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Harry Kane has responded to Michael Owen’s claim that he was “nuts” to pull his kids out of school and go trophy-chasing at Bayern Munich.

• Severed ties with Spurs in summer of 2023
• Became Bundesliga title winner in 2025
• Has defended choice to leave Premier League

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Having failed to break his much-publicised silverware duck at Tottenham – with final heartache also being endured at major tournaments with England – Kane took the decision to leave north London and head for Germany in the summer of 2023.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Said switch has been questioned by former Liverpool and Three Lions striker Owen, as he told the podcast: “Harry Kane is just lethal; he's a brilliant finisher. I disagreed with him going to Germany; I was outspoken about that. I still think he was nuts. You're on the verge of being the all-time Premier League goal scorer, you've got kids that are all in school. I mean, I just couldn't see it. I don't see it.

  “If you're that desperate to win something, then do another year and then go. It's like if you go up and move to Celtic and win the league, you win every year, but there's no great achievement in that. A great achievement would have been being the top goal scorer ever in the Premier League. That would have been unbelievable, and he could have won things along the way.”

• WHAT KANE SAID

  Kane admits to being aware of those comments, but has said in response to them: “I heard it. Everyone is entitled to their opinion. I've spent a bit of time with him but don't know him well. Obviously, he is a Premier League great and an England great as well, so I'll respect him as a person, but ultimately as he will know, everyone's career is different – everyone's decisions and motivations are different.

  “I know he was insinuating I went just for the trophy, but it was to be at the highest level for as long as possible, and I'm really happy in that sense of playing big games, title runs, big Champions League matches, Club World Cup quarter-final.

  “I feel I'm improving as a player, I'm pushing my limits as a player in terms of goalscoring. It's hard not to hear things these days, but the decisions are best for me and I'm really happy that I made that decision and very happy at Bayern Munich now.”

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Kane collected his first major honour when becoming a Bundesliga title winner in 2024-25. He has savoured a German Super Cup win since then, taking his tally of goals for Bayern to 91 through 100 appearances. He remains 47 efforts short of Shearer’s record-setting haul of 260 in the Premier League, with a possible return to English football being speculated on alongside a shock switch to La Liga giants Barcelona.

Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta is famed for identifying a host of transfer targets and working on potential deals for several of them before deciding which one is best to pursue.

Striker open to joining Premier League rival after "complicated" Arsenal talks

He was thought to be Mikel Arteta’s preferred option.

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By
Emilio Galantini

Jul 19, 2025

We’ve seen this throughout the summer window thus far, with Berta simultaneously holding talks over both RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres at one point (BBC).

The ex-Atletico Madrid chief ultimately decided on Gyokeres, who is believed to be on the verge of a move to Arsenal after an agreement in principle was struck with Sporting earlier this week (The Athletic).

Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg also reported earlier this summer that Berta was holding “numerous” talks over signing a winger, before the Gunners eventually settled on Chelsea’s Noni Madueke, who was officially announced as a new Arsenal player on Friday.

This is simply the way Berta operates, as explained by journalist Ben Jacobs.

“The best way of describing it is that Andrea Berta’s approach is different to Edu. If he was going to a party, he would lay out three or four outfits, try them all on and finally decide what to wear,” said Jacobs on talkSPORT.

“Andrea Berta is out in the market, effectively lining up both deals, whereas Edu tended to pick one and be very meticulous, and then discreetly try and get it over the line, often with a series of bids.

“It was either a very smart tactic because Arsenal had confidence that they would get that man, or it dragged on, and we got more summer sagas. We won’t see that with Andrea Berta.”

Berta’s methods appear to be shining through again in Arsenal’s pursuit of a central attacking midfielder, which is their next priority after Gyokeres and Madueke (Ben Jacobs).

Much has been made of their interest in Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze in particular.

Arsenal have held positive talks with Eze’s representatives, and there’s an expectation that they’re set to formally approach Palace over signing the star playmaker, who bagged 14 goals and 11 assists in all competitions.

Arsenal praised as Berta targets Xavi Simons as Eberechi Eze alternative

However, Berta is starting to spin more plates in the attacking midfield department, with Fabrizio Romano confirming that Arsenal hold an interest in RB Leipzig star Xavi Simons.

The Dutchman only completed an initial £43 million permanent move to Leipzig from PSG in January, but Romano states he’s prepared to leave the Bundesliga side already and top Premier League sides are aware of this.

