All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

After such a dismal season in the Premier League for Tottenham Hotspur last time around, it’s no surprise to see huge changes coming into place at the club.

Ange Postecoglou was the man to lead the side throughout 2024/25, finally ending the Lilywhites’ near two-decade wait for a trophy, but their league standing was what cost him his job in North London.

He was subsequently dismissed, which saw Thomas Frank handed the responsibility of building on such a triumph heading into the 2025/26 campaign.

The new boss has already been handed the funds he desires to make changes to the first-team squad, landing Mohammed Kudus in a £55m transfer from West Ham United.

Their big spending looks set to continue as the new season draws ever closer, with countless names still on their radar despite the recent additions made by Frank.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new additions

Morgan Gibbs-White’s move to join Spurs may rumble on for some time, despite seemingly being a matter of when, not if he would join the club just a few days ago.

After triggering the Nottingham Forest star’s £60m release clause, it seemed like a deal would rapidly be completed, but Nuno Espírito Santo’s side have threatened legal action for an illegal approach for his signature.

Whilst such a move continues to be up in the air, work has been done elsewhere in the division, leading to Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton being another target, according to Alasdair Gold.

The journalist claimed in recent days that the hierarchy have kept a close eye on the 21-year-old in recent times, even before he made the move to Selhurst Park.

He also stated that he remains a target for the Lilywhites this summer, but won’t pay an over-inflated fee for the youngster given his lack of top-flight experience.

GIVEMESPORT have suggested the Eagles may be looking for around £80m.

Why Spurs’ latest target would be perfect for Gibbs-White

Even though the deal for Gibbs-White has seemingly hit a standstill, there are still expectations at Spurs that a deal could be completed with Forest during the off-season.

Undoubtedly, he would be a superb addition to the side, able to operate as an eight if needed, but his talents are certainly more suited to a free role behind the striker.

His record of seven goals and eight assists at the City Ground last campaign is evidence of the talent he possesses, handing Frank another excellent option within his side should he move to the Lilywhites.

It would be an excellent price tag, hence why Forest are disputing the current situation, with the England international having the tools to reach the next level at Spurs.

He would also have a massive chance to do so if he was joined at the club by Wharton, with the youngster having the quality to aid the 25-year-old in his quest.

When delving into Wharton’s stats from 2024/25, he’s excelled in numerous key areas, many of which would allow Gibbs-White to thrive in a more attacking role.

Wharton, who’s been labelled “world-class” by one analyst, managed to complete 7.3 progressive passes and 5.3 passes into the final third per 90 last time around, having the ability to provide the pending addition with the tools to torment the opponent.

Games played

20

Goals & assists

2

Pass accuracy

76%

Progressive passes

7.3

Key passes

1.8

Passes into final third

5.3

Tackles won

2.3

Interceptions made

1.4

Clearances made

1.8

Recoveries made

6.9

Being able to find teammates is one thing, but his ability to regain the ball is second to none, winning 2.3 tackles per 90 and making 1.4 interceptions per 90 – providing himself with the ammunition to create changes for the likes of Gibbs-White.

Such talents would allow him to sit at the base of Frank’s midfield trio, able to dictate the play and control the game before having an impact with the ball at his feet.

As previously mentioned, it’s unclear if the club will make any offers for the youngster’s signature, but it’s evident he has the ability to thrive alongside his compatriot at the heart of the side.

It would also be an addition that could set the club up for many years, having the chance to develop further and get even better given he is still just 21 years of age.

The mission is clear for Andrea Berta this summer. Sign a new striker or risk the wrath of Arsenal fans the world over.

To give the Italian his credit, he’s done a pretty good job in the first month or so of the summer transfer window, but there’s still much to do and full judgment will be reserved until the market closes.

While the Gunners are yet to confirm any new signings, there are three on the way in the shape of Kepa Arrizabalaga, Christian Norgaard and most excitingly, Martin Zubimendi.

Celebrated by Spain manager Luis de la Fuente as “one of the best midfielders in the world”, European football expert Sid Lowe has previously noted that the 26-year-old “is just about as good a deep-lying midfielder there is in Europe, apart from maybe Rodri.”

