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After a hectic summer transfer window, Nottingham Forest have now reportedly joined a hectic Premier League race to sign a Manchester City gem who Pep Guardiola loves.

Latest on Nuno and Nottingham Forest

As busy as their transfer window was, it’s Nuno Espirito Santo who stole most of the headlines at the City Ground after he revealed a rift between himself and owner Evangelos Marinakis. It sparked instant reports that the Portuguese manager could be facing the sack and rumours suggested that his frustration came as a result of Forest’s transfer activity.

Since then, however, Nuno has got his wish. Nottingham Forest signed a goalkeeper in John Victor and welcomed reinforcement at full-back by signing Oleksandr Zinchenko and Nicolo Savona. Add in the likes of Douglas Luiz, Arnaud Kalimuendo and James McAtee, and it’s hard to see what else those at the City Ground could have done to satisfy their manager.

On paper, Nuno’s transfer problem should be solved. But now he must get results. Forest have won just one of their opening three Premier League games, with that win against Brentford coming before the public spat between Nuno and Marinakis.

More important than Wood: Nottingham Forest hit the jackpot on "warrior"

Nottingham Forest are developing one of the Premier League’s most underrated stars in this complete player.

ByAngus Sinclair Sep 6, 2025

Those in the Midlands will be hoping that the international break has helped things cool down and set Forest back on course for success. With a trip to Arsenal awaiting Nuno’s side next weekend, there would be no better way to get back on track than by defeating a side of the Gunners’ calibre.

Meanwhile, as the action continues on the pitch, Forest have kept one eye on the transfer window and already have one 2026 target in mind.

Nottingham Forest join Nico O'Reilly race

According to Caught Offside, Nottingham Forest have joined the race to sign Nico O’Reilly from Manchester City in 2026. Joined by Lyon, Leeds United, Brighton & Hove Albion and Chelsea, the Midlands club have plenty of competition for the midfielder’s signature, but could yet pull off an impressive coup.

It should come as no surprise that several clubs are interested in the 20-year-old, either. The big question is whether Forest or the rest of the chasing pack can lure Manchester City into a sale.

Guardiola is also a big fan of the midfielder and may not be keen to sanction his exit. The Spaniard told reporters last season: “He played really good. He’s a number 10, we cannot forget. But he has the pace, he is so intelligent and quality with the ball. In the final third he has vision. He played really good and had an impact.”

Of course, O’Reilly wouldn’t be the first Manchester City gem to join Nuno at the City Ground. McAtee decided to leave the Etihad in search of game time this summer, with Forest stepping up to offer him exactly that. Now, another rising star could follow suit.

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O Corinthians anunciou a chegada de Matías Rojas, no final da tarde desta terça-feira (11). Livre no mercado após fim de contrato com o Racing, o meio-campista, de 28 anos, assinou vínculo de três temporadas com a equipe paulistana.

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Former Arsenal academy forward Billy Vigar has tragically died at the age of 21, after sustaining a serious brain injury while playing for Chichester City. The non-league side confirmed his passing on Thursday, describing him as a much-loved figure. The former Hale End star's tragic death has drawn numerous tributes from former clubs, among others.

Chichester confirm Vigar's tragic death

Vigar suffered a head injury in Chichester's match against Wingate & Finchley on Saturday, which was suspended after the incident. He was placed in an induced coma and underwent surgery to aid his recovery, but his injuries proved too severe. Chichester confirmed his death on Thursday and paid tribute to their player in a heartfelt statement.

"It is with great sadness that Chichester City Football Club has to confirm the passing of Billy Vigar. Below is a statement from his family. We request that his family's privacy is respected at this most difficult time," the club said.

"After sustaining a significant brain injury last Saturday, Billy Vigar was put in an induced coma. On Tuesday he needed an operation to aid any chances of recovery. Although this helped, the injury proved too much for him and he passed away on Thursday (25th) morning.

"The responses to the original update show how much Billy was thought of and loved within the sport. His family are devastated that this has happened whilst he was playing the sport that he loved."

AdvertisementGetty ImagesTributes pour in for Vigar

Arsenal posted an emotional message on social media, which read: "Everyone at Arsenal is devastated by the shocking news that former academy graduate Billy Vigar has passed away. All our thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this time. Rest in peace, Billy."