Simons can play on both the left and more centrally, having starred for Leipzig in both positions for the last two years. In 2023/2024, he racked up 10 goals and 15 assists in all competitions, adding to that tally with 11 goals and eight assists in 24/25.

The 22-year-old can be devastating on his day, and journalist Buchi Laba believes that Simons would be a better signing for Arsenal than Eze.

“For me, I will take Xavi Simons ahead of Eberechi Eze,” said Laba on X.

“He’s a better player, More flexible and for his age, more experience and fits the Arsenal system more.”

Arsenal and other English suitors are apparently hopeful they can sign Simons for £56m (talkSPORT), which would also make him a cheaper option than Eze, with Palace refusing to budge on his £68 million release clause thus far.

It hasn’t always been this way. There was a time, not too long ago, when Liverpool were scraping to qualify for Europe, or indeed failing to qualify for Europe.

The Luis Suarez-led Premier League title charge of 2013/14 will forever remain an incredible, awe-inspiring season, but it stood as a lonely outlier across a number of years of strife and disappointment.

But Jurgen Klopp changed all that, remoulding Anfield and placing Liverpool back among the big-hitters on the global stage. For many, it was a return to the old days of excitement and glory at the top.

Bill Shankly and Bob Paisley were joined by another in the shape of the larger-than-life German manager, who signed and grew, organically, a team capable of challenging for the biggest prizes year on year.

Liverpool had created superstars like Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, Bobby Firmino. They joined the likes of John Barnes and Kenny Dalglish and the like from an era of old.

And now, there’s a new wave.

Slot's Liverpool rebuild

Arne Slot led Liverpool to their first Premier League title in five years last season, and in the first year since Klopp stepped down too.

He did it without any proper transfer investment, only bringing Federico Chiesa, who scarcely played for several reasons, over in a £12.5m deal.

He’s since been rewarded. Liverpool have spent a British-record £116m sum on Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz, and are looking to smash their own record with a bid for Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak. The Sweden striker wants to sign for the Reds, and a first informal approach has been made.

Such players have the potential to evoke nostalgia on Merseyside, for sure, but Liverpool are planning to sign yet another high-class footballer this summer with something of a stylistic connection to a former icon.

New Gerrard & Torres: Liverpool can form "world-class" duo with bid pending

Liverpool are still hoping to make a few more moves in the summer transfer market.

By
Angus Sinclair

Aug 1, 2025

Indeed, the aforementioned Barnes was quite the player back in his heyday, and Liverpool have a similar player in their sights.

Liverpool make contact with CL superstar

As per Spanish journalist Siro Lopez, Liverpool have been in contact with Real Madrid star Rodrygo as Slot looks to replace Diaz.

The Brazilian forward, 24, is anticipated to leave Xabi Alonso’s fledgling project after falling out of favour, but he remains one of the game’s most talented wingers and could be available for a fee in the region of £69m.

Rodrygo has also been coveted by Arsenal this summer, and with Leandro Trossard rumoured to be leaving the Emirates, FSG might want to act swiftly with this one.

Why Liverpool should sign Rodrygo

Like Barnes, Rodrygo is an elegant and dynamic forward, though he’s, of course, more accomplished at this stage of his career than when Dalglish agreed a £900,000 fee with Watford to bring the now-retired great to Anfield in 1987.

The Los Blancos sensation has scored 68 goals and supplied 51 assists across 270 senior showings in the Spanish capital, winning the full gamut.

Rodrygo is a big-game player and could prove a fantastic Diaz replacement in that regard, filling in a void and ensuring that Liverpool have the technical quality and firepower to make an impact on the grand stage.

His talismanic approach adds a further level to the argument that he’s apt as the club’s new Barnes.

Barnes, when operating on the left side of the midfield, was a powerful and direct player, renowned for his speed and athleticism, his purposeful strides and (at times) clinical finishing.

He led a storied career, but it was at Liverpool that Barnes enjoyed his finest hours, notably winning two top-flight titles, two FA Cups and leaving as a two-time Liverpool Player of the Year.

Though it’s unlikely Rodrygo would take a leaf from Barnes’ book and relocate to a deeper-lying midfield role in the deeper stretches of his career, there’s little question that the Brazilian shares some of the 61-year-old’s one-time versatility and cleverness on the pitch.

Former England international Tom Finney once said, “Players like John Barnes come along just once in a lifetime.” His pace, power and sheer will to win allowed him to thrive as one of the game’s elite, and these are traits also found within Rodrygo’s skill set, for sure.

