilbert once declared the Germany international has "some things Ozil had". This time we're comparing the two Germans in a positive light.

That said, they aren't really too dissimilar in the carrying department. They don't complete an awful number of passes per 90 minutes and defensively they've actually been relatively on par this term, leading the press with 0.67 tackles apiece.

There is little chance that Havertz ends up ending the campaign as prolific a goalscorer as Haaland but both of them, with their languid and rangy playstyles, will prove key in the destination of this season's Premier League title.

Less touches than Raya: Arsenal must look to bench 5/10 star after Brighton

Arsenal dropped their first points of the season on Saturday lunchtime.

ByMatt Dawson Aug 31, 2024

Well, that wasn't really the start fans were hoping for.

After a summer of promising performances in preseason and a flurry of exciting signings, Tottenham Hotspur got their Premier League campaign underway last night with a disappointing 1-1 draw away to Leicester City.

Now, in the first half, Ange Postecoglou's side looked electric and like they could've scored three, but therein lies the biggest issue with their display: they didn't put away their chances.

The North Londoner's wastefulness was punished in the second half by none other than Mr Leicester, Jamie Vardy, who nodded one home in the 57th minute to level the score.

Unfortunately for the Lilywhites, there were several disappointing performances on the night, including debutant Dominic Solanke.

Solanke's performance in numbers

So, while the result can't be solely blamed on Solanke, it's also hard to deny that in his 99 minutes of action, the £65m striker was extremely wasteful in front of goal.

There were several times when the former Bournemouth ace got onto the end of a brilliant piece of play only to snatch at the ball or fire it directly at Mads Hermansen in the Leicester goal.

The 26-year-old didn't impress Express journalist Amos Murphy, who awarded him just a 4/10 on the night, writing that he 'ought to have found the back of the net at least once' and will 'have to be less profligate in the future.'

Minutes

99'

Shots on target

3

Expected Goals

0.36

Goals

0

Big Chances Missed

1

Lost Possession

8

Offsides

1

Passing Accuracy

15/19 (79%)

It may sound like a harsh assessment of the Englishman, but it's one backed up by his statistics. For example, in his 99 minutes on the pitch, he took three shots on target and produced an expected goals figure of 0.36, yet he failed to score a single goal, missed one 'big chance', lost the ball eight times, was offside once, and maintained a passing accuracy of just 79%.

It wasn't an abysmal showing, and fans shouldn't jump on him right away, but the fact he failed to take any of the chances that came his way was disappointing, although there was another starter who was just as bad.

Udogie's performances in numbers

Yes, unfortunately, one of the other disappointing stars from last night's clash was left-back Destiny Udogie.

Again, like the rest of his team, he wasn't dreadful, and at points in the first half, he looked on it, but as the game dragged on, and especially in the second 45, he began to struggle.

The Italian struggled to cope with Abdul Fatawu Issahaku on the Foxes' right, and it was his cross that found Vardy's head for the equaliser.

Like Solanke, the former Udinese ace was given just a 4/10 by Murphy, who wrote that it was not his 'most convincing performance' and that he 'gave up too much space' for Fatawu.

His statistics from the game do not make for pretty reading either, as in his 99 minutes of action, he was dribbled past once, lost nine out of 14 duels, failed in both his crosses, lost the ball 13 times, committed four fouls and failed to complete a single dribble.

Minutes

99'

Dribbled Past

1

Duels (Won)

14 (5)

Crosses (Successful)

2 (0)

Lost Possession

13

Fouls Committed

4

Dribbles Completed

0

Ultimately, playing one of the promoted teams away from home in your season opener is always a potential banana skin, and while some issues need to be addressed, there is plenty of time for Postecoglou and Co to bounce back from this early setback.

Spurs could land Solanke his dream signing in sensational £100kp/w "wizard"

The incredible talent would be unreal with the £65m man.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Aug 19, 2024

Since the days of Diego Costa in the mid-2010s, Chelsea have struggled to find a long-term solution for the number nine position.

Romelu Lukaku, Kai Havertz, Timo Werner, and even Tammy Abraham have all tried, but none of them were able to prove a success. It says it all that only Lukaku, who looks set to depart Stamford Bridge this summer, remains on their books as of July 2024.

