Mikel Arteta has introduced a hardline rule at Arsenal, reportedly designed to boost unity, but it’s hitting his players squarely in the pocket. The Gunners boss, desperate to finally deliver the Premier League crown to north London after two decades of waiting, has made it mandatory for his squad to gather at the training ground before every single match, home or away.
أعلن نادي ريال مدريد، تشكيل الفريق لمباراته أمام ليفانتي في بطولة الدوري الإسباني، والمقرر خوضها مساء اليوم الثلاثاء.
ويحل ريال مدريد متصدر ترتيب الدوري الإسباني، ضيفًا على خصمه ليفانتي في مواجهة بالجولة السادسة لليجا.
وتنطلق مباراة ريال مدريد وليفانتي في تمام الساعة العاشرة والنصف مساء اليوم بتوقيت مصر والسعودية.
ويملك ريال مدريد 15 نقطة في رصيده بصدارة ترتيب الدوري الإسباني، بعد مرور 5 جولات من المسابقة، ويحتل ليفانتي المركز السادس عشر، ويملك في رصيده 4 نقاط. تشكيل ريال مدريد أمام ليفانتي
حراسة المرمى: تيبو كورتوا.
خط الدفاع: جارسيا، دين هويسن، أسينسيو، ألفارو كاريراس.
خط الوسط: أردا جولر، كامافينجا، داني سيبايوس.
خط الهجوم: فينيسيوس جونيور، كيليان مبابي، ماستانتونو.
البدلاء: لونين، داني كارفاخال، ميليتاو، ألابا، بيلينجهام، كامافينجا، إندريك، رودريجو، تشواميني، جونزالو، إبراهيم دياز، خيمينيز.
Newcastle United could well be set to lose Alexander Isak this summer after the striker appears to be exploring other options.
The Swedish centre-forward has been with the Magpies since the summer of 2022, going on to score 62 goals in just 109 matches for the club. This works out as a goal every 1.7 matches, and if he does leave, Eddie Howe will have a massive void to fill.
In the past, the Toon have enjoyed the services of several top class forwards. Going as far back to the days of Hughie Gallacher, who scored over 100 goals and helped Newcastle win the First Division in the 1920s, to Jackie Milburn, who won three FA Cups as a player and was the club’s highest ever scorer – until a certain Alan Shearer rocked up at St James’ Park.
Before Shearer, however, the likes of Malcolm Macdonald and Andy Cole flexed their goalscoring prowess for the club during the 1970s and 1990s, but it was the former Southampton and Blackburn hitman who would eclipse everything his predecessors achieved.
Alan Shearer’s Newcastle heroics
By the time Shearer made the move from Blackburn to Newcastle in the summer of 1996 for a world record fee of £15m, he was already established as arguably the finest centre-forward in the Premier League.
He led Blackburn to the 1994/95 top-flight title and ended his spell with the club having scored 130 goals during his stint at Ewood Park.
Throughout the next decade, the Englishman would shatter records at the Magpies and come close to glory on several occasions. The Toon reached the FA Cup final in both 1998 and 1999, yet lost both to Arsenal and Manchester United.
A move to United in 1996 might have seen Shearer enhance his medal collection, but nothing was going to stop him from moving to his hometown team.
Shearer could do it all. Not only potent in the penalty box, the striker loved scoring incredible goals. Who can forget his stunning volley against Everton in 2002, or his excellent free-kick against Wimbledon in his first ever match for the Magpies.
Alan Shearer’s Newcastle stats
Season
Games
Goals
Assists
2005/06
41
14
4
2004/05
42
19
4
2003/04
52
28
6
2002/03
48
25
6
2001/02
46
27
6
2000/01
23
7
2
1999/00
50
30
13
1998/99
40
21
7
1997/98
23
7
1
1996/97
40
28
9
Via Transfermarkt
All of this added up to the 63-cap centre-forward eventually breaking Milburn’s all-time scoring record during a game against Portsmouth towards the tail end of the 205/06 season.
Racing onto a flick from Shola Ameobi, Shearer powered home a trademark finish in front of the Gallowgate End to score goal number 201 for the club.
