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Sunderland have had a fantastic second half of the season following the arrival of Alex Neil and earning a spot in the League One play-off final, however, when it comes to summer transfer signings, the Black Cats boss could be onto his first disaster.

What’s the latest?

According to Daily Mirror journalist David Anderson, Sunderland join a host of clubs interested in signing Oxford United free agent Alex Rodriguez-Gorrin this summer.

Anderson tweeted:

“Alex Rodriguez is leaving Oxford on a free transfer and is wanted by Sunderland, Wigan, Burton, Lincoln and Portsmouth.”

Neil’s first Sunderland disaster

When it comes to making signings this summer, Neil should be looking for players that can improve the squad whether they get promoted to the Championship or challenge for promotion again in League One, and this particular signing doesn’t make sense for achieving that.

Rodriguez-Gorrin is no stranger to the Stadium of Light as he joined the youth set-up playing for Sunderland U18s and U23s before being released back in 2014, but to bring the midfielder back after an eight-year spell elsewhere shouldn’t be a priority for the North East club.

The 28-year-old was criticised this season for making it “difficult” for his team at Oxford United, in a scathing review of his impact on the side over the last three seasons by football writer Rupert Fryer, who tweeted:

“Into his third season and still don’t get Rodríguez Gorrín; or why I seem to be in the minority?”

“He spends entire matches badly passing the ball square or backwards, achieving little other than making the game more difficult for the rest of his team.”

Rodriguez-Gorrin has hardly set his team alight this season with just 13 appearances for the League One side after being sidelined with a major injury problem after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament back in November and has not since returned to action.

During his appearances this season ahead of his serious injury, the midfielder lost the majority of his aerial duels (57%) and lost the ball every 5.2 touches on average per game, proving that he may not be very effective in defensive transition if deployed in the Mackem’s midfield next season.

With that being said, when you consider the wealth of talent in Sunderland’s current midfield with Alex Pritchard, Corry Evans and Elliot Embleton for example, who have all played a vital part in bringing the quality needed to qualify for a play-off position, it’s safe to say the midfielder wouldn’t be needed.

AND in other news: Neil must unleash 23 y/o “class act” for SAFC next season, he makes a “huge difference”

Burnley centre-back James Tarkowski would prefer to join West Ham over Everton this summer, according to Sky Sports pundit Paul Robinson.

The Lowdown: Moyes is a big fan

The 29-year-old’s current contract at Turf Moor is set to expire at the end of the season, making him a free agent for any potential suitors that might be interested in securing his services in the upcoming transfer window.

An Everton source has recently claimed that the Toffees would consider a move for the defender should they be able to avoid the drop, but it was previously revealed by Football Insider that the Irons have been monitoring Tarkowski closely ever since last year.

According to FI’s Irons source, David Moyes is personally a ‘huge admirer’ of the 6 foot 1 colossus and the player would ‘jump at the chance’ to join the Hammers.

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The Latest: West Ham hold the advantage

Reacting to the interest from the Blues, Robinson claims that West Ham will reignite their interest in the two-cap international at the end of June and win the race.

He told the outlet: “I think there will be a lot of others in for him though.

“Everton will struggle to get him. I know West Ham have looked at him in the past. We know how badly they need a centre-half. They struggled to put any out against Arsenal.

“Given the season Everton have had, they might struggle to get Tarky. He will have a lot of offers on the table as a free agent and I’m not sure Everton will be the most appealing one.”

The Verdict: An absolute bargain

The London Stadium outfit are expected to be on the hunt for a new centre-back ahead of the start of the new campaign given the club’s injury crisis, with the likes of Issa Diop, Angelo Ogbonna, and temporarily Kurt Zouma being ruled out of action, leaving Craig Dawson as the only fit recognised senior defender available at times.

Tarkowski, who was once dubbed an “outstanding” player by his former manager Sean Dyche, has been a rock in the heart of the Clarets defence this term, where he’s averaged 5.3 clearances, 1.8 tackles, and 1.5 interceptions per Premier League game, via WhoScored, showing just how assured he can be in the backline.

If the Hammers do have the opportunity to seal a deal for the Manchester-born talent in the coming months, then it should be an absolute no-brainer as they would be getting years of experience added to their squad for quite literally the price of nothing.

