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West Ham United have been here before when losing a star asset in the drama of the summer transfer window.

Indeed, the summer of 2023 saw Declan Rice heartbreakingly leave behind his boyhood Hammers for Arsenal, with the only bonus being that £105m hit the Irons’ bank account to soften the immediate blow.

At least the Premier League side had sufficient time to adjust to their Rice-less reality, with Lucas Paqueta’s exit from the club, perhaps going right down to the wire of deadline day, instead, amid interest in his services from Aston Villa.

Graham Potter’s men will surely have last-minute replacements up their sleeve in case their much-talked-about midfielder does depart, with the low-morale Hammers entering into a last-ditch race for this £34m gem, as per reports.

West Ham enter late race for £34m star

The latest on Paqueta’s short-term Hammers future seems to change by the minute.

He was reportedly in line to make a £47m move to Unai Emery’s Villans, but now, according to journalist Jacob Steinberg, he should be staying put, unless a drastic exit takes place imminently.

That was seemingly rubberstamped by the Brazilian’s goal celebration during the Hammers’ 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest.

Still, after the pretty bleak start to the season experienced by those at the London Stadium, additions to the midfield ranks could be prioritised.

Indeed, as per Sky Sports Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg, the already relegation-threatened Hammers have entered the late race to secure the services of Arsenal reserve midfielder Fabio Vieira.

Plettenberg states that a departure is planned before deadline day for Vieira to exit the Emirates, with the previous £34m buy for the Gunners also attracting interest from Stuttgart.

How Vieira can be Fornals 2.0

Potter and Co. might well view the Portuguese attacking midfielder as a suitable replacement for Paqueta if the Brazilian does up and leave dramatically, with West Ham also winning their next Pablo Fornals potentially by snapping up the versatile 25-year-old.

Before heading back to his native Spain with Real Betis, Fornals was a firm fan favourite plying his trade in East London.

The six-time Spain international would tally up an impressive haul of 23 goals and 19 assists across a mammoth 203 appearances for the club, with pundit Noel Whelan even going as far as to herald the 29-year-old as an “unsung hero” when he was still pulling on claret and blue.

Vieira will hope he can be seen in a similarly glowing light if he leaves North London behind shortly, having shone in flashes for Mikel Arteta’s men, when not consistently stuck on the periphery.

After all, despite making just 49 appearances for Arsenal since his £34m switch from FC Porto, the attacking midfielder has gone on to collect a respectable three goals and ten assists.

With a sublime 15 goals and 24 assists under his belt in Portugal, too, he really could come into his own as an adaptable, Fornals-like presence if Potter and Co. come calling.

AM

65

9 + 20

CM

42

7 + 7

RW

24

3 + 4

RM

18

2 + 2

SS

9

3 + 3

LW

4

1 + 1

LM

3

0

Across his up-and-down playing days in Portugal and England, Vieira has at least managed to stand out as a flexible presence, with seven different positions on the pitch being filled by the diminutive 5-foot-7 attacker across 165 clashes above. To add context, Fornals would line up in the same number of different positions for West Ham during his celebrated stay.

While he hasn’t always been front and centre of Arteta’s plans, the 25-year-old playmaker will pray he can get back to his “special” best at the London Stadium, as he was once labelled by writer Hayley McGoldrick, having also been dubbed a “smooth operator” previously by journalist Tom Kundert. That smooth presence could certainly also be applied to Fornals.

If he can star in East London away from the stifling environment of North London, he could also fill a Paqueta-shaped hole down the line, with the Brazilian also being showered with high praise, having been branded “mercurial” for the Hammers by ex-London Stadium coach Mark Warburton.

Even if he does stay, West Ham needs some boosts to lift the dire mood, with Vieira arriving just in the nick of time perhaps having that desired effect.

Dream partner for Magassa: West Ham plotting raid to sign £15m "pitbull"

Following the arrivals of both Soungoutou Magassa and Mateus Fernandes on Friday, could West Ham United now sign a £15m midfield “pitbull” as well?

