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Bournemouth are confident of beating Spurs, Newcastle and Chelsea to the services of Liverpool stopper Caoimhin Kelleher this summer.

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• Bournemouth ready to move first
• Newcastle, Spurs and Chelsea also interested in Irish keeper
• Kelleher wants first team football

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Republic of Ireland international wants to leave Anfield for regular first-team football. Bournemouth are ready to move, as manager Andoni Iraola has made a new keeper a priority, and is believed to have made Kelleher his top target, according to .

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Iraola believes the 26-year-old represents a significant improvement over the Cherries' current options between the sticks. Bournemouth have featured Chelsea loanee Kepa Arrizabalaga and Mark Travers in goal this season. Chelsea, Tottenham and Newcastle are rumoured to be interested in Kelleher, but have yet to make any commitments to bidding for the Irishman's services.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Kelleher has made 17 appearances in all competitions this season. Ireland's number one deputised for Alisson while the Brazilian was nursing a hamstring injury, but has only appeared in cup competitions since December. Liverpool's 2-1 loss in the Carabao Cup final is likely to be Kelleher's last appearance for the club.

• WHAT NEXT FOR CAOIMHIN KELLEHER?

  Kelleher will feature for his country in the play-off round of the UEFA Nations League over the next few days. Ireland face off against Bulgaria in a two-legged tie to decide who will play in the B level of the competition in 2026/27.

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers was backed by the board in the recent summer transfer window, as several big-money recruits were brought in to bolster the squad.

Danish midfielder Matt O’Riley was sold to Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion, whilst the likes of Hyeon-gyu Oh, Mikey Johnston, and Tomoki Iwata were all cashed in on.

The Scottish giants smashed their record transfer fee by paying a reported £11m to sign Arne Engels from Augsburg to bolster their midfield options.

Celtic also reportedly paid a fee of £8.5m, potentially rising to £9.5m, to Norwich City for Adam Idah, and £5m to Sheffield United for Auston Trusty.

How Celtic's big-money signings have performed

The Hoops have decided to invest in young talent and, with that, there has to be an acceptance that inexperienced players will not be perfect right away.

Engels has produced three goals and six assists in 17 appearances for the Glasgow giants in all competitions to date, but has also lost the majority (52%) of his duels in the Scottish Premiership.

Idah, meanwhile, has scored eight goals in all competitions but has failed to convince Rodgers that he deserves to start week-in-week-out, with just five starts in the Premiership and the Champions League combined.

Trusty, on the other hand, arrived in the prime years of his career at the age of 26 and has started all eight of his appearances in the Premiership, as well as four of his five outings in the Champions League.

Market Movers

Football FanCast's Market Movers series explores the changing landscape of the modern transfer market. How much is your club's star player or biggest flop worth today?

Rodgers has hit the jackpot with the former Sheffield United man, whose performances in Europe this season have earned him a comparison with Arsenal star William Saliba.

How Auston Trusty comares to William Saliba

The USA international is listed as one of the most similar players to the French colossus in the 2024/25 Champions League on FBref, due to their respective statistics.

As you can see above, they are not identical players but they are similar in what they offer to their sides in possession, with their pass completion rate, passes attempted, Expected Assisted Goals, and touches.

Saliba is reportedly valued at more than £100m by Arsenal, amid interest from Real Madrid and PSG, and that speaks to how impressive Trusty has been in Europe for the Hoops, as his performances have been comparable to those of the France international’s.

As you can see in the table above, Trusty, who was described as “phenomenal” in the 3-1 win over Leipzig by Chris Sutton, has been incredibly reliable in possession of the ball and super dominant in duels on the ground.

The American titan has also won 64% of his duels across seven outings in the Premiership, keeping five clean sheets, for the Hoops so far this season.

These statistics, and the similarities to Saliba, show that Rodgers has hit the jackpot with the £5m signing of the former Arsenal prospect, who has slotted straight in and hit the ground running with excellent performances domestically and in Europe.

Celtic sold "powerful" flop for just £1.4m, now he's on par with Adam Idah

The former Celtic centre-forward has thrived since his move away from Parkhead.

