All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

Liverpool hit at West Ham United like lightning on Tuesday night, turning a maxim on its head to strike twice with a 5-1 thrashing over the east Londoners for the second year running in the Carabao Cup.

In the early stage of the contest, Anfield was, frankly, flat. The visitors hurled efforts toward Caoimhin Kelleher’s goal in the opening as they sought to capitalise – and they did, Jarell Quansah and Co culpable of a disastrous attempt to clear a corner, turning into their own net.

Diogo Jota restored parity after 20 minutes but the Reds storm was truly ignited in the second half, with the goals lashed in and ending the contest with Liverpool 5-1 victors.

It was a big one for several players looking to stake their claim, and while his performance was imperfect, Wataru Endo will be pleased with the job he did at the heart of Slot’s set-up.

Wataru Endo stakes his claim

The Liverpool Echo’s Ian Doyle only handed Endo a 5/10 match score for his display against West Ham, praising the tough midfielder’s combative commitment but noting that he struggled to really impose himself and didn’t contribute with the smooth forward passing that Ryan Gravenberch brings to the position.

The journalist wrote: ‘Showcased a steel that is perhaps absent from Liverpool’s midfield when he doesn’t play. Won a fair few duels but not always the most progressive in his passing. His attempt at a clearance for West Ham’s goal was pure panic as it struck Quansah and went in.’

Still, he’s a fine option and afforded Gravenberch a much-needed rest, with the Dutchman having played every minute of the 2024/25 campaign for club and country before the cup clash.

Minutes played

82′

Touches

66

Accurate passes

44/47 (94%)

Key passes

1

Dribbles (completed)

2 (0)

Ball recoveries

7

Tackles

2

Interceptions

1

Ground duels (won)

8 (2)

Alexis Mac Allister came on with just over 30 minutes remaining and added so much impetus, creating one big chance and hitting the woodwork with a stinging strike from range. Gravenberch, indeed, didn’t play, but the 22-year-old plays a very different role than Endo within Slot’s system, one better suited to the way the boss wants to operate.

Gravenberch has averaged 1.2 successful dribbles per game in the Premier League this year, with a success rate of 60%. Moreover, he’s won 58% of his ground duels, outstripping Endo in both accuracy and output, averaging 5.2 per game.

The Japan international is a good utility option but you can see that Slot’s style might be knocked off-kilter if Gravenberch were to pick up a lengthy injury.

Endo, though, played well, and it provided Liverpool with something different. Multi-dimensionality is crucial for a team looking to chase down trophies across different routes, and the Japan star has already got one Carabao Cup title in the bag – who’s to say he can’t play a leading role in another?

That said, with Martin Zubimendi Liverpool’s desired option to have tussled with Gravenberch for a starting spot, there’s an improvement to be made.

Elsewhere, Kostas Tsimikas struggled to prove that he is the best option to compete with Andy Robertson at left-back going forward.

Kostas Tsimikas is not good enough for a starting role

Tsimikas has been a solid servant for Liverpool over the years, signing from Olympiakos for £12m in 2020. He’s completed 91 appearances, claiming 17 assists and winning a host of major honours.

Last season, he was drafted into a regular starting role under Jurgen Klopp in the Premier League as Robertson recuperated from a shoulder injury suffered up in Scotland with the Tartan Army. He ebbed and flowed (Tsimikas, not Robertson. Robertson just kind of stagnated on the sidelines).

Against LASK in the Europa League one year ago, journalist Paul Gorst noted that he didn’t have his ​​​​​​ “finest hour”, and though the Greece international has a wand of a left foot and a natural-born creative flair, he’s not the complete package, with positioning and awareness that leaves much to be desired.

As you will see from the graphic above, the 28-year-old was by no means poor in regard to his spread of match statistics, taking a blocked shot when Salah was in a better position, failing to make a single attempted dribble and failing to meet the targetted noggin with each of his six crosses, as per Sofascore.