So, what we can grasp from that is he’s a pretty good player.

But, and this is a key but, Mikel Arteta and Co are yet to sign a new forward.

The latest on Arsenal's hunt for a new striker

There appear to be two candidates to be cast as the new no.9 at Arsenal; Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres.

Sesko was headhunted by the Gunners last summer but the Slovenian ultimately signed a new contract with RB Leipzig. He’s stayed in Germany an extra year but is widely expected to leave the Bundesliga behind this window.

Unfortunately for Arsenal, Leipzig had been demanding in the region of €80m (£68m) to €100m (£85m) for the striker. In recent days, German publication BILD suggest that they are now willing to lower that to something around the €70m (£60m) mark with add-ons.

If that fee is kept to, then you wouldn’t bet against Arsenal offering the right amount.

Transfer Focus

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

The situation surrounding Gyokeres is complex as well, particularly after a reported falling out with the Sporting hierarchy over the terms of his exit.

A report from Portuguese outlet, O Jogo, has revealed that the Swede’s club are holding out for a figure of €80m (£68m), but that wasn’t what was agreed prior to the summer.

The publication goes on to note that the Gunners have actually already struck an ‘agreement’ with the player’s agent, Hasan Cetinkaya, regarding a fee.

Cetinkaya is allegedly ‘betting’ on a price of around €60m plus €10m in add-ons (£60m overall), an amount that they claim was agreed with the player’s agent and Sporting before the window got underway.

So, whoever Arteta manages to get his hands on, it’s likely the Gunners will have shelled out something around the £70m mark.

Why Gyokeres could take Bukayo Saka to new heights

If 2024/25 proved anything, it’s that Arsenal are far too reliant on Bukayo Saka. Still, that shouldn’t come as a surprise.

He has been the club’s best player in recent years and demonstrated that by scoring 12 goals, the second-highest at the club and registering 14 assists last season, topping the charts for that particular metric.

Saka produced those numbers all while missing several months of the campaign with a long-term hamstring injury.

During that time, the Gunners suffered the consequences. Despite the emergence of wonderkid, Ethan Nwaneri, Arteta’s lack of depth on the right flank was exposed.

As was their lack of overall quality in the final third, particularly when Kai Havertz also suffered a hamstring injury.

During Saka’s time on the sidelines, Arsenal dropped points in five of the 12 league games he missed, points that ultimately proved costly in their bid to win the title. They also only scored more than two goals in a game in two of those fixtures, the 5-1 drubbing against Manchester City and the 3-1 win over Brentford.

So, Saka is pretty crucial and so is the addition of a new centre-forward. The idea of Arsenal’s best player combining with a striker as potent as Gyokeres is a mouthwatering one.

As far as pure goalscoring is concerned, there isn’t a better player in Europe. He found the net a whopping 54 times in 52 games last season and considering Arsenal need goals, he should be the number one option this summer.

Described as a “monster” by journalist Alex Turk, that aptly sums up his ability inside the penalty area. His record over the last couple of years is nothing short of freakish.

For Saka, this should be a match made in heaven. While Gyokeres is a goalscoring machine, Saka is the creative machine. Last season, the right-winger ranked number one in the Premier League for expected assists per 90 minutes (0.41), shot-creating actions per 90 (6.09) and goal-creating actions per 90 (1.20).

1. Bukayo Saka

0.41

2. Kevin De Bruyne

0.36

3. Savio

0.31

4. James Maddison

0.29

5. Trent Alexander-Arnold

0.28

Those numbers were produced all without a direct out and out centre-forward in Arsenal’s ranks for much of the season.

Thus, just imagine the remarkable numbers he could put up if he were playing alongside Gyokeres in Arteta’s attack. This could just be the combination that helps move Arsenal closer to the title next season.

£100m star & the "new Haaland" sign: Arsenal's dream summer

Andrea Berta is in for a big summer at Arsenal; here’s how it could play out.

ByMatt Dawson Jun 29, 2025

One of West Bromwich Albion’s top performers in the 2024/25 campaign was experienced central midfielder Alex Mowatt, who caught the eye in the middle of the park.

The 30-year-old maestro started 39 games in the Championship and contributed with seven goals, five ‘big chances’ created, and two assists for the Baggies.