Despite having players such as Isak, Andy Carroll, Aleksandar Mitrovic and Obafemi Martins lead the line at one stage or another since Shearer retired, none have come close to matching the legendary striker and his achievements.
Perhaps if Isak remains for the next few years, he could have a chance at breaking the goal record, but it looks as though he won’t be staying at St James’ Park for long.
As such, Howe must be looking at alternatives to bolster his attacking department. Could he target a move for someone who has shades of Shearer?
Newcastle’s search for a striker
Howe has been working hard to bring in another striker this summer. Players such as Yoane Wissa, Julian Alvarez and Mike Biereth have all been targeted in recent weeks.
All three would certainly make an impact at Newcastle, no doubt about it, but it is their pursuit of another striker that could take the club to the next level.
Journalist Graeme Bailey shared an update on X regarding Howe eyeing a move for Benjamin Sesko, saying that the Magpies “have engaged in talks” with the striker “to try and convince him to move to St James’ Park.”
Bailey added that “Newcastle would be prepared to break their transfer record to land him.”
According to The Times, it could take a fee of around £70m in order to land Sesko this summer, which would see Newcastle break their club-record transfer fee, eclipsing the £63m spent on Isak.
If they manage to sign the RB Leipzig frontman, it would signify a major statement of intent by Newcastle ahead of next season.
Sesko has plenty of traits similar to Shearer, meaning he could be the ideal player to lead the club’s charge in both the Premier League and Champions League.
Why Newcastle must sign Benjamin Sesko
The 22-year-old has an excellent goalscoring record for someone so young. Indeed, across 210 senior matches, the Slovenian has found the back of the net 90 times.
Sesko has scored 39 of those at Leipzig, with several being stunners. Against Bayern Munich last season, he netted a sublime strike with the outside of his foot from around 25 yards out to open the scoring.
He loves powerful efforts from outside the penalty area, just like Shearer in his pomp, with the former England skipper renowned for his ability to fire home from all angles and any distance – and with venom at that.
Much like Shearer was the main man at St James’ Park, Sesko has become a focal point of Leipzig’s attack since joining them in the summer of 2023. He is a “monster” of a striker, in the words of by analyst Ben Mattinson.
Shearer himself likes what he sees, having also noted comparisons between the Leipzig man and a certain Erling Haaland:
“He has the same frame. He is as quick as he is. He can certainly travel with the ball like he can. “He is very good at scoring goals. He is very good at bringing people into the game, so I get the comparison.
“I like him a lot. I know he is very young – he is only 21 years of age so he’s got a lot of learning to do – but without doubt there is a top-class footballer in there.”
Hailed as “phenomenal” by scout Antonio Mango, Sesko shone for his club last season. He finished the campaign with 13 league goals and a goal conversion percentage of 19% in the Bundesliga.
Furthermore, the player also created five big chances and recorded five assists, while succeeding with 55% of his dribble attempts.
It was yet another excellent season for the young striker and it is evident he is going from strength to strength.
Leipzig missed out on Champions League qualification, meaning Sesko will surely be seeking a move to a club where he can showcase his talents on the biggest stage in club football.
Newcastle would certainly provide the stage for the Slovenian, that’s for sure. If Isak does leave, Sesko would have some pretty big boots to fill.
Given his displays on the continent over the previous few years, the youngster wouldn’t be fazed at this prospect.
In the process, he could turn out to be one of the club’s finest strikers since Shearer. No pressure, eh?
PIF set sights on signing 13-goal star for Newcastle after Isak bombshell
The Magpies have instantly turned towards potential replacements.
ByTom Cunningham Jul 25, 2025
Leeds United have seemingly made it a priority to improve their defensive options in the first phase of the summer transfer window ahead of their return to the Premier League.
The Championship champions only conceded 30 goals in their 46 matches in the second tier last season, but that has not stopped them from wanting to improve their backline.
Daniel Farke has swooped to bring in Jaka Bijol from Udinese and Sebastiaan Bornauw from Wolfsburg to add to his centre-back options, with Joe Rodon, Pascal Struijk, and Ethan Ampadu already in the building.
The German head coach has also moved quickly to replace Junior Firpo, who officially left the club at the start of this month, by signing Gabriel Gudmundsson from Lille.