Tsimikas is just a little… one-dimensional. There was a moment that has since entered the roaring stream of social media that saw the defender unconventionally look to protect his goal against Max Kilman, throwing himself to the floor in a wretched attempt to block the shot that never came. It was funny but his blushes were spared. Mirth would have fallen flat had Kilman breached Kelleher’s net.

Losing the ball 19 times, he was eager to make things happen but it didn’t come off, and though he fought well against the energetic Jarrod Bowen, left-back will surely be a position that FSG target before long.

Indeed, Liverpool are long-time admirers of Wolverhampton Wanderers star Rayan Ait-Nouri, whose capacity to underlap and invert could be a welcome addition within the fluid ball-playing system of Slot, with the head coach keen to shift and swell when in possession and on the forward charge.

You have to respect the commitment toward protecting his goal, but Tsimikas was questionable across a series of shaky moments that really did underscore the influence that Virgil van Dijk instils. West Ham’s profligacy precluded their success, but it could have been different against sharper, more confident opposition.

With all this in mind, Tsimikas can’t be in the starting line up for this weekend’s top-flight clash against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux.

Slot must axe Liverpool ace who earns more than Diaz & Konate

It’s time for this wider member to move on…

ByAngus Sinclair Sep 25, 2024

Well, that was just a little bit stressful, wasn’t it?

With the country watching and without his first-choice midfield, Mikel Arteta has just led Arsenal to their third win away at Tottenham Hotspur in as many years.

It wasn’t a game full of attacking quality, but the Gunners put in another defensive masterclass, and as if it was scripted, Gabriel Magalhães nodded home the winner from a Bukayo Saka corner.

However, as brilliant as the Brazilian was and as deserving of the plaudits that he is, there’s another starter who deserves just as much praise.

Gabriel's game in numbers

Yes, just like last season, Arsenal exploited Spurs’ inability to defend setpieces and scored their winning goal from the head of Gabriel, who was awarded the Player of the Match award.

That said, while the former LOSC Lille ace was the only name on the scoresheet, he would’ve still been in with a shout for the award had he not scored, as alongside William Saliba, Ben White and Jurrien Timber, he helped to keep Ange Postecoglou’s attackers relatively quiet.

The 26-year-old was so impressive that the Standard’s Simon Collings gave him a 9/10 after the match, writing that as well as his ‘thumping header’, he ‘made so many important blocks’. While it’s a high rating, it’s more than justified by his statistics from the match.

Minutes

95′

Goals

1

Clearances

7

Tackles

2

Interceptions

1

Duels (Won)

4 (3)

Lost Possession

6

Shots Blocked

2

Touches

40

In his 95 minutes of action, he scored one goal, made seven clearances, two tackles, and one interception, won three of four duels, lost the ball just six times, blocked two shots, and took 40 touches.

In all, the 6 foot 3 “beast”, as dubbed by journalist Robert Lutesich, was the match winner and fully deserved the adulation, but one of his teammates was just as good.

David Raya's performance in numbers

Yes, one of the other standout performers from today’s victory is Spanish goalkeeper David Raya, who is proving his manager more and more right every game this season.

Now, while the former Brentford ace wasn’t peppered with shots, thanks to his defence in front of him, he was alert and ready to brilliantly deal with the ones that made it through, and on top of that, his ability to command his space was in stark contrast to his opposite number.

For his efforts between the sticks, Collings gave the 29-year-old an 8/10, writing that he ‘made several good saves early on and was solid all afternoon’ and that he now has ‘a real presence about him.’

Minutes

95′

Saves (In the box)

5 (4)

Goals Prevented

0.33

Run Outs (Successful)

1 (1)

Claims

2

Touches

48

Clearances

2

Fouls Won

1

Duels Won

1 (100%)

Unsurprisingly, his statistics from the match are seriously impressive as well, as in his 95 minutes of action, he made five saves, four of which were inside the box, prevented 0.33 goals, ran out once and was successful in doing so, made two claims, took 48 touches, made two clearances, won 100% of his duels and won a foul to boot.