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By
Dan Emery

Nov 26, 2024

Arsenal are stuttering this season and not making the most of key chances in which they could catch current Premier League leaders Liverpool.

The Gunners have now drawn their last two games, against Fulham who have impressed this term, and relegation strugglers Everton, finding themselves six points behind the Reds.

It has certainly been a frustrating time for Mikel Arteta’s side, who have not really found their rhythm in recent weeks. They have become almost too focused on set-pieces, and have struggled to create much from open play.

It has been a real issue for Arteta and his coaching staff, but perhaps there needs to be another striker aside from Kai Havertz, and have been linked with someone ahead of the January window.

Arsenal target Serie A striker

The player in question here is Juventus centre-forward Dusan Vlahovic. The Serbian striker has impressed this term for the Old Lady and has now been linked with a potential move to the Emirates Stadium in January.

At least, that is according to a report from CaughtOffside, who say that Arsenal think Vlahovic ‘would be the perfect striker’ for Arteta’s current squad and that they ‘are set to make a move’ for the forward.

However, they will not be alone in their chase for the Serb. Premier League rivals Manchester United, Chelsea and Manchester City are all interested, with French giants Paris Saint-Germain also linked.

Transfer Focus

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

In terms of the price of the 24-year-old striker, the report from CaughtOffside suggests he’ll cost upwards of £58m. That would see him become the Gunners’ fourth most expensive signing of all time, as per Transfermarkt.

Why Vlahovic would be a good signing

Although it would be a costly investment for the Gunners, there is no doubting what Vlahovic could bring to their squad; goals. It is something they have struggled with this term, scoring 29 times with an expected goals tally of 34.24xG, underachieving by 5.24 goals in total according to Understat.

Lucky for Arteta’s side, Vlahovic has a knack for scoring and could be the man to help fix their problems. He has 11 goals from 19 games in the Serie A and the Champions League this term, which is more than any Arsenal player across competitions.

He recently scored against Manchester City, finding the back of the net once in a 2-0 win at the Allianz Stadium. It was exactly the kind of goal that would go down well with the Arsenal faithful, a striker fighting for the ball in the penalty area, winning a header in and firing home. A proper centre-forward’s finish.

There are certainly comparisons that can be made between Vlahovic and his opposite number at Man City, Erling Haaland. The Norweigan has been the bane of Arsenal’s problems over the past few seasons, as they failed to conquer the dominant Cityzens in the title race. He’s scored 76 Premier League goals in just 81 games so far.

With that in mind, they could be set to bring in a striker who is statistically similar to the City number nine via FBref. Firstly, it is worth noting that the Juve man has played the equivalent of 12.8 full 90 minutes this term, but Haaland has played slightly more, with 15 full 90-minute games.

In terms of the numbers, the pair are extremely close when it comes to expected goals per 90 minutes. Vlahovic is averaging 0.72 xG and Haaland slightly more with 0.86 xG. Arsenal perhaps need someone who can fashion chances from nowhere. Juve’s striker averages 1.95 shot-creating actions per game, and the City centre-forward slightly more with two.

Signing Vlahovic could be exactly the signing Arteta’s side needs to turn his season around. They will be desperate to make up the points on Liverpool and catch Arne Slot’s side, and the striker, described as “monstrous” by football statistician Statman Dave, could be the man to help them reach the summit of the Premier League.

Arsenal were let down by "uninspiring" 5/10 star who lost 88% duels

Arsenal dropped points for the third time at the Emirates Stadium this season.

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By
Matt Dawson

Dec 14, 2024

Carlo Ancelotti says if you want to be at Real Madrid you have to "suck it up on the bench" when asked about Endrick's lack of game time.

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• Endrick regularly among Real Madrid subs
• Ancelotti addresses game time concerns
• Says youngster must "suck it up on the bench"

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Madrid manager Ancelotti was asked if he was concerned about the 18-year-old's lack of game time this season. The Italian gave an emphatic response to that, while opening the door to a start against Real Sociedad in the Copa del Rey this week.

