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Manchester United have it all to do this season, having started poorly yet again. Managerial scrutiny is no new thing at the Theatre of Dreams, and Ruben Amorim is very much at the centre of the current struggle at the club, and the pressure is mounting.

It is concerning that Amorim continues to search for his first back-to-back victories in the Premier League. It is concerning that, though we are only six games into the term, the Red Devils are 14th in the standings. It is concerning that Grimsby Town won on penalties to knock Man United out of the Carabao Cup in the second round.

It is more concerning still that banished players from last season are performing with such gusto since leaving Old Trafford, and who could typify that more than Marcus Rashford at Barcelona?

Marcus Rashford's Barcelona glow-up

Rashford was at a crossroads after concluding his loan spell with Aston Villa last season, having been ostracised by Amorim following the Portuguese manager’s arrival in England.

It was generally accepted that the change was needed for the Three Lions star, who has started life in Spain emphatically, scoring twice and assisting four goals across seven matches.

The 27-year-old has long been considered one of the most talented Englishmen of his generation and, indeed, enjoyed several staggering high points at Man United, at times one of the most clinical wingers in Europe.

He is coming back to form on loan with Barcelona, with his show-stopping performance against Newcastle United in the Champions League evidence of that.

However, there’s no question that Rashford was an issue for United last year, and that we might sadly be seeing Amorim’s new version of the talented forward emerging before our eyes.

Amorim's new version of Rashford

This summer, Bruno Fernandes proved his loyalty to Manchester United when rejecting the lucrative advances of Saudi Arabian suitors, but his performances since have left plenty to be desired.

He is the club’s best player. The captain, Fernandes has scored 17 goals and assisted 12 more across 47 matches for Amorim. But he has also presented a tactical quandary, with the manager’s 3-4-3 formation meaning he has been placed into a two-man central midfield.

It is not like Fernandes has not played in a deeper role before. The Portuguese Magnifico’s range of passing and technical command illustrates his versatility. However, rarely before coming under Amorim’s wing had he played in a two-man midfield.

Attacking midfield

396

141 (118)

Central midfield

108

29 (17)

Left winger

18

3 (3)

Right winger

14

5 (4)

Centre-forward

8

0 (3)

Holding midfield

7

4 (4)

It might be that a more naturally polished box-to-box player could help restore some semblance of fluency to the Man United team, and Fernandes’ frustrations at having missed two penalties already in the Premier League this season perhaps underscore his current plight, typically unerring from the spot.

Fernandes’ application cannot be questioned, and in that way, he differs from Rashford, but the £300k-per-week talent is one of the outfit’s superstars, and once again, Amorim may be dealing with such a big name entering persistent media discourse for all the wrong reasons.

Following the heavy defeat in the Manchester derby, the Independent’s Adam Cleary said that the skipper’s role deep in the centre of the field was becoming a “problem”, for he does not provide the defensive security and roundedness that is perhaps needed.

This is not a slight against Bruno. He is trying to bring it all together for the Red Devils, but fighting an uphill battle, and if Amorim fails to devise a formula for success soon, Fernandes might be following another former United talisman out the door, with hopes of rekindling his finest football before he sinks too deep into his thirties.

Worse than Amorim: INEOS open talks to hire 55-year-old manager for Man Utd

Manchester United are edging closer to an uncomfortable decision regarding Ruben Amorim’s future.

ByAngus Sinclair Sep 29, 2025

For all the scrutiny on Newcastle United’s inconsistent attack, their defensive organisation has been the team’s saving grace.

Eddie Howe’s side may not have been firing at the other end, but their solidity at the back has provided a foundation to build from.

Heading into their meeting with Arsenal, Newcastle had conceded the lowest expected goals against (xGA) in the Premier League at just 2.5. Compare that with their efforts in offence and the difference is stark.

Burnley

4.5

Aston Villa

5.0

West Ham

5.0

Newcastle United

5.2

Wolves

5.6

That xGA record slipped slightly after the defeat to Mikel Arteta’s side, but they still sit second in that particular metric – underlining the strength of their structure without the ball.