Another of Billy's former clubs, Derby County, wrote: "All at Derby County are deeply saddened by the passing of Billy Vigar. Billy spent the second half of the 2022/23 season with the Academy on loan from Arsenal, making several appearances for the Under-21s. The thoughts of everyone at the club are with his family and friends at this incredibly difficult time."

The Professional Footballers' Association said: "Everyone at the PFA is shocked to learn of the tragic passing of Billy Vigar. This is devastating news, and our immediate thoughts are with Billy’s family, friends and teammates. The PFA will be offering all the support and services we have available to them at this time."

The FA added on : "We are devastated to hear that Billy Vigar has passed away. We send our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, loved ones, and everyone at Chichester City FC at this incredibly difficult time."

Eastbourne Borough said in a statement: "#EBFC are devastated to learn of the passing of former player Billy Vigar. The 21-year-old played for The Sports on loan from Arsenal during the 2023/24 season, where he made 32 appearances for the club. Both footballing and non-footballing club staff are shocked and deeply saddened of the news, and our thoughts are with Billy’s family at this terrible time."

And, from Hastings United: "All of us at Hastings United are devastated to learn of the passing of Billy Vigar. We will always remember Billy's time at Hastings United with fondness. Our thoughts are with Billy's family and friends at this time. Rest In Peace, Billy"

Getty Images SportVigar's footballing journey

The forward joined Arsenal at 14 and rose through their academy ranks, featuring for the Under-21 side on four occasions. He gained further experience with loan spells at Derby County's youth team and Eastbourne Borough. After leaving Arsenal in 2023, he played for Hastings United before joining Chichester earlier this season.

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Chichester's upcoming clashes postponed

Chichester’s scheduled match against Lewes FC was already postponed as the club mourns his loss. Messages of condolence are expected to pour in from across the football community in the coming days. Vigar’s death is a heartbreaking reminder of the risks in football and the need for increased safety standards in the sport.

Southampton have entered talks over a deal for a “physically strong striker”, with negotiations now underway, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has revealed.

Saints keen on new forward amid Dibling uncertainty

The emergence of Tyler Dibling was one of the only positives for the Saints last season, in what was a very disappointing Premier League campaign, but there is a great deal of uncertainty over the academy graduate’s future.

Will Still has now dropped a new update on the youngster’s future, with the manager admitting he doesn’t know whether the teenager will remain at St. Mary’s beyond the September 1st deadline.

Still said: “I want good players and if Ty is here (Tyler Dibling) and Matty is here by the end of it then great, if they’re not, we will work out a way of winning games without them and wish them the best but I have no idea where that’s going right now.”

Southampton now 'most concrete option' for £3m star likened to John Stones

The Saints could be about to land an exciting talent.

BySean Markus Clifford Aug 15, 2025

Should Dibling depart, Still may be keen to bring in at least one new attacker, and a preliminary contract has been offered to Krasnodar’s Eduard Spertsyan, while talks have also been opened over a deal for West Bromwich Albion star Tom Fellows.

Another forward has now entered the frame as a target for the Saints, and he’s a player Still knows very well, with Romano taking to X to reveal that Southampton have now opened talks over a deal for Lens’ Morgan Guilavogui.

The Saints’ negotiations to sign the forward are now “underway”, but they are yet to strike an agreement with Lens regarding a transfer fee.

The French club reportedly shelled out €4.5m (£4m) to re-sign their former player earlier this summer, however, which indicates a deal may not break the bank.

Guilavogui would be versatile attacking option for Still

Still should have a good knowledge of the Lens forward’s abilities, with the Saints boss spending time working with him during his stint at the French club, and he would be a versatile addition to the forward line.

The 27-year-old is capable of playing on both wings, suggesting he could be brought in as a direct replacement for Dibling, while the France born attacker has also been praised for his ability through the middle.

St Pauli manager Alexander Blessin said: “Morgan is a physically strong striker who is very active and direct and constantly making runs in deep. He can make chances for himself by taking defenders on and also creates good opportunities for his teammates.”

“Equally important for our game, however, is the fact that Morgan transitions quickly and works very hard defensively.”

Having scored 54 career goals at club level, including six in the Bundesliga last season, Guilavogui clearly has a keen eye for goal, and the former St Pauli man has the talent to play a major role in the Saints’ promotion push.