Ultimately, the Spaniard’s “astonishing” performance in goal, as described by one Arsenal journalist and content creator, won’t get quite the same attention as Gabriel’s match-winning goal, and understandably so, but it was arguably just as important, and if Raya can keep up this sort of form then he’ll be the favourite to win the golden gloves for a second season running.

Arteta let Arsenal star walk away on a free, now he's outscoring Saka

The goalscoring sensation was incredible last season.

1 ByJack Salveson Holmes Sep 12, 2024

Bayern Munich have joined fellow European heavyweights Real Madrid in the race to sign a Premier League star, as transfer chiefs Max Eberl and Christoph Freund continue work on Vincent Kompany's squad behind-the-scenes.

Kompany records winning Bayern start after summer spree

It has been a brilliant start to life for Kompany at the Allianz Arena, following the Belgian's switch to Bayern's dugout from Burnley over the summer.

The German giants, aiming to wrestle the Bundesliga title back off Bayer Leverkusen, started this 2024/2025 season with a thrilling 3-2 win away at Wolfsburg – with Jamal Musiala, an own goal from Jakub Kaminski and Serge Gnabry's late strike rounding off a crucial win at the Volskwagen Arena.

"I enjoyed it, it was my first Bundesliga game as a coach," said Kompany on Bayern's comeback win at Wolfsburg.

"The first half was dominant, as it should be. We didn't concede any chances. The second half wasn't good at the beginning, we conceded two quick goals. The third point is that our mentality was right at the end, and that's why we won the game.

Holsten Kiel vs Bayern Munich

September 14

Werder Bremen vs Bayern Munich

September 21

Bayern Munich vs Bayer Leverkusen

September 28

Eintracht Frankfurt vs Bayern Munich

October 6

Bayern Munich vs Stuttgart

October 19

"Mistakes happen, the important thing is how the team reacts. That took a while in the second half. Thomas Mueller and Kingsley Coman came in with the right mentality and the tempo came back. At the end of the second half, we had a lot of courage to win the game. It wasn't perfect, but we'll keep going."

Bayern then downed SC Freiburg 2-0 in Kompany's first ever home league game as manager, courtesy of Harry Kane's first-half penalty and Thomas Muller's late goal, with an all-important opening Champions League match against Dinamo Zagreb awaiting the Bavarians next week after their clash against Holsten Kiel this weekend.

Kompany's promising start comes after Bayern spent nearly £120 million to back him over the summer window, sealing multi-million pound deals for Michael Olise, Joao Palhinha, Hiroki Ito, Bryan Zaragoza, Armindo Zieb and Eric Dier on a free transfer.

Bayern also attempted to add Chido Obi-Martin to Kompany's ranks over the summer, but they were ultimately beaten to the ex-Arsenal wonderkid by Manchester United.

Bayern join Real Madrid in race for Arsenal star William Saliba

Now, according to CaughtOffside, Eberl and Freund have turned their attention towards north London once again – as they eye a move for Arsenal's superstar defender William Saliba.

The France defender has been nothing short of imperative since coming into Mikel Arteta's first team at the beginning of 2022/2023, and Real Madrid have been monitoring Saliba for a while now.

However, it is believed Bayern have now joined Real and PSG in the race for Saliba, as they European big-wigs consider adding an illustrious Premier League defender to their ranks.

It won't be an easy deal to pull off, though, as CS believe Saliba will command a £120 million-plus price tag to prise away from the Emirates Stadium. The 23-year-old is also thought to be on around £190,000-per-week, so the total cost of a move could be very expensive.

“Saliba has been absolutely outstanding, a giant on the pitch," said Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville towards the end of last season. “A special mention to Gabriel as well, who wasn’t far behind in his performance. But this has answered the question of how much Saliba was missed last season.”

Everton have struggled during the opening few weeks of the season, losing all three of their Premier League games so far.

Progression into the next round of the EFL was secured, but a win over Doncaster Rovers was also expected. Sean Dyche is now under pressure to get things right in the top flight, otherwise the Toffees could face yet another relegation battle.

Dyche made his eighth signing of the summer before the window closed by luring Armando Broja to Goodison Park. Could he help the club remain in the top flight?