In other news… a journalist has made a huge claim involving one of West Ham’s proposed transfer targets.

Leeds United are once again among the clubs named as interested candidates in signing FC Koln defender Timo Hubers, according to a report from Football Insider. 

The lowdown: Leeds scouting mission

A recent report from Football Insider claimed that the Whites had sent scouts to watch the 25-year-old in action against Arminia Bielefeld in the Bundesliga.

The powerful centre-back impressed in front of the watching Elland Road officials as he produced a standout display containing five clearances, two blocks and three interceptions in a 7.0 rated performance from Sofascore.

A fresh update has now emerged involving the interest from Leeds…

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The latest: Hubers is hot property

As per a recruitment source at Football Insider, Whites manager Jesse Marsch remains attentive to the German ace but faces stiff competition from Crystal Palace, Watford and Fulham.

The report claimed that all of the suitors are ‘keeping close tabs’ on Hubers ahead of the summer transfer window.

With the player out of contract in 2023 (Transfermarkt), the report cites a £6.7m release clause which will likely be activated at the end of the season.

The verdict: Make it happen

Leeds have been plagued by injury problems during the 2021/22 campaign, not least in central defence, and adding strength in depth at the back should be a high priority for Marsch this summer.

So far this season, the £2.7m-valued Hubers – who shares similar traits to Diego Llorente stylistically when using the FB Ref comparison tool – has made 21 appearances across all competitions for Koln.

At the mooted fee, this signing would make plenty of sense for Leeds’ director of football Victor Orta, as Marsch rightfully looks to bolster the options at his disposal in Yorkshire.

In other news, BBC pundit criticises Leeds ace for ‘poor’ display against Manchester City…

There has been much ado over Chelsea’s credentials as Premier League title challengers this season, but Wednesday evening’s defeat at Leeds United served as a sobering reminder that Arsenal are frustratingly further along in their project.

Enzo Maresca’s multi-title-winning maiden campaign in the Stamford Bridge dugout underscored his capacity to lead the Blues over a number of successful years, and there has been much to like about Chelsea this term.

However, it doesn’t feel like they will get their paws on the league title just yet, with the matchless Moises Caicedo illuminated once again in his absence, suspended for the loss.

The Gunners are nine points ahead at the summit, and Chelsea have improvements still to be made across a number of areas. Central defence is among the priorities, to be sure, with Tosin Adarabioyo’s error-strewn display at Elland Road underscoring that argument.

Tosin's performance vs Leeds

Tosin has faced heavy criticism since blundering late on against Leeds, the ball swept from underneath him by Noah Okafor, leading to Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s late goal to condemn Chelsea to a 3-1 defeat.

This emphasises the need for defensive additions at Chelsea. Maresca has been left with a number of not-quite-perfect options in his rearguard this season, and the 28-year-old Tosin has sadly fallen below expectations, actually winning only one of four duels on the evening. His error was not an isolated incident.

He could do more in the build-up, too. The 28-year-old likes to get on the ball, but he isn’t as progressive as some of his positional peers and this runs counter to the possession-based, flowing football Maresca has implemented.

It’s clear that the former Fulham star needs to be withdrawn from the starting line-up, but Chelsea don’t exactly have an overload of central defensive options, with Levi Colwill still injured and Wesley Fofana in and out of the team.

It will come as no surprise that Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart are gearing up for a big-money move in 2026.

Chelsea lining up Tosin ugrade

According to Football Insider, Chelsea have learned that it is likely to cost them £80m to prise Murillo away from Nottingham Forest next year, with the Brazilian centre-back also attracting the vested interests of Barcelona.

Murillo, 23, is into his third year in the Premier League, and he’s thriving. Instrumental in building Forest up to European contenders, his terrifying physicality and aggressiveness are exactly what Chelsea need.

More to the point, he’s fostering an interesting technical profile, and while Chelsea are eager to complete a deal in January, it may be that they have to wait until the end of the term.

In any case, he would prove an upgrade on Tosin

Why Murillo would be a Tosin upgrade

Murillo just keeps adding layers to his skillset. Hailed as “one of the best defenders in the Premier League” by some experts on Brazilian football.

Curiously, he is not the tallest, standing just shy of 6 feet tall. Nonetheless, Murillo is a force to be reckoned with, a monstrous defensive presence.

