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Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe is interested in signing Real Madrid phenom Aurelien Tchouameni this summer in a move that would send shockwaves throughout the Premier League.

What's the latest on Aurelien Tchouameni to Newcastle?

That's according to reports in Spain (via Caught Offside), which states that Howe's Magpies are flirting with the idea of securing the Frenchman's services and have allegedly already made a club-record bid of €80m (£68.5m).

The report claims that Carlo Ancelotti is willing to let the 22-year-old leave the Santiago Bernabeu this summer after failing to reach the same heights he found at Monaco prior to his £85m move to Spain last summer.

Newcastle have qualified for the Champions League after two decades away this season, and considering the club's affluence, have as good a chance as any to obtain his signature this summer, especially following Los Blancos' capture of Jude Bellingham for an initial €103m (£88.5m).

Should Newcastle sign Aurelien Tchouameni?

The signing of the 22-year-old would emphasise the Tyneside club's ascent emphatically, providing Howe with one of the globe's most prodigious and formidable talents to spearhead the eventual goal of prominence unmatched on the European stage.

And although he has been touted for an exit from Spain already, Tchouameni is by no means floundering at the club and can hold his head high, leaving an enticing glimpse into how imperious his future exploits could be.

Indeed, as per FBref, he ranks among the top 1% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for pass completion, the top 14% for total shots, the top 1% for interceptions, the top 8% for clearances and the top 11% for aerials won per 90.

Rio Ferdinand certainly values the 22-cap international, saying: "Tchouaméni is a young kid, he’s going to make mistakes but he’s a superb talent, he produces moments out of nowhere, incredible player.”

FBref likens the ace to Manchester City midfielder Rodri, with journalist Owuraku Ampofo alluding that the 26-year-old must be considered for the Ballon d'Or after a treble-winning season with the Citizens and a Nations League victory with Spain.

Comparatively, the £220k-per-week City machine ranks among the top 2% of peers for pass completion, the top 8% for progressive passes and the top 9% for aerials won, and given that he has also been hailed as "incredible" by Gary Neville, Tchouameni could yet blossom into a star every bit the calibre of the one-time Atletico Madrid ace.

As such, Newcastle must look to swoop with swift precision and tie up a deal for a burgeoning star who could yet cement a role as one of Europe's most prominent forces, and with Howe looking to emulate Manchester City's success, signing the France star is the perfect way to kickstart the fight to the forefront.

Aston Villa may have overperformed in the second half of last season, coinciding with the appointment of Unai Emery, but some of the players who helped them qualify for the Europa League might find that has come at a cost.

The Villans have inevitably been linked with a number of players in the early stages of the summer window, even more so following the confirmation of Monchi as their new transfer chief.

Youri Tielemans has already been brought in, and it may well be that Emery looks to strengthen at the back with a couple of new central defenders.

Villarreal and Spain star Pau Torres has long been touted as a target for Villa, while Football Insider claims Villa remain in the running to sign Manchester United skipper Harry Maguire, though they face competition from Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United and some overseas clubs.

What could Harry Maguire offer to Aston Villa?

Maguire's time at Old Trafford appears to be drawing to a close after losing his place in the side following Erik ten Hag's appointment at the start of last season.

The England international started just eight Premier League games in 2022-23, which is a massive drop from his previous three seasons at Old Trafford when starting 28, 34 and 38 top-flight matches.

Maguire hardly disgraced himself when called up by Ten Hag, though, and he continues to impress at the back for England, including in Friday's 4-0 Euro 2022 qualifying victory in Malta when playing a full part.

Indeed, with 65.75 attempted passes per 90 minutes over the past 12 months, as per FBref, Maguire ranks in the top 17% of his positional peers across Europe's top five leagues, while he is in the top 13% for touches per 90 (1.27).

In the more defensive metrics, Maguire is in the top 11% for blocks (1.66 per 90) and top 12% for aerials won (3.01 per 90). In short, when Maguire plays he still impresses in multiple areas.

Described as a "colossus" by Simon Jordan in the former Crystal Palace chairman's role as a pundit for talkSPORT, albeit after also labelling the defender a "liability", United are reportedly holding out for a £35m fee for their skipper.

Those aforementioned qualities would work particularly well alongside fellow target Torres, who struggles aerially – he is ranked in the bottom 29% of defenders across Europe's top five leagues for duels won – but thrives in terms of taking the ball forward.