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  WHAT CARLO ANCELOTTI SAID

  He told reporters on Monday: “Who’s worried? I don’t know. I’m delighted with him. I’ve given him minutes whenever I can, and he’s always taken advantage of them. Is he concerned? I don’t know. He has a chance to play tomorrow. I’m considering playing him. It depends on many things. Beyond competition, nothing is missing. It’s a matter of competition. There are players who are extremely high quality. I think the history of this club shows that many starters have sucked it up on the bench for a long time. Vinicius, for a couple of years, Rodrygo, Valverde, Camavinga. If you want to be at Real Madrid, you have to suck it up on the bench for a bit.”

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  There was a great deal of hype when Endrick, who joined from Palmeiras for a fee that could rise to €60 million (£51.6m/$65m), arrived at the Spanish giants but so far he has made just four starts in 28 appearances. The Brazilian gave Madrid a semi-final first-leg lead in the Copa del Rey last time out and he may get another opportunity to shine against Real Sociedad in the reverse fixture. But it is clear he will have to be patient as there are some great players ahead of him in the pecking order.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Endrick will hope for a starting role as Madrid aim to reach the Copa del Rey final when they entertain La Real on Tuesday night.

Tottenham Hotspur have been offered a “popular” Premier League defender who is also on the radar of La Liga champions Barcelona, amid reports that manager Ange Postecoglou is keen to reinforce his back line.

Ange Postecoglou hints at potential January signings for Tottenham

Postecoglou will be looking to make amends for his team’s 6-3 humbling at home to Liverpool before Christmas this afternoon, with Spurs travelling to take on Nottingham Forest at the City Ground, but Nuno Espirito Santo’s high-flying side pose no easy task either.

Tottenham offered "class" £25m player, but Postecoglou is stalling the deal

The Australian’s green-light remains missing.

By
Emilio Galantini

Dec 24, 2024

Forest, under the guidance of Tottenham’s brief former manager, have emerged as this season’s surprise outfit – and there is every reason to believe that they could secure a sensational finish in the European places.

Spurs, meanwhile, are looking to wrestle back any sort of momentum with their injury-ridden squad.

Postecoglou is set to be without Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero and Ben Davies against Forest, leaving the Australian with little choice but to partner Radu Dragusin with Archie Gray at the heart of his backline again.

Their lack of depth has been seriously exposed by this plague of injury problems, which has also led to reports that Tottenham are open to signing another centre-back in January as they bid to strengthen the squad.

Postecoglou suggests that the possibility of a new player joining next month is very much a real one, but he also insists that there will be no panic buying.

“We’ve been planning,” said Postecoglou on the January transfer window.

“A lot of it was going to be around where we’re at around this time. Fair to say we’re still a little bit short in a couple of areas and we need to reinforce. But January’s trickier in terms of what sort of players you can bring in. For us, ideal — for any club, I guess — you want to bring in people who are going to make you stronger. I think the fact that, obviously, we’re still in the Carabao Cup semi-final, still got Europe, FA Cup, we’re in all the competitions, it’s not like our schedule’s going to ease up at any stage. So I think it makes sense. We will try and reinforce where and what number we’ll have to wait and see.

“You don’t just want to panic and bring in anybody that you don’t think will help our cause in the back half of the year, but I think we’ve already shown we are pretty methodical and prudent about our work. We’ll make sure we’ll bring somebody in who is going to help us.”

Tottenham offered Crystal Palace defender Tyrick Mitchell on free transfer

While January is a huge topic of discussion right now, Spurs may have a golden opportunity to sign Crystal Palace star Tyrick Mitchell on a free transfer next summer.

That is according to The Boot Room, who write that Postecoglou’s side are keen to bring in an alternative to Destiny Udogie at left-back and Tottenham have been offered the chance to sign Mitchell on a Bosman deal.

The 25-year-old has held talks over a contract extension at Selhurst Park, but they’ve failed to progress, with Spurs now floated Mitchell as a possibility to bring in at zero cost.

In response, the Lilywhites are considering a free deal for the “popular” Palace player, but they face competition from Barcelona, who are also looking at signing the Englishman and are able to agree a pre-contract with Mitchell as early as next month.