And, in spite of the upheaval at Forest this season, he has remained a steely presence in the backline, albeit less creative now that Sean Dyche has settled into his seat.

Matches (starts)

36 (36)

9 (9)

Goals

2

1

Assists

0

0

Clean sheets

11

1

Touches*

55.4

60.1

Accurate passes*

31.4 (80%)

39.1 (83%)

Key passes*

0.4

0.1

Dribbles*

0.8

0.4

Ball recoveries*

3.9

4.4

Tackles + interceptions*

2.5

3.3

Clearances*

6.7

4.6

Duels (won)*

3.6 (60%)

3.4 (66%)

Errors made

4x

0x

Statistics can be misleading, and though Murillo isn’t directly creating chances for his teammates this season, he remains one of the division’s most dynamic and well-rounded centre-halves, ranking among the top 5% of peers in the Premier League this season for interceptions and blocks, the top 8% for shot-creating actions, the top 12% for progressive passes and the top 5% for successful take-ons per 90, as provided by FBref data.

His enterprising take on the defensive game is something that Tosin simply doesn’t boast in his locker to anywhere near the same standard. Moreover, the 23-year-old is five years Tosin’s junior, and thus has so much scope for growth.

A goalscorer, protector, enforcer and leader, all wrapped into one, there is little question that Murillo would settle into Maresca’s starting line-up at Chelsea, surely at Tosin’s expense.

The English centre-half has been an astute addition after joining Chelsea on a free, but now it is time for that ruthless streak that the west Londoners have shown so many times before.

By implementing that success-first strategy, it will only elevate Maresca’s project.

As bad as Tosin: Maresca's 4/10 flop must never start for Chelsea again

Chelsea’s title hopes seemingly went up in smoke away at Leeds United.

ByRobbie Walls Dec 4, 2025

One figure who has gone down in history at Leeds United is former manager Marcelo Bielsa. The Argentine manager is adored by the Elland Road faithful, after spending three and a half successful years at the club between 2018/19 and 2021/22.

Of course, he was the man in charge when the Whites were promoted back to the Premier League for the first time in over a decade, and he helped them survive comfortably.

That initial campaign back in the top flight in 2020/21 saw the Yorkshire side come ninth in the table.

Statistically, they were one of the most exciting teams to watch in 2020/21. They certainly stack up well against their start to this season.

How Leeds’ key stats from 2020/21 compare to 2025/26

We are seven games into the new season, and Leeds, now managed by Daniel Farke, have impressed fans and pundits with how well they’ve played.

Many people, including Bill Connelly of ESPN, had them down to be relegated, predicting they’d finish 18th.

Yet, at the October international break, the Whites have done well to keep themselves above the relegation zone. They have eight points to their name and sit 15th in the table.

The expected points tally, as per Understat, has them on 9.96xPTS, suggesting they’ve played better than their current tally suggests.

Seven games into the 2020/21 campaign under Bielsa saw Leeds doing slightly better than their current points total. At the same stage that season, they had ten points to their name and were 12th in the top flight, again impressing given they’d only just been promoted.

Whilst the squad five seasons ago had outscored Farke’s team seven games into the season, the current Leeds side are more defensively sound. They’ve conceded 11 goals this term, with an expected goals against total of 8.87xGA.

In comparison, Bielsa’s men had let in 13 goals in seven matches, at 12.85xGA according to Understat.

With that in mind, there is one man from the current Leeds side who would have surely made Bielsa’s team stronger.

The current Leeds player who'd strengthen Bielsa’s team

There have been several standout players in a Leeds shirt this season. New signing Sean Longstaff has transitioned to life at Elland Road seamlessly.

He’s already created 13 chances in the top flight, averaging 2.5 per 90 minutes.

However, it is defensively that the famous 2020/21 side could have done with reinforcements. That is why current Leeds captain Ethan Ampadu would have slotted seamlessly into Bielsa’s squad.

The Welshman is an “indispensable” member of Farke’s side, according to football talent scout Jacek Kulig.

His entire Elland Road career has come under the German’s tutelage, racking up 91 appearances and even chipping in with a couple of goals back in his first season at the club.

One of the great things about the Whites number four is his versatility. He’s equally adept at playing as a centre-back and the base of the midfield, operating as a number six who can screen the back four.