Armando Broja’s Premier League statistics

The Albanian striker made his Premier League debut during a loan spell with Southampton in the 2021/22 campaign, scoring six goals for the Saints that season.

He returned to the Blues for the following campaign yet could only manage one league goal due to suffering a cruciate ligament injury in December 2022, keeping him out for nine months.

The striker has been plagued with injury problems throughout his young career thus far, and he could be missing until November due to an Achilles issue.

This means Dyche won't be able to see the best of Broja until potentially the new year, indicating that he will have to stick with those at his disposal.

Goals

1

Assists

1

Shots per game

0.6

Successful dribbles per game

0.7

Total duels won per game

1.9

Big chances created

1

Could the manager perhaps call on a young talent who has made the move to Merseyside this summer as a potential replacement for the injured loanee? As he may have to gamble sooner rather than later.

Omari Benjamin could solve Broja blow

After impressing during his trial at the club, Omari Benjamin signed a three-year deal with the Toffees ahead of the new season.

During his time at Arsenal, Benjamin showcased his glittering talents for the U18 side, scoring 18 goals in just 33 appearances, emerging as one of the brightest young talents at the club.

His move to Finch Farm, however, came as a surprise, but it is clear Dyche has an outstanding talent in his U18 squad who could potentially gain senior opportunities this term.

Jeorge Bird, a youth reporter for Arsenal, heaped plenty of praise on the centre-forward back in 2022, saying: “Omari Benjamin looks like a good prospect. Can play up front or out wide. Has been prolific for the U16s this season. Wales youth international.”

The youngster has also shone for the Wales U19 side, scoring once in five games while even grabbing an assist, showcasing his qualities on the international scene.

Dyche will continue to use Dominic Calvert-Lewin as his main striker, but if anything were to happen to him, don’t be surprised to see Benjamin receive a call-up to the senior side.

If so, Benjamin certainly has the confidence to make quite an impression in the senior ranks should a chance arise over the next few months.

No doubt about that.

Everton ace was boldly sold by Dyche, now he's outscoring Calvert-Lewin

He enjoyed a very successful 2023/24 campaign away from Goodison.

1 ByEthan Lamb Sep 6, 2024

According to Jacob Steinberg of The Guardian, Nottingham Forest are among the clubs interested in a deal to sign Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi this summer, with Fulham and AC Milan also reportedly interested.

Nottingham Forest transfer news – will they sign Callum Hudson-Odoi?

As per Steinberg, Forest are in the race to sign Hudson-Odoi, who is likely to leave Chelsea this summer after failing to hit the heights on loan at Bayer Leverkusen last season.

The Blues have reportedly set a price tag of just £15m for the academy graduate, who is out of contract next summer.

Hudson-Odoi has reportedly received offers from Saudi Arabia – like many others – but has prioritised staying in Europe and getting his career back on track.

We saw last season that Forest are not afraid to splash the cash, spending €195.25m (£168.61m) on a number of arrivals.

Among those was Jesse Lingard on a free deal, proving that they are capable of attracting players from big clubs, which could be a factor for any potential Hudson-Odoi move.

Would Callum Hudson-Odoi perform at Nottingham Forest?

There are not many players around that need a move to get their careers back on track more than Hudson-Odoi. The loan move to Leverkusen was meant to do exactly that, but one goal and one assist in 21 appearances tell you all you need to know about how that spell went.

Back in the familiar territory of the Premier League, however, the 22-year-old could finally get back to his best – a version that was once linked with a sensational move to Bayern Munich.

If the Chelsea man does decide to make the move to Forest, it would be incredibly similar to Lingard's move last summer, given that he'd be moving from a top club on potentially huge wages.

Like the former Manchester United midfielder, Hudson-Odoi would be under a lot of pressure if he made the move. The hope will be that he can handle the pressure better than Lingard did after the England international recorded zero goals and assists in the Premier League last season.