In fact, Torres is in the top 1% for progressive carries (2.24 per 90 minutes), top 4% for progressive passes (5.81) and top 3% for successful take-ons (0.77). Torres effectively performs well in areas Maguire perhaps lacks, making them a perfect pairing at the back for Emery.

That would spell bad news for Ezri Konsa and Tyrone Mings – Villa's best pairing at the back last season – but not many can argue against Maguire and Torres being an upgrade, particularly in the case of the latter.

For while Maguire's reputation may have nosedived, Villa Park could provide the platform for the centre-back to kick-start his career alongside a player Emery has described as being like no other.

Leeds United could have a vast rebuild on their hands this summer, but might be set to make one huge early stride forwards…

What's the latest on Emmanuel Dennis to Leeds United?

That's according to Nigerian outlet Mobile Punch (via NottinghamshireLive), who suggest that the 49ers will kickstart their new reign with a move for Nottingham Forest's Emmanuel Dennis.

Given the huge influx of players the Tricky Trees oversaw last campaign, some will simply have to be offloaded. With the 25-year-old having endured a stuttered season, he could seek to revitalise his career at Elland Road. Given he was signed for around £20m, the €12.3m (£11m) value that Football Transfers have attached to his name seems appropriate.

Complete Sports supplement the earlier report by suggesting that a bid is being prepared too.

His arrival would mark the perfect replacement for the expected exit of Rodrigo, replacing his goals with ease.

Would Emmanuel Dennis replace Rodrigo?

Although the Nigerian striker did not enjoy the most prolific term at the City Ground, his work with the relegation-threatened Watford should remain fresh enough in the memory to suggest he would still be an asset.

After all, just five goal contributions across all competitions came largely as a result of stuttered play time, to which he would surely be handed plenty more than just 715 league minutes at Elland Road.

It seems the speedster thrives when he is the focal point of an attacking unit, as the season prior he scored ten goals and assisted a further six whilst featuring all across the front three. Given this was his debut year in England too for a lacklustre Watford, it marked a successful start to life in a new country.

Journalist Josh Bunting sought to praise the new boy early on in that campaign, taking to Twitter: "Emmanuel Dennis has been one of the most underrated players outside of Watford fans this season, he’s been a very good addition. 4 goals and 5 assists in 11 Premier League games should be being spoken about much more. Today he was absolutely electric from the start to finish."

The Yorkshire outfit will be desperate to replace the goals of their Spanish scoring machine, as the 32-year-old found the net on 13 occasions last season in the Premier League. However, it could be argued that this was the only outstanding year he enjoyed since his club-record move in 2020, suggesting that Dennis would hardly have to set the world alight to replicate him.

With a vacancy in their dugout still, few managers would pass up the opportunity to build their team around Dennis, given his capability at a level far above the Championship.

He could join, spearhead their promotion charge, and still retain his usefulness once back in the top flight. Therefore, this deal should represent a no-brainer for the 49ers who would be without last year's top scorer.

Tottenham Hotspur have once again been named in the race for defensive reinforcements…

What's the latest on Micky Van de Ven to Tottenham Hotspur?

This latest reference comes from Fabrizio Romano, who actually sought to update fans on the transfer progress of their rivals Arsenal.

Despite the bulk of his tweet applying to the Gunners' pursuit of Jurrien Timber, the Italian journalist's final line actually discounts them from the race for Micky van de Ven and instead credits the Lilywhites as an interested party. He wrote: "No confirmation on Micky van de Ven; he's not in Arsenal list, he's on Tottenham list."

It is expected that Wolfsburg will command a fee of around €30m (£26m) to sanction the exit of their top Dutch defender.

How good is Micky Van de Ven?

For a couple of years now Spurs have been blessed with the defensive excellence of Cristian Romero, but no partner to equal his levels.

The Argentina international has been the club's highest-performing defender ever since he joined in 2021, yet has retained a reckless nature that let his side down on occasion. His foolish red card in their Champions League exit to AC Milan acts as a microcosm for the man who has accumulated 17 yellow cards and one dismissal across just two Premier League seasons.

Despite this, his first year in north London saw him truly shine. Maintaining a 7.15 average rating, this figure was bolstered massively by his 87% pass accuracy, 1.5 interceptions, 2.8 tackles and 3.3 clearances per game, via Sofascore. It was no surprise that this was the campaign he was joined by Davinson Sanchez, who posted an impressive 7.08 average rating of his own.