Nicolas Jackson is the latest striker to try and fill the void in west London, enjoying a successful debut campaign in England, netting 14 Premier League goals – the second most of any Blues player last season.

Cole Palmer finished the 2023/24 campaign as the club’s leading scorer, finding the back of the net on 22 occasions, thriving for the Blues after his £40m move from Manchester City during the same window as fellow attacker Jackson.

However, 12 months on from the duo’s respective move to Stamford Bridge, new boss Enzo Maresca is on the lookout for another option in attacking areas and could potentially repeat Palmer’s move in a deal for one star who is keen to start a new adventure this summer.

Chelsea could land £77m star this summer

In recent weeks, Chelsea have been linked with a plethora of attacking options, with the likes of Alexander Isak, Victor Osimhen and Viktor Gyokeres all touted with big-money moves to West London.

However, their interest in Manchester City forward Julian Alvarez could bring an end to their hunt for a new centre-forward, with the Argentinian also being able to feature in various other attacking roles.

It’s been reported in recent days that he wants more consistent first-team minutes to further his development, with the former River Plate talent unhappy with his tally of 31 starts for Pep Guardiola’s side.

The Athletic claimed that City would not stand in Alvarez’s way should he want to leave this summer, but are demanding a fee in the region of £77m including add-ons for services.

The deal may seem an expensive one, but the 24-year-old would be a hugely impressive signing, registering 20 goal contributions in the Premier League despite playing in a deeper role than he would like.

It would allow Palmer to be reunited with his former teammate, potentially rekindling their partnership, whilst the Blues would be signing a talent compared to one of the very best in world football.

Why Alvarez could be like Mbappe for Chelsea

For the past few years, French forward Kylian Mbappé has been one of the leading talents in Europe, scoring a combined 85 goals in the last two seasons, prompting a move to Spanish side Real Madrid this summer – undoubtedly the biggest move of the window despite signing on a free transfer.

During his time at PSG, he’s often found himself featuring on the left-hand side or down the middle, but still excelling and producing some phenomenal stats.

Argentinian forward Alvarez has found himself in a similar predicament at the Etihad, featuring in a number of roles but still impressing – as demonstrated by his goal contributions under Guardiola in 2023/24.

However, FBref claim that the City attacker is a similar player to the French ace and when comparing their respective figures, Alvarez has produced numerous stats that are on par if not better than what Mbappé could muster, demonstrating once again why he would be a huge coup for Maresca’s side.

Games

29

36

Goals + assists

34

20

Passes per 90

33

34

Shot-creating actions per 90

4

4

Take-on success

46%

48%

Recoveries per 90

2

3.3

The “legendary” City forward, as described by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has managed fewer goal contributions, but has registered the same amount of shot-creating actions – proving that he can create endless opportunities in the final third.

He’s also completed more take-ons than the Real Madrid forward despite his direct nature, also completing more passes per 90 – allowing players such as Palmer to further boost their own goalscoring tallies as a result of Alvarez’s potential arrival.

The Argentinian talent has won 1.3 recoveries per 90 more than Mbappé, showcasing his ability to regain possession in forward areas, allowing for more frequent chances for himself and his teammates – a really important aspect of Maresca’s high-pressing system.

It remains to be seen if Alvarez would be interested in swapping Manchester for London, but he would be a huge addition for the Blues in their attempts to secure a Champions League spot this season.

Palmer’s phenomenal form at Stamford Bridge could tempt the 24-year-old to make a similar move this summer, taking his personal form and Chelsea’s attacking unit to the next level.