Across their opening fixtures, the Magpies have conceded only five goals, keeping four clean sheets. Only Liverpool and Arsenal have managed to score against them in the league play.

A big part of that early-season resilience has been the work of Tino Livramento, who added balance with his pace and anticipation on the flank.

His injury against Arsenal, which looked serious, could prove damaging to Howe’s plans.

Yet it also highlighted the broader point: Newcastle are in the process of rejuvenating their defensive line.

The partnership of Dan Burn and Fabian Schär has been a reliable one, but with Champions League football and a congested schedule, rotation is no longer optional.

Howe has made it clear that everyone must be ready to slot in seamlessly and that process is beginning to accelerate as one fantastic servant edges towards the twilight of his career.

How Fabian Schär became Newcastle's defensive heartbeat

When Newcastle signed Schär from Deportivo La Coruña in 2018 for just £3m, few predicted he would go on to become one of the club’s most consistent performers of the modern era.

Now into his sixth season, the 33-year-old has amassed 235 appearances, scoring 21 goals and contributing 10 assists – remarkable numbers for a centre-half and a reminder of his set-piece threat.

What sets Schär apart is his technical ability.

Described as a “true legend of the club” by one Newcastle content creator earlier this year, he is most notably comfortable receiving the ball under pressure. The Swiss defender can step out of the backline, carry into midfield, and fire incisive passes through the lines.

Under Howe, that skill has been essential in moving Newcastle away from being a purely reactive side to one that can build attacks from deep.

Chalkboard

He also brings invaluable experience. With 86 international caps for Switzerland before his retirement last year, Schär has featured at World Cups and European Championships, developing into a leader by example rather than volume.

Supporters regard him as one of the best value-for-money signings in the club’s history.

Yet even leaders decline. At 33, Schär has become more vulnerable to injuries, missing recent fixtures due to concussion protocols after a heavy knock against Barcelona in the Champions League.

Subtle lapses – slower reactions to second balls, occasional mistimed challenges – have also crept in.

While his passing remains assured, there is a growing sense that Newcastle must prepare for a future where he is no longer the constant at the heart of their back four.

Newcastle's future leader ready to replace Schar

If Schär represents the present, new signing Malick Thiaw may well be the future.

Signed from AC Milan in the summer for £30m, the Germany international arrived with a reputation as one of Europe’s most technically capable young centre-backs.

At 24 years old, he already had 85 senior appearances for Milan and experience in the Champions League – proof that he can handle high-pressure environments.

Thiaw’s qualities are exactly what Howe seeks in a modern defender.

He is calm in possession, able to turn away from pressure, and plays progressive passes that cut through midfield lines.

Matches Played

22

Tackles

24

Blocks

14

Interceptions

15

Aerial Duels Won

49

His statistical profile backs this up: with a 93.2% pass completion rate, ranking him in the 95th percentile among his positional peers across Europe, he rarely concedes possession cheaply.

He also averages nearly five progressive passes per 90 minutes, placing him in the 85th percentile – evidence of his willingness to play forward rather than sideways.

His performance against Arsenal offered a glimpse of his potential. Thiaw won four of six aerial duels, cleared the ball eight times, and crucially, was not dribbled past once.

In possession, he completed 20 of his 23 passes, showing the kind of poise that makes him such a natural fit for Howe’s tactical approach.

Defensively, he read danger well, stepping out to intercept once and shepherding Arsenal’s attackers away from goal with his positioning.

Stylistically, Thiaw has drawn comparisons with Ibrahima Konaté and Micky van de Ven – defenders who blend physical dominance with technical assurance.

Newcastle fans already see the potential for Thiaw to form a long-term partnership with Sven Botman, one that could anchor the club’s backline for the next five years.

Of course, the summer arrival still needs to adapt fully to the pace and intensity of the Premier League, but the early signs are encouraging.

With Champions League fixtures demanding rotation, Howe may soon face a decision that seemed unthinkable only a year ago.

Phasing out one of the club’s most reliable veterans in favour of a player who looks ready to lead Newcastle’s defence into a new era.