Leeds have reportedly paid a fee of £10m to sign the Sweden international from the Ligue 1 outfit, and he is now in place well ahead of the season opener against Everton at Elland Road.
What Gabriel Gudmundsson could bring to Leeds
One of the main reasons why this appears to be such a sensible signing for Leeds is Gudmundsson’s readiness to hit the ground running in the Premier League.
At the age of 26, the Swedish star is in the prime years of his career and is not a young player with a lot to learn, or a veteran who is past his best and struggling physically.
He also has 103 appearances in Ligue 1 for Lille and 15 caps for Sweden, which means that he is experienced at the top level and knows what it takes to play in a major European league, and for his country against the best of the best.
This suggests that Gudmundsson has the experience and quality to slot straight into the team as Firpo’s replacement for the Premier League season.
However, despite scoring two goals in Ligue 1 last term, the £10m-rated full-back may not offer much to the team as a creative threat down the left flank for Farke.
24/25 Ligue 1
Gabriel Gudmundsson
Appearances
30
Starts
20
xG
0.73
Goals
2
Big chances created
1
xA
1.97
Key passes per game
0.5
Assists
0
Dribble success rate
44%
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, Gudmundsson did not offer a big threat at the top end of the pitch from a left-back position for Lille in the French top-flight, with one chance created every other game on average and zero assists in 30 games.
The solid full-back, who won 54% of his duels in the division, is not a Firpo like-for-like who is going to replicate the four goals and ten assists that the former Barcelona man delivered in the Championship last season.
That may be why Leeds are also reportedly interested in another left-sided option who could be a dream for Gudmundsson in the team next term.
Leeds in the race for versatile left-footed star
According to Italian journalist Gianluigi Longari, Leeds United are one of a number of clubs in the race to sign Slavia Prague left-back El Hadji Malick Diouf this summer.
The reporter claims that Serie A side Atalanta are weighing up a move for the Senegal international, who would take up the last non-EU slot that they have available in their squad.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Longari adds that Premier League teams West Ham United and Leeds are also in the race, as they have been keeping tabs on the left-footed star for some time.
It has previously been reported that Slavia Prague are looking for a final fee that is close to £22m (£21.6m) in order to allow the 20-year-old talent to move away from Czechia before the summer transfer window slams shut.
However, it now remains to be seen whether Atalanta, West Ham, or Leeds are prepared to spend that kind of money to snap him up in the coming weeks.
Why Diouf would be a dream for Gudmundsson at Leeds
If the Championship champions are able to win the race for Diouf’s signature this summer, the 20-year-old talent would be a dream signing for Gudmundsson at Elland Road.
The Senegal international has played as a left-back, a left wing-back, and as a left winger in his short career to date, which shows that he can operate in pretty much any role down the left flank.
This suggests that Farke could deploy him ahead of Gudmundsson as a winger, in order to provide the attacking quality that the Swedish ace lacks, but without weakening the defensive structure of the team.
Diouf could operate as a back-up left-back to the Sweden international as well, given that it is his natural position for his national team, but his attacking output for Slavia Prague last season suggests that he could have a lot to offer in front of the former Lille man.
The £22m-rated star, as shown in the post above, ranked highly among his positional peers outside the seven major leagues in a host of key attacking metrics.
Malick Diouf (24/25)
Chance Liga
Europa League
Appearances
27
8
Goals
7
0
Big chances missed
3
1
Big chances created
10
3
Key passes per game
1.3
1.6
Assists
2
1
Completed dribbles per game
0.9
1.3
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, Diouf provided outstanding quality at the top end of the pitch, largely from a wing-back role, with seven goals and 13 ‘big chances’ created in 35 appearances in the Chance Liga and the Europa League combined.
The Senegalese star, who analyst Rohit Kumaran hailed as “physically dominant”, is a forward-thinking full-back who wants to get into the final third to score goals and create chances for his team, as shown by his impressive statistics in those departments.
That is why Diouf could come in as the perfect foil for Gudmundsson on the left flank for the Whites, because Farke would then have a solid and experienced defensive left-back and an attack-minded, yet defensively and physically capable, left midfielder in his starting XI.
Their respective qualities could complement each other well and help Leeds in their bid to avoid an instant relegation from the Premier League next term.
