All posts by h79snht.top

While significant success is still yet to come, Arsenal have been blessed with some seriously talented players during the Emirates era.

The likes of Mesut Özil, Santi Carzorla, Robin van Persie and Cesc Fàbregas, while not all as popular as each other, were some of the most impressive players in the Premier League during their time.

Likewise, Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes are just some of Mikel Arteta’s current squad who are in the conversation for some of the best the stadium has seen.

However, when it comes down to the player who hit the highest individual heights at the Emirates, it’s hard to look past Alexis Sanchez, and now the club are looking at a player who shares some similarities with the Chilean superstar.

Arsenal transfer news

Before we get to the player in question, it’s worth looking at some of the other potential superstars Arsenal are said to be looking at ahead of the summer, such as Raphinha.

Transfer Focus

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

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The Brazilian goal machine has been in sensational form for Barcelona this season, and, as of writing, has amassed an outrageous tally of 30 goals and 23 assists in just 50 appearances, making his reported £86m price tag seem entirely reasonable.

A slightly cheaper, but nonetheless game-changing signing the Gunners could make this summer is that of Viktor Gyokeres.

The Swedish international has racked up an even more incredible haul of 52 goals and 12 assists in just 48 appearances for Sporting CP, making his reported £58m fee look like a bargain.

However, the player who could become the North Londoners’ new Sanchez is someone who’s not had such a good campaign: Christopher Nkunku.

Yes, according to a recent report from TEAMtalk, Arsenal are one of the teams ‘weighing up a bid’ for the Chelsea flop, who looks likely to leave Stamford Bridge this summer.

However, alongside the Gunners, the report has revealed that Barcelona and several Bundesliga sides are also keen on the Frenchman, who’d be available for just £40m.

It might not be a deal that goes down well with fans initially, but prior to his stint in West London, Nkunku was a highly-rated attacker, so if Arsenal can get the best back out of him, he may be a bargain, and then there are the similarities he shares with Sanchez.

Why Nkunku could be Arsenal's new Sanchez

Okay, so before the pitchforks come out, the first thing to say is that, at the moment anyway, there are no comparisons to be made between Nkunku’s output and Sanchez’s when he was at his peak in North London.

However, if Arsenal are going to splash the cash to sign the Frenchman, it won’t be off his time in West London – even though he has 21 goal involvements in 42 games – but due to his record in Germany, where he was undeniably brilliant.

For example, in his final campaign with RB Leipzig, the “amazing” attacker, as dubbed by Joao Felix, managed to score 23 goals and provide nine assists in just 36 appearances, totalling 2733 minutes.

That means the 14-capped international averaged a goal involvement every 1.12 games or every 85.40 minutes throughout the season.

With that said, it’s not just the fact he was a free-scoring player that makes him similar to a peak Sanchez, but also his playstyle and versatility.

Nkunku’s positional versatility

Position

Games

Goals

Assists

Attacking Midfield

66

30

23

Central Midfield

66

12

9

Second Striker

57

35

19

Left Winger

40

9

9

Centre-Forward

38

11

2

Right Winger

17

6

4

Right Midfield

9

2

0

Left Midfield

8

0

2

Right-Back

1

0

0

All Stats via Transfermarkt

For example, in his career to date, the Blues ace has played all across the frontline, in attacking midfield and also as a second striker, which is the same as the former Barcelona star during his time in North London.

Moreover, like the Chilean icon, his “movement and pace is an unstoppable combination” in the words of European football expert, Zach Lowy, and he can be just as effective at creating chances as scoring them.

Indeed, during his time in Germany, he managed to rack up 55 assists in 172 appearances to go along with his 70 goals.

Ultimately, while we think it’s unlikely that Nkunku would even hit the incredible heights that Sanchez did at Arsenal, there are some unmistakable similarities between the pair, such as their versatility and ability to create and score goals.

Therefore, if Arteta and Co believe they can get the best back out of him, and he’s available for a price that won’t impact their other summer plans too much, then this is a transfer that makes a lot of sense.

