All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

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.

Manchester United aren’t acting like a team who languished their way toward a 15th-placed Premier League finish last season, moving purposefully in the transfer market as they are.

Defeat against Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League proved the final nail in the coffin, severing the last hopes of salvaging something from a rotten year, closing the door on a campaign on the continent in 2025/26.

But Ruben Amorim has a plan, and INEOS are showcasing the club’s unbreakable transfer pull, having signed Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers in a deal worth £62.5m.

Amorim has his work cut out, all right, but this new policy of identifying Premier League-proven product might just pay dividends in the long run.

Let’s have a look at how they sealed the Brazilian star’s signature.

Why Matheus Cunha joined Man Utd

It’s remarkable to see that top players are still drawn to the Theatre of Dreams even when Man United are in the deepest throes of their decline, and Cunha is the perfect representation of that fact.

Sure, United activated his release clause, but the 26-year-old was also coveted by Arsenal, Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur, all of whom will play in the Champions League next season. Aston Villa had also expressed an interest.

If Amorim can get the Red Devils back to a position of strength, just imagine the kind of success the outfit could have in the transfer market with a strategy far away from the scattergun approach of the past decade.

Signing players who have showcased their quality consistently in the Premier League seems to be a track that United are heading down, for Cunha’s not the only one driving a deal toward Old Trafford from another part of the country this summer.

Man Utd's next transfer expected 'soon'

According to reports in Italy, Manchester United have already agreed personal terms with Bryan Mbeumo, although negotiations continue with Brentford as to the structure of the financial package.

Transfer Focus

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

Saying that, United are willing to pay £63m plus add-ons to sign the goalscoring winger, who has been expected to leave the Gtech Community Stadium for several months now. The final details with Brentford still need to be defined but it’s reported that an agreement is ‘expected soon’.

Tottenham Hotspur’s appointment of Thomas Frank has renewed Spurs’ hope that they could hijack the deal, but the player’s preference is to sign for the Red Devils in spite of their lack of European football.

How Bryan Mbeumo will improve Man Utd

Last season, Mbeumo bagged 20 goals across 38 Premier League matches, with Mohamed Salah, Alexander Isak and Erling Haaland the only players to outscore him.

A tenacious forward with a fixed winning mentality, he’s exactly what Amorim needs to turn the ship around. Indeed, the Cameroon international has been hailed for his “technique and work ethic” by journalist Henry Winter.

This is further represented through his underlying data; not just a goalscorer, the 25-year-old ranked among the top 9% of positional peers in the Premier League last term for crosses, the top 10% for clearances and the top 20% for touches in the defensive third per 90, as per FBref.

That latter metric, in particular, highlights Mbeumo’s willingness to drop deep and help the Bees in transition.

This vibrant range of qualities actually led the data-driven site to draw Cunha up as one of his most comparable players.

Cunha is a maverick, stylish on the ball and happy to step up and make things happen when no one else seems willing to. Man United need some of that.

When looking at the forwards’ respective top-flight campaigns, you begin to see exactly why United have been so desperate to secure these deals, with the players partnered on the flanks sure to add a whole lot to a frontline that has been lacking.

Matches (starts)

33 (29)

38 (38)

Goals

15

20

Assists

6

7

Shots (on target)*

3.3 (1.3)

2.2 (1.1)

Big chances missed

2

9

Pass completion

79%

74%

Big chances created

13

17

Key passes*

1.8

1.8

Dribbles*

1.8

1.4

Ball recoveries*

3.8

4.1

Tackles + interceptions*

1.7

1.7

Duels won*

5.5

4.7

As you can see from the table above, they are not all that dissimilar, Cunha and Mbeumo. In fact, with the forwards, favouring the left and right flanks respectively, both proven in the Premier League to be high-level goalscorers with creative flair and defensive application, it looks the perfect way to dynamise Amorim’s frontline.