Hudson-Odoi could even play the role of wingback if he made the Forest move, given Steve Cooper's tendency to occasionally play with a back five. This is a role that he has played before, of course, under Thomas Tuchel, making him a versatile option for many clubs.

Speaking on the academy graduate back in 2020, Chelsea teammate Mason Mount told the club website: "We all know what Callum can do and he came on and brought that spark.

"He’s very good one on one and we just have to get him the ball going one on one and try to create chances. He did very well when he came on and that is something he can take away from the game."

Also praising the winger, scout Jacek Kulig said back in 2020: "Three years ago I gave Hudson-Odoi 10/10 potential and I stand by my opinion. Callum still has crazy potential."

It's clear that Forest have the ability to attract names from the Premier League's big six, but they will hope that the similarities between Lingard and a potential move for Hudson-Odoi this summer end there. Indeed, should the wide man live up to that famed potential, Forest would have an almighty player on their hands.

Arsenal youngster Folarin Balogun is still attracting "interest" from clubs in the Premier League and abroad, reveals Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth.

The interest in the young striker has intensified thanks to his excellent loan spell with Ligue 1 side Stade Reims last season.

Arsenal transfer news – What's the latest on Folarin Balogun

Alongside the player's impressive exploits in France last season, his much-publicised desire to be a starting number nine next year and opposition to playing second fiddle has increased the interest in him.

The most recent club to signal interest in the player is West Ham United, who have reportedly made the New York-born striker a priority signing in the Summer window, per FootballTransfers.

According to the report, the player has been discussed as a potential makeweight in the Declan Rice to Arsenal saga, a deal that could suit all parties involved.

Outside of the Premier League, Juventus are one of the possible destinations for the player.

Italian Journalist Rudy Galetti informed GiveMeSport that the Bianconeri could sign Balogun as a potential replacement for Dusan Vlahovic, who is said to be on Chelsea's list of potential summer transfers.

The price Arsenal are looking to get for their young star is reported to be around £35m, as per football.london.

What has Dharmesh Sheth said about Folarin Balogun and Arsenal?

Sheth highlighted the player's contract situation and informed GiveMeSport of the interest in the player from clubs both in and out of the Premier League.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, he said: "I think he's got two years left on his contract. If Arsenal do want to keep them, we've not heard of any noises of a new contract, so that one could move.

"I think his representatives do have interest in the player from the Premier League and from clubs abroad, including RB Leipzig as well, so keep an eye on that one."

How good was Folarin Balogun's season last year?

Whilst the player certainly had his fans and excitement surrounding him before his stint in Ligue 1, that year abroad has generated much of the current interest and hype around the player, and rightly so.

According to WhoScored, the player averaged an impressive rating of 6.90 across his 37 league games last season, scoring 21 goals and assisting a further two.

His underlying numbers are equally impressive and paint the picture of a player who could go on to be a star.

According to FBref, who compare players in a similar position across Europe's top five leagues, the dynamic forward is in the top 7% for non-penalty expected goals, the top 9% for total shots and the 19% for touches in the opposition's penalty area, all per 90.

With statistics like that, it's no surprise that Mikel Arteta heaped praise on him back in February, saying:

"When you look at the numbers and what he is doing, it's just incredible. It's very rare to see that. But he's got something special, that's why we decided to give him a long-term contract."

If the Gunners are set to cash in on their American wonderkid, they might regret it further down the line.

Newcastle United have been reported to hold an interest in Leeds United midfielder Brenden Aaronson, but the USMNT international has endured a torrid time in the Premier League this year.

That's following an exclusive from Football League World, who claim that Magpies technical director Dan Ashworth has his eye on Aaronson and his international and Leeds teammate Tyler Adams this summer after the Whites were relegated from the top-flight after three seasons.

The 22-year-old only signed last summer for around £25m and started brightly, but as Leeds' campaign deteriorated so did Aaronson's, and he might be searching for new pastures as the outfit look to recuperate some of the sum paid to RB Salzburg.

Newcastle are in the market for new firepower in the central department after qualifying for the Champions League with a top-four finish, but the main question on supporters' lips would be whether signing the ace would be the most auspicious move to make…

Should Newcastle sign Brendan Aaronson?