In a Leeds shirt, he’s played 48 times in the latter role, and 40 at the back.

The above graphic shows Leeds’ most common starting lineup from the 2020/21 campaign. It is easy to imagine Ampadu slotting into the back four next to then-club captain Liam Cooper, displacing Diego Llorente.

Alternatively, he could have played alongside Kalvin Phillips in midfield to make them even more defensively astute. That is a duo which would have won plenty of duels in the middle of the park.

Some stats show Ampadu’s quality, too. Last season in the Championship, and this term in the Premier League, he’s been extremely consistent.

For example, in 2024/25, he made 5.1 ball recoveries per 90 minutes on average, which has slightly dropped to 5 each game in 2025/26.

Pass accuracy

90.44%

86.01%

Duels won

5.9

4.8

Clearances

3.5

2.5

Interceptions

1

1.3

Ball recoveries

5.1

5

It is certainly not too far-fetched to imagine Ampadu operating in this successful Bielsa side. Knowing the versatility he offers, as well as the quality he can bring to a side on and off the ball, he would have made a fine addition to a heavy-metal, transitional team.

Of course, we’ll never know how well this could have worked out, but Ampadu’s contributions could have made Bielsa’s famous Leeds side even better.

Cost £0, now worth more than Okafor: Leeds have hit gold on "crucial" star

Leeds United have hit the jackpot on this star who is now worth even more than Noah Okafor.

2 ByDan Emery Oct 11, 2025

After losing three of his first six Premier League games in charge of Manchester United this season, it’s no surprise that pressure is once again starting to mount on manager Ruben Amorim.

The 40-year-old could only lead the Red Devils to a 15th-place finish last time around, but he was handed the benefit of the doubt after taking the reins midway through the campaign.

However, the hierarchy backed him with over £200m worth of funds to strengthen his first-team squad, but so far, it appears that his attempts have been to no avail.

Questions have since started to be asked about his long-term future in the role, but it’s thought that the hierarchy aren’t yet planning a change of manager despite the recent poor form.

Despite such reports, rumours continue to swirl around Old Trafford, with numerous names constantly touted over a potential switch to take the reins in the near future.

The latest on United’s hunt for an Amorim replacement

Over the last couple of days, former England boss Gareth Southgate has been hugely linked with the role at United – not for the first time, after being touted for the position numerous times in recent years.

The 55-year-old would be a cheap option for the hierarchy, with no compensation fee needing to be paid, given he’s currently without a job after departing the Three Lions role in July last year.

However, he’s not the only manager currently in their sights, with Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner another huge target, according to Graeme Bailey.

The journalist confirmed in recent days that the Eagles are planning to tie the Austrian down to a new contract, but the Red Devils are looking to swoop and secure his services.

He also stated that the 51-year-old could be open to the switch after receiving a lack of funding at Selhurst Park, with the move to Old Trafford undoubtedly a huge jump in his managerial career.

Why United’s latest target would be the next Mourinho

José Mourinho was a manager who divided opinion during his time at United, but his ability to win trophies is something which simply can’t be understated.

The 62-year-old spent two and a half years in the role at Old Trafford, securing two trophies in the form of the Europa League and the EFL Cup – with both trophies coming in the 2016/17 campaign.

He also led the club to their joint-highest league standing since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013, ending the 2017/18 season in 2nd place behind Manchester City.

His outspoken nature often drew discontent from the fanbase, subsequently leading to his departure from the Red Devils back in December 2018.

However, the hierarchy could appoint their next version of the manager should they appoint Glasner, with the Austrian possessing a lot of similarities to Mourinho.

In a surprising turn of events in 2024/25, the 51-year-old claimed the FA Cup by beating Manchester City in the final to secure their first-ever major trophy.

He also won the Community Shield against Liverpool back in August, matching the feat achieved by Mourinho at Chelsea before his own move to the Theatre of Dreams.

Games managed

57

Wins

23

Draws

20

Losses

14

Goals scored

88

Goals conceded

68

Points won

89

Points per game

1.6

Win percentage

40.3%

Glasner, who’s been labelled “sensational” by Sky Sports’ Dougie Critchley, has also led the Eagles to an 18-game unbeaten run across all competitions – the longest of any side in England’s top-flight.