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Posts ByJack Salveson Holmes Apr 29, 2025

Sheffield United must simply get back to winning ways in the Championship on Good Friday or their promotion push will be significantly derailed once more.

Indeed, heading into this must-win fixture versus relegation-threatened Cardiff City at Bramall Lane, Chris Wilder’s Blades are now without a victory from their last three outings in the second tier, whilst Leeds United and Burnley continue to pull off results to push away inside the coveted top two.

Regardless of what fate awaits the South Yorkshire giants, this coming summer transfer window looks likely to be a busy one, with one defender already being linked to join Wilder’s ranks.

United's interest in new £15m man

The United boss will be well aware that a minor rebuild will need to take place when the window swings back open, owing to the multitude of loanees that currently call the Blades home, among other factors at play.

One problem area for the promotion chasers that will presumably be addressed is the centre-back department, with Rob Holding needing to be drafted in as a late arrival in January here to boost numbers, away from Wilder’s regulars.

United’s new chosen man could well be £15m-rated Sunderland centre-back Daniel Ballard, with reports recently revealing that there’s interest on the end of the South Yorkshire side involving the ex-Arsenal youth product.

With 112 Championship career games under his belt, the experienced 25-year-old would be a worthwhile addition to the Bramall Lane camp, but his sketchy injury record – which has seen him be sidelined for a weighty 26 games this season – could put off Wilder and Co forking out an excessive £15m.

Instead, alternative targets could be looked at, or Wilder might pull all his trust in this defensive star already at his disposal who is amazingly worth more than Ballard’s steep valuation.

The "dominant" United star worth more than Ballard

After all, the defender in question here can already boast Premier League experience with the Blades over Ballard’s EFL-centric career path, having tallied up 31 top-flight appearances to date.

Of course, Anel Ahmedhodzic won’t look back on his Premier League voyage with United fondly – considering his lowly side finished rock bottom of the pile at the end of the 2023/24 season – but he’s more than bounced back this campaign as Wilder’s men attempt to instantly return.

The “dominant” defender – as he was once lauded by football talent scout Jacek Kulig – has been a stalwart of his manager’s reinvigorated XI all season long, with this goal one of three goal contributions he’s managed to chip in with from 34 league clashes.

More importantly, over firing home crucial winners such as the one versus Middlesbrough, the Bosnian has also been a reliable brick wall when many a Championship side has bombed forward attempting to breach the Blades, with the 26-year-old colossus picking up a hefty 14 clean sheets along the way.

Ahmedhodzic’s league numbers for United (24/25)

Stat – per 90 mins*

Ahmedhodzic

Matches played

34

Goals scored

2

Assists

1

Touches*

59.8

Accurate passes*

43.1 (90%)

Ball recoveries*

3.6

Clearances*

4.6

Total duels won*

3.9

Clean sheets

14

Value when joining

£5.1m

Value now

£20m

Stats by Sofascore

These regular standout showings – as can be seen glancing at his impressive numbers above – make United’s move to land the ex-Nottingham Forest man for just £5.1m back in 2022 look like a great steal, considering past transfer rumours surrounding Ahmedhodzic hint that he now has a £20m price tag above his head.

With Wilder also having the likes of experienced head Jack Robinson to call upon here, a splurge of £15m to land Ballard might not be deemed necessary after all, especially if other cheaper targets are out there.

Before any possible new faces enter through the door, however, United will be desperate to make their promotion dreams a reality, with Ahmedhodzic needing to remain rock solid during some crunch clashes to come.

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Posts ByKelan Sarson Apr 15, 2025

As PIF get ready to truly flex their financial muscles for the first time since their arrival, Newcastle United are now reportedly in pole position to sign another attacking addition after Antonio Cordero.

Newcastle set to sign Cordero

Already getting what could be a busy summer of business underway, Newcastle are now reportedly set to complete the signing of Cordero from Malaga – fending off interest from both Barcelona and Real Madrid. The talented young winger chose to complete a move to St James’ Park over the two Spanish giants, highlighting just how far the Magpies have come in recent years.