Cole Palmer repeat: Chelsea targeting "electrifying" talent

The Blues are on the hunt for a versatile new winger…

ByAngus Sinclair Jul 22, 2024

Death-bowling specialism encourages Rajasthan to pay huge sum for allrounder

Andrew Miller19-Feb-20210:40

‘We’ve rebalanced our side, Chris Morris fills an important role for us’ – Royals CEO McCrum

Rajasthan Royals were willing to break the bank to secure the right fast-bowling support for Jofra Archer, according to their director of cricket, Kumar Sangakkara, after the franchise put in the highest bid in IPL auction history on Thursday to sign the South Africa allrounder Chris Morris for INR 16.25 crore (US$2.2 million).Although Morris is highly rated as a tall fast bowler and hard-hitting lower-middle batsman, Rajasthan’s bidding war with three other franchises – most notably Punjab Kings – was one of the big surprises of the auction, particularly given Morris’s past injury record, and the fact that he will turn 34 midway through this year’s competition.However, speaking to the media on Friday, Sangakkara justified Morris’ selection in light of Rajasthan’s lop-sided display in the most recent IPL. They finished bottom of the table in the UAE in November – albeit one win from reaching the play-offs – despite the stellar efforts of Archer, who was named the tournament’s MVP for his haul of 20 wickets at 18.25, including an economy rate of 6.55 that no seamer who bowled more than 15 overs in the tournament could match.Chris Morris opened the bowling in his first game of the season•BCCIHowever, that disparity was particularly stark within Rajasthan’s own ranks. Ten of Archer’s wickets came in the Powerplay, in which he returned a remarkable economy rate of 4.34, the best by a distance in the tournament. However, the remainder of the Royals’ attack managed six wickets at an economy of 9.93 in their own Powerplay overs, and Archer himself ended up being stretched across too many roles, with his economy rate ballooning to 10.08 when asked to bowl at the death.Hence Rajasthan’s exhaustive pursuit of Morris, whose own Powerplay economy for Royal Challengers Bangalore last season was a very respectable 6.26, but whose death-over figure of 7.03 was the best among those who bowled 50-plus balls in the season, ahead of Delhi Capitals’ Anrich Nortje, at 8.44.”For us, it was a case of getting some support for Archer, to get him to be as effective as possible,” Sangakkara said. “We considered the all-round abilities that Morris has, but focused on his bowling because he actually has one of the best economy rates at the death. He’s at the top of the tree in terms of positively impacting side’s performances.ESPNcricinfo Ltd”Morris has a very specific role for us to play in supporting Archer,” Sangakkara added. “It gives us a lot more flexibility, because it frees us to use Archer in other ways. We also have AJ Tye, Mustafizur [Rahman] and young Indian quicks to support us, so it gives us a few more combinations that we can play with.”Sangakkara acknowledged that Rajasthan had had their eye on further pace-bowling options to supplement their squad, including Jhye Richardson, Adam Milne and Kyle Jamieson, the New Zealand allrounder who would prove to be out of reach as he went for a bid of INR 15 crore (US$2.05million) to RCB.”The high price is just the nature of the auction’s supply-demand dynamics,” he said. “If you really want a player and you’re competing against someone with a huge purse, you have to stretch yourself. We would’ve liked to have got [Morris] for much less, but Mumbai and Kings were as interested in him as we were, and we had to push through that upper limit.”Addressing the issue of Morris’ injury record – he sustained a side strain during the last IPL campaign that caused him to miss the first three weeks of matches – Sangakkara said that the prospect of a reduction in the number of internal flights between venues, due to Covid, could help to preserve his 6ft 4in frame from wear and tear.Jofra Archer celebrates a wicket with his team•BCCI”Questions will be asked about his training, load management – everything’s been taken into consideration,” Sangakkara said. “Regular flying, packing bags and leaving has a significant effect of injuries on players. Yes, there’s a trend for him to get injured but it’s hard to predict who gets injured and who doesn’t. The key is to have cover in your squad if the unthinkable happens.”As for the burden of coming into the squad with such a heavy price tag, Sangakkara insisted that Morris would be valued as a player and a person more than a “commodity”.”Managing his mindset, in terms of stepping up and trying to justify an auction price is one thing, but then getting him to concentrate on what we really want him to do, and what we expect of him in terms of our side and our strategies [is another],” he said.”It affects various players in different ways. Some really take that pressure on and it helps them to perform even better, others can at times wilt, but Chris is a very mature guy.Related

Rajasthan Royals' flexibility offers chance at redemption

Chris Morris: 'Pressure from price tag doesn't affect you on a cricket field'

Jofra Archer likely to miss first half of IPL 2021

Royals land Morris for INR 16.25 crore

Why teams broke the bank for Morris and Co.