Mowatt is a great example of the kind of proven quality that you can get by signing experienced Championship performers, as they signed him off the back of spells with Leeds United and Barnsley.

West Brom could, now, repeat that trick by signing another central midfielder who is well-versed in the second tier of English football, if a fresh report is to be believed.

West Brom eyeing swoop for Championship star

According to a TEAMtalk reporter, West Bromwich Albion are one of a number of clubs interested in a deal to sign Sheffield Wednesday star Barry Bannan, as Ryan Mason looks to improve his squad.

Transfer Focus

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

The journalist claims that fellow Championship teams Stoke City and Wrexham, who have been promoted from League One, are also eyeing up the Scottish maestro to bolster their own midfield set-ups.

Bannan’s contract with the Owls is due to expire at the end of this month, which means that the veteran midfielder is set to be available on a free transfer.

West Brom are seemingly in the race to land him on a free transfer, alongside Stoke and Wrexham, and they could repeat their Mowatt masterclass by winning this race.

Why West Brom should sign Barry Bannan

Bannan would arrive at The Hawthorns as one of the most experienced players in the division, with 374 appearances in the second tier in his career to date.

The 35-year-old star, who was hailed as an “incredible” character by teammate Josh Windass, has been there and done it in the Championship, which means that he could hit the ground running in the Midlands, as Mowatt did.

Bannan is also a midfielder who can provide similar qualities to Mowatt at the top end of the pitch, as he has the ability to offer goals and assists from the middle of the park.

The Scottish veteran ended the 2024/25 campaign with a haul of four goals and five assists in the Championship, having managed 28 assists in the previous three seasons combined.

Non-penalty goals

0.10

Top 33%

Expected Assisted Goals

0.17

Top 15%

Assists

0.13

Top 26%

Shot-creating actions

3.87

Top 9%

Passes made

58.17

Top 16%

Progressive passes

8.43

Top 1%

As you can see in the table above, Bannan ranked very highly among his positional peers in the division in a host of key possession and attacking-based metrics, particularly when it came to creating chances for his teammates.

These statistics show that the Sheffield Wednesday ace still has plenty to offer at the age of 35, as he can make things happen with the ball at his feet as a passer.

Therefore, Bannan could be a shrewd addition to the squad on a short-term contract, possibly for one season, as an experienced player who can hit the ground running.

His experience in the Championship suggests that he would almost be guaranteed to be a smart signing for the Baggies, who would know exactly what are getting from him, as was the case when they signed Mowatt from Barnsley.

After Nat Phillips: West Brom could sign "sublime" Fellows replacement

If West Bromwich Albion are powerless to Tom Fellows leaving, this sublime star joining the building could be his best possible replacement.

ByKelan Sarson Jun 24, 2025

Liverpool are making some exciting moves at an early stage in the transfer window and have now turned to La Liga in their quest for more reinforcements, according to a report.

Liverpool on the verge of announcing Florian Wirtz and Milos Kerkez

Jeremie Frimpong is already through the door at Anfield, and he will soon be joined by Liverpool-bound Florian Wirtz, who is scheduled to undertake a medical later this week.

With a deal for the Germany international set to hit record territory, German football expert Raphael Honigstein believes the Reds are buying a ‘superstar’ in the making as they build for the new campaign.

He stated: “He has played for Leverkusen and Germany so knows the demands that are on him, but still, he will have to adjust to the pace of the Premier League and the more physical way.

“Opponents will try to negate his influence and that might prove a challenge, but he is young enough and good enough. He is not easily intimidated and stands up strong to the challenge. You are buying a superstar.”

Milos Kerkez’s father has confirmed his son’s move to Liverpool is ‘basically a done deal’, signifying another statement of intent from the Reds in their hunt to defend the Premier League title.

He'd be incredible with Wirtz: Liverpool make approach to sign £43m winger

Liverpool will need to replace Luis Diaz if he is sold this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair Jun 17, 2025

Through the middle, Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike and Sporting marksman Viktor Gyokeres are on Liverpool’s radar, though it remains to be seen whether outgoings can open up space for a new number nine to arrive.