Newcastle can axe Gordon by unleashing 18-year-old who's "similar to Mbappe"

Anthony Gordon hasn’t been at the races this season for Newcastle United.

ByWill Miller Sep 29, 2025

Sam Northeast and unbeaten Colin Ingram also pass fifty against Derbyshire

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay02-May-2025Glamorgan claimed the ascendency at 336 for 6 as they still search for a first win in the Rothesay County Championship in 2025.Young Jersey international Asa Tribe led the way with a proactive half-century in his first start this season making Derbyshire’s bowlers toil in the first hour.Captain Sam Northeast and unbeaten Colin Ingram also passed 50 in experienced knocks to send the hosts past 300 for the first time on the opening day this season.There was frustration for high flyers Derbyshire as Luis Reece pulled up injured for a second consecutive game with a suspected hamstring problem after finding his form with two wickets in quick succession and Ingram was dropped twice, once on 32, again on 70.After being inserted by Derbyshire on a green pitch under sunny skies at Sophia Gardens, Glamorgan took little time in making their presence at the crease known. A loose full toss by Reece was carved to the boundary off just second ball of the game by Zain Ul Hassan, followed by Tribe clipping New Zealand quick Blair Tickner away off the pads with comfort for a three on his first ball faced in a sign of things to come.The decision to bring in recent second XI double-centurion Tribe for Eddie Byrom continued to reap rewards, with three straight drives for four off the same Reece over. Ul Hassan also continued to show increasing enjoyment as an opening batter until he was dismissed just short of the century partnership hooking a Reece short delivery, then Tribe was bowled attempting a drive with his continued confidence, both within 10 balls of the left-armer’s second spell.Despite the momentum ending with Derbyshire, it was still Glamorgan’s session at lunch at 102 for 2.Tickner continued to show extra pace and looked troublesome when the ball did move around off the wicket, Northeast fending past gully to get off the mark and Kiran Carlson edging past three lurking slips first ball after lunch.Elsewhere, the balance of the attack still had to work hard as Wayne Madsen’s decision to field for a third consecutive innings across two matches showed its effect: bowlers withering and batters comfortable when not playing recklessly.Carlson came and went after a brisk 35, another falling to a hook, Zak Chappell with a well-deserved reward after an economical start. Ingram showed the wicket not to be as easy as the scorecard suggested being on just three from 24 balls before hitting Alex Thomson for a straight six in more Ingram-like fashion.Just one wicket came in the second session as the third half-century partnership passed, but still Glamorgan struggled to accelerate since Tribe’s blistering start and Carlson’s flamboyant knock ending prematurely.Ingram’s patience alongside the captain’s season best frustrated the ever-changing bowlers as they both passed 50s before Anuj Dal struck, Northeast out lbw after tea.Despite Thomson’s 38th-over introduction, the off-spinner with a 12-wicket haul in Cardiff last season went wicketless in 21 overs as the final session hung in the balance, the visitors claiming three wickets for 99 runs. Importantly for the hosts, Ingram will enter day two at the crease.

يلتقي الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بالنادي الأهلي، اليوم الأربعاء، مع الاتحاد السكندري، في لقاء يقام ضمن منافسات بطولة الدوري المصري الممتاز.

ويواجه الأهلي نظيره الاتحاد السكندري، ضمن منافسات الأسبوع الحادي عشر من بطولة الدوري المصري الممتاز موسم 2025-2026 على استاد القاهرة.

طالع| قائمة الأهلي لمباراة الاتحاد السكندري في الدوري.. عودة نجم الفريق

ويعود الأهلي لخوض مبارياته في بطولة الدوري، بعد أن حقق الفوز على إيجل نوار بهدف دون مقابل، في ذهاب ‏دور الـ32 من منافسات دوري أبطال إفريقيا.‏

ويتواجد الأهلي في المركز الرابع بجدول ترتيب الدوري المصري، ويمتلك 18 نقطة في رصيده بعدما فاز بـ5 مباريات وتعادل 3 مرات وتلقى هزيمة وحيدة.