Club

Appearances

Goals

Paris FC

87

32

SC Toulon

56

13

Lens

29

2

St Pauli

27

7

Tottenham have reportedly made an attempt to sign one “world-class” forward from Barcelona, with the La Liga champions delivering a reply.

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Thomas Frank desperately needs backing in these final few weeks of the summer window, after watching Son Heung-min complete a £20 million move to LAFC and James Maddison be ruled out for most of next season.

Maddison will miss the majority of 2025/2026 following confirmation of an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture in his right knee – sustained during Tottenham’s pre-season friendly in Seoul against Newcastle United last Sunday.

Tottenham’s first five Premier League fixtures of the season

Date

Burnley (home)

August 16

Man City (away)

August 23

Bournemouth (home)

August 30

West Ham (away)

September 13

Brighton (away)

September 20

The injury struck just minutes after he came on as a substitute, with the playmaker needing to be stretchered off. Maddison will now undergo surgery and rehabilitation, dealing an almighty blow to Frank’s chances of a winning start to his tenure.

The Dane described Maddison’s absence as “devastating,” lamenting the loss not just for the team, but for the player personally.

“I think it’s disappointing but also devastating for me and mainly for Madders that he’s out of the team,” said Frank, speaking after Thursday evening’s friendly defeat to Bayern. “We will miss him and no doubt he will miss playing football.”

His absence leaves a notable creative void, with Spurs already thin in that area. Frank’s side were already working to sign an attacking midfielder before Maddison’s return to the sidelines (Fabrizio Romano), but those plans must now intensify with Tottenham minus one of their chief forward outlets.

The Lilywhites had booked a medical for Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White last month (BBC), only for his club to block the £60 million move and tie him down with a brand-new contract – forcing Spurs back to square one in their search for a number 10.

A host of intriguing targets have been linked in the last few days alone, including Man City’s Jack Grealish, AC Milan’s Rafael Leao, Como starlet Nico Paz, Liverpool forward Harvey Elliott and Savinho.

All the aforementioned men can be used as playmakers when required, as can Barça forward Ferran Torres.

Tottenham get response after £43m bid for Barcelona star Ferran Torres

The Spain international has predominantly been used a left-winger, right-winger or striker under Hansi Flick, but also played in central attacking midfield on rare occasions earlier in his career.

Frank could use Torres as a replacement for Son and Maddison, theoretically, but it appears Spurs are set to be snubbed in their attempts to sign the ex-City sensation.

According to reports in Spain, Tottenham made a £43 million bid for Torres recently. However, the cash-strapped Catalans have still decided not to sell, especially considering his new lease of life towards the second half of 2024/2025.

Torres scored 19 goals and bagged a further seven assists last season, and would’ve been a fantastic asset for Frank, but it appears the north Londoners will have to continue their search for attackers elsewhere.

“He’s a player on another level, he’s spectacular: how he understands the space, links play, doesn’t lose the ball, his defensive work… he’s world-class,” said ex-Barca boss, Xavi.

“He’s a great signing, one I wanted, and a wonderful footballer.”

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“They took 20 wickets on this pitch, so you can’t say it’s impossible to take 20 wickets on this pitch,” Pakistan captain says

Danyal Rasool11-Oct-2024Shan Masood drew a sharp line between his side’s batters and bowlers after their innings defeat against England in Multan – he defended the batters and criticised the bowlers for failing to do their job. Speaking after the match, Masood lamented their inability to take 20 wickets, largely dismissing the pitch as a mitigating factor for their struggles.”What England showed us is you can find a way. They took 20 wickets on this pitch, so you can’t say it’s impossible to take 20 wickets on this pitch,” Masood said. “We can’t find the easy way out to those 20 wickets, because then we wouldn’t have scored a huge first-innings score. You have to find a way as a team, and the formula of Test cricket is you can’t win a Test without taking 20 wickets. That, and first-innings runs.”We’ve repeated mistakes, by setting up the match and then letting those positions slip. When you score 550 and bat for two days, there’s a human element where there is scoreboard pressure. If in these conditions you are to set up a game, you put up a big score. And then not let the team take too big a lead.”Related