In his 72 outings in charge of the Eagles, he’s claimed victory in 35 of them, whilst only losing 15 times – further highlighting how impressive he’s been at Selhurst Park.

Such a record has seen him lose six fewer games than Amorim at United, that’s despite taking charge of 23 more outings than the 40-year-old at Old Trafford.

It remains unclear if Glasner himself would be open to making the move to Manchester, but it’s clear that the Austrian would be an unbelievable appointment should Amorim depart.

Given the failures felt since the current boss took charge nearly 12 months ago, it’s crucial that the board make a huge call on his future in the coming weeks, but the appointment is just as important, with Glasner needing to be the number one target.

Amorim upgrade: "Best coach in the PL" would now "love" to manage Man Utd

Manchester United may look to one manager to replace Ruben Amorim in the near future.

ByEthan Lamb Oct 2, 2025

Looking to continue their summer business, Manchester United have reportedly joined the race to sign an impressive 12-goal midfielder for Ruben Amorim this summer.

Rashford and four others ask to leave Man Utd

As much as results haven’t gone his way since arriving, there’s been no standing in the way of Ruben Amorim’s ruthless streak at Old Trafford. The former Sporting Club manager instantly showed Marcus Rashford the new and initially dropped Alejandro Garnacho before falling out with the latter altogether. Now, with the summer transfer window open, that ruthless streak looks destined to end in a much-needed exodus of players.

Without a role under Amorim, Rashford, Antony, Garnacho, Tyrell Malacia and Jadon Sancho have all reportedly asked to leave Manchester United this summer – sparking several exit rumours.

Rashford and Garnacho are two names that stand out the most in that list, with the former even reportedly attracting the interest of Barcelona. The La Liga giants just missed out on Nico Williams, who opted to sign a new contract at Athletic Bilbao, and have now set their sights on Rashford as a result.

Amorim's next Gyokeres: Man Utd leading the race to sign "world-class" CF

Manchester United appear to be taking strides to land one key attacking talent this summer.

2 ByEthan Lamb Jul 5, 2025

Meanwhile, Garnacho could yet decide to stay put in the Premier League in the hope of exacting revenge on Amorim and United amid links with a move to rivals Chelsea. At 21 years old, the winger is still a player full of potential and one who could realise that potential elsewhere if he avoids the problems that he has endured at Old Trafford.

With that said, all of these potential departures are likely to hand Manchester United a major boost, allowing them to return to the transfer market themselves this summer.

Man Utd enter race to sign Orkun Kokcu

Among the names that the Red Devils could turn towards as a result of departures this summer is an Inter Milan target. According to Caught Offside, Manchester United have now entered the race to sign Orkun Kokcu from Benfica this summer – rivalling the Italian giants as well as Liverpool for his signature.

The deal wouldn’t break the bank for INEOS either. Reports are suggesting that Benfica will let their midfield star leave for around €40m (£35m) this summer, which should hand those at Old Trafford a major boost.

Non-penalty goals per 90

0.17

0.17

Shots per 90

2.05

2.83

Assists per 90

0.24

0.29

Shot-creating actions per 90

5.06

5.86

Keeping up with Bruno Fernandes’ output is no easy task, but Kokcu is one of the rare few midfielders who manage to do so throughout Europe. Now, United could form the ultimate midfield partnership.

Dubbed a “leader” by scout Jacek Kulig during his Feyenoord days, Kokcu has only kicked on at Benfica since then and could be on his way to the Premier League after scoring 12 goals in all competitions last season.

While Arsenal have sat idly by for much of the early stages of the transfer window, watching Manchester City and Liverpool strengthen significantly, Andrea Berta is now closing in on his first deal since arriving at the Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners are frantically trying to agree a move for either Benjamin Sesko or Viktor Gyokeres, but they have now tied up a move to sign Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad.

It’s one of football’s worst-kept secrets since January that the Spaniard is set to head to London with reports in January suggesting a deal was already being worked on.

Well, this week it was reported that a fee has now been agreed between the two clubs, one that will see Arsenal pay a fraction more than the midfielder’s £51m release clause, so they can manage their payments in instalments.

David Ornstein further revealed on Friday morning that Zubimendi is now in the English capital to meet Arsenal officials and complete the formalities of his move to the Premier League.

So, who’s next? Well, it could be a creative midfielder.