Even better than Solomon: Leeds submit bid to sign £13m star
Leeds United have reportedly submitted a bid to sign a star who is even better than Manor Solomon.
ByDan Emery Jul 9, 2025
As their goalkeeper search goes on, Manchester United have now reportedly received the green light to sign an impressive shot-stopper in a cut-price deal this summer.
Onana keen to fight for Man Utd place
Amid links to the likes of Emiliano Martinez, it is expected that Andre Onana could face an uphill battle to keep hold of his No.1 spot next season. The former Inter star has been a liability for some time at Old Trafford and whilst they’re in the mood to spend big it looks as though INEOS have set their sights on an upgrade. Onana, however, isn’t keen to give up that easily.
Reportedly under the impression that he will stay put at Old Trafford, Manchester United could yet decide to burst Onana’s bubble by welcoming his replacement in the coming months.
To that end, Martinez would certainly be an impressive arrival. Weakening Premier League rivals Aston Villa in the process, United would be signing a World Cup winner who the Villans may be forced to sell amid their PSR concerns.
The Argentine star isn’t the only name on the Red Devils’ radar, however. The likes of Andriy Lunin have also threatened to steal the headlines in recent weeks. The Real Madrid No.2 could yet decide to leave the Spanish giants in pursuit of a starting role and that would open the door for United to come swooping in.
He's better than Nkunku: Man Utd make huge offer to sign "sensational" star
Manchester United appear to be moving one step closer to landing a key target this summer.
ByEthan Lamb Jun 24, 2025
A Champions League winner who has experience at the very top level, it’s no surprise that Lunin has found himself in United’s sights this summer. But they may still opt for an alternative option and one who is now reportedly pushing to leave his current club.
Man Utd receive green light from Diogo Costa
According to A Bola, Manchester United have now received the green light from Diogo Costa over a summer move from FC Porto. The goalkeeper is reportedly pushing to leave the Portuguese club and they are now willing to accept a cheaper offer than his €75m (£64m) release clause.
Costa is expected to leave Porto this summer and his desire to experience life outside of Portugal should place Old Trafford high up on his list of options. Given that he’s available at a cut-price too, it’s a deal that INEOS would be wise to pursue in the coming months.
League stats 24/25 (via FBref)
Diogo Costa
Andre Onana
Starts
32
34
Clean Sheets
16
9
Saves P90
1.78
2.59
Save Percentage
74.1%
68.9%
Described as “complete” by analyst Ben Mattinson, Costa would be a clear upgrade on Onana. Whilst the latter maintained a 68.9% save percentage last season, the Porto man thrived with a record of 74.1% to keep 16 clean sheets in 32 league appearances.
For the right price, a move to sign the Portugal international would represent yet more impressive business by INEOS this summer.
Most clubs across the Premier League terrain must watch Liverpool’s cool-headed transfer operation with envy. Last summer, FSG were ridiculed for failing to back Arne Slot in the market.
Who’s laughing now? Not only have Liverpool bagged themselves a Premier League title, dethroning Manchester City and always proving too good for injury-hit Arsenal, but they’ve done it with a lack of investment they were so mocked for one year ago.
Now, though, Liverpool are employing a defence-by-attack strategy in the transfer market, having signed Jeremie Frimpong to fill the Trent Alexander-Arnold-shaped hole at right-back.
Milos Kerkez is also being targeted on the left side of defence, and, barring a crushing change of the wind, Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz will be playing at Anfield next season too.
The latest on Florian Wirtz to Liverpool
Though it might feel like negotiations between Leverkusen and Liverpool are becoming protracted, we’re talking about a player who will likely break the British transfer record, valued at as much as €150m (£126m), and thus lengthy discussions are to be expected.
The main thing is Liverpool expect to complete the signing of the German playmaker this summer, marking a stunning coup after Manchester City and Bayern Munich were beaten in the race last month, Wirtz stating his preference to move to the red half of Merseyside.
A second official offer worth around £110m has been rejected, but FSG are calm and composed, with all parties looking to get the deal over the line in the coming weeks.
Wirtz will revolutionise Liverpool’s attacking midfield, reorienting the creative centre following Alexander-Arnold’s departure. Make no mistake, this is a significant statement of intent.