“The auction price is the auction price, whether we buy someone for a very small amount of money, or a very high amount of money, our job is to get them prepared to do the job for us on the field.”There are no guarantees in cricket, even the best players can have deep ruts and bad performances, but the key for Rajasthan is building that culture where, irrespective of your auction price, you have a role. We want you to execute it, and we will give you that support and that preparation to do it.”But in terms of executing your role, you are free to take a calculated risk, go that extra yard and really commit to the role. And that’s going to be good enough because if the processes are right, the results come. You can’t worry about all the noise that you can’t control.”

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has delivered an update on Kai Havertz’s condition after seeing the German suffer a nasty head injury against Inter.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• German forward had to be replaced late on
• Mikel Merino also took a blow to the head
• Both expected to face Chelsea on Sunday

• Getty
  

  WHAT HAPPENED?

  During the closing stages of the Gunners’ 1-0 Champions League defeat at San Siro, Havertz clashed with fellow countryman Yann Bisseck. Both men had eyes for the ball when competing in an aerial challenge, but were left in a crumpled heap on the turf.

Advertisement

• WHAT ARTETA SAID

  Havertz was unable to continue, as he had to be replaced, with blood pouring from a head wound. Questions have been asked of whether the 25-year-old forward will now take in an enforced spell on the sidelines. Arteta has said when quizzed on that topic: “Kai Havertz had a big cut and hopefully he will be OK for the weekend.”

• Getty
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Arsenal also saw summer signing Mikel Merino take a blow to the head, as he tangled with Inter goalkeeper Yann Sommer, but he is another that was replaced as a precaution. Arteta added on his fellow Spaniard: “No, he was not concussed, yesterday he was not feeling great and I decided to take him off as I needed him 100%.”

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• WHAT NEXT?

  Arsenal, who have won just two of their last six games in all competitions and suffered back-to-back 1-0 losses against Newcastle and Inter, will return to Premier League action on Sunday when taking in a trip to London rivals Chelsea.

Manchester United are set for a busy summer transfer window, as it has emerged that they want to sign three more players on top of Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite, according to journalist David Ornstein.

Manchester United want Jarrad Branthwaite

Manchester United's 2024 summer transfer window looks to be in full swing following the news that the club were set to keep Erik ten Hag on as their manager heading into the 2024/25 campaign. The Dutchman was only able to guide the Red Devils to an 8th-place finish in the Premier League last season and will need to kick on this time around if he is to maintain his position in the Old Trafford dugout.

£50,000-a-week Wolves star now wanted by Manchester United in summer deal

His departure could free up some much-needed funds though.

ByBen Browning Apr 29, 2024

One of Manchester United's main problem areas last season was their defence. The Red Devils let in 58 goals in 38 league matches across 2023/24. In comparison, Manchester City and Arsenal conceded 34 and 29 respectively. As a result, it is clear that United need to shore up their backline if they are to return to the top of the English game and end what will be a 12-year wait for another league title.

In a bid to solve their defensive woes, Manchester United are reportedly targeting Everton and England centre-back, Jarrad Branthwaite. Earlier this week, it was claimed that Man Utd have agreed personal terms with Branthwaite over an Old Trafford transfer, with a contract worth between £150-160k per week on the table. However, the transfer fee looks set to be an issue, with Everton having already knocked back a £45m bid as they hold out for around £65-70m to allow the 21-year-old to depart Goodison Park.

Manchester United want to sign 3 players alongside Jarrad Branthwaite

Despite potentially having to spend big money on Branthwaite this summer, United are seemingly looking to get a few more names through the door before the transfer window slams shut later this summer.

This news comes via reliable journalist David Ornstein, who told The Athletic FC podcast that the Premier League giants want a centre-back, a midfielder and a striker – while a move for a left-back could also transpire.

"They want a centre-back, they want a midfielder, they want a striker," Ornstein said, via Football365. "There may be a need for a left-back.

"So there’s work to be done, and now comes the moment where they need to crack on with that. We know they like Branthwaite. They wanted [Benjamin] Sesko, but, obviously, they were probably never at the front of the queue for him and he’s now staying at Leipzig, so they’ll have to look elsewhere."