بينما يحتل الاتحاد السكندري المركز السابع عشر في ترتيب الدوري المصري، برصيد 8 نقاط من الفوز بمباراتين والتعادل بمثلهما وتلقي 5 هزائم. موعد مباراة الأهلي والاتحاد السكندري في الدوري

تقام مباراة الأهلي مع الاتحاد السكندري اليوم الأربعاء الموافق 22 أكتوبر، في تمام الخامسة مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة والسعودية. القنوات الناقلة لمباراة الأهلي والاتحاد السكندري في الدوري

تنقل مباراة الأهلي والاتحاد السكندري على شبكة قنوات أون سبورت، وتحديدا أون سبورت 1.

ويمكنكم مطالعة مواعيد ونتائج جميع المباريات لحظة بلحظة عبر مركز المباريات من هنا.

Newcastle United have built their modern reputation not just on financial clout but on shrewdly identifying opportunities that balance ambition with strategy.

Their recruitment since the change of ownership has been measured, targeted and often brave.

The signing of Sandro Tonali in 2023 epitomised that approach.

In making the AC Milan midfielder the most expensive Italian player in history, Newcastle showed their willingness to gamble on a player who combined proven Serie A quality with enormous potential upside.

Despite his 10-month suspension for breaching betting regulations, Tonali has since returned to play a central role in Eddie Howe’s side.

He was instrumental in Newcastle’s Carabao Cup triumph – their first domestic silverware in 70 years – and now forms part of a midfield three with Bruno Guimarães and Joelinton that ranks among the most complete in Europe.

That calculated risk has paid off.

It has also demonstrated to Newcastle’s hierarchy that Italian football remains fertile ground for elite talent that can be persuaded to make the move to the Premier League.

Newcastle make contact over Inter star

They have already dipped back into Serie A this summer, recruiting Malick Thiaw from AC Milan, further evidence of a strategy built on trusted relationships and a willingness to invest in players who can adapt quickly to Howe’s aggressive, high-pressing football.

Transfer Focus

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

Expand Collapse

Against that backdrop, it is no surprise that Newcastle are once again monitoring the Italian market.

According to reports in Italy, via Sport Witness, Newcastle have made initial contact with Inter Milan regarding midfielder Davide Frattesi.

While discussions have not moved beyond a preliminary stage, the very fact the club have opened a dialogue underlines their intent to explore whether another Serie A talent could be lured to Tyneside.

Frattesi, 25, has long been viewed as one of Italy’s brightest midfielders.

He joined Inter in 2023 from Sassuolo, and since then, he has grown into an important option for Inter.

Christian Chivu, Inter’s new head coach, considers him a key part of the squad, but with the likes of Nicolo Barella, Hakan Çalhanoğlu, Piotr Zieliński and Luis Henrique all competing for central roles, a departure cannot be entirely ruled out.

Still, Inter’s position is firm: any suitor must meet their €40m (£35m) valuation.

That figure is not insignificant, particularly for Newcastle, who have already invested heavily this summer.

Jacob Ramsey’s arrival from Aston Villa strengthened their midfield department, making a further signing in that area less of a priority.

Yet Frattesi’s profile fits with Howe’s long-term vision of building a squad capable of competing both domestically and in Europe.

Lessons From Tonali and the Italian Connection

Frattesi’s numbers underline his threat.

He scored five times and registered two assists in 28 Serie A appearances last season, while also making an impact on the European stage with two goals in 13 Champions League outings, including a decisive strike in Inter’s semi-final victory over Barcelona.

Internationally, he already has 29 caps for Italy and an impressive return of eight goals.

Beyond raw output, his underlying metrics stand out. According to FBref, he ranks in the 99th percentile among midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues for non-penalty expected goals per 90 (0.37), the 95th percentile for total shots per 90 (1.91) and the 93rd percentile for touches inside the attacking penalty area per 90 (3.08).

Few central midfielders in Europe consistently arrive in advanced areas with such effect.