As per FBref, Rodrygo ranked last season among the top 2% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe for pass completion, the top 14% for progressive carries and the top 20% for successful take-ons per 90, highlighting his mix of sharp passing and high-speed, controlled running with the ball.

The right-footer might not have enjoyed his best season in 2024/25, only scoring six times in La Liga, but he was routinely played out of position and could find a permanent home on the left flank in Slot’s Liverpool.

Carlo Ancelotti might have hailed his “special striker” for being able to “play in all positions”, but coming off the left flank, his potency and creativty are maximised.

Should sporting director Richard Hughes pull this one off, perhaps we will see the spirit of Barnes reborn in Slot’s Liverpool, adding that extra bit of quality to take this illustrious project to the next stage.

Bigger mistake than Diaz: Liverpool ready to sell Slot's "monster" for £47m

Liverpool sold Luis Diaz to Bayern Munich, and now face the exit of another star player.

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By
Angus Sinclair

Jul 31, 2025

Chelsea have agreed to a deal with their sister club Strasbourg over the transfer of in-demand striker Emanuel Emegha in 2026. The Blues' controversial yet legal dealings with the French side continue to raise objections from fans, and Emegha's move will certainly trigger conversation over the morality of the agreement yet again.

• Chelsea strike deal to sign Strasbourg's Emegha
• Striker will sign seven-year deal at Stamford Bridge
• Blues aware that rivals were interested

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Chelsea have confirmed a deal with Strasbourg to sign Emegha in 2026, and he will pen a seven-year deal at Stamford Bridge. Strasbourg have confirmed that their captain will remain with the side until next summer as they look to go deep in the Conference League.

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  The BIGGER PICTURE

  Emegha's breakthrough at Strasbourg last season saw him being named captain for this season. The 22-year-old has scored 26 goals and registered five assists in 64 outings with the Ligue 1 side, including three goals so far this season. Despite the move being confirmed, Emegha has promised Strasbourg fans that his primary focus will remain on succeeding with the side this season.

• WHAT EMEGHA SAID

  Speaking to Strasbourg club media, Emegha said: "Strasbourg gave me the opportunity to develop and to get to the level that I am today, and I’m not finished developing or growing. I’m really grateful to the club and the supporters for everything they have done for me. I just want to focus 100% on Strasbourg until the end of the season, and then I will leave. I don’t want there to be rumours or distractions for my team or for me, so I think this is the best decision to bring it out now.

  "Everybody knows my personality. It’s not because people know I’m leaving that I will change my behaviour or my work ethic. I’m someone who gives 100% every day for the team and for the club, and I’ll keep doing this until the end.

  "I had opportunities to go to other European top clubs that play in the Champions League. I spoke with Chelsea, with Strasbourg and with BlueCo about what would be best for my career. We had open discussions and agreed that the best decision was for me to stay in Strasbourg for one more year, to lead the team in Europe, to write another piece of history here, and then go to Chelsea.

  "I feel loved in Strasbourg, and I’m happy with how I’ve been treated at this club. As a football player and as a person, the most important thing is to feel respected and loved. Even with what happened at the end of last season, I’m even more eager to do everything for my club and make sure that we reach our goals.

  "We want to play fantastic games in Europe, and we don’t want to be there just to say we played in the Conference League. We really want to achieve something as a team. We are young, ambitious and hungry, and I think that’s all you need to be successful. I know I’m speaking a lot now, but you also know I will show it on the pitch."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR CHELSEA?

  The Dutch striker will give Enzo Maresca yet another option in attack, starting next season. With Chelsea being aggressive in the market this summer, Emegha will have to compete against a number of forwards next season, many of whom will have already played a lot of games under Maresca.

Borussia Dortmund coach Niko Kovac asks the media to refrain from turning Jobe Bellingham's playing time concerns into a media frenzy as he warned the midfielder he will have to fight for a place in the starting XI. He claims the crucial thing is to perform as a team after the England international's was benched for the Champions League opener against Juventus on Tuesday.

• Bellingham dropped from Champions League clash

  Bellingham hasn't had the perfect start at Dortmund. Despite his strong performances in pre-season and an impressive debut at the Club World Cup, where he scored his first goal, he has struggled to get consistent playing time under coach Kovac. The Dortmund manager has been cautious in using him, especially in big matches like the Champions League opener against Juventus, where Bellingham was left on the bench.

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  Dortmund open up on Bellingham's lack of playing time

  Bellingham was introduced in the 71st minute after replacing Felix Nmecha. This was his second consecutive game coming off the bench for Dortmund, sparking questions about Kovac's trust in him.