Pakistan, a graveyard for Test bowlers – in numbers

England ready for 'result wickets' after dishing out Multan mauling

Stats – Pakistan's losing streak continues

England further expose Pakistan's fragility

It was a point – Pakistan’s failure to take 20 wickets – Masood repeatedly brought up. There was significantly less introspection about Pakistan’s showing with the bat in the second innings. He admitted losing “one or two fewer wickets yesterday” would have been useful, but that was about as far as Masood went in his evaluation.Much of the wider talk has revolved around the placidity of the surface, and how little it offered the bowlers, even as the game wore on. Chris Woakes, who removed Babar Azam in the first innings and knocked back Abdullah Shafique’s off stump off the first ball of the second, called it “a pitch that offered bu****r all”. Mike Atherton, working as a broadcaster on the game, called it “a shocking pitch”. Masood would have had little pushback if he’d chosen to line up behind them to exonerate his bowlers, but he opted to take a different route.”It was the same pitch for both sides, and both sides were similar – three pacers and two spinners,” he said. “They found a way, and we didn’t execute as well. Conditions change over the course of a Test, and we have to learn to find a way.”We take the discussion of the pitch too seriously. You plan a pitch for your squad and your strategy, but you can’t control every aspect of the pitch. The last Test we played here in 2022, that was a slightly different pitch. England’s squad was different, as was ours. Here, we expected this pitch to break up very quickly. Maybe around the end of Day 2 and the start of Day 3. Which is why we tried to prolong the innings.”Masood, in particular, blamed a “lapse” from the bowlers with the second new ball. By that time, England had gone past 400, with Harry Brook and Joe Root well into the partnership that would become the largest away stand in Test history. Abrar Ahmed had proved ineffectual, perhaps hampered by the illness that put him in hospital the following day. Pakistan did not make any inroads overnight, or the morning that followed.”The pitch today and yesterday wasn’t a Day 1 or Day 2 pitch,” Masood said. “The new-ball bowlers got a spell; there was enough with the new ball and there were open cracks. That was an opportunity the bowlers had to drag the game back to Pakistan. We’ll have to absorb pressure in that period and improve. These lapses have occurred before. You set up a big total and restrict the opposition, so you can drive the game on the third day. The 220 we scored, if we had conceded only a 50-run deficit, then scoring 170 in two sessions would have been a different story.”Masood’s review of that period may come off as harsh, particularly on Naseem Shah. Late on the third day, he had Joe Root trapped in front off a ball that came in, but missed out because of umpire’s call when a fair chunk of the ball was hitting leg stump. The following morning, Root pulled one off Naseem straight to Babar Azam at midwicket, and it went down.There wasn’t much introspection about Pakistan’s second innings on Shan Masood’s part•Getty Images

The hostility of the conditions is unlikely to have helped the bowlers either. The Test has been played with temperatures hovering in the high 30s and the sun blazing down; high-performance coach Tim Nielsen said yesterday “the heat and length of time” Pakistan were out on the field ended up getting to them.Meanwhile, there will invariably be criticism that Masood has been selective in the way he has framed his argument. Slumping to 82 for 6 on a surface England piled on the fourth-highest score in Test history can hardly be seen as spectacular batting, particularly in light of Pakistan’s repeated third-innings failures. It’s also worth mentioning that a 170-odd run fourth-innings target is precisely the situation Pakistan found themselves in during the second Test against Bangladesh, only for the visitors to knock it off with little drama.Masood mentioned the importance of not falling into a huge deficit to help Pakistan’s third innings, but even when that goal has been realised during his tenure, a decent third innings has not. In Sydney, Pakistan managed a narrow lead against Australia before slumping for 115, as they did during the second Test against Bangladesh after sneaking a 12-run lead in Rawalpindi. This is the largest lead they have given up during his time, but as he admitted, a spicier pitch may simply have meant a failure to put up the big first-innings total Pakistan did.”We’ve got into good positions three times, and if you keep in mind the first-innings scores – 448, 274, 556 – you’d have to accept they are good innings scores. We have to look at the batting and bowling effort and how to combine them, and stay in the game. The third and fourth innings will only be match-winning when the bowling and batting innings are in tandem.”

أعلن مجلس إدارة النادي الأهلي، برئاسة محمود الخطيب، عن أبرز تعديلات لائحة النظام الأساسي والتي سيتم عرضها على الجمعية العمومية يوم الجمعة المقبل.