Wirtz isn’t the only prodigious attacking star Liverpool are interested in buying this summer, though, with FSG supposedly joining the race for one of English football’s most sought-after teenagers.
Liverpool join race for English prodigy
As per Football Insider, Liverpool have entered the race for Southampton prospect Tyler Dibling, who exploded onto the major stage this season and is now being courted by a wide range of clubs.
The 19-year-old is expected to leave Saints after their relegation from the Premier League, and Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are all keen.
Initial Southampton demands of £100m have fallen flat, and it’s expected Dibling would be available for something in the ballpark of £55m, so whether Liverpool wish to go forward depends on their stance.
What Tyler Dibling would bring to Liverpool
There’s no way Liverpool could have justified paying £100m for Dibling, and some will feel that even that figure is rather steep for a teenager who’s only played 43 matches as a professional.
Former Southampton boss Russell Martin said in an interview with Gary Lineker that Dibling is “the most talented player” he’s ever worked with, and while the 39-year-old will be biased in his assessment, there’s little question Dibling is the real deal.
Having started 20 Premier League fixtures this term, Dibling made quite the impression, finishing the campaign ranked among the top 13% of the division’s attacking midfielders and wingers for successful take-ons completed per 90, as per FBref, as well as the top 19% for pass completion.
Dibling also won 4.2 duels and one tackle per top-flight game, as per Sofascore, which illustrates his tenacious athleticism. Not just a silky, fleet-footed winger, the English talent is a committed and driven individual, willing to put in the hard yards.
Not many players exude such precocity in their teenage years, but Dibling is certainly one of them. Wirtz is another. Germany’s playmaking poster boy has been hailed as “the best midfielder in the world” by former Leverkusen striker Patrick Helmes, having overcome adversity in his fledgling years to establish himself as one of the best in the business.
He’s still only 22, remember, but Wirtz made his name as a true prodigy several years ago, regarded by talent scout Jacek Kulig to be “one of the most exciting prospects in the world” when he was a teenager.
Wirtz overcame the agony of an ACL injury in his maiden stage and has bounced back to look as good as ever, if not more so. The two-time Bundesliga Player of the Season has bounced back and then some, and he could surely enter Ballon d’Or conversations with a continuation of his journey under Slot’s wing at Anfield.
24/25
45
16
15
23/24
49
18
20
22/23
25
4
8
21/22
31
10
14
20/21
38
8
8
19/20
9
1
0
The Liverpool hothouse is adding some new quality, all right, and Dibling could be the next to join the fold. Like Wirtz, he’s distinctly brilliant in his early career stage, standing out above his peers.
Moreover, the doom of relegation this season has given Dibling a setback to learn from as he looks to make his name, further suggesting he offers shades of the Germany sensation, but in a different way, a way in which both variations of the silky profile could play in Liverpool’s starting line-up for years to come.
Hailed by Saints correspondent Alfie House for his “incredible” start to life in the Premier League, Dibling has got the pick of several high-profile suitors, it seems, but it’s hard to argue against Liverpool being the perfect place for him to move to, serving as Salah’s understudy and following Wirtz in moving to Slot’s project.
An amazing Mane repeat: £40m star has now "agreed" to sign for Liverpool
Liverpool are set to bid for another star after signing Jeremie Frimpong, and he could be a Sadio Mane repeat.
ByDan Emery Jun 2, 2025
Arsenal are believed to be prepared to fork out one club’s asking price for their star player, with Mikel Arteta’s side deciding to speed up their move for him recently.
Mikel Arteta "very excited" about Arsenal's next transfer window
Following the arrival of new sporting director Andrea Berta in late March, Arteta admitted that Arsenal are set for a “big” summer of business.
Top target: Arsenal and Berta in talks to seal early deal for £60m striker
The Gunners have a new top target at striker, and negotiations are ongoing to convince him to move to the Emirates Stadium.
1 ByDominic Lund Apr 22, 2025
According to recent reports, Arsenal could spend up to £300 million on as many as seven major signings, after missing out on this year’s Premier League title to Liverpool by some distance, with Arteta claiming he is “excited” by the prospect of Berta’s debut transfer window.