Arsenal move closer to signing another midfielder

Arsenal supporters are simply crying out for a striker to sign this summer, so it may come as a concern that deals for Sesko or Gyokeres don’t look like they’re no closer to completion.

That can’t be said of a move for Zubimendi, nor, according to reports, can it be said for a player who was plying his trade in the Premier League throughout 2024/25.

Back in May, it was reported that the Gunners had lodged a bid worth £30m to sign Leicester City’s creative marvel, Bilal El Khannouss.

Transfer Focus

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

Since then, there has not been much of an update on their pursuit of the Morocco international until now.

Indeed, Africa Foot report ahead of the weekend that Arsenal are now ‘close to agreeing a deal’, having already agreed personal terms with El Khannouss’ agents.

A fee is yet to be agreed between the north Londoners and Leicester, with the report concluding that Berta and Co must now meet the Foxes’ financial demands.

El Khannouss could be available for a cut-price fee considering his side were relegated from the top-flight only last month.

Why El Khannouss would be a good signing for Arsenal

Now, we know what you’re thinking. Why sign someone from one of the worst teams we’ve seen in the Premier League across recent years?

Well, if anyone wearing Leicester blue last season could come out of the campaign with their head held high, then it was the Moroccan who caught the eye with his passing ability from midfield.

El Khannouss was certainly one of Leicester’s players of the season – that isn’t hard of course – but he did play well, registering three goals and six assists in all competitions. Those are far from mindblowing numbers, but at the age of 21, there is a lot of potential to work with here.

Indeed, across the season, the attacking midfielder ranked among the top 14% of positionally similar players in the English top-flight for progressive passes and in the best 10% for passes into the final third, underlining his ability to play through the lines and pick out his teammates in promising positions.

That is no doubt his strong point. As outlined by data analyst Ben Mattinson, El Khannouss has a “killer final ball”, while he boasts an “elite weight of pass” and, importantly, “releases runners early.”

This should be music to the ears of the forward players at Arsenal, but particularly for any future striker that Arsenal sign, namely Sesko.

Shots

1.24

1.86

Shot-creating actions

3.16

4.80

Pass completion %

75%

82%

Long pass completion

58%

55%

Key passes

1.72

2.44

Progressive passes

5.36

10

Successful take-ons

1.36

0.97

The Slovenian is a powerhouse striker and as the goal below showcases, he loves to get in behind.

Arsenal may well possess one of the best passers of a ball in the game in Martin Odegaard, but the addition of El Khannouss would no doubt help Sesko settle in even quicker should they both arrive at the Emirates.

At this stage of his career, you could well argue that the Leicester star is like a younger version of Odegaard, setting the tempo and feeding elite balls into the strikers.

Considering the lack of joy Leicester had in 2024/25, playing for a ball-dominant side like Arsenal would be a match made in heaven for the young creative star.

He's like Auba: Berta closes in on signing "the new Haaland" for Arsenal

Are Arsenal finally closing in on the signing of a new striker?

1 ByMatt Dawson Jun 19, 2025

Things certainly didn’t go their way last season, but Arsenal will still be genuine contenders in the Premier League and Champions League next year, as the team remain stacked with talent.

The likes of David Raya, William Saliba, Bukayo Saka, Jurrien Timber and more will all still be some of the best in their position, and Declan Rice looks set to continue improving.

The Englishman, who played more of a left-eight role this year, was named the club’s Player of the Season last week, and it would be hard to say he didn’t deserve it.

So, fans should be excited about reports linking the club to an international superstar who could be one of the reasons why the former West Ham United star is even more effective next year.

Arsenal transfer news

Before getting to the star in question, it’s worth looking at some of the other players touted for moves to Arsenal in recent weeks, like Benjamin Sesko and Anthony Gordon.

Transfer Focus

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

The former has been linked with the Gunners since last summer, but more recent reports suggest that he might finally be on his to the club for around £67m in the coming weeks, which, for a 22-year-old striker who racked up 27 goal involvements this season, isn’t too bad.

Gordon, on the other hand, is reportedly available for around £80m, and while he’s most certainly a talented player, his tally of 16 goal involvements in 42 games is hardly mind-blowing.

Fortunately, the Gunners are now heavily linked with another winger who’d be a far more exciting acquisition: Rodrygo.