While Wirtz and Kerkez have stolen most of the attention on the market, the Reds have now made contact over a deal for a highly-rated winger.

Liverpool make contact to sign Jesus Rodriguez

According to reports in Spain via Sport Witness, Liverpool have made contact with Real Betis over winger Jesus Rodriguez and are joined by Aston Villa in their pursuit of the Spain Under-21 international.

In spite of the fact he recently renewed his deal, he has a release clause extendable to £42.75 million and is now said to be on the market, with the Reds taking the step of getting in touch with the La Liga outfit and the player to ascertain the conditions involved in a potential deal.

Jesus Rodriguez in 2024/25 – La Liga (FBRef)

Shot-creating actions

34

Goal-creating actions

5

Touches in attacking penalty area per 90 mins

5.59

Successful take-ons per 90 mins

2.43

Compared to Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Rodriguez registered five goals and four assists in 44 appearances across all competitions last campaign, playing a starring role in his side’s run to the Europa Conference League final.

Unfortunately, Chelsea ran out comfortable winners against Betis. Still, his performances throughout that run and domestically have put him in the shop window for a move to the Premier League champions.

Clearly, Liverpool are already preoccupied with several other pursuits, though it seems like they are working on multiple deals at the same time as Arne Slot builds for next season.

Chelsea have already been one of the busiest Premier League sides in terms of transfer activity, and they’re fully expected to carry on this trend in the background of their looming Club World Cup campaign.

Chelsea miss out on Mike Maignan and Jamie Gittens

The west Londoners were attempting to get both AC Milan keeper Mike Maignan and Borussia Dortmund sensation Jamie Gittens finalised before Tuesday’s 7pm mini-window deadline, but neither deal could be done.

Chelsea are in ongoing talks with Neymar-like forward – Sky journalist

The west Londoners are still working beyond the Club World Cup transfer deadline.

ByEmilio Galantini Jun 11, 2025

Chelsea had three bids rejected for Gittens in the space of a few days, with Enzo Maresca’s side never coming close to Borussia Dortmund’s valuation. Their highest offer came in at around £47 million, but even that wasn’t enough to convince the Bundesliga, who played hard-ball over their most sellable asset.

Chelsea’s determination to remain steadfast in negotiations and not pay over the odds was also prevalent in their discussions with Milan over a deal for Maignan. After failing to find middle ground on the France international’s price tag, Chelsea pulled out of that deal too, regardless of Maignan’s eagerness to join the Blues.

“Chelsea were trying to sign Maignan, but they were always insistent they did not think he was worth more than £12.7m,” said Sky Sports reporter Kaveh Solhekol.

“The player himself was desperate to move to Chelsea, he is 30 in July, is out of contract next summer and told Milan he will not sign a new deal. However, Milan said we will not let him leave for the figure Chelsea wanted.”

While both Maignan and Gittens are off the table, at least for now, it is believed that Chelsea remain in talks with Eintracht Frankfurt star Hugo Ekitike (Florian Plettenberg). It is also worth noting that Chelsea can still register new players during the Club World Cup, thanks to a unique registration period which will become active from June 27 to July 3 – when the group stages conclude.

Chelsea to terminate Axel Disasi contract as Juventus make contact

Given Chelsea’s extensive plans to strengthen throughout the squad, players will need to make way, with BlueCo also rumoured to be targeting a centre-back.

Player sales will be crucial for them this summer, as Chelsea look to trim the wage bill and generate funds for their recruitment strategy both in the coming weeks and later in the window.

According to Italian news site Tutto Juve, as translated by Sport Witness, Chelsea defender Axel Disasi is attracting interest from Serie A heavyweights Juventus.

Disasi has been regularly linked with a Stamford Bridge exit, with Tutto Juve even reporting that both the Frenchman and Chelsea are to mutually agree a contract termination to facilitate his move away.

Juve have made contact to enquire about Disasi’s situation, and could be buoyed by the prospect of signing the 27-year-old on a free transfer.

They’re also attracted by his versatility, given he can play both right-back and as a centre-half. Disasi doesn’t appear part of Maresca’s long-term plans, having just spent the second half of 2024/2025 on loan at Aston Villa.