Aug 31, 2025

Joao Felix stepped up in Cristiano Ronaldo's absence as the Portuguese forward scored a stunning goal towards the end of the game to seal a 2-0 win for Al-Nassr over Al-Zawraa in their second match of the AFC Champions League Two on Wednesday. 'Super sub' Abdullah Al-Khaibari had earlier handed the Saudi Pro League giants the lead with a world-class finish at the start of the second half.

• TELL ME MORE

  Cristiano Ronaldo did not travel to Iraq for the AFC Champions League Two clash as Jorge Jesus had earlier clarified that the 40-year-old was being rested, amid a hectic schedule. In Ronaldo's absence, new signing Joao Felix spearheaded the team's attack with Sadio Mane and Kingsley Coman at his side.

  Al-Zawraa started the game on a positive note and created as many as three goalscoring chances within the first 20 minutes as they completely dominated proceedings against the Saudi giants. As the game progressed, both teams slowed down their intensity and at the end of the first half, the score line remained goalless.

  After the break, Jorge Jesus brought in Abdullah Al-Khaibari in place of Ayman Yahya and the decision proved to be a masterstroke as Al-Khaibari proved to be a 'super sub' as he broke the deadlock in the 52nd minute. Mane sent a cross from the left side of the box, which was intercepted by an Al-Zawraa defender but Al-Khaibari scored the goal from the rebound with a first-time attempt as he fired the ball into the goal through the bottom right corner. 

  After having a quiet game for the majority of the match, star striker Felix finally got his name on the scoresheet as the ex-Chelsea and Barcelona star scored with a stunning finish from the edge of the box after receiving a pass from Mane.

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  THE MVP

  Mane was undoubtedly the most active Al-Nassr player on the pitch tonight in a relatively slow game. The ex-Liverpool winger worked hard on the left flank and provided the assist for Felix's winning goal. He was also instrumental in creating the move for Al-Khaibari's opening goal.

• THE BIG LOSER

  Al-Zawraa made a bright start to the game and maintained pressure on the Al-Nassr defence in the first 20 minutes of the match, however, they failed to take an early lead despite creating multiple chances. The Iraqi side's attack was wasteful, which led to Al-Nassr taking control, and ultimately led to them winning the game. 

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• AFP
  

  WHAT COMES NEXT?

  Jorge Jesus' side will be back in action in the Saudi Pro League after the international break on October 18 when they host Al Fateh. 

As a hectic transfer window came to an end, Birmingham City reportedly explored a late deal to sign an ex-England international in a bargain deal.

The Blues were expected to have a busy summer and that very much proved to be the case. Fresh from League One promotion, they ended the transfer window with as many as 14 fresh faces and will now be hoping to shock the rest of the Championship even further as the campaign continues.

The pick of the bunch was no doubt Kyogo Furuhashi. There’s a strong argument to be made that the former Celtic star has the quality to be playing in the top-half of the Premier League, but it is Championship side Birmingham that swooped in.

Meanwhile, the return of Demarai Gray also stands out as an impressive move. Like Kyogo, the winger is a player full of Premier League quality, but one that chose a return to his boyhood club rather than elsewhere.

The latest players to arrive came on deadline day in the form of Jack Robinson and former Celtic star Patrick Roberts. The latter told the club’s official website after putting pen to paper: “I’m a winner. And this is a place, and a club, that wants to strive to get to the top.

“And off the back of last season, where I did that (winning promotion), I can see there’s potential here to have a good season. It didn’t take much convincing. It’s a big club, and getting back to where Birmingham should be is an aim.”

That said, 14 signings very nearly became 15 late on when the Blues reportedly explored an opportunity to sign a former Premier League star.

Birmingham explored late Dele Alli deal

According to Football Insider, Birmingham explored a late deal to sign Dele Alli after he was released by Como 1907. The former England international has endured a tumultuous spell on and off the pitch in recent years and things didn’t change when he finally made his comeback in Italy, as he was sent off just minutes into his only appearance.

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Once a PFA Young Player of the Year, Alli is now without a club again. At 29 years old, he desperately needs someone to take a chance on his talent and hand him a route back to where he belongs in English football.

