All posts by z3u9t.icu

Tottenham are now tempted to bid for a £28 million forward who Harry Kane said "trains hard" behind-the-scenes, as manager Ange Postecoglou and co look to add more firepower.

Spurs looking to sign a new striker this summer

The transfer window is now officially open, and one of Spurs' key goals over the next few months is bringing in a prolific new striker who can take Kane's mantle.

Tottenham could now offer Gil in swap move for prolific £17 million striker

This is an “attractive” proposal.

ByEmilio Galantini Jun 12, 2024

The north Londoners coped well in Postecoglou's debut season without Kane. The majority of their goals came from Son Heung-min, who was deployed both as a central striker and wide player over the 2023/2024 season, and Brazil international Richarlison.

The attacking duo racked up 29 goals between them in all competitions last term, replicating the kind of return which is standard for Kane, but it is believed that Postecoglou doesn't wish to rely on Richarlison and Son for Tottenham's output again next season.

Son Heung-min

17

Richarlison

12

Dejan Kulusevski

8

Brennan Johnson

5

Cristian Romero

5

Spurs are apparently open to offers for Richarlison, with the ex-Everton star attracting interest in Saudi Arabia, while Son is on the wrong side of 30 and has entered the final 12 months of his contract at N17.

Tottenham are believed to have been targeting a host of forward options in the last fortnight alone. Sevilla star Youssef En-Nesyri is apparently on Spurs' radar, coming after he scored 20 goals in all competitions for the La Liga side last campaign.

Meanwhile, closer to home, the likes of Brentford striker Ivan Toney have been linked as well. Football Transfers claimed last week that Spurs are prepared to bid £40 million for Toney, and are also readying a personal terms package for the Englishman.

Tottenham now tempted to bid for Tammy Abraham

It is still very early days in the window, though, so the Lilywhites will be doing their due-diligence on a number of targets.

One name to have emerged on their shortlist, according to The Boot Room, is former Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham. The Roma forward could depart for just under £30 million, as the Serie A side set a £28 million price tag.

Lorenzo Pellegrini has called him "vital" for the group at Roma, and he scored 17 goals in all competitions during his best season there in 21/22. Tottenham are apparently tempted to bid for Toney after hearing he's valued at £28m, with Kane also being a huge fan of the 26-year-old.

“I think that Tammy is a great player,” said Kane on Abraham's quality in 2022. “He’s had a fantastic season at club level, he’s still learning and has experience to gain but every time he comes here he works hard and trains hard.

“He wants to impress the manager, he wants to score goals and of course it’s great to have competition in every position and in the Premier League we have some great English strikers who are scoring goals on a regular basis.

“Tammy is doing that for Roma as well so he’s a great player and I’m sure he’ll want to keep improving, keep working hard and that’s what he’ll try and do in this camp and going back to club level as well.”

Arsenal have decided that they will look to sell a “high level” player who has the quality to “play at Real Madrid”, with manager Mikel Arteta ultimately deciding that there isn’t a place for him in the squad long-term.

Arsenal players who Mikel Arteta could let go next year

The January and summer transfer windows are big talking points at the Emirates right now, as a few big names in Arteta’s team face pretty uncertain futures.

Arsenal now prepared to bid for "standout" £17m Martin Odegaard alternative

Arteta is after a foil to the Norway star.

ByEmilio Galantini Dec 6, 2024

Thomas Partey and Jorginho are both out of contract at the end of this Premier League season, with Emirates Stadium officials facing crucial decisions on the pair.

The Gunners could opt to sell for a small profit in January, which wouldn’t exactly be ideal considering just how useful they’ve been for Arteta so far, or agree contract extensions to keep them beyond 24/25.

Fulham (away)

December 8

Everton (home)

December 14

Crystal Palace (away)

December 21

Ipswich Town (home)

December 27

Brentford (away)

January 1

There is also the possibility of Arsenal letting both of them leave for nothing after many years of faithful service, and it is believed that Turkish Süper Lig side Besiktas have been attempting to lure Jorginho away from N5.