  "I understand the questions, but we're at BVB, and at BVB, there's a lot of competition and quality in the team," the coach told reporters. "I know what he can do. He's 19 years old and new to us. So we don't need to write anything that's totally unimportant. The crucial thing is that we perform as a team; everyone is part of that."

  Sporting director Sebastian Kehl also explained the situation, stating: "We've put a lot of effort into him (Bellingham) and don't need a topic about him every three days. In the end, we have a very, very large squad, which gives the coach several options."  

• Bellingham's parents confronted Dortmund sporting director

  After Bellingham was substituted at halftime in Dortmund's 3-3 draw with St. Pauli, his parents confronted sporting director Kehl in the tunnel to discuss his early withdrawal. The heated exchange prompted Dortmund to issue a firm reminder that family members are barred from restricted areas and that such incidents must not be repeated. 

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  Dortmund starts Champions League campaign with a draw

  Despite some commendable performances and taking a two-goal lead in the 86th minute, the Bundesliga club were unable to clinch a win against Juventus as the game ended in a 4-4 draw after two-late strikes from Dusan Vlahovic and Llyod Kelly. Kovac's side will now be facing Wolfsburg in their next league game on September 21, with the media keeping a close watch on Bellingham's selection.

Newcastle United have agreed a deal to bring a former Liverpool player to St James’ Park alongside their move for ex-PSG defender Malick Thiaw.

Howe bemoans PSR restrictions as PIF ramp up business

It has been a hugely disappointing summer for the Magpies, who have missed out on key targets such as Bryan Mbeumo and James Trafford, not to mention having the Alexander Isak saga hovering over them like a bad smell.

PSR is restricting the amount that Newcastle can spend in the current transfer window, and speaking after his side’s 2-0 defeat at home to Atletico Madrid on Saturday, Newcastle manager Eddie Howe admitted that it is a frustrating period at the club.

Business is picking up however, with Keith Downie reporting on Monday that AC Milan defender Malick Thiaw is on Tyneside to complete a medical and sign for the Magpies.

PIF have agreed a roughly £35m deal for the Germany international, who broke through at European Champions PSG before moving to the Italian capital, but he’s not the only new face at Darsley Park this week as the board ramp up their summer plans.

Newcastle set to sign former Liverpool player

Fabrizio Romano reported this weekend that former Liverpool teenager Isaac Moran, who is a free agent after leaving the Reds in June, is set to sign a Newcastle contract.

The move has now been confirmed by the Magpies with the youngster on Tyneside already, and while this isn’t the shiny, big-money signing fans may have been hoping for, Academy Director Steve Harper is delighted: “Isaac joins us with a strong pedigree and a maturity beyond his years.

“The leadership qualities he has displayed to date speak volumes about his character, and we’re excited to help him continue developing both as a player and a person.“

Romano claims the 16-year-old could be a future starter for Newcastle, and at a time where PSR is restricting business, growing top homegrown talents is an important strategy.

Their new Demba Ba: £80m striker now keen on signing for Newcastle

Newcastle United need more standout signings ahead of the Premier League kicking back off.

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By
Kelan Sarson

Aug 11, 2025

Now, it’s a case of the Magpies kicking on and doing some more pressing business between now and the end of the summer window, whether that’s persuading Isak to stay put, or bringing in a couple of top-quality replacements to lead the line moving forward.

After so much good work in recent years, it would be disheartening to see it all go to waste and Howe’s side take a step backwards in 2025/26, so the club must add to their midfield and forward ranks in the coming weeks.

Looking to get one over on their Premier League rivals, Manchester United have now reportedly jumped ahead of Cheslea in the race to sign a young defender this month.

Man Utd still targeting reinforcements

For a team coming off the back of their worst-ever finish in the Premier League, Manchester United have enjoyed an excellent summer transfer window. The addition of Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha should transform Ruben Amorim’s attack from entriely blunt into one of the sharpest in the so-called top six.

There were plenty of promising signs from Cunha and Mbeumo last weekend, in particular. Even as Arsenal stole a 1-0 victory at Old Trafford, it was clear that the Red Devils were the better side on the day and deserved at least a point, if not all three.

Amorim reacted to the opening day defeat with plenty of pride, praising his players for their bravery and aggression in a marked improvement from last season.

There is still plenty of work to be done and improvements to be made, however, which could come courtesy of the transfer window. The Red Devils are still reportedly targeting deals to sign Senne Lammens and a Lucien Agoume as they aim to address two problem areas, whilst also setting their sights on a future star.