When he wants to be, the 25-year-old is arguably one of the league's most dominant centre-backs.

To now pair him with a dependable asset such as Van de Ven could help elevate him to new levels, calming him down and perhaps allowing him to explore his creative side too.

After all, the 22-year-old has proven himself a dependable asset in the German top flight and only has managed five yellow cards during his time in that division. This reliability is aided by the 1.4 tackles and 3.1 clearances per game he recorded last year in the league, as part of a defence that kept 11 clean sheets, via Sofascore.

Such imperious form even led journalist Ronan Murphy to write: "Van de Ven’s performances for Wolfsburg this season have him knocking on the door of the Netherlands international team. A giant on the pitch, he’s flourishing under head coach Niko Kovac."

Perhaps a switch to England could give Ange Postecoglou the dream backline he likely desires, and help skyrocket his top defender to new heights.

Michael Beale hasn’t taken long to move on from losing Alfredo Morelos at Glasgow Rangers, raiding Italy to sign attackers Sam Lammers and Cyriel Dessers ahead of next season and they surely won't be the only two forwards who arrive at the Ibrox side during the transfer window.

The Gers have also been linked with a move for young striker Benie Traore, who is currently playing for BK Hacken in Sweden and although money has been spent to sign both Lammers and Dessers recently, Beale will need to fork out around £4m if he is to add the 20-year-old to his armoury.

Much has been made of a summer overhaul of the squad, and it has perhaps arrived a couple of years too late, with Steven Gerrard failing to improve the first team following the stunning Premiership title-winning season in 2020/21, as they subsequently fell behind Celtic over the next two terms.

With Morelos departing after six years at the club and Antonio Colak attracting interest from MLS sides and Werder Bremen – with the Gers setting a price tag of £2m for anyone who wishes to sign the Croatian this summer – the Ibrox side will start next season with a totally different frontline to how they lined up under Giovanni van Bronckhorst.

Kemar Roofe could remain the one constant, yet last season was heavily disrupted by injury, as he missed all but six matches and that has unfortunately been the story of his spell at Rangers, missing more matches than he has played and unless he comes back fighting fit at the start of next season, Beale will have to find a heir for the Jamaican international.

What could Benie Traore offer Rangers?

The Ivorian may the perfect player to come in and eventually replace Roofe in the squad, although he tends to be a more out-and-out striker compared to the Gers attacker, who can drop deeper and can also operate on either wing, but the key similarities are that they both score goals.

Roofe has scored 36 in 78 appearances for the Light Blues, while across only 57 senior matches, Traore has already notched 24 goals, suggesting that he is lethal in front of goal and could add some more attacking dynamism to Beale’s attacking options.

That’s not to say that Traore isn’t a team player, as he has registered nine assists during those 57 games, with the 30-year-old managing to grab just six assists during his three seasons at Ibrox, clearly suggesting there is more to the youngster's game than meets the eye.

Football talent scout Jacek Kulig lauded him in May, tweeting: “Häcken's jewel. Another highly talented player from the great ASEC Mimosas Academy.”

Despite scoring 93 goals in the league last term, Beale’s side still trailed Celtic by 21 goals and this was perhaps a key factor in the trophy heading to their Old Firm rivals for the second season in a row.

The 42-year-old could take a gamble on the Hacken starlet, similarly to when the club signed Morelos from Finland, and with Roofe having just one year left on his current deal, Traore could be a perfect long-term replacement for him.

West Ham United finally confirmed on Saturday that captain Declan Rice has departed the club in a British-record transfer to Arsenal.

The Irons had grown increasingly frustrated with the amount of time it took to formally get a deal over the line, but they can now finally start to bring in some new players of their own with the £100m-plus windfall.

Who have West Ham signed this summer?

Rather worryingly for West Ham fans, they have yet to make any senior signings a month out from the new Premier League campaign getting underway.

However, there appears to be a number of players lined up in various positions, with Denis Zakaria and Luiz Felipe reportedly close to arriving at the London Stadium from Juventus and Real Betis respectively.

According to The Athletic's David Ornstein, West Ham have also now contacted Ajax regarding a move for midfielder Edson Alvarez, who is said to be valued at around £35-40m by the Eredivisie heavyweights.

Alvarez has been strongly linked with a switch to Borussia Dortmund this window but, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, they pulled out of the race due to the Amsterdam outfit's asking price.