Meanwhile, despite his presence as a solid back-up for Gabriel Magalhaes in the heart of Arteta’s defence, Sky Sports journalist Luca Marchetti reported on radio broadcast this week that Arsenal are in negotiations with Napoli over selling Jakub Kiwior.

Kiwior deputised for the injured Gabriel against Man United, helping them to keep a clean sheet, but Arsenal are said to be willing to sell him outright in the winter, with Antonio Conte looking to reinforce his central defensive options in the midst of their Serie A title challenge.

Uncertainty surrounds the likes of Oleksandr Zinchenko and Gabriel Jesus, who are both on the fringes of Arteta’s starting elevens more often than not, while Arsenal are almost certain to sell Kieran Tierney – who hasn’t played a single competitive match for them since their 2023 Community Shield final against Man City.

Arsenal will look to sell Nuno Tavares at the end of the season

There is also the matter of their current crop out on loan, with left-back Nuno Tavares enjoying the form of his life on a temporary spell at Lazio right now.

The Portuguese boasts eight assists from 10 total appearances under Marco Baroni this season, but his excellent run hasn’t changed Arsenal’s stance on letting him go.

Lazio have an obligation to buy him if certain conditions are met, but regardless of whether he seals a move to the Rome side or not, Arsenal will look to sell Tavares who’s been told he’s not part of Arteta’s plans.

That is according to The Daily Mail, via The Express, who also claim that Marquinhos and Fabio Vieira find themselves in similar situations to Tavares.

“He is a boy who is still young. He played two days ago with Portugal U21. He has high level physical qualities. He has extraordinary explosiveness,” said former Marseille boss Igor Tudor about Tavares.

“He could play at Real Madrid, Barca or Manchester City. There are other things he needs to improve. He must progress, we often talk. There’s always room for improvement, we’re here to help. We make him see concrete things to improve. He scored 5, 6 goals, I don’t know. He has always been important to us even if he has not had continuity. He is still participating, he is an important player for us. As I always say, we hope he will help us in the last ten games. He is a player who, when he is in good shape, can change things. He can make a difference.”

Newcastle United are far from perfect this season, but there is enough quality at Eddie Howe’s disposal for the manager to craft another knockout campaign.

While the Magpies have claimed seven points from nine in the Premier League, they are 12th in the standings; however, the congested nature of the campaign means fourth-place Chelsea only hold a five-point advantage.

Whether Newcastle consolidate a fine run of form over the winter months – as they did last year – remains to be seen, but Howe will take understandable solace in his side’s more polished and coherent recent performances after a tumultuous transfer window.

However, it feels like some outside aid is needed, and with midfield emerging as a priority position for technical director Ross Wilson, it’s no surprise that Elliot Anderson continues to be linked with a return home.

The latest on Elliot Anderson to Newcastle

We all know the story. Newcastle’s PSR problems. Selling Anderson and Yankuba Minteh to circumvent a ban. Shaving fringe quality instead of selling a superstar.

But the 23-year-old midfielder has grown into a force to be reckoned with, Three Lions manager Thomas Tuchel going as far as to call him “one of the best midfielders in the Premier League”.

This is a sentiment shared by Howe, who was candid in discussing why Newcastle sold their prized homegrown talent to a Premier League rival, and underlined his desire to win him back.

Anderson is now a sensation, though, and Premier League tax has been levied by the Tricky Trees, who are set to demand in excess of £100m for a player now being chased by Manchester City and Manchester United too.

Newcastle will try, but this is sure to prove an elusive signature to land.

It’s important that the St. James’ Park side learn from their past mistakes, though, and don’t part with their new version of the Three Lions star.

Newcastle have an even bigger talent than Anderson

He’s had a tough time of late in regard to injuries, but Lewis Hall’s emphatic return to the field at Newcastle has remind English football of the calibre of their exciting up-and-comer.

The 21-year-old has now started three Premier League games in a row for Newcastle, and already he has reshaped the tactical fluency that was sorely missing in the early stages of the campaign. He was instrumental in taking control against Tottenham, and unfortunate not to have claimed three points.