After his struggles away from the pitch, Alli’s comeback story is one that English football wants to see, but Birmingham ultimately decided against pursuing a deal.

Described as “excellent” by former Tottenham Hotspur coach Ryan Mason in 2021, Alli needs his next move to go right and needs to avoid injuries if he is to get back to the incredible player that he once was.

Following Edson Alvarez’s move to Fenerbahce on loan, West Ham United have reportedly submitted an opening offer to sign an instant replacement in the form of a 6 foot 2 midfielder.

Alvarez completes Fenerbahce move

After just two years at the London Stadium, Alvarez has completed a loan move to join Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce. The Hammers were reportedly keen to clear his hefty £100,000-a-week salary off their wage bill to make room for further, much-needed recruits, and have seemingly managed to do exactly that courtesy of the Turkish club.

With room to maneuver following the midfielder’s departure, the Hammers could be an interesting club to watch as the deadline approaches. It was clear for all to see against Sunderland on the opening day that Graham Potter still needs a number of reinforcements, but whether West Ham have time to welcome those additions is another question entirely.

The West Ham boss told reporters when questioned about transfers this week: “We need a few silver bullets, not just one. We analyse where we think the improvements can be and then we have to try to work within the financial position of the club to make the right decision to bring the right player and the right person here.

“If I look historically, West Ham have spent money, have signed players. Signing players is easy. It doesn’t mean that they’re going to be the right ones.”

With less than two weeks until the transfer window closes, there remain several targets on West Ham’s reported radar. Names such as Jamie Vardy and Artem Dovbyk have been among those mentioned as of late, although it’s unclear whether the Hammers push on to secure either of their arrivals.

Instead, their focus seems to be set on finding an instant replacement for Alvarez this month.

West Ham submit first Magassa offer

According to Jacob Steinberg of The Guardian, West Ham have now submitted an opening offer to sign Soungoutou Magassa from AS Monaco this month. The 6’2 midfielder has reportedly been identified as a replacement for Alavrez and also very much represents a player whose best is yet to come at just 21 years old.

A defensive midfielder who would also offer Potter an extra centre-back option, Magassa was described as someone with a “really exciting raw profile” by analyst Ben Mattinson, who also praised his passing range.

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Given that he’s already got Champions League experience to his name at such a young age on top of that “exciting” profile, West Ham would be landing an undeniable gem if they managed to sign Magassa in the next two weeks.

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has made it clear that he wants the club to bring in new signings in the attacking positions before the end of the window.

The Hoops head coach, who was speaking after the 2-0 win over Aberdeen in the Scottish Premiership, says that there is nothing imminent on that front as it stands, though.

Adam Idah has started both league games this season and failed to score from 0.82 xG and only created 0.06 xA for his teammates in the games against St Mirren and the Dons.

Why Celtic need to drop Adam Idah

The Ireland international has had a huge opportunity to impress as the starting number nine due to the lack of business done by Celtic in the forward areas.

Idah only scored 13 goals from 13.57 xG in the Premiership in the 2024/25 campaign, which shows that he was not particularly ruthless in front of goal in his first full year at the club.

His failure to provide a goal, from 0.82 xG, or an assist in the opening two games does not suggest that he has vastly improved as a finisher over the summer, which is why Rodgers should be dropping him down to the bench to play as an impact substitute.

Transfer Focus

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Instead of dipping into the market to sign a new striker to replace Idah, though, the Hoops could sign reported £6m-rated target Clement Bischoff instead, to free Daizen Maeda up to play through the middle.

Why Celtic should sign Clement Bischoff

The 19-year-old starlet is a right-footed left winger who could provide a direct and creative threat down the left flank, which is something that the Hoops do not have aside from Maeda due to Jota’s ACL injury.

Bischoff was described as an “explosive” and “flamboyant” talent by U23 scout Antonio Mango, and it is easy to see why when you look at his incredible start to the 2025/26 campaign.

Clement Bischoff

2025/26 season (all competitions)

Appearances

7

Shots on target

4

Goals

1

Key passes

24

Big chances created

5

Assists

2

Successful dribbles

11

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, the Danish youngster, who has been playing as a left-sided forward, has already created five ‘big chances’, and 24 chances overall, in seven appearances for Brondby.