Ornstein does not give too much away when it comes to specific targets, but Man Utd have already been linked with a number of names who fit the criteria. Hoffenheim striker Maximilian Beier, Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretzka and Lille centre-back Leny Yoro are all said to be of interest to the club.

Dean Jones was privately farewelled by his family with a lap of honour of an empty MCG on Saturday, as the ground’s public address system played tunes by Elton John and INXS, musicians the former Australian batsman had counted among his many friends.In a memorial service limited to just 10 attendees by Victoria’s ongoing coronavirus lockdown, Jones was remembered by those closest to him, before his coffin was conveyed around the venue where he played six of his 52 Test matches and countless state and club fixtures: Jones moved from his father Barney’s club Carlton to the Melbourne Cricket Club in the 1980s.While a public memorial service is planned for a time when more mourners will be permitted to attend, Jane Jones said that the family had been extremely moved by the way her husband’s life and cricket had been remembered and revered by so many.”We have been deeply moved by the outpouring of love for Dean over the last week and can’t thank everyone enough for their support and for sharing their memories with us,” she said. “It has been an awful time to navigate as a family, but I could not have thought of a more fitting place to say goodbye to my husband than under the lights of his beloved MCG.”What better way to honour him than with the music of his friends Elton John and INXS echoing throughout the empty stadium. We’d like to extend a huge thank you to the Melbourne Cricket Club and the MCG for their willingness to create our personal tribute to Dean and for Cricket Australia’s support.”We would also like to extend a big thank you to the Department of Foreign Affairs for ensuring Dean was returned home to us as quickly as possible. We will forever miss Dean’s energy, his zest for life, passion for cricket and his love for us as a family.”

Kola Bokinni is raring to go amid talk of Ted Lasso returning for Season 4, with the AFC Richmond captain saying “whatever happens, I’ll be there”.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Options taken up on three main starsCast members airing their excitementNo word on when production may startFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Apple TVWHAT HAPPENED?

Bokinni plays skipper Isaac McAdoo in the award-winning Apple TV+ show, but appeared to have hung up his on-screen boots for the last time when series three came to a close and Lasso brought his coaching adventure in England to an end.

AdvertisementTHE GOSSIP

There is talk of production starting up again, with Warner Bros taking up options on three key characters played by Hannah Waddingham, Brett Goldstein and Jeremy Swift. Stars such as Nick Mohammed, Juno Temple and Lloyd Griffith have also spoken of their excitement at the Lasso franchise potentially being reborn.

GettyWHAT KOLA BOKINNI SAID

Bokinni is ready and waiting whenever the call comes, telling : “Whatever happens, I’ll be there for them, because they were there for me.”

He added on initially being hesitant to join a show that has “done amazing things” for his life: “I was like, it’s a show about this American guy who comes over and tells us how to play football? But I’ve been playing football my whole life.”

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

WHAT NEXT FOR TED LASSO?

There has been no word in public from Jason Sudeikis – who plays Lasso and is one of the show’s writers – on when or if more episodes could drop. There are issues to be be ironed out behind the scenes before any work can begin in earnest, with some characters – such as Phil Dunster, who plays Jamie Tart – tied to contracts elsewhere.

Manchester City are reportedly willing to sell one high-profile player for a "big fee" in the summer transfer window, with Pep Guardiola not convinced about him.

Man City transfer news

City's 2023/24 season ended up being a positive one because of yet another Premier League title triumph, but given the incredible standards they set last time around, only one trophy still felt like a slight disappointment, especially following Saturday's FA Cup final defeat to Manchester United.

It gives Guardiola reason to chase new signings this summer, with the Spaniard someone who chases perfection season in, season out, and plenty of players have been backed to move to the Etihad ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.

Midfield could be an area to look at, particularly if Bernardo Silva brings an end to his time at City, and Inter Mila star Nicolo Barella has been linked with a move. The Italian is admired by both Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp, which speaks volumes, with the latter describing him as a "top-class" footballer.

Pedro Neto has matured into one of the best-attacking players outside of the big Premier League clubs, and he is another rumoured target for City. Newcastle City are believed to be looking to swoop, however, so there could be a battle to snap him up.