Ex-Manchester United star Brandon Williams revealed that he fell out of love with football due to off-field issues as he faces two years in prison.

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• Williams left Man Utd last summer
• Hasn't played a competitive match since December 2023
• Opened up on the "dark" times he had to go through

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Williams, who was officially released by Manchester United in July 2024, has been without a club since last summer. A string of loan moves and a noticeable decline in form led to his departure from Old Trafford, where he once showed significant potential as a full-back.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  In a shocking turn of events, Williams pleaded guilty last month to charges of dangerous driving and operating a vehicle without third-party insurance. The incident took place in August 2023 and involved a high-speed crash. Details revealed in Chester Crown Court described Williams travelling at 99mph with a balloon in his mouth, shortly before colliding at 74mph. The case has drawn significant media attention, and Williams is scheduled to be sentenced on May 9, where he could face up to two years behind bars.

• WHAT WILLIAMS SAID

  In a deeply personal interview on Ben Foster’s podcast, Williams opened up about the mental and emotional weight he has carried over the past year.

  "At that point I did [fall out of love with football], at that point it was just getting too much for me," he said. "It was problems with friends, friends going behind my back – stabbing me in my back. I was ignoring my family, I wasn’t really speaking to them. They were really worried about me, my friends were as well to be fair. They could see it. It wasn’t right.”

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• DID YOU KNOW?

  Williams’ time on loan at Ipswich Town last season was abruptly cut short halfway through the campaign, and the defender was sent back to Manchester. Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna, who previously worked with Williams at United, advised the player to step away and address his personal challenges. It was a pivotal decision that reflected just how deep Williams’ off-field issues had run. The intention was to give him space to reset and confront the personal turmoil that was beginning to derail not only his football career but also his overall well-being.

GOAL and INDIVISA writers discuss USWNT's split with Brazil, Thompson's rise and Hayes' experimentation with squad

Emma Hayes likes to experiment. That much is clear. The USWNT are missing a handful of starters due to injury. Hayes' solution? Rest some of the other big names, and see how deep her player pool is.

She now has more answers. And after a mixed camp, with one win and one loss against Brazil over the last week, the former Chelsea boss is getting increased clarity as to where her squad stands ahead of the 2027 Women's World Cup.

There were a lot of good things to be taken from the two fixtures. Alyssa Thompson was excellent. Cat Macario stood out. Some of the USWNT's attacking play was stellar. But there were also some concerns, highlighted by an unsteady midfield and backline that looked shaky without the influence of Naomi Girma.

Still, if this was about learnings, then Hayes can see the last 10 days as nothing but a success. But what exactly has she learned? After losing to both Japan and Brazil in 2025, should their be concerns? And where do the USWNT go from here?

GOAL US and INDIVISA writers break it all down in a USWNT edition of… The Rondo.

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  The USWNT have lost two of their last three games – should Hayes be worried?

  Ryan Tolmich: Not at all. If you’re going to lose, lose now and lose to some of the world’s best teams. This camp was a perfect mix of reasons for confidence and humility, which is just what Hayes will want. The USWNT know they can beat the world’s best, but they also know it isn’t guaranteed. With two years remaining until the World Cup, that’s a good lesson to keep driving home.

  Celia Balf: Absolutely not. If anything, more questions have been answered. The record in Hayes' first 20 games is now 16-2-2, and the two losses are against a very good Japan team at the SheBelieves Cup and then Brazil. Hayes experimented in both matches against Brazil, playing two very different starting XIs. The first game was a more expected lineup, with a mix of veterans and new players. Tuesday, however, it was collectively the youngest starting XI in her tenure, average age of 22. Did that show? Yes. The lack of experience showed up in transitional moments, and in front of the goal. This is OK, though, because of when it happened – years before a major international tournament.

  Jacob Schneider: Not a bit. The stars were rested and Hayes gave opportunities to a lot of young, fringe players who – in normal circumstances – would be with the U23 camp. It was an unfortunate loss, and it did come with veterans on the pitch after multiple substitutions, but there's no need to worry.

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  Who was the big winner of the USWNT camp?