This suggests that the teenage starlet, who created 51 chances in 39 games last season as a wing-back, is an incredibly creative winger who can consistently create high-quality opportunities for his teammates.

His presence on the left flank would then free Maeda up to take Idah’s place as the number nine, which could be an effective switch given his form last season. The Japan international scored a staggering 14 goals in 11 starts as a striker for Celtic last term, compared to 16 in 36 outings on the wing.

This suggests that the Japanese marksman has the potential to be a lethal number nine option, given his unbelievable haul of goals in that position last season, which is why Idah should be dropped from the team to facilitate this switch.

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Bischoff coming in would provide Rodgers with a quality left wing option to free up Maeda to show off his goalscoring prowess in the centre-forward position, in turn leaving Idah to play the role of super sub for the time being.

This is why the Brondby youngster could be an ideal signing to improve the attack, both because of his own creative quality and what it could mean for the number nine role.

Opener Cameron Bancroft’s bid for a Test recall took a hit after a third consecutive failure to start the Sheffield Shield season. But in-form Josh Inglis and Cooper Connolly rescued Western Australia out of trouble against Tasmania late on day two at the WACA.Replying to Tasmania’s first innings of 277, Bancroft made just 8 before nicking off to seamer Kieran Elliott in the sixth over. WA slumped further when captain Sam Whiteman and Mitchell Marsh fell cheaply.Related

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An aggressive Hilton Cartwright raced to a half-century by tea, but he didn’t re-emerge after the interval as he dashed to be at the birth of his second child. He could still bat on day three, but is believed to require approval from the match umpire and Tasmania to continue his innings.Allrounder Aaron Hardie fell on the first over after tea as Tasmania edged ahead before Inglis turned the match on its head much like he did with a century in the season opener against Queensland.Inglis made it look easy under the shadows as he raced to a half-century off 57 balls. He found good support from Connolly as they combined for an unbroken 119-run partnership to turn the tide as WA set their sights on a handy first innings lead.After Tasmania were bowled out at the stroke of lunch, the spotlight firmly shone on Bancroft at the resumption. With the surface appearing to be flattening and as Perth’s famous sunshine emerged after a rain-interrupted first day, Bancroft eyed a big score to ignite his Test candidacy after making a pair against Queensland.Bancroft was tested immediately by quick Riley Meredith and unable to get off the mark from his first nine deliveries. The pressure was building before he scored his first runs of the Shield season in streaky fashion when he slashed Meredith past third slip.He hit a more controlled boundary through point on the next delivery, but could not kick on after shuffling across his stumps to edge a back of a length delivery from Elliott, who soon had Whiteman caught behind for 13.Marsh entered in strong form after a powerful 94 in the second innings against Queensland. For the second straight match he is playing as a specialist batter at No. 4. Marsh had publicly stated that he would build his loads in this match ahead of next month’s first Test, but his bowling return is being put on hold for now.Marsh started watchfully before hitting a gorgeous straight drive to the boundary off seamer Mitch Owen. But Marsh had a rush of blood on the next delivery as he mistimed a short delivery straight to deep square leg. He immediately started walking off after realising he had thrown away his wicket.Owen had earlier led a recovery for Tasmania after blasting 69 from 60 balls at No. 8. Tasmania were in major trouble at 190 for 8 before Owen combined with Matt Kuhnemann for a ninth wicket partnership of 87.Offspinner Corey Rocchiccioli, fresh off being selected for Australia A, finally ended Owen’s entertaining knock before dismissing Meredith on the next delivery to finish with 4 for 70 from 24.3 overs.Recruit Brody Couch was the pick of the quicks with 3 for 33 off 17 overs in a lively performance where he reached speeds of 143kph.Hardie did not enter the attack in the morning session having bowled six overs on the opening day as he works his way back from a quad injury that ruled him out of the match against Queensland.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta are apparently wasting no time on another transfer pursuit, right after they finally sealed a deal for Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres.