Aaronson still has four years left at Elland Road after penning a five-year deal upon signing for the club, but there is every possibility that he will be shipped on as Leeds look to rebuild ahead of mounting a bid for promotion straight back to the top flight.

And while he is clearly a talented playmaker, given Newcastle's newfound stature and breakthrough to European competition, it is unlikely that Howe would be inclined to make the move with the squad's midfield already so robust and reliable.

The 29-cap ace only scored once across the entirety of the 22/23 Premier League season, assisting a further three goals, and was even branded a "lightweight" by pundit Jon Newsome for his anonymous, almost lackadaisical presence on the pitch.

As per Sofascore, the £45k-per-week American recorded a, candidly, woeful average league rating of 6.51, and while he completed 79% of his passes and averaged 1.3 key passes per game, his flimsiness was on full show as he won only 40% of his contested duels and succeeded with 41% of his attempted dribbles.

And given that Magpies outcast Ryan Fraser statistically completed a better season, recording an average rating of 6.71 after playing just eight times all year, it hardly seems to be the most propitious option for the Toon to delve down.

Especially considering the likes of James Maddison and Dominik Szoboszlai have peppered the rumour mill with reports of United's heated interest in their services.

Fraser, while embodying the etymology of the word peripheral under Howe's wing at St. James's Park, won 59% of his duels in the Premier League and at least held his own, something that Aaronson – who reportedly has a relegation clause worth in the region of £25m – has, as illustrated by the aforementioned metrics, failed to do.

Such talents would undoubtedly come at greater cost, but Newcastle have established the foundation for a future laden in success and must now make the right moves to ensure that the good fortunes this year do not falter with the turning of the page, and Aaronson, talented as he may be, is surely not the answer at such a crucial stage in this burgeoning outfit's development as a European superpower.

Aston Villa could potentially make a move for Villarreal attacker Nicolas Jackson in the summer transfer window, according to journalist Ryan Taylor.

Have Villa been linked with Jackson move?

The Villans had a memorable 2022/23 season in the end, overcoming a poor start to the season under Steven Gerrard to finish seventh in the Premier League, securing a place in the UEFA Europa Conference League in the process.

A hugely promising summer window is now about to get underway at Villa Park, with the owners making plenty of funds available for new signings as Villa look to find another level next term.

It could be that attacking reinforcements are at the top of Unai Emery's shopping list, and one player who has been linked in the past is Jackson, who the Villa boss worked with during his time in charge at Villarreal between.

The 21-year-old scored 12 goals and also chipped in with four assists in La Liga in 2022/23, and it could be that this summer is a chance for him to enjoy a new challenge. His current deal doesn't expire until the summer of 2026, but it would be a surprise if he remained at Villarreal until then.

What's the latest on Jackson to Villa?

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Taylor talked up Villa's chances of making a move for Jackson, also name-checking another former Emery player:

"From what I understand he likes Nicolas Jackson. I do think he could maybe look at some of his former Villarreal players for transfers to Aston Villa. Yeremy Pino, as well, is another one. Nico Williams of Athletic Bilbao, too."

Jackson could be precisely what Villa are after this summer, bringing youth and freshness to the attack, not to mention providing Emery with more options ahead of their European commitments next season.

The fact that the Spaniard knows him so well can only be a good thing, too, making the move less risky and suggesting that the Villa boss will know exactly what he will get from him. A tally of 13 goals and six assists in 47 appearances for Villarreal is a good return for someone who is still so young, and he should only improve as the years pass.

The one-time Senegal international has been called "extraordinary" by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, and Villa snapping him this summer could signify a major statement of intent.

Aston Villa are still showing an interest in signing Atletico Madrid superstar Joao Felix during the summer transfer window, according to a fresh update.

What is Joao Felix's contract and salary?

The £235,000-a-week Portuguese arguably hasn't yet hit the heights many predicted of him a few years ago, having won the prestigious European Golden Boy award back in 2019.