Disasi has been lauded as a “complete” defender by pundits, but the potential signing of another centre-back would only push him further down the pecking order.

Birmingham City won the League One title with a staggering 111 points in the 2024/25 season and are now preparing for a campaign in the Championship.

The Blues are already being linked with plenty of players, including Reading’s Charlie Savage, Swansea City’s Harry Darling, and Brighton & Hove Albion goalkeeper James Beadle.

Chris Davies is also looking to bolster his attacking options ahead of a season in the second tier, as Birmingham have been linked with a loan move for Aston Villa winger Louie Barry.

The English dynamo scored 15 goals in League One on loan at Stockport County in the 2024/25 campaign, but is unproven above the third tier, and the club are reportedly eyeing a star who would be an even better signing this summer.

Birmingham enquire about move for £8m star

Whilst Barry may be an exciting signing on loan because of his impressive performances in League One, with 15 goals, he has yet to prove himself in the Championship and would be a risky addition.

Transfer Focus

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

According to journalist Ben Jacobs, Birmingham have made an enquiry over a deal to bring Demarai Gray back to the club in the summer transfer window.

The reporter claims that the Jamaica international is exploring the possibility of a return to England ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, and that Sunderland are another English side with an interest in the winger.

Jacobs’ GIVEMESPORT article adds that Al-Ettifaq, his current team, would be willing to cash in on him for a fee of £8m this summer, as they are willing to accept that he would like to return to England.

The report reveals that Birmingham have made contact to enquire about a deal, but states that it remains to be seen whether or not he would be willing to drop down to the Championship instead of exploring a Premier League move.

Why Birmingham should sign Demarai Gray

Davies should work hard to convince the 28-year-old wizard to make the move to St. Andrew’s this summer because he would be an even better signing than Barry, due to his pedigree at the top level.

Birmingham will have ambitions of eventually making their way back to the Premier League and the Al-Ettifaq star is vastly experienced at that level, with 200 appearances under his belt.

Gray, who was described as “electric” by journalist Scott Saunders during his time at Everton, produced nine goals and five assists in the 2021/22 and 2022/23 Premier League seasons combined for the Toffees.

This shows that he can make a decent impact at the top end of the pitch in the top-flight, whilst Barry has yet to score or assist a goal in either of the top two divisions in his career to date.

Premier League

200

19

14

Championship

72

8

3

Saudi Pro League

47

4

4

Bundesliga

10

1

2

As you can see in the table above, Gray has plenty of experience in the top two leagues in England as well as 57 matches in the Pro League and the Bundesliga.

The £8m-rated star would, therefore, arrive as a high-profile addition for the Blues and one that would align with a long-term ambition to return to the Premier League, as he has proven that he has the quality to play at an even higher level than the Championship.

Gray could realistically follow the club on a journey from the second tier to the top-flight and be a useful player at both levels, given what he has already achieved in his career.

Whereas, there is no guarantee that Barry can make the step up to the Championship, as he is yet to prove it, let alone the Premier League, which is why it would be a bigger risk to sign the Aston Villa youngster.

Norwich City now join Birmingham in race to sign "fantastic" ace for £0

Norwich City are now the latest team to show interest in signing a contract rebel.

1 ByBrett Worthington Jun 5, 2025

With this in mind, Gray would be a better signing for the Blues with the long-term goal of reaching the Premier League because of his experience and quality, as well as it being a permanent move rather than a loan, as Barry would be.

Arsenal have reportedly sealed their first sale of the summer transfer window already, with Andrea Berta and Mikel Arteta waving goodbye to one “high level” player who’s completed a move to Europe.

Arsenal players who are poised to leave this summer

A fair few high-profile members of Arteta’s squad are currently bound for the N5 exit door.

Obi-Mikel desperate for Arsenal not to sign "unplayable" Gyokeres alternative

The ex-Chelsea midfielder suggests he’d be a major threat under Arteta.

1 ByEmilio Galantini May 22, 2025

Kieran Tierney’s pending move to Celtic will be a welcome return to Parkhead for the Scotland international, who gets to work under Brendan Rodgers six years after their pair parted company in 2019.