The parallels with Newcastle’s pursuit of Tonali are obvious. In both cases, the club identified a player who, while not surplus to requirements, could potentially be prised away from one of Serie A’s giants for different reasons.

In Tonali’s case, although he was a key player in Milan’s 2021/22 Scudetto-winning side, the club’s difficult financial situation forced his transfer.

By contrast, Frattesi’s place in Inter’s starting lineup is far from guaranteed.

This situation could play into Newcastle’s hands, particularly if the player desires a more consistent role ahead of a potential World Cup campaign with Italy.

At 25, he has room to grow further, and his skillset – high pressing, ball-carrying, late penalty-box entries – aligns with Howe’s blueprint.

The challenge is financial. Inter, flush with midfield depth but also mindful of squad harmony, are under no pressure to sell unless their €40m (£35m) price tag is met.

Newcastle, mindful of PSR Regulations, may be wary, having already spent significantly on Ramsey, Anthony Elanga and Thiaw this summer.

That said, Newcastle’s Serie A ventures are rarely speculative.

Their recruitment team has cultivated strong networks in Italy, and the arrivals of Tonali and Thiaw underline the willingness of Italian clubs to engage with them when the price is right.

Whether or not a deal for Frattesi materialises, the broader point is that Newcastle are doubling down on a transfer strategy that has already brought success.

Tonali’s rehabilitation from suspension into a central figure was a vindication of Newcastle’s faith in Serie A talent.

Frattesi, with his goalscoring instincts and ability to operate at both ends of the pitch, could be the next step in that evolution.

For Newcastle, the Serie A experiment has already paid off once – a repeat, even if not immediately, seems only a matter of time.

Related Their answer to Guehi: Newcastle weigh up late move to sign £30m "monster"

Newcastle aren’t just looking at forwards as the transfer window enters the final stretch.

Posts ByAngus Sinclair Aug 24, 2025

MatériaMais Notícias

Apesar de ter vencido o Bahia por 3 a 2, neste sábado, o Flamengo sofreu uma pressão no fim do jogo mesmo com dois jogadores a mais em campo. Em entrevistacoletiva, o técnico Jorge Sampaoli ressaltou que faltou maturidade ao time para controlar a bola na frente, ampliar o marcador e não passar sufoco fora de casa.

RelacionadasFlamengoApesar da vitória, Fabrício Bruno alerta que o Flamengo precisa melhorar: ‘Não podemos tomar os sustos de hoje’Flamengo13/05/2023FlamengoDavid Luiz marca primeiro gol com a camisa do Flamengo após 76 jogosFlamengo13/05/2023FlamengoEm jogo de expulsões, Flamengo bate o Bahia e vence a primeira fora de casa no BrasileirãoFlamengo13/05/2023

+ Confira a tabela do Campeonato Brasileiro

– O time precisava de mais maturidade para controlar o ataque. O time rival tinha muita energia e nos levava para a nossa área. Por não haver controle, não conseguimos fazer a diferença para um resultado mais largo – disse.

– Uma partida muito frenética, muito acelerada. O time sentiu o ritmo no primeiro tempo. Conseguiu uma diferença clara, também no segundo tempo. Mas não conseguiu jogar muito tempo com a bola, o que gerou ataques dos dois lados. É um processo – acrescentou.

+ David Luiz marca primeiro gol com a camisa do Flamengo após 76 jogos

Durante a partida, o Rubro-Negro atuou com jogadores a mais desde os 27 minutos do segundo tempo, quando Rezende tomou o vermelho. Três minutos depois, foi a vez de Kanu também ser expulso. Mesmo assim, o Bahia seguiu levando perigo e se lançou de forma corajosa em busca do empate.

Na volta do intervalo, o argentino teve uma atitude inusitada ao fazer cinco substituições de uma vez. Ao ser questionadosobre o assunto, o comandante falou que todas as trocas foram por lesão.

– Todas as trocas foram por lesão. Todos os jogadores pediram a mudança. Os quatro jogadores de campo pediram no vestiário. Quando iríamos voltar, o médico disse que o goleiro não poderia continuar por uma lesão muscular. Fui obrigado a fazer. Me surpreendeu ter que tomar essa decisão. Com tantos jogos… Tive que tomar essa decisão- explicou.