ومن المقرر أن يعقد مجلس إدارة النادي الأهلي جمعية عمومية طارئة يوم الجمعة، لمناقشة تعديل بعض أحكام لائحة النظام الأساسي للنادي الأهلي، بالإضافة إلى إمكانية تحديد موعد الانتخابات القادمة، بعد إعلان محمود الخطيب عدم الترشح لفترة جديدة.

طالع| مصطفى عبده يحسم موقفه من الترشح في انتخابات الأهلي بعد اعتذار الخطيب

وبحسب الموقع الرسمي للأهلي، تتضمن التعديلات المقترحة على لائحة النظام الأساسي للنادي مجموعة من البنود الجوهرية التي من شأنها أن ترسم ملامح مستقبل النادي، وتمنح الجمعية العمومية دورها الأصيل كسلطة عليا في اعتماد القرارات المصيرية. تعديلات لائحة النظام الأساسي للنادي الأهلي

نقل الاختصاصات الإدارية: تم نقل الدور الذي كانت تقوم به اللجنة الأولمبية المصرية في اعتماد اللوائح ومحاضر جلسات مجلس الإدارة وكافة الأمور الإدارية، ليصبح من اختصاص الجهة الإدارية المختصة وفقًا لأحكام القانون الجديد.

تنظيم اعتماد الميزانية: وضعت التعديلات آلية جديدة لعرض الميزانية والحساب الختامي، حيث تفرض ضرورة تواجد مراقب مالي مستقل من الهيئة العامة للرقابة المالية بجانب مراقب الحسابات، بما يضمن أعلى معايير الشفافية والرقابة.

استقلال مركز التسوية والتحكيم الرياضي: نصّت التعديلات على استقلالية المركز، بعد أن كان تابعًا للجنة الأولمبية المصرية، ليصبح كيانًا أكثر حيادًا وفاعلية في الفصل بالنزاعات الرياضية.

واختتم بيان الأهلي: تأتي هذه التعديلات بما يتوافق مع أحكام قانون الرياضة الجديد، ويعزز دور الجمعية العمومية باعتبارها صاحبة السلطة العليا وصاحبة الحق الأصيل في إقرار اللوائح ورسم مستقبل النادي، بدلاً من الاعتماد على اللائحة الاسترشادية السابقة.

Thomas Frank has a huge task on his hands next season if he is to transform the situation at Tottenham Hotspur after the club’s form in England’s top flight.

The Lilywhites finished the season in 17th place in the Premier League last time around, losing 22 times in the process – leading to Ange Postecoglou’s subsequent dismissal in North London.

However, the side’s Europa League triumph against Manchester United in Bilbao is evidence of the levels they can reach, needing to use such an achievement as a springboard into 2025/26.

Frank will need to be backed by the hierarchy in his quest, needing to make key changes to his squad he desires to push them back towards a top five finish in the near future.

The Dane has showcased at Brentford he’s able to thrive in the Premier League, hoping to do so again across the capital as he wastes no time in making moves in the market.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new attackers this summer

Wingers have been high up on their list in recent weeks, with Spurs strongly linked with a move to land Bryan Mbeumo, securing a return between the player and the manager.

However, he looks set to make a move to Manchester United this window, leading to West Ham United star Mohammed Kudus also emerging as a potential option.

Whilst the aforementioned duo have been on their radar, progress appears to have been made on a deal to land Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo, according to one Spanish outlet.

Their report claims that Frank’s side are set to make a £65m bid to land the 25-year-old this window after 11 goals and five assists in the league this campaign.

It also confirms that the Cherries aren’t prepared to lose another one of their star players, but the Lilywhites are confident they can secure a move for his signature this window.

Why Semenyo would be Frank’s next Solanke

Striker Dominic Solanke joined in a £65m deal from the same club last summer, with the English international seen as the heir to Harry Kane after his departure 12 months prior.

The 27-year-old managed to score 16 times in his 45 appearances across all competitions, with five of his efforts coming in Europe and helping the side end their 17-year trophy wait.

Like many players in the current first team squad, he’s had his own injury issues this campaign, restricting him from having the dream first year in North London.

However, he’s still managed to showcase his talents within the final third, ending the year as the club’s second-highest goalscorer in the division for 2024/25.