Man Utd jump ahead of Chelsea in Bright Ede race

As reported by Polish journalist Sebastian Staszewski, Manchester United are now ahead of Chelsea in the race to sign Bright Ede from Motor Lublin this month. The 18-year-old defender has impressed in his home country and is reportedly valued at around €8.5m (£7m) as Lublin potentially cash-in ahead of the deadline.

He's like Baleba: "Extraordinary" £35m star now wants to sign for Man Utd

Manchester United appear to have moved on from Carlos Baleba with a move for another star.

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By
Ethan Lamb

Aug 22, 2025

Those at Old Trafford aren’t alone in pursuit of Ede’s signature, though. Whilst Chelsea and Benfica have paused talks, an unnamed Italian club are also reportedly interested in signing the young defender to hand United some frustrating competition.

United’s interest in Ede should come as little surprise. INEOS have focused on welcoming young players and partiucularly young defenders since arriving, having already signed Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven. Now, they could add a third young prospect to their backline in the form of the Polish defender.

Compared to Arsenal’s Gabriel Magalhaes by scout Jacek Kulig, Manchester United would be landing an undeniable hidden gem if Ede went on and reached the same level as the dominant Brazilian in the Premier League.

Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe admitted that Tino Livramento will face a lengthy lay-off after being stretchered off the pitch against Arsenal on Sunday. A misguided challenge from William Saliba saw the English full-back land awkwardly on the ground, after which he received medical attention, before being stretchered off in the 77th minute.

• Livramento suffered a terrible injury

  Livramento was impressive on the pitch against the Gunners as Newcastle successfully held on to their lead for 50 minutes, however, his departure led to Arsenal equalising through Eberechi Eze's strike in the 84th minute before Gabriel Magalhaes scored a late winner. Livramento awkwardly went down on the ground after Saliba caught him around his waist with a poor challenge. 

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  Howe admitted Livramento faces length lay-off

  After the match, Magpies boss Eddie Howe provided an update on the defender's condition as he told reporters: "I am concerned because he's such an important player for us. He's been magnificent at the start of this season. He's a big player, so if we are going to lose him it's going to be a huge blow."

• Arsenal reduce gap with Liverpool

  After former Gunners star Eddie Nketiah's late winner handed league leaders Liverpool their first loss of the 2025-26 campaign on Saturday, Mikel Arteta's side took advantage of the Reds faltering a day later as the win at St James' Park allowed them to reduce their gap to two points at the top of the table.

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  Newcastle's struggles continue

  Newcastle have made a terrible start to their journey in the new season and it got worse with their loss at home against the Gunners. After their first six matches, Howe's men have registered just one win and are currently struggling in the 15th position after first six Premier League matches. 

Gus Poyet, in an exclusive chat with GOAL, has brutally explained why there is little chance of Harry Kane ending up at Manchester United if the England captain decides to return to the Premier League from Bayern Munich. There are said to be clauses in the prolific striker’s contract that could allow him to head home in 2026, but Old Trafford is not expected to be his next destination.

• Kane's record: Stunning strike rate of Bayern and England striker

  Kane stepped out of his comfort zone in 2023 when severing ties with Tottenham. He left north London as Spurs’ all-time leading goalscorer and 47 efforts short of breaking Alan Shearer’s record tally in Premier League competition. It has been suggested that Kane could look to make more history there at some point, with an impressive strike rate being maintained in Germany.

  Kane has reached 102 goals for Bayern through just 105 appearances in all competitions. He is a two-time Bundesliga Golden Boot winner and saw his trophy curse lifted in 2024-25 when savouring top-flight title glory at the Allianz Arena. The 32-year-old is eager to add more medals to his collection when turning out for club and country. His contract at Bayern is due to run until 2027.

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  Where next for Kane after Man Utd, Arsenal & Tottenham links?

  Exit fees can, however, be triggered in various transfer windows. Teams around the world are said to be monitoring Kane’s situation as they consider making moves for one of the most fearsome No.9s on the planet. Leading sides in England would be expected to head the queue if an exit door were to be nudged open at Bayern. Several potential landing spots for Kane have been speculated on.

  He has generated shock talk of moving to Arsenal or Chelsea in the not too distant past, while United are long-standing suitors of the Three Lions superstar. Spurs, meanwhile, have the option to match any bids that are lodged for Kane – having included that clause in the deal which took a home-grown hero off their books.