They’re not done there, however, with reports coming thick and fast over further potential reinforcements in the coming months which includes links surrounding Luis Henrique and Facundo Medina.

The former would be a particularly interesting signing after the season that he’s had at Marseille. Whilst Rayan Cherki has stolen the spotlight at times, Henrique has quietly gone about his business and scored nine goals on top of his eight assists in all competitions.

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Posts ByTom Cunningham Apr 15, 2025

Seemingly doing enough to earn a place on Newcastle’s radar, the Brazilian is certainly one to watch in the coming months. Attack certainly looks to be the focus for those at St James’ Park this summer, given that they’re already set to sign Cordero and links are already emerging with the likes of Henrique.

It’s a focus which has also seen Newcastle turn their attention towards a Premier League rival too, and one who would offer Eddie Howe an instant upgrade within his frontline.

Newcastle leading race to sign Mbuemo

According to Graeme Bailey for The Boot Room, Newcastle are now in pole position to sign Bryan Mbeumo this summer in a deal worth as much as £50m. The Bees have reportedly accepted the winger’s inevitable exit with a number of sides now lining up to secure what would be one of the most impressive Premier League signings of the summer.

Speaking to The Boot Room, Bailey revealed: “There’s a quiet acceptance at Brentford that he’s the next one out. Do they let Wissa and Mbeumo out? It’s possible this summer.

“I think Brentford have stagnated a bit, to say they’ve had a disappointing season would be a little bit harsh, but they have plateaued and I do expect Mbeumo to go this summer.

“There’s an awful lot of interest in him; are Newcastle furthest ahead in that interest? I think there’s a case they are at this point, but we know Arsenal have looked at him, and I think for Liverpool, if Salah had left, Mbeumo would have been an option there.”

Dubbed “unplayable” by Brentford boss Thomas Frank in December, the interest in Mbeumo should come as no surprise and he’s someone that Newcastle should be going all out for in the coming months.

Whilst they may have fallen out of the automatic promotion places over the weekend, Leeds United’s attackers have caught the eye throughout 2024/25.

Joel Piroe still sits as the Whites’ top scorer, registering 15 goals in the Championship, playing a key role in Daniel Farke’s ambitions of securing a return to the Premier League.

Daniel James is another talent who’s thrived over the last couple of months, notching 20 combined goals and assists throughout the league campaign – the joint-best season of his professional career.

The pair have contributed to their impressive tally of 79 league goals in their 40 outings, currently boasting the best-attacking record of any side in the division.

Regardless of which division they find themselves in next season, they could be about to land a star who’d add to their already impressive record in attacking areas.

Leeds targeting move for EFL attacking star

According to Alan Nixon, Leeds are one of a number of clubs interested in a move to land West Brom’s forward Grady Diangana ahead of the summer window.

Wolves have also been credited with a keen interest in landing the 26-year-old talent, who’s registered four goals and two assists in the Championship throughout 2024/25.

The Democratic Republic of Congo international joined the Baggies for £18m back in the summer of 2022 but could be available as a free agent this summer with his deal set to expire in June.

The report from Nixon states that the former West Ham youngster is hoping Farke’s side show concrete interest this summer, potentially favouring a move to Elland Road.

Whilst it’s unclear if a deal will be completed this summer, he would be a superb addition – potentially allowing the hierarchy to forget about a permanent move for one player.

Why Diangana would be a superb Solomon alternative

Manor Solomon joined Leeds on loan from Tottenham Hotspur last summer, looking to kickstart his career after a stop-start period with injuries and lack of first-team action.

The Israeli international made an immediate impact in Yorkshire, notching 14 combined goals and assists up until the start of February – including a goal and two assists in the 4-0 win over Oxford United.

However, he’s now gone eight games with a single contribution, leading to doubts among the fanbase over a permanent transfer for the 25-year-old this summer.