Frank could be about to land his next version of Solanke this window, with Semenyo following in his footsteps and moving to Spurs to rekindle their impressive partnership.

Whilst the fee touted appears to be an expensive one, the Ghanaian international has showcased his skillset this season, adding a new dimension to Frank’s forward line should he complete a move.

Semenyo, who’s been labelled “incredible” by journalist Owuraku Ampofo, registered 16 combined goals and assists, a figure that would’ve made him the joint-highest contributor in the current squad.

His underlying stats are just as impressive, registering 1.2 shots on target per 90, along with 1.9 successful dribbles – highlighting the threat he poses in attacking areas.

The 25-year-old has also created 1.3 chances per 90, whilst also notching 5.9 touches in the opposition box per 90, having the tools to star alone or even provide players around him in North London.

If he can transfer his skillset over to the Lilywhites next season, it would be a superb deal at £65m, having the potential to improve further with further quality players around him in Frank’s side.

Such a transfer could provide the added cutting edge needed for success, handing the manager the best possible chance of impressing during his first year at the helm.

Big Johnson upgrade: Spurs open initial talks to sign £70m "monster"

Tottenham are hoping to sign a right-sided forward this summer.

1

By
Angus Sinclair

Jun 21, 2025

Chelsea have been one of the busiest Premier League clubs in the transfer window over the last few summers. The Blues have become notorious for signing lots of players in the summer window, and 2025 will seemingly be no different. A deal for Liam Delap is all but confirmed.

Now, it seems they have moved on to new targets, including one at the other end of the pitch. Fabrizio Romano exclusively revealed on Tuesday morning that they have contacted AC Milan over a potential move for goalkeeper Mike Maignan. The France international is thought to be a player high up on their list of targets for a new shot-stopper.

However, Maignan is not the only Frenchman linked with a move to Stamford Bridge this summer.

Chelsea's search for a new striker

As it has been over the past few years under Todd Boehly, it will be a busy summer for Chelsea. They have identified some key targets and are working on bringing them in, or, in Delap’s case, have done so already.

Transfer Focus

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

Next on the list is Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike. The 22-year-old has been repeatedly linked with a move to Chelsea this summer, most recently by journalist Florian Plettenberg.

The Sky Germany reporter claims the Blues ‘remain very active in the race’ for the Frenchman this summer, with talks having ‘taken place’ already.

However, the West London outfit are not the only club targeting a move, with Plettenberg explaining that ‘more teams are showing interest’ in Ekitike, although he does not name them. As for the price, the transfer insider confirms the £84m package still remains for the attacker.

Why Ekitike would be a good signing

It has been a strong season for Ekitike in 2024/25. He has left a great impression, reminding European football how good he is after a tough spell the previous campaign for Paris Saint-Germain.

Very much a revitalised star at Frankfurt, the 22-year-old has scored 22 goals and grabbed a further 12 assists in 48 appearances across all competitions for the club this season. That included 15 goals and eight assists in 33 Bundesliga games.

The Frenchman has shown he has the ability to score goals in important games. This term, he has bagged against Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund in the top flight of Germany, and against eventual winners Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League.

This signing feels similar in many ways to that of Kai Havertz. Chelsea signed the German from Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen back in 2020 for a fee of £71m. He went on to make 139 appearances for the club.

Although the 25-year-old burnt his bridges at Chelsea by joining major rivals Arsenal, he will surely go down in folklore in West London.

One of the 32 goals Havertz scored in that famous Blue shirt was the winner in the 2021 Champions League final, delivering the club their second title in the famous competition.

The are similarities between that deal and the one for Ekitike, with the fact that both have performed superbly in Germany’s top flight, a key likeness. In his final year as a Leverkusen player, Havertz bagged 12 goals and six assists in the league.

There are also similarities between Havertz and Ekitike’s numbers on FBref during their most recent Bundesliga season. For example, the German attacker averaged 0.66 goal involvements per 90 minutes during 2019/20, compared to 0.81 each game last term for Ekitike.

Goals and assists

0.81

0.66

Key passes

1.54

2.16

Shot-creating actions

3.55

4.47

Goal-creating actions

0.42

0.48

Ball recoveries

3.05

3.66

Ekitike was described as a “world-class” operator earlier in the season by football talent scout Jacek Kulig. Even though they are signing Delap, having depth up front will be important, and Ekitike will bring goals and assists to the side, too.