Is Ajax's Edson Alvarez a good player?

Alvarez certainly boasts plenty of experience, having made close to 150 appearances for Ajax in all competitions – including in the Champions League and Europa League – while also featuring at two World Cups with Mexico.

The 25-year-old – who has been hailed as a "superb tackler" by talent scout Jacek Kulig – was used 44 times by the Dutch giants last season, mainly as a central midfielder, though he did also fill in at centre-back on occasions in a show of his versatility.

Alvarez shares many similarities with Rice, the pair having scored at a near identical scoring rate last season (0.11 goals per 90 v 0.10 respectively), completed a similar number of passes (88.7% v 86.5%), and registered 3.73 and 3.90 tackles and interceptions combined per 90, as per FBref.

There is a Premier League player Alvarez is more alike than Rice, though, in Manchester City's Champions League final hero Rodri. In fact, the Spaniard is the closest match to Alvarez among all players from across Europe's top five leagues, according to The Analyst's player comparison tool.

Alvarez wins possession an average of 9.2 times per 90, compared to 9.3 for Rodri, while they touch the ball pretty much the same number of times (100 times per 90 v 104 times per 90) and create chances at an identical rate (one each per 90).

That likeness to the former Atletico Madrid man is some praise indeed considering the impact that the 27-year-old has made in English football of late, having been described as the 'world's best holding midfielder' by Match of the Day pundit, Danny Murphy.

Where Alvarez does slightly differ to both Rodri and Rice is his tough-tackling ability, highlighted by his 10 yellow cards in Eredivisie last season – only FC Twente's Robin Propper could match that tally.

Indeed, as per Opta, Alvarez last season became the first Ajax player to reach double figures for cautions in a single league campaign in their proud history. Little wonder he has been described as a 'disruptor' by Borussia Dortmund writer Brian Szlenk Straub, via FanSided.

To say West Ham would be getting themselves an upgrade on their departing skipper would perhaps risk hyperbole, but the versatile midfielder would certainly be close to the ideal first signing to make in the post-Rice era.

Manchester United are set to sign Jack and Tyler Fletcher, twin sons of former Red Devils midfielder Darren, from Manchester City, according to Samuel Luckhurst.

What’s the latest Man United transfer news?

The Red Devils and Erik ten Hag have already added to the squad this summer by securing a move for Mason Mount. The England international has arrived from Chelsea in a deal worth £60m, and the 24-year-old made his debut in the club’s first pre-season fixture against Leeds United on Wednesday.

Mount won’t be the only high-profile signing of the summer, should United bet their wish, with a new first choice goalkeeper required following David de Gea’s Old Trafford exit.

Inter Milan’s Andre Onana appears to be the top target, and Fabrizio Romano has claimed that a transfer could be finalised soon, with personal terms already agreed.

After Onana, a new forward could be the next position the club want to strengthen, with Atalanta’s Rasmus Hojlund heavily linked with a move to the club he supports.

Again, personal terms have already reportedly been agreed between Man United and Hojlund, with the forward making it clear he would be keen on moving to the Premier League this summer.

However, despite being busy looking to bolster Ten Hag’s senior squad, adding to the club’s academy ranks at Carrington also appears to be of interest this summer, with the Fletcher twins emerging as targets last month.

Reliable reporter David Ornstein of The Athletic stated that United had launched a bid to sign the 16-year-old midfielders after impressing in City’s academy, claiming that a transfer was expected to be completed for a substantial fee.

“Man Utd launch bid to sign 16yo midfielders Jack + Tyler Fletcher from Man City. Twin sons of MUFC technical director Darren Fletcher have come through MCFC academy & shone but are now set to cross the divide for a substantial fee.”

Taking to Twitter in the last 48 hours, Luckhurst, chief Man United writer for The Manchester Evening News, said a deal is now close to completion, although the Red Devils are set to lose centre-back Harrison Parker to their closest rivals.

“#mufc are closing in on a deal to sign Darren Fletcher's twins, Jack and Tyler, from City and feel Harrison Parker's expected switch to #mcfc is a 'revenge move'.”

Who are Jack and Tyler Fletcher?

As mentioned, Jack and Tyler Fletcher are the twin sons of Darren and are regarded among the most promising Under-16 talents in the UK. Should a move to Carrington materialise as expected, the pair may need to remain on schoolboy registrations but will be eligible to agree professional deals upon turning 17 in March 2024.