O triunfo veio no sufoco, mas foi importante vencer a segunda seguida na competição para chegar com mais moral para o duelo com o Fluminense.O clássico será válido pelas oitavas de final da Copa do Brasil.

+ ATUAÇÕES: David Luiz finalmente desencanta, e Flamengo derrota o Bahia na Fonte Nova

O Flamengo mede forças com o Corinthians no domingo, dia 21 de maio, às 16h, no Maracanã. Antes disso, terá o jogo de ida contra o Fluminense, na terça, às 21h, pelas oitavas de final da Copa do Brasil

Former Bayern Munich chief executive Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has stated that big clubs like Manchester City, Real Madrid, and Paris Saint-Germain will have learned their lesson in the new Champions League format after their shaky performances at the start of last season. The German legend believes the top clubs have learned that they must attempt to dominate the competition from the very first round.

European giants prepare for Champions League openers

The new Champions League structure debuted last season and saw the likes of Madrid, Bayern, PSG and City have to fight for their place in the last-16 via a knock-out play-off tie. It marked a big change from the previous format, which resulted in some low-stakes matches at the end of the group stage, with the top teams often guaranteed a place in the next round by week four. 

With the 2025-26 campaign getting underway this week, Rummenigge says he finds the new format much more exciting than the previous one, but expects the bigger teams to start the campaign with maximum intensity to ensure they avoid the risk of an embarrassing exit.

AdvertisementAFPRummenigge expects 'full throttle' from City, Madrid & PSG

Rummenigge told the : “In the old group phase, everything was often already decided after the fourth matchday. Bayern Munich were regularly eliminated, and there were one or two meaningless games. I think this way as a football fan. The fact alone that four top teams – Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Manchester City, and Paris Saint-Germain – had to make it to the playoffs in the first round was proof to me how much more exciting this system is.

"The big teams have understood that they have to go full throttle from the start to get into the top eight – because that's what everyone wants. A year ago, a lot of things were still new; some top clubs were taking a more relaxed approach to one or two matches. I expect a clear learning curve now."

Bayern legend disagrees with 'Hoffenheim' billing

Bayern are looking to go further than they did last season, having been knocked out by Inter at the semi-final stage. However, the club's honorary president, Uli Hoeness, recently dismissed their chances of competing for the crown, labelling Vincent Kompany's side the Hoffenheim of the Champions League. Rummenigge, who had a good rapport with the president, has disagreed with him. 

“No. For once, I disagree with Uli Hoeness when he says we're the Hoffenheim of the Champions League," he said. "We're never underdogs! We may not always be the favorites, but that's not a bad thing."

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AFPWhen do Bayern take the field in the Champions League?

Bayern will play their first game against Chelsea on September 17, at the Allianz Arena in Munich.

Khurram Shahzad missed the best part of the last day of the Test series against Bangladesh because of pain and stiffness on the left side

Danyal Rasool07-Sep-2024Pakistan have been handed a much-needed fitness boost, with Khurram Shahzad looking like he has avoided another serious injury.The Pakistan quick was off the field for the best part of the final day of the recent Test series, when Bangladesh eased to a six-wicket victory to inflict a 2-0 defeat upon Pakistan in Rawalpindi.Shahzad, 24, who was the second highest wicket-taker in the series, was earlier instrumental in triggering a first-innings collapse that saw Bangladesh reduced to 26 for 6. He took career-best figures of 6 for 90 in the innings, but was significantly less effective in the second innings, taking 1 for 40 in the seven overs he bowled.Related