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The last month of their summer window has been dominated by their chase for Gyökeres.

Two weeks ago, Arsenal agreed a deal in principle to sign the Swedish striker for £64 million, paying a £55m guaranteed fee plus around £9m in add-ons (The Athletic), but talks were held up over the structure of the aforementioned bonuses (GOAL).

19/20 – winter

£0

20/21 – summer

£81.5m

20/21 – winter

£900k

21/22 – summer

£156.8m

21/22 – winter

£1.8m

22/23 – summer

£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

23/24 – summer

£208m

23/24 – winter

£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

24/25 – winter

£0

25/26 – summer

£153m

However, earlier this week, Arteta’s side finally reached a breakthrough for the ex-Coventry City star, and Gyokeres is now set to become a new Arsenal player (Sky Sports).

The 27-year-old, who scored 54 goals in all competitions last season, became Berta’s primary target after the Gunners abandonded initial talks for RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko.

After signing Gyokeres, attention is turning to their pursuit of a central attacking midfielder, as Arteta looks to add more creativity to his squad following their struggles against the low-block last campaign.

Arsenal confirmed Noni Madueke’s arrival last weekend, but aside from Gyokeres, the England international is their only attacking signing of the window. Their deal for Madueke, which attracted mixed reviews from supporters, was apparently pushed by Berta.

Madueke and Gyokeres, according to recent reports, could soon be joined by Crystal Palace playmaker Eberechi Eze.

Eberechi Eze convinced he's going to join Arsenal

Arsenal are expected to accelerate their plans to sign Eze, and journalist Graeme Bailey has shared a very intriguing update in a piece for TBR Football.

According to the journalist, Eze has told friends that he’s going to join Arsenal this summer, following talks with the Gunners, and it is reported that Arteta’s side have held discussions with Palace too.

It is by no means a certainty that Arsenal will formally make a bid just yet, according to the journalist, as Berta is known for spinning many plates at once when it comes to transfer targets, and Real Madrid’s Rodrygo remains on their shortlist.

However, Bailey is convinced that there is a strong possibility Eze will sign for Arsenal by the end of next month.

“I am told that Eze remains firmly on Arsenal’s radar, and they have done plenty of work on him,” said Bailey.

“There is a very good chance that Eze will be an Arsenal player before the end of August.”

Eze bagged 14 goals and 11 assists in all competitions for Palace last season, including their FA Cup final-winning goal against Man City, and his release clause is believed to be around £60 million (plus a potential £8m if bonuses are reached).

Everton came on leaps and bounds under David Moyes’ wing in 2024/25, but there’s no doubt they petered out toward the end of the campaign, illustrating the need for summer reinforcements.

After a slow start that has been defined by outings, things are starting to move at the Hill Dickinson Stadium. Indeed, while Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s departure at the end of his contract is poignant, the Toffees are close to signing 22-year-old striker Thierno Barry, who has a £34.5m release clause with Villarreal and scored 19 goals across 41 matches last term.

Further additions are expected. Everton might have parted ways with a whole host of first-team stars, but they have also succeeded in tying down an irreplaceable member of the squad to a new deal.

He plays in defence.

The latest on Everton's backline

Despite plenty of speculation, Everton have extended Jarrad Branthwaite’s contract, and the centre-back is now contracted to the Merseyside club until 2030.

While Michael Keane has extended his contract on Merseyside, he is fixed in a back-up role, and landing Branthwaite for more years to come provides an incredible lift, especially as Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur have been sniffing around.

With James Tarkowski, 32, currently sidelined with a hamstring injury, and Jake O’Brien playing so well at right-back, it might be an idea to bring in another centre-half.

Well, according to Italian publication La Repubblica – via Sport Witness – Everton have entered the race for Inter Milan’s Yann Bisseck, who could leave San Siro this summer as a by-product of an acrimonious and wide fallout at the club.

Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United have also been named as suitors, with the German expected to command a £34m transfer fee.

Why Everton want to sign Yann Bisseck

Everton would sign their most modern-tailored central defender yet in Bisseck, who has developed steely defensive skills and an ever-improving ball-playing talent.