At international level, Jack has turned out for England's U16 side whereas Tyler has represented Scotland, and it looks as if they are on course to join their father, who is the technical director at Man United.

They could well be ones to watch over the coming years, and who knows, the pair may follow in the footsteps of their father and Gary and Phil Neville of being brothers making it from the academy into the first team.

Tottenham Hotspur have also held talks over re-signing defender Clement Lenglet as Ange Postecoglou attempts to sign two centre-backs this summer.

Who will Spurs sign?

Spurs are now chasing the signing of a star central defender after they leaked a woeful 63 league goals in the top flight last season, more than any other English side above 15th in the table.

Postecoglou will be fully aware of those numbers, and as he has already confirmed publicly, it is certainly a glaring issue which Tottenham are looking to address this summer.

"That's definitely our intention, absolutely," said Postecoglou when asked about signing new defenders.

"We've been working on it for a while and we'll definitely try to get it done as quickly as possible."

"In terms of the other boys, we've got a big squad but my view is I wanted to bring them along and just work with them, get some clarity in my head and give clarity to them."

Wolfsburg's Micky van de Ven, Edmond Tapsoba of Bayer Leverkusen, Fulham's Tosin Adarabioyo, Lenglet, Galatasary's Victor Nelsson and Juventus defender Gleison Bremer have all been linked with moves to N17 recently.

Talks remain ongoing for both Tapsoba and van de Ven, but it appears they haven't lost interest in Lenglet either.

Journalist Alasdair Gold, writing for football.london, claims they have held discussions with Barcelona over a possible re-signing.

The 28-year-old featured regularly under Antonio Conte, Cristian Stellini and Ryan Mason last season and could yet make a return to the club.

This comes as Spurs aim to bolster their defensive ranks with two senior centre-back signings this summer, with the Lilywhites also eyeing Crystal Palace defenders Marc Guehi and Joachim Andersen.

How good is Clement Lenglet?

Over his league appearances for Spurs last season, the £204,000-per-week defender averaged a very impressive 87.5% out from the back (WhoScored).

That's more than any other Spurs defender bar Cristian Romero and his experience playing at the very top level for Barcelona, albeit sporadically, could be invaluable if Postecoglou wishes to build a winning mentality at Spurs.

Lenglet has been endorsed by former teammate at Tottenham and compatriot Hugo Lloris, who called the former Sevilla star a "modern" defender and "high level player".

"He's a modern defender," said Lloris.

"Comfortable to be able to play from the back. He has a great left foot and can be very strong in one v one and he's strong in the air.

"Even if it's never easy when you arrive in the Premier League and he will have to adapt to the intensity of the games but he is a high level player, with experience."

Meanwhile, Spurs pundit John Wenham called him "very reliable" and expressed is delight with Lenglet after a first ever north London derby for the player.

"I have been impressed with him so far," said Wenham.

“The fact he has instantly come in for Ben Davies and we don’t look any weaker, that is a huge credit to him really.

“He’s a new signing to the Premier League, I know he has a lot of experience from Barcelona and with France but he already seems very reliable, like we could drop him in for any fixture.“

Chelsea are "ahead" in the race to sign Ajax forward Mohammed Kudus this summer as they enter pole position for his signing, according to reports.

Who will Chelsea sign?

Mauricio Pochettino is in full preparation for his first full campaign as Chelsea boss, which will mark the beginning of an interesting era after they swayed Tottenham's former fan favourite into joining.

The west Londoners will be eager to past last campaign behind them, as the club went through a trio of managers in Thomas Tuchel, Graham Potter and Frank Lampard without even mustering a top half finish.

Chelsea also lacked serious firepower in the final third, with relegated duo Leicester City and Leeds United among the many sides to have scored more goals than them by the end of 2022/2023.

It is imperative for Todd Boehly and co to strengthen Chelsea's ranks ahead of Pochettino's debut season, and they've done that in parts, having sealed deals for attacking pair Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson.

Chelsea have also trimmed the squad of unwanted players, with N'Golo Kante, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Mateo Kovacic, Mason Mount, Kalidou Koulibaly, Edouard Mendy, Christian Pulisic, Ethan Ampadu and Cesar Azpilicueta moving elsewhere.