Felix made the move to Chelsea on loan back in January, having struggled to consistently make an impact at Atletico, but his time at Stamford Bridge was largely underwhelming. Granted, he was playing for an out-of-sorts team were low on both quality and confidence, but a tally of four goals in 16 Premier League appearances was still a forgettable return.

It doesn't look as though the Blues will take up the offer of signing the 23-year-old permanently this summer, so instead, he will return to Atletico but looks likely to depart again and perhaps permanently this time, despite his contract not expiring until 2027.

Villa have been linked with a move for Felix recently, and it looks as though their interest isn't showing any sign of waning.

Will Villa sign Felix?

According to Onda Cero [via Sport Witness], both the Villans and Tottenham "could be interested" in snapping up the Portugal international this summer, with Atletico set to deem him surplus to requirements.

There is a possible issue surrounding a move for Felix, however, with the report stating that the youngster "only wants teams qualified in the Champions League".

Felix is undoubtedly a huge talent, having been hailed as "special" by Alvaro Morata and "complete" by Diego Simeone in the past, so the thought of Villa signing him is a mouthwatering one.

He possesses genuine star talent and he could thrive by being the main man at Villa Park, raising the level of those around him and spearheading their charge in Europe next season. There are question marks surrounding him, given the manner in which he has struggled to reach expectations levels, but at 23, he is still so young and could be a superstar addition for years to come.

That being said, it does feel unlikely that Villa, or Spurs for that matter, will be able to entice him to the club, considering he seemingly only has eyes on playing Champions League football. The lure of playing under the much-revered Unai Emery could be the one thing given them a chance of signing him, though.

Arsenal have been linked to a striker ahead of the transfer window, as the Gunners turn their attention to strengthening this summer.

Mikel Arteta’s side enjoyed a memorable 2022/23 campaign, falling just five points short of winning their first Premier League title since 2004.

Despite there being a sense of disappointment surrounding the Emirates with reference to what could have been, there are an excess of positives the north Londoners can take into next season.

With the summer window around the corner, the Gunners will look to capitalise on their errors made this term to challenge again after the break with potential new signings on the cards.

What’s the latest on Marcos Leonardo to Arsenal?

As reported by 90min last week, a host of clubs have been scouting Santos striker Marcos Leonardo at the U20 World Cup.

Premier League representatives such as Tottenham, Newcastle, Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal have been named as those watching the young star.

The 20-year-old is valued by Football Transfers at €16.1m (£14m), and is contracted to the Brazilian club until 2026.

What could Marcos Leonardo bring to Arsenal?

Hailed as “frightening” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, the Brazilian has scored three goals in three matches at the U20 World Cup, averaging a seriously impressive 3.7 shots per game as per Sofascore.

The youngster is continuing his form from his season with Santos, in which he has contributed to six goals in 11 appearances in Paulista Serie A1.

His record throughout 2022 told a similar story, as per Mango, seeing him score 19 goals in 39 games in all competitions, all of which came inside the box, making him a hot prospect in European football this summer.

With reference to Arsenal, the young forward could bring essential depth to the strike areas, which was required in the absence of Gabriel Jesus who needed knee surgery following an injury sustained at the Qatar World Cup.

Second-choice striker Eddie Nketiah held the fort strongly, notably scoring against Manchester United, however, after the Englishman, Arsenal’s strikeforce was all-out.

The quality shown at such a young age by Leonardo could see him potentially rival Jesus in north London, bringing essential competition to Arteta’s attack to increase performance.

Arsenal’s number nine brought with him from Manchester City an infectious energy and tireless flare as seen so frequently in Brazilian players, replicated by the 20-year-old target.

Lauded by Mango as being a player that plays “without fear”, the forward has comparable qualities to Jesus, and could raise the standards of the 26-year-old who was described as being "poor" in the run-up to the final straight, showing slight inconsistencies in front of goal.

With depth in numbers comes competition which naturally raises the bar of expectation for a manager regarding selection, introducing a hungry-to-succeed starlet such as Leonardo could benefit Arteta’s squad in so many ways beyond goals.