  Former Tottenham midfielder Poyet, speaking via the online casino affiliate site Casino.org, told GOAL when asked where Kane could end up: “If he goes to Man United, I won’t talk about Harry Kane anymore in my life! People talk about Man United, but this is not Man United in the last few years. He won’t go to Arsenal. The rest, I don’t know. I think people would take him back at Spurs as the player he is and the legend that he is. If he can go back and help the team in a certain way, score goals and get the record, it would be amazing. I’m not sure what will happen. Maybe he won’t go back. It’s very personal, so let’s see.”

• State of play: The latest on Kane's future

  Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has offered an update on the state of play when it comes to Kane’s future, with teams in the Middle East also keeping a close eye on events in Bavaria. He told : "The reality is that Spurs had a priority option clause inserted into their agreement with FC Bayern for Harry Kane; if and when Kane decides to leave, Spurs will be alerted first and the same will also happen in case other clubs decide to send proposals for the English striker.

  "But nothing has started at this stage and nothing is imminent; not with Spurs or any other Premier League club, amid links with Manchester United as always since Kane decided to leave Spurs years ago. Some sources also suggest Saudi Pro League clubs are monitoring Kane’s contract situation at Bayern with two years left; but that’s it for now, as his full focus remains on the German club."

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  Kane settled in Germany alongside wife Kate and their children

  Kane has offered no indication that he is looking for a way out of Munich. He has worked hard on adjusting to the demands of life in Germany, while bringing his wife Kate and their children over to a new country. With positive progress being made on and off the pitch, there is no need for him to consider a fresh start or a retracing of steps to familiar surroundings.

It’s difficult to remember when the mood in the Arsenal fanbase has been this positive.

While there are several reasons why, the most significant factor is undoubtedly Eberechi Eze’s arrival.

The England international has been one of the most entertaining players in the Premier League for years, and just before their North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur got their hands on him, the Gunners swooped in to bring him back to the Emirates.

Now with less than a week until the window closes, it looks like the club could be about to bring in another talented player in an Eze repeat.

Arsenal eye Eze repeat

While Arsenal have made a few signings from foreign leagues this summer, Andrea Berta and Co have made good use of the Premier League market as well.

Transfer Focus

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

On top of Eze, the Italian oversaw deals to sign Noni Madueke and Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea and then, staying in West London, a deal to sign Christian Norgaard from Brentford.

In years gone by, that would be more than enough business for the Gunners, but now it looks like they could be going back to the Bees for another star in an Eze-esque deal.

At least that is according to a recent report from Graeme Bailey, who has claimed that Arsenal are interested in Nathan Collins.

The journalist has revealed that the Brentford captain has caught the eye of several top sides this summer, and alongside Spurs, the Gunners are one of them.

While the West Londoners do want to sell the 24-year-old, who they signed for just £23m a couple of seasons ago, there are still six days left until the window closes, and therefore every chance the Gunners could pull off an Eze repeat.

Why signing Collins would be an Eze repeat

While Eze and Collins obviously play in totally different positions on the pitch, there are plenty of reasons why Arsenal signing the latter would mirror their deal for the former.

The first reason, and then one their fans will likely enjoy the most, is that it could be yet another example of them hijacking a move for a player Spurs want to sign.

Baliey’s story makes it clear that one of the other sides currently most interested in the defender is the Lilywhites, and therefore, if the Gunners get in first, it’d give the fans yet more opportunity to gloat.

Another key similarity between the two is that both were, or are, in Collins’ case, key players for a fellow London-based Premier League side.

For example, although he doesn’t receive nearly as much media attention, the Irish titan is now Brentford’s captain and has made 80 appearances for the club.

Moreover, he’s not just earned the armband through his leadership skills, but also for the fact that he’s an immense centre-back.

In fact, journalist Mario Marra has gone as far as dubbing him “one of the best defenders in the Premier League,” and while that might sound somewhat hyperbolic, his underlying numbers suggest it might not be.

According to FBref, he ranked in the top 1% of centre-backs in the Premier League last season for shots blocked, the top 3% for overall blocks, the top 4% for assists, the top 9% for shot-creating actions, the top 11% for aerial duels won and more, all per 90.

In other words, while he doesn’t attract many headlines, the Bees star is an accomplished defender who excels at the basics and is more than adept at the technical aspects of the game.

Ultimately, from beating Spurs to another player, the team he currently plays for, and his overall quality, signing Collins would be something of an Eze repeat for Arsenal.

Arsenal place bid for bargain Piero Hincapie alternative as club respond

Andrea Berta has his eye on more than one defender.

By
Emilio Galantini

Aug 27, 2025