Crystal Palace (home)
Today
Bournemouth (home)
May 3rd
Liverpool (away)
May 11th
Newcastle United (home)
May 18th
Southampton (away)
May 25th
“It’s going to be a big one (summer) and we are very excited about it.
“When you are going to go again, we want to increase the depth of the squad and the quality and the skills that we need to go to the next step. Every summer is big because it is an opportunity and especially because of the number of players we have in the squad right now, that is necessary.
“But it’s a big summer for many things because first of all we have to maintain the good foundations that we have and then obviously how can we improve and evolve the team.”
Arsenal are targeting a prolific new striker as one key item on their agenda, with injuries to Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus exposing Arteta’s serious lack of options in that area of the Gunners squad.
A number of interesting names have been linked since Berta’s appointment, but Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres is consistently being mentioned as a potential signing above all.
The Sweden international’s phenomenal haul of 47 goals and 11 assists in all competitions is turning heads at the Emirates Stadium, and Gyokeres is rumoured to be a top target for Arsenal in their pursuit of a number nine.
Arsenal ready to pay £56m asking price for Viktor Gyokeres
According to a Spanish report, as cited by Football 365, another update has come to light on Arsenal’s serious interest in the former Coventry City star.
As per their information, Arsenal are prepared to pay Sporting’s “demand” of £56 million for Gyokeres after accelerating their move for the Scandinavian “in recent weeks”, with Arteta’s side viewing the “star striker” as an ideal signing to take them up to another level.
£56 million seems like a bargain for a prolific star of Gyokeres’ ilk, but previous reports have also claimed that Sporting are ready to let him go for less than his initial £86 million release clause.
The 26-year-old could end up being one of the best buys of the summer after two incredible seasons in the Primeira Liga, and Gyokeres may be the proven scorer who Arteta has been crying out for.
Ladies and gentlemen, Bukayo Saka is back. Wow, what a sight that was. Three months Arsenal fans have had to stand by to watch him kick a ball again and boy was it worth the wait.
The club’s heralded number 7 hasn’t been seen since sustaining a hamstring injury against Crystal Palace on 21st December and since then, the Gunners’ title challenge has been extinguished swiftly.
Yet, there is still hope for Arsenal’s season. Despite their 2-1 win over Fulham on Tuesday evening, a game Saka scored in, they are unlikely to win the Premier League title.
However, the winger’s return is timely with Real Madrid to look forward to in just under a week’s time in the Champions League.
For once, Mikel Arteta has a bunch of positives to swoon over. That hasn’t been said too often about the club’s season now has it?
The biggest positives from Arsenal's win over Fulham
Oh Saka, you little beauty. It’s been a hellish 12 week period for Arsenal since the Englishman took to the field but he is back and back with a bang.
He had only been on the field for seven minutes before he found the net. It wasn’t in classic Saka fashion but it raised the roof off the Emirates Stadium nonetheless.
Mikel Merino moved into the left channel and swung in a ball that was guided towards Saka with remarkable skill and audacity by Gabriel Martinelli.
The returning hero was just inches out from goal and couldn’t miss, heading the ball past former Gunner Bernd Leno.
Saka wasn’t the only positive either, far from it. The aforementioned Merino and Martinelli were both in top form, the former scoring the game’s opening goal and the latter unfortunate not to leave proceedings with a goal to his name as well.
Saka’s return in numbers
Minutes played
24
Touches
13
Accurate passes
7/8 (88%)
Key passes
0
Shots on target
1
Accurate crosses
1/1
Duels won
1/3
Was fouled
x1
Stats via Sofascore.
The Brazilian was a constant livewire, not just providing the assist for Saka’s goal, a game-winning strike, but he also found the back of the net himself, albeit it was ruled out for offside.
Nonetheless, it was phenomenal to see the winger back at top speed. He was a constant nuisance throughout, terrorising Fulham’s Timothy Castagne with a performance that was remeniscent of 2022/23 Martinelli.
He left the field having had three shots, completed two dribbles and produced five key passes.
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Beyond Saka’s incredible return, the biggest positive that aside was perhaps the performance of the club’s makeshift centre-forward.