1

Kai Havertz

£280,000

£14,560,000

2

Gabriel Jesus

£265,000

£13,780,000

=3

Declan Rice

£240,000

£12,480,000

=3

Martin Odegaard

£240,000

£12,480,000

5

Thomas Partey

£200,000

£10,400,000

6

Bukayo Saka

£195,000

£10,140,000

7

William Saliba

£190,000

£9,880,000

via Capology

Meanwhile, it is reliably believed that Jorginho is set to join Flamengo once his £110,000-per-week Arsenal contract expires, but the Brazilian side are also exploring a deal to bring him in early, so he can take part in the Club World Cup next month (The Athletic).

Uncertainty continues to surround Thomas Partey’s long-term future with no fresh terms currently agreed as things stand, despite widely reported talks, but Arteta is adamant that he wants the Ghana international to stay.

“Yes,” said Arteta when asked if he wants Partey to extend his contract.

“I think consistency-wise it’s been his best season. The way he’s played, performed, his availability, has been exceptional and he’s a really important player for us.”

The writing appears on the wall for Albert Sambi Lokonga in terms of an exit, with the Belgian spending 2024/2025 on loan at Sevilla. The same can also be said for left-back Nuno Tavares, who’s impressed on a loan-to-buy deal at Lazio.

Nuno Tavares seals exit from Arsenal to Lazio

The Portuguese, despite some injury woes over the second half of the campaign, has racked up nine assists in all competitions and won over the Serie A side’s supporters with some impressive displays.

According to Il Messaggero, via Sport Witness, this form has been enough to convince Lazio to keep him there permanently.

The newspaper claims Lazio have paid £4 million to sign Tavares from Arsenal indefinitely, and the 25-year-old will complete his move to Europe after a regrettable four-year stint at the Emirates where he never quite established himself.

He performed well on various loan spells, with ex-Marseille boss Igor Tudor calling him a “high level” player during his temporary stint in Ligue 1. Arteta also had initial high hopes for him when Edu signed Tavares from Benfica in 2021.

“One of the biggest qualities he has is that he is not fazed at all when is playing,” said Arteta about Tavares. “He was not fazed to make a debut like he did, the risks that he takes, the actions that he puts in place.

“Plus what you can see, his physicality, he is naturally a very gifted athlete. He can run and he can change speed and direction, and technically he is very gifted. But, for me, the most important thing is that he is a defender and he needs to defend first, and then he can provide the rest of his qualities.”

While the dream for many Arsenal fans this summer will be to see Alexander Isak arrive in a big-money deal, the fact of the matter is that he feels pretty untouchable.

A reported £150m asking price has been slapped on his head and despite Mikel Arteta’s need to strengthen in attack, it’s unlikely you’ll see the Gunners fork out that amount of money, particularly considering they need fresh faces in other areas of the pitch too.

It perhaps explains why they’re currently working on a deal to sign Viktor Gyokeres, then. Reports in recent days suggest that they are in talks and an agreement may well be close.

But, if that move doesn’t come to fruition, attention could be turned to Benjamin Sesko and one other alternative.

Arsenal could sign £59m Sesko upgrade

Last summer, it looked as though Arsenal were going to sign Slovenian centre-forward, Sesko.

The striker had a release clause at RB Leipzig and despite interest from the north Londoners, he penned a new contract in Germany and decided to stay another year.

Well, a year on, Arsenal are still interested in the 21-year-old, with The Athletic’s David Ornstein noting earlier in the week that they have done a lot of work to potentially sign the player.

The player still has a release clause with certain conditions, meaning it could see Arsenal pay in the region of £67m.

Transfer Focus

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

If they are seeking a cheaper alternative, then they need to look no further than Borussia Dortmund’s Serhou Guirassy.

England’s elite clubs have all been presented with the opportunity to sign the striker this summer as according to German publication, BILD, the player has a release clause of £59m, which can only be triggered by a certain set of teams.

Those clubs are Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester United, Manchester City and Barcelona.

It’s a strange situation but due to the nature of the release clause, if any of the sides above submitted a bid of £59m, Dortmund would have no choice but to accept.

How Guirassy compares to Sesko

Sesko, described as “the new Haaland” by talent scout Jacek Kulig is clearly one of the most promising and exciting young strikers in the game right now.