Such concerns could see the hierarchy target a move for Diangana as a result, with the West Brom star a safe option given his potential move on a free transfer.

When comparing the pair’s respective stats from the Championship this campaign, the West Brom winger has managed to match or better Solomon in numerous key areas, highlighting how impressive a deal to land him this summer would be.

Diangana, who’s previously been labelled “unbelievable” by teammate Jed Wallace, may have registered fewer combined goals and assists, but has registered a higher pass accuracy and completed more through balls – showcasing his talent in attacking areas.

How Diangana compares to Solomon in the Championship (2024/25)

Statistics (per 90)

Diangana

Solomon

Games played

30

33

Goals & assists

6

14

Progressive passes

4.3

3.7

Pass accuracy

80%

79%

Aerials won

0.9

0.3

Fouls won

2.3

1.6

Through balls

0.9

0.2

Stats via FBref

He’s also won more aerials and been fouled more per 90, highlighting his all-round nature with and without the ball, making him a threat at either end of the pitch if required.

Solomon could still be a viable option for the club this summer regardless of promotion, but after his recent lack of form, it’s understandable that there are doubts over his future.

As for transfer target Diangana, he’s proved that he’s an impressive talent, with any deal to land him this summer incredible business, especially considering the fee paid for his signature a couple of years ago.

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Posts ByKelan Sarson Apr 8, 2025

Martin O’Neill’s time in charge of Celtic couldn’t have gone much better really.

The legendary manager saw his beat their Old Firm rivals, reach a cup final and draw level with Hearts at the top of the SPFL table.

It took the Hoops a while to find their new manager but they finally have their man in the form of Wilfried Nancy who arrives following a stint in MLS.

That said, for those at Parkhead, chiefly Liam Scales, he’s not had much time to think about what could be in store under the new boss.

Scales preparing for new era at Celtic

Republic of Ireland international Scales was asked after the 1-0 victory over Dundee on Wednesday evening whether he had been doing his research on the 48-year-old Nancy.

“No, I haven’t had time,” the defender said. “It’s been so busy. Obviously we know bits and pieces but we can’t get ahead of ourselves. We need to focus on the games that we have and now is the time where we’re going to have to really focus on the tactical changes and whatever he wants us to do.

“It’s hard to do homework on someone you’ve never met because you don’t want to create a false idea of them. It’s better just to wait and really learn from them in person.”

Nancy arrives ahead of a crucial run of games. Celtic will go top of the Premiership if they beat Hearts on Sunday before facing St Mirren in the League Cup final a week later.

“It doesn’t get much bigger than the week he has come in. It’s probably ideal. You want to come in and be part of massive games and he has a chance to win a trophy early on.

“If you come in and do well over the next three games, it’s the best way you can start a job. We’ll be doing our best to make that happen for him because we want to be successful as a team.”

Scales could be set for new role under Nancy

Scales was in excellent form under O’Neill, notably hailed as Celtic’s “player of the year” by some. Evidently, he thoroughly enjoyed his time with the interim manager in the dugout.

The defender said of O’Neill: “He’s been really good. It’s been a positive four weeks or five weeks. We’ve won a lot of games. We’ve obviously won a cup semi-final and won an away game in Europe as well. They were big wins. It’s just been really enjoyable and positive.

“In the game now, the defenders are on the ball a lot and you need to link play. But to go back to basics and just be told that you need to win your headers, you need to win your duels, I’ll keep that with me.”

Whether the centre-back continues his form remains to be seen. After all, Scales could be set for a modified role given Nancy’s preference for a back three. “I’ve played in back threes, I’ve played in back fives, I’ve played in back fours. I just want to be in the team. That’s all I care about.”

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Posts 1 ByDan Emery Dec 4, 2025

Glasgow Rangers are back in action once again in the Scottish Premiership this evening as they prepare to take on Kilmarnock away from Ibrox.

The Light Blues are looking to finally get back to winning ways after frustrating draws with Falkirk and Dundee United in their last outings in the league under Danny Rohl.