  RT: The last World Cup run may have been a bit premature, but Alyssa Thompson will sure as hell be ready for the next one. Breaking up Triple Espresso won’t be easy but, during this period where that group isn’t together – Trinity Rodman played just one of the two games against Brazil, and neither Sophia Wilson or Mallory Swanson were in this camp – Thompson looks like the clear favorite to force her way into that attack. She was fantastic during this camp and remains a young player to watch as she blossoms into superstardom.

  CB: Clearly Alyssa Thompson. She didn't score, but she proved a point. She's a threat out wide, has the pace to keep up and pass some of the world's best players, and creates absolute chaos on the attack. Thompson's vision to draw in defenders only to then slip a pass to Rodman was exceptional and just a couple days later, she had similar moments setting up Cat Macario for a goal.

  JS: It's both Thompson ad Cat Macario, the Chelsea forward who was stupendous in both matches. Thompson was immense in game two with her electrifying pace and work rate in the final-third. With the Alex Morgan era over, and Wilson out due to her pregnancy, it seems that Hayes has found at least two more reliable options in the attack to help when the likes of Swanson, Rodman and Rose Lavelle are not available.

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  Who had the most disappointing camp?

  RT: Just in general, there are major concerns about the midfield. Lindsey Heaps and Sam Coffey are locked in and those behind them aren’t really pushing them. Korbin Albert hasn’t impressed in a while and, playing next to her, Claire Hutton didn’t really standout either. Albert, in particular, needed to show more as she looks to keep her place in a very crowded, but flawed, midfield picture. It's Hayes’ job to figure out some recipe that works. Right now, though, it’s still hard to make something that taste good out of the midfield ingredients at Hayes’ disposal.

  CB: This is a tough one. I do think the biggest disappointment of the camp overall was the play of USWNT's backline. It was shaky, in both games. Not much composure and possession, and passes out of the back were rarely converted. As a result, Heaps and Coffey were underutilized as an outlet pass out of the back.

  JS: The central defenders. With both Girma and Davidson sidelined, Hayes needed some standout performances to determine the second string pairing. Tara McKeown did well in game one, but struggled in game two, while Alana Cook had a howler of a showing in match two, as well. Emily Sonnett didn't really put a foot wrong, but she didn't particularly stand out, either.

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  If the World Cup started today, who's your back four?

  RT: If it starts today, Naomi Girma is on the field, even if her centerback partner’s sole job is to hold her up on her feet, so we’ll start there. Girma is the best defender in the world and she’ll be back soon. Another unfortunate injury knocked out Davidson, but Sonnett is still fine. Crystal Dunn and Emily Fox are, for now, also fine at fullback. But it all starts with Girma, who is the most irreplaceable player in the USWNT pool.

  CB: Fox, Girma, Sonnett and Dunn. But that's today. Much can happen between now and 2027.

  JS: If everyone is healthy, Fox, Girma, Davidson and Dunn. Left back is surely a debate at this moment. Jenna Nighswonger is being converted into a midfielder at Arsenal, and the other options on the table are inexperienced pros. Dunn has been reliable and it's become increasingly clear that she is comfortable in that role, despite being a midfielder/forward by trade.

Arsenal are one of the best teams in the Premier League, with ample quality to capitalise on Manchester City’s downfall and clinch their first title in two decades.

However, injuries have been a key factor in stuttered results this term, and with Liverpool flying so high at the top of the table, Mikel Arteta knows that an emphatic run of form needs to be maintained throughout the new year.

In fairness, the Gunners started with a bang on New Year’s Day, dispatching Brentford in their own backyard to move within six points of the league leaders, and now, against Brighton & Hove Albion, Arsenal need to extend a winning run on the road.

Brighton started on strong footing under 31-year-old manager Fabian Hürzeler but have failed to win any of their past seven matches, falling into tenth place, 12 points away from Arsenal.

Arsenal might have a number of key absences, but Arteta will be confident that his side can build on their promising run of form against the Seagulls, losing one of their past five matches in all competitions and avoiding defeat in each of their previous four visits to the AMEX.