His all-round play is certainly similar to Havertz’s. If he can match the ultimate high of scoring in a Champions League final that the German had in a Chelsea shirt, then he will surely be a successful addition to the club.

He’s Cole Palmer 2.0: Chelsea ready to bid for "unstoppable" £100m star

Chelsea might be looking for a new versatile attacker this summer

1 ByJoe Nuttall Jun 3, 2025

Last season, Arsenal couldn’t live without Martin Odegaard in the team.

Alongside the likes of Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka, he was the heartbeat of this side, most notably in forward areas.

Most notably, there was that magical assist against Porto in the Champions League, one of 12 assists and one of 23 goal involvements he registered in 2023/24.

Sadly, his form in 2024/25 has left so much to be desired. While Odegaard has actually registered 11 assists in all competitions, he’s only found the net on five occasions, the latest of which came against PSV back in March.

So, Arsenal could do with an upgrade, someone capable of scoring and assisting in equal measure.

Arsenal could sign Premier League assist king

Mikel Arteta has a number of areas he needs to strengthen the squad this summer, chiefly in attack where Arsenal lack an out-and-out number 9.

In that regard, the Gunners are pushing to sign Viktor Gyokeres and he could be the second signing of the summer behind midfielder Martin Zubimendi who the club are reportedly confident of signing.

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Not just content with improving the base of their midfield, Andrea Berta could also go out and sign a more creative force with Lyon’s Rayan Cherki linked in the last week. Still, he’s not a fraction on Manchester City hero Kevin De Bruyne.

A few weeks ago, it was announced that the great Belgian would be leaving the Etihad Stadium in the summer on a free transfer at the conclusion of his contract.

Speaking following the news, Pep Guardiola stated: “[He is] one of the greatest midfielders ever to have played in this country, and I think with Man City there’s no doubt. Greatest or not the greatest, always you have to be careful with players that played at Maine Road, incredible players in the last 20, 30 years in this club.”

So, where could he end up? Well, one report over the weekend, which comes courtesy of journalist Graeme Bailey, suggests that Arsenal, Chelsea and Aston Villa are all in the race for him.

Bayern Munich and clubs in Italy are also interested in the playmaker, but the three English sides have all been discussing De Bruyne behind the scenes, exploring whether they want to make a move for the 33-year-old.

How De Bruyne could be the new Bergkamp

Cast in bronze outside the Emirates Stadium, Dennis Bergkamp is one of the biggest legends in Arsenal history.

Signed in 1995 from Inter Milan, the Dutchman would later go down as one of the best players in Premier League history. He dazzled with his close control, terrified defenders with his dribbling, struck the fear of god into goalkeepers around the country and could unlock even the deepest of blocks.

What Arsenal would do for a player like that now, eh? Bergkamp played 422 times for the Gunners, scoring 120 goals and registering 116 assists. In the Premier League, he ranks sixth in history for assists with 64. One of the men ahead of him? De Bruyne.

Described as “one of the best midfielders of his generation” by Jamie Carragher, there is very little that the magical Belgium hasn’t achieved.

A six-time Premier League winner, the Manchester City icon has posted a ridiculous 261 assists in 647 club games. 177 of those assists have come in 418 City games. 119 of them have come in the English top-flight.

Like Bergkamp in his prime, De Bruyne is one of the best playmakers we’ve seen. Even at the ripe old age of 33, he can pick the lock of the sternest of defences, and he’s a pretty fine goalscorer too, finding the net 108 times in sky blue.

To further rubberstamp the comparisons between the two. only De Bruyne has registered more assists per 90 minutes in Premier League history than Bergkamp. The duo stand proud as two of the best attacking midfielders or shadow strikers we’ve seen in English football.

So jaw-dropping in fact, De Bruyne is actually quite far ahead of the legendary Bergkamp now for assists.

Let’s set the record straight, signing an ageing player on high wages might not be the best port of call but this is hardly another Willian or Raheem Sterling situation here. The City sensation is one of the finest to ever do it, and slapping his level of experience in this Arsenal team would surely go down a treat.

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By
Matt Dawson

May 4, 2025