In the Bundesliga, he’s scored 13 goals in 33 matches and registered a further eight across other competitions. It’s a solid tally considering his age, but Arsenal want to win now. Thus, signing Guirassy for a cheaper fee may well be the answer.

After all, when it comes to finding the net, he’s certainly more prolific. Aptly described as a “goal monster” by journalist Michael Adjei, also playing in Germany’s top-flight, Guirassy scored 21 in 30 league outings this season.

In all competitions, the 29-year-old has found the net on 34 occasions in 45 fixtures. While he was a menace domestically, it was in the Champions League where he racked up some astonishing numbers.

Guirassy most notably scored a hat-trick in the quarter-finals against Barcelona, which were three of 13 goals he scored in 14 European ties this season. He’s a man for the big occasion and being in his prime, he’s ready to help Arsenal now. Unlike Sesko, he’s not a project striker.

So, where else does he beat the Slovenian? We’ve crunched the numbers.

Goals

0.73

0.49

Assists

0.14

0.19

Shots

2.98

2.50

Pass success %

73%

68%

Key passes

0.87

0.72

Progressive passes

1.52

1.74

Successful take-ons

0.38

1.48

Aerial duels won

3.77

2.65

Analysing certain metrics, it’s no surprise to see that Guirassy is more dangerous in front of the goal considering he takes more shots. He’s also involved in the build-up play, registering more key passes every 90 minutes.

Sesko is certainly the more progressive and quicker of the two, certainly judging by the number of take-ons he achieves, but what’s crucial for the way Arteta uses his centre-forwards is that Guirassy trumps the Leipzig sensation for aerial duels won.

We’ve got two different profiles here, but at the end of the day, goals win you games of football and that’s what the Gunners have missed most this season.

The Dortmund star may well be 29 but he’s in his prime, he’s in the form of his life, and for £59m, you won’t find many better options.

Massive Martinelli upgrade: Arsenal offered "world-class" UCL winner

The incredible winger would be a huge boost for Arsenal.

ByJack Salveson Holmes May 16, 2025

West Bromwich Albion fans should be full of excitement and anxiety ahead of the final game day in the Championship, hopeful that their side can enter into the second tier playoff picture.

However, Tony Mowbray’s dismal return to the hot-seat has unfortunately seen the Baggies drop out of the top six altogether, with the 61-year-old only able to mastermind a weak five victories from 17 games before being given his abrupt marching orders.

The Hawthorns hierarchy will know they need to get their next appointment spot on to ensure the Baggies can finally break out of the Championship, with a whole host of different names up for consideration as Mowbray’s successor.

West Brom could now appoint "outstanding" manager

The main name being heavily linked with a switch to the West Midlands is current Queens Park Rangers boss Marti Cifuentes, with the Spaniard even being put on gardening leave by the Hoops to see out their season.

However, it has now been surprisingly revealed that Cifuentes isn’t even on the West Brom short-list at this moment in time, meaning the drawn-out search for a fresh manager drags on.

Gary O’Neil’s name has also been thrown into conversations away from Cifuentes being floated around, with pundit Joe Jacobson tipping him to be in the frame for the Hawthorns vacancy.

The “outstanding” former Wolverhampton Wanderers head coach – as he was previously labelled by Old Gold chairman Jeff Shi – would be an arguable upgrade on the wantaway QPR figure, on top of perhaps also boasting a sturdier reputation in the game than ex-Hawthorns fan favourite Carlos Corberan.

Why O'Neil could be an upgrade on Cifuentes & Corberan

Corberan’s sudden exit from West Brom last December was the unfortunate nail in the coffin for their season, with Mowbray unable to get the very best out of a camp regimented in the now Valencia manager’s philosophies.

Whilst the Spaniard did steer the Baggies to a mightily impressive 47 victories from his 107 games in the dug-out, a promotion up to the Premier League would continue to evade his side throughout his memorable spell, with O’Neil at least holding the advantage of being a top-flight proven boss.

Indeed, O’Neil has plenty of experience in the elite division, both at the helm of Wolves and AFC Bournemouth, with his time at Molineux a bumpy ride to say the least.