Arsenal team news

Jurrien Timber joins his teammates on the sidelines as he serves a one-match ban, meaning that Thomas Partey will probably return to right-back as Ben White works toward a comeback from injury at the end of January.

Further up the pitch, Kai Havertz will be looking to restore his starting presence in the team after overcoming illness, though Bukayo Saka is of course still out for an extended period.

Raheem Sterling and Takehiro Tomiyasu are also out in a further weakening blow to Arsenal’s right-hand side.

Many fans will hope to see Ethan Nwaneri playing from the outset after his impressive start at the Gtech on Wednesday, but the 17-year-old may be better off entering the fray after the interval. Here’s why.

Why Arteta should drop Ethan Nwaneri

Arsenal have a bit of a habit of producing starboys, with Saka establishing himself as one of Europe’s best forwards under Arteta’s wing and posting nine goals and 13 assists across 24 matches this term.

Saka, 23, has been a treat for the Emirates crowds for several years now, but in Nwaneri, Arsenal might have a talent capable of rising just as high.

Described as an “absolute diamond” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, Nwaneri made his first Premier League start in Saka’s stead at Brentford, impressing with his silky passing, energy and progressiveness, notably making two key passes and completing two of his three attempted dribbles, as per Sofascore.

However, Arteta needs a clinical edge against a Brighton side that is susceptible to a poor piece of defending, largely due to being stretched by their own expansive style of football.

Saka’s absence heightens the need for added potency, and though Gabriel Martinelli and the in-form Gabriel Jesus bagged last time out, it might be wise to unleash Leandro Trossard for this one.

Leandro Trossard could send Brighton packing

Trossard has been a shrewd signing indeed over at the Emirates, scoring 22 goals and assisting 15 more across 94 appearances for Arsenal, only starting 50 of those matches.

As per Understat, Brighton are underperforming their goal concession rate by 2.49, meaning that their somewhat shaky backline are actually keeping out more goals than has been expected from the opportunities provided to their opponents.

This calls for someone like Trossard, who can ease Jesus’ burden at number nine and ensure he plays freely in search of goals but also crucial link-up connections.

As per FBref, the Belgian ranks among the top 7% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for goals scored (0.53) per 90, suggesting that his skill set could indeed be the secret recipe for success on the South Coast.

Trossard might not have been in the finest form recently, with only one goal scored across his past 13 Premier League matches, but there’s no denying his enduring ball-striking ability, still only missing three big chances this year having scored three goals, creating six big chances moreover.

Last season, journalist Sam Dean waxed lyrical about the 29-year-old’s natural-born goalscoring edge, saying: “Leandro Trossard may not be Arsenal’s most skilful, quick or powerful forward. But he is their most deadly.”

As previously stated, there’s also the matter of Nwaneri coming on and influencing the play from a bit deeper, carrying forward with electricity and threading balls forward to, say, Trossard to latch onto and fizz into the bottom corner.

Arteta will be reluctant to drop Martinelli after his recent improvements, tentative though they may be, while Jesus is in inspired showing right now and it would be ludicrous to pull the same goal threat out of the side – especially in Saka’s continued absence.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast's Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Nwaneri must be eased into the side, not overburdened and allowed to foster his precocious qualities as he works toward Premier League stardom.

Trossard is the man for the job against his former club…

Imagine him & Jesus: Arsenal targeting "one of the best wingers" for £48m

The sensational talent would make Jesus and Arsenal far more dangerous.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Jan 3, 2025

Luton Town have announced that they have signed a new deal with Reflo for sustainable kits, with England captain Harry Kane acting as an investor.

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• Luton announce new kit deal with Reflo
• Plans made to develop sustainable kits
• Harry Kane one of the investor's in Reflo

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Luton Town were in the Premier League last season but were relegated from the top tier of English football. However, they are now facing back-to-back relegations as they sit 22nd in the Championship and are facing up to the prospect of returning to League One for the first time since 2019.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Despite their season not going too well, Luton Town have now announced that they have signed a new kit deal with sportswear company Relfo, who are backed by England and Bayern Munich star Kane. Helen Gatward, a member of the trust board, said she was thrilled by the direct involvement of the Luton Town Supporters' Trust in the kit design process, saying: "It's been amazing to be part of the selection and design process on behalf of Hatters supporters."