That and a shrewd eye for goal. As per FBref, the 23-year-old ranked among the top 3% of centre-backs across Europe’s top five leagues last season for goal involvements, the top 19% for pass completion, the top 6% for progressive carries per 90 and the top 3% for aerial duel success rate.

What does that tell us? Well, it certainly underscores Bisseck’s roundedness, progressive in his play while utilising his tall frame to defend from aerial attacks.

Something of a career nomad already, the 24-year-old has played 67 matches for Inter Milan, posting five goals and five assists apiece. Used across different competitions, he was a regular feature during Simeone Inzaghi’s Champions League run last term, starting seven of the matches.

And he was hardly a passenger. Throughout Inter’s continental campaign, Bisseck won 66% of his duels, as per Sofascore, and completed 87% of his passes, emphasising the technical virtues Moyes demands from his defenders.

But the expansive nature of his brand is what could see him step above even a player of Branthwaite’s ability.

League Comparison 24/25 – Branthwaite vs Bisseck

Stats (per 90)

Branthwaite

Bisseck

Goal involvements

0.04

0.20

Touches

54.48

75.63

Passes attempted

42.94

64.92

Pass completion

82.1%

90.6%

Progressive passes

2.37

4.39

Progressive carries

0.36

1.64

Ball recoveries

3.33

3.19

Tackles + interceptions

2.26

2.12

Clearances

6.85

4.19

Blocks

1.11

1.48

Stats via FBref

As you can see, Bisseck’s passing and ball-carrying game is far above that of Branthwaite, having spent more time on the ball over the past year and retained it with greater regularity too.

While the more expansive part of Branthwaite’s game has been hemmed back by tactical duties, Bisseck still far outstrips his positional peer as far as the technical side of the game is concerned.

Given that Inter’s man, who played such an important part in reaching the Champions League final last year, has been hailed as a “diamond” of a defender by journalist Antonio Mango, he might just emerge as Moyes’ star man in the rearguard, should Everton prevail in their bid.

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Leeds United fans will be praying Daniel Farke can be the manager in the Elland Road dug-out to consolidate the Whites as a Premier League regular again, but they won’t be holding their breath.

After all, there was even talk this off-season that the German could reportedly be relieved of his duties, with his worrying track record in the top division – as seen in his one relegation with former side Norwich City – meaning he could be in too deep on his return again.

The Whites hierarchy have admirably stuck by the promotion-winning expert, though, with a barrage of transfers now needed to give the ex-Canaries boss his best chance at remaining put in the Premier League with his current employers.

Leeds now targeting £10m-rated ace

Whilst the West Yorkshire titans would storm to the Championship title with a club-record 100 points, improvements need to be made all over the pitch to make the gulf in quality feel less stark.

Already, Farke and Co. have been linked with moves for Emiliano Buendia, Tammy Abraham and Kalvin Phillips to significantly bolster their squad, but it’s in the goalkeeper department where the Whites are crying out for their most pressing upgrade.

It has now been widely reported that Illan Meslier will be ditched as Leeds’ first-choice stopper in the big time after one too many error-strewn performances in the second-tier, with the Daily Mail Online following this up with a report that Newcastle United ‘keeper Nick Pope is now on their agenda as they hunt down a new number one.

With a move for Caoimhin Kelleher also falling by the wayside, Pope could be the next best thing for Farke’s men, with the Magpies perhaps now ready to offload their £10m-rated figure amidst interest in Burnley’s James Trafford.

Why signing Pope is a must for Leeds

With Phillips available for around the same £10m price tag, it could end up being a toss-up between Pope and the former fan favourite.

Well, when assessing which transfer is most needed, it’s a no-brainer that Leeds must prioritise picking up the 6-foot-6 ‘keeper over a sentimental Elland Road return for the midfielder.

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Leeds could well look a little light on their feet centrally when making the step-up, with Joe Rothwell returning back to parent side AFC Bournemouth this summer, but the Whites are in dire need of a solid pair of hands in between the sticks over urgently requiring any midfield additions.