Arsenal have found their modern-day Olivier Giroud
When Gabriel Jesus went down with an injury during Arsenal’s FA Cup exit at the hands of Manchester United, there was a collective panic. But…it was alright…they were going to strengthen in the January transfer window. Famous last words and all that.
Arsenal did not strengthen. Their reward? A season-ending injury for Kai Havertz too.
Since then, Arteta has preferred to field the aforementioned Merino as his out and out centre-forward and it’s had mixed success.
Truth be told, the £28m summer arrival has done an admiral job. He’s scored five goals in eight games as a striker. Had he started the campaign as the club’s number 9, he’d on for a 23-goal season. Not bad indeed.
Unlike many others during the club’s injury-hit season, he’s stepped up big time and in the words of Arsenal writer Oli Price Bates, is “not getting enough credit for his performances.”
Another game came and went against Fulham where the Spaniard made quite the impression. His goal was a scruffy finish, finding the net via a deflection but it was a crucial goal all the same.
It’s not the first time the former Real Sociedad man has come up trumps, notably scoring that brace off the bench in the 2-0 win over Leicester City.
Since then, he’s been much-maligned, rather in the same way as a certain Olivier Giroud. Now, there are clear differences between the two. Giroud was a direct centre-forward first and foremost.
However, there are specific similarities in the way the two play the game. The Frenchman scored some beautiful goals but he always had quite an awkward play style, a technique that looked rather awkward. At the same time, his left peg was certainly pretty special.
Those traits can certainly be applied to Merino too. He’s not the most technically elegant – he’s a bit scruffy and awkward like Giroud. He’s also pretty underappreciated and underrated. That’s not to mention their ability to act as target men and link play too.
Merino vs Fulham
Minutes played
90
Touches
28
Accurate passes
14/16 (88%)
Key passes
1
Shots
2
Shots on target
1
Accurate crosses
1/1
Duels won
3/9
Tackles
2
Interceptions
1
Stats via Sofascore.
Against Fulham, the Spain international certainly showcased that. He scored the opening goal and went on to complete 88% of his passes and make a key pass too. The 28-year-old was subsequently handed an 8/10 player rating by GOAL.
Merino’s future is certainly not in the final third but credit where credit is due, he’s been a huge servant to Arteta in the back end of this unforgiving season for Arsenal.
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هنأ الرئيس عبد الفتاح السيسي، منتخب مصر للكاراتيه والسلاح، على الإنجازات المميزة التي حققها أبناؤنا الرياضيون مؤخرًا، مؤكدًا أن هذه البطولات تعكس عزيمة المصريين وإصرارهم على رفع راية الوطن عاليًا بين الأمم.
وكتب الرئيس عبد الفتاح السيسي، عبر صفحته الرسمية بموقع “فيس بوك”: “أتوجه بالتهنئة القلبية إلى منتخب مصر للكاراتيه، كبارًا وذوي الاحتياجات الخاصة، على الإنجاز التاريخي الذي تحقق بتصدر مصر الترتيب العام لدول العالم في بطولة العالم للكاراتيه، التي استضافتها مصر مؤخرًا”.
طالع أيضًا | استغاثة عاجلة من محمود البنا للرئيس السيسي بشأن التحكيم المصري
وتابع: “ولا يقل هذا الإنجاز أهمية عما حققه منتخب مصر للسلاح، الذي توج بذهبية كأس العالم لسيف المبارزة تحت ٢٠ سنة في هونج كونج، بعد أداء مشرف يليق بمكانة مصر وريادتها العالمية”.
وأضاف: “إن أبناءنا الرياضيين يثبتون يومًا بعد يوم أن مصر قادرة على صناعة الإنجازات في شتى الميادين بعزيمتهم الصلبة و إصرارهم الدائم على حصد البطولات”.
واختتم: “حفظ الله مصر وأبطالها، ووفقهم لمزيد من النجاحات والبطولات التي ترفع راية الوطن عاليًا بين الأمم”.
Former Manchester United defender Jonny Evans has left his role as head of loans and pathways after six months in the role at Old Trafford. At 37, Evans decided to hang up his boots after his second spell as a player with the Red Devils came to an end last summer. In his first period at Old Trafford, Evans won the Premier League, Champions League, League Cup and Club World Cup.