Earlier this month, Pochettino appeared to promise more signings this summer window – complimenting his "unbelievable" squad as they search for more stars to strengthen it further.

"If we are all together, we are going to be very strong," said Pochettino.

"We have an unbelievable squad and for sure are going to bring players with commitment who want to be part of it also. With the fans and everyone, we can find again the way to be successful.”

Of the players who could come in, Chelsea are still locked in talks to sign Moises Caicedo from Brighton, but after having their latest marquee bid rejected, they're finding a deal increasingly difficult.

Kudus, who starred for Ajax in the Eredivisie last season, is a player attracting their serious interest as well.

According to The Independent and journalist Miguel Delaney, Chelsea are "leading the race" to sign him as they enter pole position ahead of Arsenal for the Ghana international.

This is because the Blues have managed to put together a more convincing financial package than Mikel Arteta's side, and there is a feeling Chelsea can price them out of a deal for Kudus.

Arsenal need to sell before they can formally move, while Chelsea have already trimmed a bloated squad, meaning Pochettino can realistically add both Kudus and Caicedo to Pochettino's squad.

How good is Mohammed Kudus?

The 22-year-old racked up 11 goals and three assists in 30 Dutch top flight outings last campaign, all the while completing more successful take-ons than any current Ajax player (WhoScored).

Kudus also dazzled for Ghana at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, with former Black Stars midfielder Derek Boateng telling Sky Sports just how much the forward is revered in his homeland.

"Kudus is massive here," said Boateng.

"Every time he is playing, it does not matter whether it is the Champions League or a friendly match, you will see all the kids get up and watch Kudus. Just Kudus.

“They just want him to score. When he scores, everyone is all over the place.”

Arsenal have made a "breakthrough" in talks to offload midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga after reaching a full agreement with Burnley, according to reports.

Who is leaving Arsenal this summer?

The Belgian is one of a few players who look very likely to depart Arsenal before deadline day as manager Mikel Arteta and transfer chief Edu Gaspar attempt to balance the books.

So far, just Pablo Mari, Aaron Trusty, Granit Xhaka and Ainsley Maitland-Niles have officially made way for Arsenal's trio of marquee signings in winger Kai Havertz, midfielder Declan Rice and defender Jurrien Timber.

However, it is believed that the likes of Nicolas Pepe and Folarin Balogun could soon be heading towards the exit door, with the former attracting serious interest from Turkey.

Meanwhile, Balogun is up for sale and Arsenal will do a deal for the right price, though it is believed they value last season's star Reims forward at around £50 million.

Read the latest Arsenal transfer news HERE…

The north Londoners have also been in talks to offload Lokonga on loan with Vincent Kompany's Burnley side attempting to sign the player. Reports out of Belgium have even suggested that Arsenal could include a mandatory buy option on the deal.

A report by Football Insider has shared an update on the saga, and after a "breakthrough", it appears there is now a "full agreement" between Burnley and Arsenal over a loan deal.

The outlet wrote:

"Arsenal star Albert Sambi Lokonga is set to sign for Burnley on loan after a breakthrough in talks.

"The Clarets’ manager Vincent Kompany is key to the deal as Sambi Lokonga regards the Man City legend as his idol."

Expanding further, and backing previous claims, FI also write that there is a very good chance that the agreement could include clauses for a permanent transfer next summer.

Kompany, for his part, is a huge admirer of his fellow Belgian and is keen to reunite with the 23-year-old after working together at Anderlecht.

How good is Albert Sambi Lokonga?

The former Crystal Palace loanee has struggled to fight his way into Arteta's plans since signing for the club in the summer of 2021.

Lokonga spent the second half of last campaign on a temporary spell at Selhurst Park, managing nine appearances and averaged 1.4 tackles per match in the top flight (WhoScored).

The international hasn't been able to replicate his final season at Anderlecht in 2020/2021, where he started 33 Belgian top flight matches and racked up five goal contributions.

However, those numbers suggest there is a player of real quality there, as explained by Arteta upon his capture.

“Albert is a very intelligent player who has shown great maturity in his performances during his development. He has been coached well by Vincent Kompany and his team at Anderlecht,” Arteta told Arsenal’s official website (via The Standard).

“I know Vincent very well and he talks so highly about Albert and the positive impact he had to Anderlecht in recent seasons.

“We’re confident Albert’s ready for the next stage in his development and we’re looking forward to welcoming a new member to our squad with his quality and presence.”