The Old Gold had turned into relegation fodder by the time of his exit – before Vitor Pereira then transformed fortunes at Molineux – but O’Neil had secured a positive 15th place finish the season prior, meaning he might well be able to consolidate West Brom as a Premier League worthy outfit if promotion was to be finally secured.

24/25

16

2

3

11

19th (at time of sacking)

23/24

38

13

7

18

15th

22/23

34

10

6

18

16th

Overall, the 41-year-old has managed to pick up 25 top-flight victories in total. Amazingly, this alone only puts him three off Cifuentes’ win count at Loftus Road, with Cifuentes perhaps not ready to make the leap up to the top league like O’Neil, especially when you further consider QPR are situated in 15th spot heading into the final day.

The major hurdle for O’Neil would be whether he’s capable of cutting it in the nitty gritty of the Championship himself, but he worked well under pressure at the Cherries and Old Gold for the majority of his stays there, meaning he might be able to better Corberan in finally guiding his new team to the big time.

Whoever is chosen to be Mowbray’s replacement will have a pressurised job on their hands, but O’Neil could be just what West Brom need to put Corberan’s spell firmly to one side.

He's impressed Pep: West Brom can forget Cifuentes by hiring 4-3-3 manager

West Brom could forget a move for Marti Cifuentes by swooping for this manager.

ByDan Emery Apr 30, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur now want a manager with “star status” to replace Ange Postecoglou, according to a former employee of the Premier League club.

Ange Postecoglou heading towards Spurs exit after disappointing season

According to reliable media sources, like journalist Matt Law of The Telegraph, a parting of the ways with Postecoglou is growing more and more likely – even if Spurs do end up winning the Europa League and their first piece of silverware in 17 years.

Levy set for "big decision" as Tottenham look at hiring "master" £8m manager

Ange Postecoglou is increasingly likely to leave at the end of 24/25.

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The north Londoners face off against Norwegian minnows Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League semi-finals after beating Eintracht Frankfurt in the last round, and if they get past this year’s fairy-tale overachievers, then Postecoglou will be just one game away from ending Tottenham’s trophy drought.

Liverpool (away)

April 27th

West Ham (away)

May 3rd

Crystal Palace (home)

May 10th

Aston Villa (away)

May 18th

Brighton (home)

May 25th

It would be the perfect end to an otherwise disappointing domestic campaign, with Spurs on course for their worst ever finish in the Premier League and just one match away from equalling their record for most defeats in a single season.

Postecoglou has been dealt a plethora of injuries to key players throughout 2024/2025, which undoubtedly crippled Spurs’ chances of success, but there is a serious argument that 16th in the league still simply isn’t good enough.

Unrest surrounds the club right now, not just regarding Postecoglou, but also the current running of Tottenham by chairman Daniel Levy and ENIC, with disgruntled supporters protesting against their ownership on a consistent basis.

Whoever potentially succeeds Postecoglou will have a mighty job on their hands, and Levy needs to get this appointment amid mounting pressure.

Tottenham are believed to be targeting Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola and Fulham’s Marco Silva, according to multiple reports, while the likes of Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner and Brentford’s Thomas Frank have also been linked.

Tottenham want "star status" manager to replace Ange Postecoglou

However, while these names have performed impressively on shoe-string budgets, the aforementioned tacticians boast just one major trophy between them.

Some critics may be underwhelmed by this, but according to former Spurs scout Mick Brown, Tottenham are looking at a “higher profile” manager with “star status” to come in and “transform” them into a winning team.

“There’s no doubt Frank has done a fantastic job at Brentford,” Brown told Football Insider, commenting on the links to the Bees boss.

“But’s a completely different job to managing Tottenham Hotspur. His job at Brentford cannot be questioned, he’s done better than many others would have, and everybody I speak to has a lot of respect and admiration for him.

“The issue is, Tottenham have had about 15 well-respected managers who have done jobs elsewhere.

“I think they’re looking at higher-profile managers to come in and transform them into a winning outfit.

“I don’t know whether Frank meets that star status they’re looking for.”

According to some reports, Inter Milan boss Simone Inzaghi has admirers at Spurs, and the Italian would definitely fall into the high-profile category after three successful years at the San Siro.