The centre-forward picked to settle in the middle of the exciting stars will be a lucky man indeed. Though the Red Devils have faced countless disappointments after first finding such excitement in a big-money acquisition, INEOS have focused on two players capable of lifting the club’s attacking quality to a top level.

They will add goals, they will create, and they will improve the overarching fluency of a fallen giant. It’s unlikely to be a surprise that Mbuemo and Cunha are two Premier League forwards with similarly dynamic skill sets, tailor-made for a place in Amorim’s vision, a vision which has not yet been sighted properly on English shores.

While many supporters will understandably reserve judgment until the 2025/26 campaign is well and truly up and running, Mbuemo is a superstar, “unplayable” on his day, as was noted by Frank last season after scoring a hat-trick against Newcastle.

With a like-minded player in Cunha mirroring him on the other side, Amorim’s team are well poised for a much-needed resurgence.

Their best signing since Bruno: £40m target now wants to join Man Utd

Manchester United could be about to make another superb signing in this summer window.

1 ByEthan Lamb Jun 22, 2025

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.

Walcott 2.0: Arsenal now eyeing "one of the fastest players in the PL"

The rapid international would be an exciting addition to Arsenal’s squad.

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.

Van Gaal flops, Ten Hag disasters: The 10 worst Man Utd players post-Fergie

Man United have had some dreadful players since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013.

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.

Celtic fans are taking some time to wind down after a hectic campaign, but Brendan Rodgers is already reportedly on the brink of sealing their first summer signing.

Celtic reflect after ending campaign with two trophies

Domestic doubles are a strong marker of success at Parkhead. However, Celtic will feel they let the prospect of a clean sweep in Scotland slip away during an unfateful Scottish Cup final loss to Aberdeen last weekend.

Coming down to penalties, claiming another prize proved to be a step too far for Brendan Rodgers’ men, who ended extra time with an unfamiliar line-up that illustrates their need to strengthen again this summer.

Showing faith in his manager to get it right in the market, Celtic defender Liam Scales has backed his compatriot to bolster squad depth ahead of another long campaign.

He stated: “He always wants the club to improve year on year. Since I arrived four years ago, it seems to keep getting better at every transfer window.

“I think that’s obviously going to be the focus, especially with the Champions League coming up. We need to qualify for that. If we do, we want to be strong going into that as well.”

Celtic’s summer schedule

Cork City (A)

SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh

Newcastle United (H)

St James Park – Adidas Trophy

SPFL opening day

Weekend of August 1st to August 3rd

Champions League playoff round

19/20th and 26/27th August

Jeffrey Schlupp could be set for an extended Celtic stay and is in discussions over signing on a permanent basis at Parkhead. Greg Taylor could make way following six years in Glasgow.

Either way, it is all change at the Hoops ahead of next season, though a familiar face could now be set to return between the sticks.

Ross Doohan to complete Celtic return after signing pre-contract

According to Press and Journal, Aberdeen goalkeeper Ross Doohan has signed a pre-contract with Celtic and will return to Glasgow following three years away from his boyhood club.

Labelled “brilliant” by Graeme Shinnie, the former Scotland Under-21 international has kept five clean sheets in 18 appearances across all competitions this season.

Celtic could sign Idah upgrade in £40m star who's "guaranteed goals"

Celtic have been tipped to swoop for a star who would be a big upgrade on Adam Idah.

ByDan Emery May 25, 2025

Scott Bain has entered the final year of his deal at Parkhead and is expected to make way this summer, creating the path for Doohan to come in as third-choice behind Kasper Schmeichel and Viljami Sinisalo.

In addition, the 27-year-old will help Celtic in their quest to meet UEFA’s squad registration rules, given he is homegrown and also a club-trained asset.

Celtic will make more eye-catching signings this summer, but being able to call on a familiar presence to integrate withing the goalkeeping group at Lennoxtown could be a savvy move.

Doohan spent seven years at Celtic in his first spell at the club. Now, he will have the opportunity to be part of a successful dressing room in the prime of his career.