A 98th-minute penalty from Nedim Bajrami salvaged a point against Dundee United, and the Gers head coach may want to make several changes to the team after that disappointing showing, including dropping Bojan Miovski from the side.

Why Bojan Miovski should be dropped

The Macedonia international has been a regular starter in the Premiership, starting nine of his 11 appearances in the league (Sofascore), and led the line on Wednesday night.

Miovski lost three of his five ground duels and four of his five aerial duels, per Sofascore, against Dundee United, whilst he also missed his only ‘big chance’ in front of goal, which sort of sums up his season so far.

The former Aberdeen marksman has lost 69% of his duels and missed five ‘big chances’ to go along with his one goal in his 11 league outings, per Sofascore, which shows that he has struggled physically and in front of goal in a Gers shirt.

These statistics show that the 26-year-old striker has not delivered enough quality on the pitch, in or out of possession, which is why Rohl should drop the forward from the starting line-up for this clash with Kilmarnock this evening, to give Danilo or Youssef Chermiti a chance to lead the line.

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Miovski is not the only player who should be dropped from the side that started against Dundee United, though, as Connor Barron should also be ruthlessly ditched.

Why Connor Barron should be dropped

Rohl should drop the Scotland international from the starting line-up because his performances in the last two league games have not been at a high level.

Barron started against Falkirk and Dundee United alongside Nicolas Raskin in the middle of the park, ahead of Mohamed Diomande, but failed to offer enough quality on or off the ball.

Connor Barron

Vs Falkirk

Vs Dundee United

Minutes

76

90

Pass accuracy

90%

83%

Big chances created

0

0

Tackles made

0

1

Fouls committed

2

1

Ground duels won

3/6

1/5

Aerial duels won

0/1

0/2

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, the former Aberdeen star lost the majority of his physical duels across both games, including 86% against Dundee United, whilst he did not create any ‘big chances’ for the team.

This shows that Barron has been a lightweight in his duels in recent games, as opposition players have found it too easy to get the better of him, which has made the Rangers midfield too easy to play against.

On top of struggling out of possession, the 23-year-old central midfielder has no goals, no assists, and no ‘big chances’ created in 12 appearances and seven starts in the Premiership this season, per Sofascore.

He does not offer much of a threat at the top end of the pitch and that has played a part in Rangers scoring just one non-penalty goal in 180 minutes against Falkirk and Dundee United.

Rohl has Diomande, who scored in his last league start against Livingston, available for selection and should bring him into the team to replace Barron for this clash with Kilmarnock this evening.

The Ivorian talent, who is off to the African Cup of Nations later this month, produced five goals and nine assists in midfield for the Scottish giants in the 2024/25 campaign, per Sofascore, which shows that he has the quality to make an impact in the final third when he is at his best.

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Posts ByDan Emery 7 days ago

It is down to Rohl, though, to unleash him alongside Raskin against Kilmarnock tonight to provide him with another chance to remind the supporters of his quality before his absence due to international duty, because Barron has not done enough in his place.

Green had absorbing battles with Renshaw and Labuschagne, who shared a 103-run stand for the second wicket

Tristan Lavalette11-Nov-2025

Cameron Green challenged Marnus Labuschagne at the WACA•Getty Images

Australia’s first Test line-up appears to be taking shape after Cameron Green produced two sharp four-over spells while Marnus Labuschagne made a half-century batting at No.3 in a hard-fought opening day between Western Australia and Queensland at the WACA.However, the Ashes squad members were overshadowed by Matt Renshaw who did not make the cut with Australia’s hierarchy opting for uncapped opener Jake Weatherald.After Queensland were sent in, Renshaw made 101 off 198 balls and shared a second-wicket partnership of 103 with Labuschagne before WA fought back through quick Cameron Gannon late in the day.”Obviously there’s a bit of disappointment straight away but then you realise that it’s not the end of the world,” Renshaw said of being overlooked for the first Test squad. “It’s a lot different to the way that I handled it eight-nine years ago. I just wanted to enjoy myself today and have intent.”