Podcast: The good, the bad, and the PCB

Pakistan's house of horrors grows with series loss to Bangladesh

He was sent for scans after the game with what was explained as pain and stiffness on the left side of his body. ESPNcricinfo understands that results have ruled out a fracture, and doctors have advised him a brief period of rest. That means, on his current diagnosis, Shahzad will be fit for the Test series against England next month.The side niggle was a huge concern for Shahzad given his recent injury history. On his debut in Perth last December, he picked up an injury that later turned out to be a stress fracture of the rib, ruling him out for several months. He only returned to the fray for the two Tests against Bangladesh last month, having not bowled a single ball in first-class cricket since the injury in Perth.Resultantly, he will not take part in the Champions One-Day Cup set to start next week as Pakistan look to nurse him back to full fitness before the first Test against England, from October 7 in Multan. He will have another MRI scan conducted next week as his progress is monitored.Pakistan will be loath to lose another fast bowler to injury keeping in mind their recent track record.Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Hasan Ali and Ihsanullah have all suffered long-term injuries of late, and the PCB’s medical department has come under great scrutiny. Earlier this year, an internal review was blisteringly critical about the management of Ihsanullah’s injury and the quality of his treatment, with chief medical officer Dr Sohail Saleem’s resignation announced on the same day.

Arsenal’s transfer train shows no sign of stopping anytime soon.

Mikel Arteta’s side have burst into life in the last few weeks, and following the signings of Martin Zubimendi and Kepa Arrizabalaga for a combined fee of £65m, they’ve announced the arrival of Christian Norgaard.

The Danish international has joined the Gunners from West London outfit Brentford for a fee of £15m including add-ons, and looks unlikely to be the only Scandinavian to move to the Emirates this summer, as talks for Viktor Gyokeres are said to be advanced.

However, while there is a lot to be excited about, some problems may also be brewing, with Arsenal closing in on a Premier League signing, which could be bad news for Ethan Nwaneri.

Arsenal target more Premier League stars

With the Gunners desperate to finally get over the line next season and win the Premier League, it makes sense for them to be targeting stars from the competition.

Transfer Focus

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

One of the names most heavily touted for a move to the club is Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze, who’s reportedly already been subject to a £45m bid from the Gunners.

It’s not hard to understand why Arteta and Co would be so keen to sign the England international, as he fired the Eagles to FA Cup glory last season and racked up a tally of 14 goals and 11 assists in 43 appearances.

However, while signing the former QPR star appears to be something of a fan-pleasing no-brainer, the same cannot necessarily be said about the deal for Noni Madueke.

Yes, according to a recent report from Sky Sports Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, Arsenal are continuing in their quest to sign yet another Chelsea ace.

The reporter has revealed that a verbal agreement has been reached, and talks are proceeding according to plan between the two clubs. At the same time, the winger is awaiting an official agreement before undergoing his medical.

In terms of how much the 23-year-old is set to cost the Gunners, transfers expert Fabrizio Romano reported yesterday afternoon that they had made an official offer worth around £50m.

This is unlikely to be a popular deal among the Arsenal faithful, as while Madueke is a talented player, his arrival could be bad news for Nwaneri.

Why Madueke could be bad news for Nwaneri

While we can’t know exactly what is going on behind closed doors, much of the talk around Nwaneri over the last week or so has focused on the negotiations surrounding a new deal, which have supposedly not gone as well as Arsenal would have liked.

The reason given for this has more often than not been down to him asking for guarantees around game time, and this is the main reason Madueke’s arrival could be bad news for him.

For example, even though the Chelsea star is left-footed, he is first and foremost a right-winger and considering the offer the Gunners have already made for him, he’d likely become the first backup for Bukayo Saka.

Therefore, with just one signing, the Hale End prospect could see his minutes decimated, as while he can play in midfield, his most played position last season was right wing, and it wasn’t even close.

Finally, even though some fans may not be happy with the club signing yet another Chelsea player, there are elements to the Barnet-born winger’s game that could explain the Gunners’ interest and why he’d likely start ahead of the 18-year-old.

Progressive Carries

6.82

Top 1%

Carries into Penalty Area

4.12

Top 1%

GCA (Defensive Action)

0.04

Top 4%

Touches (Att Pen)

8.15

Top 4%

Non-Penalty xG

0.43

Top 6%

Shots Total

3.54

Top 7%

Progressive Carrying Distance

154.28

Top 7%

Shots on Target

1.33

Top 8%

For example, FBref ranked him in the top 1% of attacking midfielders and wingers in Europe’s top five leagues for progressive carries and carries into the penalty area, while also ranking him in the top 7% for total progressive carrying distance, all per 90.