Arsenal are now “working behind the scenes” to sign an £85m “superstar” as a potential replacement for Gabriel Martinelli, according to former scout Mick Brown.

Gunners pursuing new winger amid Martinelli criticism

Martinelli has been a key player for the Gunners for several seasons now, having made the left-wing spot his own, but the Brazilian has received some criticism as of late, with Jamie Carragher suggesting he isn’t good enough for a Premier League title-winning side.

Speaking earlier this year, Carragher compared Mikel Arteta’s current frontline to the attacking options Arsène Wenger had at his disposal in the 1997/98 season, saying: “They had [Marc] Overmars, [Nicolas] Anelka and Dennis Bergkamp. This team, at the moment, is playing with [Gabriel] Martinelli, [Leandro] Trossard and [Kai] Havertz. It’s not enough.”

After a very impressive 2022-23 campaign, the 23-year-old’s attacking output has certainly declined over the past two seasons, which indicates that Carragher may be correct about an upgrade being necessary.

Season

PL appearances

Goals

Assists

2022-23

36

15

6

2023-24

35

6

4

2024-25

32

8

4

As such, according to Brown, in an interview with Football Insider, Arsenal have now set their sights on a potential replacement, namely AC Milan’s Rafael Leao, having already started work on a deal.

The former scout said: “Rafael Leao is one of the players Arsenal have been looking at. They’ve been working behind the scenes, scouting him and figuring out what it would take to sign him.

“He’s very direct, quick and skilful which is exactly the type of winger they’re looking for. I think Arsenal have lacked that type of player this season because apart from Saka they don’t have decisive players in the final third who will make a difference.”

Club now happy to sell top Arsenal target for £60m+ as Berta talks advance

There has been a development in the Gunners’ pursuit of their “number one target”.

1 ByDominic Lund May 18, 2025 "Superstar" Leao could be Martinelli upgrade

The report makes it clear the Gunners are willing to sell Martinelli this summer, should they be able to find a top-level replacement, and there are plenty of signs the AC Milan star could be exactly that.

The Portugal international has been one of the Serie A’s star players for quite some time, and the current campaign has been no exception, picking up eight goals and ten assists in 34 league outings.

The 25-year-old, who has been lauded as a “superstar” by members of the media, has also outperformed Martinelli across a number of key attacking metrics over the course of the past year.

Per 90 minutes

Gabriel Martinelli

Rafael Leao

Non-penalty goals

0.28

0.34

Assists

0.14

0.26

Shot-creating actions

2.88

4.17

Successful take-ons

1.50

2.84

A deal for Leao will not be cheap, with previous reports revealing AC Milan could hold out for a fee of £85m, but there are clear signs the winger could be an upgrade on Martinelli, whose performance levels have undoubtedly dropped in recent times.

Arsenal fans have to be feeling pretty down right now.

After coming close to silverware in 22/23 and closer still last year, they have once again seen their team fail to win the Premier League and, fresher than that, fail to win their first Champions League semi-final in over a decade.

Mikel Arteta must be feeling like he’s been cursed right about now, and while that’s probably taking things too far, there is one disappointing trend that has followed the club for almost twenty years now.

Since William Gallas received the armband in 2007, more often than not, the Gunners’ captains have either seen their form fade, suffered injury after injury, or most dramatically of all, simply fallen out with the fans – and the current skipper is no different.

Arsenal's cursed armband

While we could go through every captain the club have had in the last twenty or so years, there are two more recent players who perhaps demonstrate what we are talking about better than any others: Granit Xhaka and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Despite being a known firebrand and someone capable of doing ridiculous things on a football pitch, the former was elected skipper by his teammates in September 2019 under manager Unai Emery.

Now, in his defence, it wasn’t a particularly nice time for the club; the team had just missed out on the top four, had been humiliated in the Europa League Final by Chelsea, and started the new campaign poorly, so it felt like something was going to give at some point, and it did.