According to a recent report from Spain, Arsenal are intensely interested in the Real Madrid star this summer.

In fact, the report has revealed that the North Londoners have already made contact and are now willing to make an offer for him.

The story does not mention how much the international star may cost, but reports from earlier this month seem to agree that a fee of around £84m should be enough to tempt Los Blancos into selling.

It would be an incredibly costly and potentially complicated transfer to get done, but given Rodrygo’s outrageous ability, notably described as one of the “best players in the world” by Carlo Ancelotti, it would be a superb signing.

Why Rodrygo would be a dream for Rice

Now then, when it comes to a player of Rodrygo’s calibre, you could probably say that he’d be a dream teammate for every player in the Arsenal squad, so what about him makes him such an exciting prospect for Rice?

Well, there are, in fact, several reasons, but the first and ultimately most important, is the Brazilian’s raw output.

For example, in 51 appearances this season, totalling 3360 minutes, the 24-year-old “magician,” as dubbed by Statman Dave, scored 14 goals and provided ten assists, which comes out to a brilliant average of a goal involvement every 2.12 games, or every 140 minutes.

This is important because Arteta has turned the Gunners’ tenacious number 41 from a traditional six into a left-eight, and as such, he is expected to help out with attacks more often, which he has done this season.

Across 52 appearances this season, the former Hammers star scored nine goals and provided ten assists, and according to Understat, he should have had at least two more assists in the league alone.

Appearances

51

51

56

Minutes

3360′

3564′

3455′

Goals

10

10

10

Assists

14

6

10

Goal Involvements per Match

0.47

0.31

0.35

Minutes per Goal Involvement

140′

222.75′

172.75′

So just imagine how much more dangerous the Englishman could be with a truly effective winger just ahead of him, as when we compare the Real star’s numbers to Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard in this table, it’s clear he is far more dangerous.

Finally, on top of helping the monstrous midfielder further improve his own output, signing the former Santos gem also sends the right message: that the club are determined to bring in world-class players to help those they already have to achieve greatness and win things.

Therefore, while it will be costly and likely drawn out, Arsenal should be doing all they can to sign Rodrygo this summer.

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ByJack Salveson Holmes Jun 11, 2025

A former Manchester United player was once dubbed the ‘next Cristiano Ronaldo’, but went against Sir Alex Ferguson’s advice in a move that may well have ruined his career.

Man Utd wonderkids who flopped after leaving

The Red Devils are famous for their academy, with numerous first-team stars being made in Carrington. From the Class of 92 to more recent graduates such as Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo, Man Utd regularly have one of their own in a matchday squad.

Ferguson was influential to the success of many Man Utd youngsters making the grade at Old Trafford and once described how to get the best out of them.

However, some youngsters who had been tipped for greatness didn’t hit the heights at Old Trafford.

Player

Man Utd appearances

Adnan Januzaj

63

Cameron Borthwick-Jackson

14

Ravel Morrison

3

Timothy Fosu-Mensah

30

Nick Powell

9

Scott Wootton

4

Ryan Tunnicliffe

2

Tyler Blackett

12

James Wilson

20

Not every Man Utd academy graduate to make a first-team appearance has gone on to enjoy the career of a Gary Neville, David Beckham or a Ryan Giggs, with many still playing at a lower level, and perhaps none fit the flop category better than Federico Macheda.

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ByRoss Kilvington Jan 24, 2025 Macheda the 'next Ronaldo' who went against Ferguson at Man Utd

There were high hopes for Macheda at Old Trafford, especially after he burst onto the scene with a late winner against Aston Villa in the Premier League in 2009.

In fact, Macheda was called ‘the next Ronaldo’ in Manchester, but that goal against Villa would be as good as it got for the Italian under Ferguson.

Now coming into the twilight years of his career, Macheda left England in 2016 and has been playing his football in Italy, Greece, Turkey and Cyprus.

Federico Macheda’s career in pictures

Talking back in 2017, Macheda recalled when he decided to go against Ferguson by moving to Sampdoria on loan instead of remaining in the Premier League, something he now regrets.

In 2025, Macheda is currently playing his football in Greece with Asteras Tripolis and would make just 19 Premier League appearances in total for Man Utd, a figure which could have been more if he had listened to Ferguson.