Pep willing to sell Man City star

On the flip side, the reigning league champions could lose players, and a new report from Football Insider claims that Manchester City could sell Jack Grealish this summer, as they look to receive a "big fee" for him.

It is claimed that Guardiola "is not completely convinced by the winger and he is considered dispensable as the club look to bring in some extra funds to continue improving their squad this summer."

There is arguably plenty of sense in selling Grealish in the summer window, with the 28-year-old enduring an instantly forgettable season on a personal level. Injuries haven't helped him, but when he has been available, his performances haven't caught the eye in the slightest, with only three goals and one assist coming his way in 20 Premier League appearances.

The £300,000-a-week England international no longer feels like a key man, especially with Jeremy Doku coming in and looking more of a threat on the left wing, and considering Grealish turns 30 next year, this summer could be the best time to cash in on him.

In fairness to Grealish, he has spent much of his time playing a more disciplined role than at Aston Villa, where he was far more of a maverick, but it's hard to shake the idea that he has rarely looked like a £100m player during his time at City, never coming close to having the same impact as the likes of Kevin De Bruyne, Phil Foden, Rodri and Bernardo, to name just a few.

Fabrizio Romano: £100,000-a-week Man City star may leave with Saudi clubs keen

He could have played his last game for the club already.

ByBen Browning May 22, 2024

For that reason, losing him may not feel like a big blow, so Guardiola and those high up at the club should be listening to offers for him in the coming months.

Arsenal could soon be subject to approaches from Saudi Arabia as Saudi Pro League sides consider "lucrative" offers for two big-name members of Mikel Arteta's squad.

Edu and Arteta devising summer plans as key Arsenal exits possible

The north Londoners' plans for the summer window are already well underway, with sporting director Edu admitting to have already decided on his targets.

Edu ready to approve triple exit to fund Arsenal move for £100 million star

The Gunners mean business this summer.

ByEmilio Galantini May 2, 2024

"I understand what the fans are asking for but we already have our targets," said Edu on Arsenal's summer transfer plans to TNT.

"We have planned a lot ahead and I will be worried if we don’t score a lot of goals and if we’re not creating chances, which is the opposite because we create a lot and score a lot of goals.

“The plan is to try to get better every year and I think we are in a good moment. Let's see if we can keep improving. Many times in certain conversations to recruit the players you don't see the character of the player or the character of the player does not fit well with what we are trying to do and then you have to move on and try to find what we’re really looking for.

“If you see all the signings we’ve made since we started together, everyone is almost the same, young, energetic and passionate, and good talents with big, beautiful futures ahead of them.”

Some reports have even suggested that Arsenal could be set to break their summer transfer record when the window reopens, which would be some feat considering they spent around £208 million last year.

Edu and Arteta are chasing a prolific new striker for Arsenal, as well as a central midfielder (Charles Watts), with both Gabriel Jesus and Thomas Partey subject to speculation over their futures in north London.

Jesus, who signed from Man City for around £45 million in the summer of 2022, has registered just eight goals and seven assists in all competitions this season – and his place would seriously be questioned if somebody like rumoured target Viktor Gyokeres were to arrive.

Luton Town 3-4 Arsenal

8.91

Nottingham Forest 1-2 Arsenal

8.63

Arsenal 5-0 Crystal Palace

8.43

Bournemouth 0-4 Arsenal

8.04

Arsenal 2-0 Brighton

7.47

Arsenal are also open to selling Partey for the right offer, coming as the Ghanaian's contract is set to expire next year. The north Londoners paid his full £45 million buy-out clause to sign him from Atletico Madrid in 2020, and he has gone on to be a great servant, but he could also be nearing the end of his time at Arsenal.

Saudi clubs considering "lucrative" Jesus and Partey contract offers

The duo, who cost a combined £90 million for Arsenal to sign, are now turning heads in the Middle East.

Indeed, according to GiveMeSport, Saudi sides are considering "lucrative" contract offers to tempt Jesus and Partey away from Arsenal this summer, as they seek to add more big-name stars to their growing league.

Arteta's side, for their part, are "willing to consider" offloading the pair – so it will be interesting to see if their exits could fund upgrades to the squad ahead of 2024/25.