It was a home game against Crystal Palace in November of the same year, and with the score level at 2-2, the Swiss international was taken off in the 61st minute, but instead of being clapped off, he was jeered, which saw him respond in kind by throwing the shirt and armband to the floor.

It looked like his Arsenal career was over, but somehow, Arteta convinced him to stay, and he became a firm fan favourite again, no longer with the weight of the captaincy on his shoulders.

Unfortunately, things didn’t end so well for Aubameyang, as within a year of taking the role from the Swiss midfielder, he saw his previously incredible goalscoring ability all but disappear.

Moreover, he wasn’t just making the wrong choices on the pitch either, as he was increasingly pushing the limits off of it, with the manager famously leaving him out of the North London Derby in March 2021.

The situation became so negative that the club were forced to let him leave for free in January 2022, which would have been inconceivable when he first received the armband.

The bad news is that the curse once again seems alive and well.

Arsenal's curse continues

Indeed, while we all hoped it wasn’t the case, it’s become increasingly difficult to deny the sad reality that, as things stand, Martin Odegaard appears to be the next victim of Arsenal’s captaincy curse.

The Norwegian maestro was first handed the massive responsibility in the summer of 2022, at just 23 years old, and for a good couple of years, it looked as if he was going to be the first skipper in a generation to lead the club to glory.

However, he picked up the first significant injury of his Gunners career early on this season, and while everyone expected him to take a while to get back to his best upon his return, it’s been six months now, and he looks a shadow of the man who won successive Player of the Year awards.

Appearances

45

48

42

Minutes

3404′

4053′

3252′

Goals

15

11

5

Assists

7

11

11

Goal Involvements per Match

0.48

0.45

0.38

Minutes per Goal Involvement

154.72′

184.22

203.25′

Moreover, the £30m signing’s drop in output, while undeniable, is only part of the problem.

For example, instead of picking up the ball from deep and getting it forward with a brilliant pass or mercurial piece of skill, every action now looks laboured, as if he’s running with weights in his boots.

Moreover, his ability to hold onto the ball in dangerous areas has seemingly fallen off a cliff, with every fan now all too familiar with the picture of him receiving the ball on the edge of the box and then simply losing it, either through a misjudged pass or poor control.

The consistently lacklustre performances are starting to turn fans as well, with content creator Rimedi arguing he’s “not at the level” to lead this team and the Athletic’s Aaron Catterson-Reid exclaiming that he was “anonymous” during the second half of their game in Paris a few days ago.

Ultimately, next season will let us know whether Odegaard really is just the next victim of the club’s wretched curse or just out of form – although it’s not looking good.

Arsenal line up move for PSG star who'd be a big upgrade on Martinelli

The incredibly entertaining international is just what Arsenal need this summer.

ByJack Salveson Holmes May 8, 2025

Wolverhampton Wanderers all but confirmed their place in the Premier League for another season with a 4-2 win over Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.

The Old Gold are now 14 points clear of Ipswich Town in 18th place with just six matches to go, which means that it would take a ridiculous set of results to send them down at this point.

They could lose one of their key players in the summer transfer window, though, as Matheus Cunha – scorer of the fourth goal against Spurs – has been linked with a move away from Molineux.

Why losing Matheus Cunha would be a blow for Wolves

Selling the Brazil international, who has been linked with the likes of Spurs, Arsenal, Aston Villa, and Manchester United for a fee of £75m, would be a big blow for Wolves.

This is because of the immense quality that the former Atletico Madrid magician has provided at the top end of the pitch in the Premier League so far this season.

Cunha has scored 14 goals and provided four assists in 27 appearances for Wolves, and no player in the squad has delivered more goals and assists combined than his tally of 18, which is why losing him would be such a blow to the team.

Vitor Pereira, however, may already have a surprise replacement for the Brazilian gem in the form of Fabio Silva, who is currently on loan at Las Palmas in LaLiga.