These statistics help to demonstrate that the “fearless” phenom, as dubbed by U23 scout Antonio Mango, is a carrying machine.

Add to that the fact he scored ten goals and provided five assists in 2305 minutes of action across the Premier League and Conference League proper last term, and it’s easy to see how he could be useful for Arteta and Co.

Ultimately, while large sections of the fan base might not be on board with this signing, Madueke would likely add more quality to the squad; however, his arrival could come at Nwaneri’s expense.

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After a deal was completed to land Matheus Cunha last week, it appears as though Manchester United have shown no signs of slowing down in the transfer market.

Ruben Amorim has made a move to land Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo, with the Cameroon international choosing Old Trafford as his next move if reports are to be believed.

The 25-year-old has notched 20 goals in the Premier League during 2024/25, finishing as just one of only five players to reach such a tally within the division.

He’s likely to be an expensive addition, costing a fee in the region of £60m over the coming months, which will already take their summer spending to over £120m.

Despite the potential fee, he would be a superb addition, potentially forming a deadly partnership with another target in their attempts to return to their former glory.

The latest on United’s hunt for new additions this summer

The attacking department has been of huge interest over the last few weeks, with Amorim clearly wanting to bolster that area of his first-team squad.

Viktor Gyokeres, Victor Osimhen and Liam Delap have all been touted with a switch to Old Trafford, but appear to have moved on to different targets – with the latter moving closer to a move to Chelsea.

However, another name has entered the mix over recent days, with PSG attacker Gonçalo Ramos the latest name on the club’s shortlist, according to United In Focus.

The report claims that the Ligue 1 outfit are willing to part ways with the Portuguese international this summer, with the Red Devils already in talks with his representatives over a move to Old Trafford.

It also states that the 23-year-old is of interest to multiple Saudi Arabian outfits, with the newly crowned Champions of Europe demanding £50m to part ways with him this summer.

Why United’s £50m target could be the next Cavani & the perfect Mbeumo partner

Uruguayan striker Edinson Cavani joined United back in the summer of 2020, arriving on a free transfer after his contract with PSG expired a couple of months prior.

He only plied his trade at Old Trafford for two years, but still managed to star within the final third for the Red Devils despite entering the back end of his professional career.

The forward found the net 19 times in his 59 appearances, with 17 of his efforts coming in his first season at the club – helping the side finish second in the Premier League.

However, Cavani would depart at the end of his contract in the summer of 2022, with the club missing such a talisman over the past couple of years – as seen by their efforts for a new one during the off-season.

A move for Ramos would replicate such a deal, landing a talent from the French giants who could fill the void at the top end and lead them back towards a spot in the top four.

He could also partner Mbeumo in the final third, with both of their respective figures aiding Amorim’s ambitions of taking the club back to their former glory.

Ramos, who’s been labelled “outrageous” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has registered 18 goals across all competitions this season, with him and the Brentford star able to add needed goals to the side.

Games played

22

Goals & assists

13

Pass accuracy

81%

Shots on target per 90

2.7

Aerials won

57%

Touches in opposition box

8.5

Possession won in final third

0.7

The Portugal international has registered 2.7 shots on target per 90, benefiting from the stats produced by Mbeumo, who’s posting a total of 1.8 chances created per 90 this campaign.

Their respective talents don’t stop there, with the PSG star having won 57% of his aerial battles, able to get on the end of the 25-year-old’s delivery, after he produced a tally of 1.3 successful crosses per game.

The prospect of the pair combining within the final third at Old Trafford is certainly an exciting one, handing Amorim with the attacking ammunition he’s craved since taking the role.

Ramos won’t be a cheap addition this summer, but his goal tally this year is evidence that he can produce the goods when needed, potentially following in Cavani’s footsteps at the Theatre of Dreams.

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