After all, away from Meslier nearly costing his team dear last campaign with three errors directly leading to goals, the ex-Lorient stopper has struggled in the intense environment of the Premier League previously.

Meslier’s PL record vs Pope’s
Stat	Meslier	Pope
Games played	107	221
Saves made	377	687
Goals conceded	198	252
Clean sheets	21	73
Wins	32	86
Losses	50	71
Stats from the Premier League

The table above highlights the 25-year-old’s struggles in the big time compared to the more comfortable Pope, with Meslier only keeping a meagre 21 clean sheets from 107 top-flight outings next to the Magpies’ number 22 collecting a sturdier 73.

Away from just their clean sheet numbers, Pope has also shown he can cut it at the level over a prolonged time, even as Eddie Howe and Co’s aspirations have changed from being a middle of the road outfit to a Champions League challenger, with a bumper 86 wins sticking out from his 221 Premier League clashes and counting.

Therefore, the “phenomenal” Pope – as he’s been previously praised by ex-Toon goalkeeping great Shay Given – would easily displace Meslier on his arrival to West Yorkshire.

Whereas, it’s not a given that Phillips would be able to shake up things centrally, with faces such as Ao Tanaka and Ilia Gruev likely getting the immediate nod over the Manchester City flop.

Having already suffered a relegation with the Whites too, it just feels like Leeds would be sleepwalking into another disaster if Meslier were kept in between the sticks.

Whereas, with the 33-year-old coming in as the new number one instead, the confidence levels would be increased that Farke and Co. could put up a stern fight to beat the drop.

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3

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Even before Arsenal were left without a recognised number nine for an extended period, their struggles to find the net resulted in Liverpool beating them to the Premier League title by a seismic 10-point gap.

19/20 – winter

£0

20/21 – summer

£81.5m

20/21 – winter

£900k

21/22 – summer

£156.8m

21/22 – winter

£1.8m

22/23 – summer

£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

23/24 – summer

£208m

23/24 – winter

£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

24/25 – winter

£0

The north Londoners scored just 69 goals in the league, far lower than the 91 and 88 they’d scored in the previous two top-flight campaigns, which adds further weight to the argument that Arsenal quite simply must bring in a prolific frontman before the start of next season.

Arsenal have been heavily linked with Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres for the last three weeks and beyond, with some reports in Portugal claiming Berta has already proposed contract terms to the Swede (O Jogo).

Meanwhile, reliable media sources indicate that Arsenal are holding “concrete” talks over a move for RB Leipzig starlet Benjamin Sesko as well (Florian Plettenberg), with Arteta and Berta weighing up their best options.

Berta has been holding “numerous” talks with key attacking targets, as he’s been doing when it comes to Arsenal’s preferred names for the wing (Florian Plettenberg), so it would be little surprise if the Italian is doing the same for Arsenal’s pursuit of a new striker.

Another centre-forward who’s been linked this week is £114,000-per-week Atlético Madrid star Julian Alvarez.

Spanish newspaper Marca even reported that Arsenal are the “strongest bidder” for Alvarez, even if Fabrizio Romano has since claimed that Diego Simeone’s side will stand firm in their bid to keep hold of the Argentine.

Thierry Henry hails "complete" Julian Alvarez amid Arsenal links

Speaking on The Overlap, Henry shared his verdict on the ex-Man City striker, amid these claims that Arsenal are expressing an interest.

Henry is quoted as saying Alvarez is the “most complete” number nines he’s seen recently, with the Arsenal legend even calling the 25-year-old one of his favourite current strikers.

“One of my favourite 9s out there at the minute is Julian Alvarez,” said Henry.

“Putting pressure, playing alone, low, whatever you want to do. He can hold the ball alone. He played at the Olympic games, he played the Copa America, I don’t hear him saying ‘I’m tired’, and the way he plays it to you, you know, I just like him.”

Even if Atlético became open to selling, the cost of a potential deal would be lofty, with some reports claiming he has a £126 million release clause in his contract.

After an excellent debut campaign in La Liga, where he’s racked up 29 goals and seven assists in all competitions, tempting him back to the Premier League so soon is set to be a big ask for Berta.