Why Fabio Silva could be a surprise Matheus Cunha replacement

After the Portuguese youngster scored four goals in 20 matches on loan at Rangers in the second half of last season, Wolves may have sent the attacker to Spain without too many expectations over his performance.

The 22-year-old starlet’s form for Las Palmas in LaLiga this season, however, has come as a surprise, after his lack of output for the Scottish giants last term, and he could return to Wolves this summer as a new player.

Silva, who was described as a “joy to watch” by talent scout Jacek Kulig earlier this season, has played as part of a front two with Oli McBurnie, which means that he could play a similar role to Cunha, playing behind the physical presence of Jorgen Strand Larsen.

Starts

21

xG

8.80

Goals

10

Minutes per goal

179

Big chances created

4

Assists

3

As you can see in the table above, the Portugal international also has a similar level of production to Cunha, with 13 goal contributions in 21 starts, compared to the Wolves star’s 18 goal contributions in 24 starts.

The Old Gold loanee, who has scored against Real Madrid and Barcelona in LaLiga, has provided a clinical edge in front of goal, outperforming his xG, whilst also delivering some creativity in the final third.

These statistics suggest that Silva has improved since joining Las Palmas, with his improved output in comparison to his time at Rangers, and that he could be ready to return to Wolves to compete for a first-team spot next season.

£23m Wolves star is going to swiftly become more important than Cunha

Wolves could be set to lose Matheus Cunha this summer…

ByRoss Kilvington Apr 15, 2025

This means that the Portuguese youngster could emerge as a surprise replacement for Cunha, should the attacker depart this summer, after his unexpected development in Spain this season.

With their play-off hopes drifting away in the Championship, Blackburn Rovers have reportedly turned their attention towards the transfer window and signing a future star from the Premier League.

Blackburn suffer another play-off setback

Now as many as seven points adrift of the top six, Blackburn’s play-off hopes are all but over after a frustrating 2-2 draw against Sheffield Wednesday in a game that could have ended far worse. The Owls initially raced into a two-goal lead in the first-half courtesy of Yan Valery and Djeidi Gassama, only for Tyrhys Dolan and a late Yuki Ohashi strike to pull Blackburn level.

Deciding to focus on the positives of his side’s second-half comeback rather than how their play-off ambitions are drifting away, manager Valerien Ismael told reporters: “We showed a great mentality and we learned from the previous weeks. From two nil down to come back from behind we stopped the bleeding and we take more positives from negatives from that game.

“We said we have to stay calm, but that we had to stay on the front foot and be active and we have to be the first to score the next goal. We got the second. It is a little step but at the moment we take what we can get. We stop the bleeding first and it was a great second half.”

Championship Table: Latest standings for the 2024/25 season

Latest English Football League Championship standings 2024/25.

ByStephan Georgiou Apr 22, 2025

As much as the Blackburn boss will be glad to see his side’s run of five straight defeats come to an end, however, there’s no doubt that he’ll have one eye on welcoming certain improvements this summer in pursuit of the play-offs once again. And that could yet see those at Ewood Park turn their focus towards a Premier League youngster.

Blackburn racing to sign Adam Berry

Joining a hectic Championship race, Blackburn Rovers now want to hijack Stoke City’s deal to sign Adam Berry from Nottingham Forest this summer, according to TeamTalk. The 19-year-old is set to become a free agent at the end of the season when his current Forest deal expires and has also attracted interest from Norwich City to form a three-club race for his signature.

Initially a Manchester United academy product, the young winger has since impressed in Forest’s setup but looks destined to go in search of senior football in the coming months. Whether that comes at Blackburn remains to be seen, but it wouldn’t be the first time that Ewood Park played host to a young top flight talent.

It wasn’t so long ago that they were reaping the rewards of loaning Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott and Tyler Morton. Now though, they seemingly want to welcome a Premier League youngster on a permanent basis.

Compared to both Stoke and Norwich too, Blackburn should be in a position to offer the highest ambitions in their current state as they once again push to secure a place in the top six next season.