• WHAT LUTON SAID

  In a statment Luton Town said: "We pride ourselves on doing the right thing for you, our fans – and the environment in which you live and support us.

  "That is why we are delighted to introduce Reflo as our new official teamwear partner, heralding the start of a new era in our history as we look ahead to our final seasons at Kenilworth Road and our future at Power Court.

  "An industry-changing force in the sportswear world, Reflo will work with us to deliver not just eye-catching designs – in collaboration with the Luton Town Supporters’ Trust – but also the most sustainable set of kits in our history.

  "More on all of this will be revealed in the coming months. Until then, say hello to Reflo!"

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  WHAT NEXT FOR LUTON?

  The Hatters are back in action later this week on Monday, April 21, when they take on Bristol City as they look to get out of the relegation zone this season to avoid back-to-back drops.

Wednesday night felt like a turning point in Arsenal’s season.

Mikel Arteta’s side went into the North London derby off the back of two cup defeats and in real danger of falling out of the Premier League title race altogether.

Yet, an own goal from Dominic Solanke and a sensational strike from Leandro Trossard saw the Gunners come from behind and close the gap on league leaders Liverpool to just four points.

However, while the game was just what the team and fanbase needed after a gruelling couple of weeks, it also highlighted how badly attacking reinforcements are required, and while Yoane Wissa was linked with the club within 24 hours, he’s not the calibre of player fans are after.

Fortunately, recent reports have once again touted a far more impressive striker for a move to the Emirates, a striker who is way better than the Brentford star.

Arsenal chase sensational striker

According to a recent report from Italian publication Calciomercato, Arsenal have maintained their strong interest in Juventus striker Dušan Vlahović.

The report has revealed that the Italian club are desperate to get his lofty £361k-per-week wages off the books and that, so long as a reasonable offer is made, he’ll be free to leave.

Now, the story does not clarify what that fee would have to be, but reports from earlier this month claimed that an offer of around £55m could be enough to get the Turin side to sell.

It would, therefore, require a significant investment from Arsenal to get this transfer over the line, but given Vlahović’s ability, it would undoubtedly be worth it, and he’d be a far better signing than Wissa.

How Vlahović compares to Wissa

So, if the board at Arsenal are currently looking at signing Wissa or Vlahović, why should they lean towards the latter? Especially as the former has experience playing in the Premier League.

Well, the first reason is a simple one: their output.

For example, in his 124 appearances for the Old Lady, the Serbian superstar has scored 53 goals and provided 11 assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.93 games.

In contrast, the DR Congo international has scored 41 goals and provided nine assists in 132 appearances for the Bees, which equates to an average of a goal involvement every 2.64 games.

Moreover, it’s not just a case of playing for the better team either, as when we compare their output from their time with their prior clubs, it’s still the Belgrade-born “machine,” as dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, who comes out on top.

For example, in just 108 appearances for Fiorentina, the 24-year-old monster scored 49 goals and provided eight assists, which comes out to a sensational average of a goal involvement every 1.89 games.

In comparison, during his time with FC Lorient, the 28-year-old scored 37 goals and provided 17 assists in 128 appearances, which comes out to a solid but less impressive average of a goal involvement every 2.37 games.

Finally, aside from his raw output, the Juve ace is also 6 foot 3, which would help him deal with the physical nature of the Premier League and make the most of the Gunners’ legendary set-pieces, whereas it’s hard to imagine Wissa getting his head on too many crosses at just 5 foot 9.

Ultimately, while the Brentford star is a brilliant player and has shown as much this season, Vlahović has the more impressive record, is more physically imposing and is four years younger to boot.

Therefore, while he won’t be cheap, Arsenal should do what they can to bring him to the Emirates this month, as he could be the key to them overtaking Liverpool and lifting the title come May.

In talks with his agent: Arsenal eye big move to sign their own Kulusevski

The superb attacker could be a game-changer for Arsenal.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Jan 16, 2025