Hailed as “the best player on the field” by reporter Andy Sixsmith, Hall has only just regained full fitness but is indeed reminding the Premier League of his elite quality.

Minutes played

90′

Touches

75

Shots (on target)

3 (0)

Accurate passes

36/43 (84%)

Chances created

0

Dribbles

2/2

Recoveries

6

Tackles won

4/4

Interceptions

2

Clearances

4

Duels won

8/15

He’s so defensively sound while playing dynamically and always looking to develop Tottenham’s attacking patterns through intelligent build-up work and calculated movement.

This is further evidenced through FBref’s data. The platform reveal the England international to rank among the top 10% of positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for assists, the top 18% for progressive passes, the top 7% for through balls, the top 19% for successful take-ons and the top 7% for tackles won per 90.

Journalist Harry De Cosemo claimed that the young full-back “makes such a difference” when starting from the opening, and no mistake there.

The vultures are bound to start circling before long, and while Newcastle may struggle to re-sign a homegrown talent in Anderson, they may have an even bigger talent in their ranks, and it is crucial that Howe is given the security to build around him.

Shades of Woltemade: Newcastle holding internal talks to sign £21m "magician"

This attacking star could improve Newcastle’s final third quality, just as Nick Woltemade has done of late.

ByJoe Nuttall Dec 4, 2025

Despite the £200m spending spree in the summer transfer window, Manchester United have failed to address the need for a new central midfielder in Ruben Amorim’s side.

His 3-4-2-1 system requires two dominant ball-playing options, with Bruno Fernandes currently occupying one of the two positions at the heart of the side.

The Portuguese international is primarily a number ten, but the arrivals of Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha have seen him drop into a slightly deeper number eight role.

Casemiro has often been the man to partner him in the middle of the park, but with his contract expiring at the end of 2025/26, it’s evident that a long-term solution is needed.

As a result, the Red Devils have since been drawing up a shortlist of potential options, with the January transfer window now rapidly appearing on the horizon.

Man Utd’s hunt for a new central midfielder in January

In an attempt to improve the options in the midfield department, the United board have identified Stuttgart star Angelo Stiller as a potential addition this January.

The German has developed into one of Europe’s leading performers, but he could be available for a fee in the region of £53m – a potential bargain given his recent rise in the Bundesliga.

However, he’s also seemingly on the radar of European giants Bayern Munich, which could lead to a huge battle for the 24-year-old’s signature in the months ahead.

He’s not alone in being a potential target for Amorim’s men, with Joao Gomes another talent that’s currently being considered for the central midfield role.

According to one Brazilian outlet, the Red Devils are advancing in talks for the 24-year-old, with a £44m transfer fee being mooted for his services this winter.

The report notes that a deal is ‘widely expected’ to be completed and that the player is ‘close’ to transfer clubs over the winter.

It also states that the Wolves star would be open to a switch to Old Trafford, but it remains to be seen if his current employers would sanction a move during the mid-point of the campaign.

Why United’s latest target would be a better signing than Anderson

Over the last couple of weeks, Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson has been another player who has been on their radar to bolster the central midfield department.

The Englishman has been one of the star men in the Premier League this campaign, leading to a first string of international appearances under Thomas Tuchel.

He’s featured in every single minute of the Reds’ league campaign to date, even playing a key role in the recent 3-0 triumph over Liverpool at Anfield this weekend.

His form has led to huge rumours over a potential switch to Old Trafford, but his current side are demanding a fee in the region of £100m to part ways with him in the near future.

Such a deal would be a club record, breaking the £89m fee paid for Paul Pogba way back in the summer of 2016 – potentially making a transfer somewhat unlikely this winter.

As a result, cheaper alternatives will likely have to be considered by Amorim and the board, which could result in a transfer for Gomes in the coming months.

When comparing the Brazilian’s stats to those of Anderson from the opening months of the season, the Wolves star has managed to outperform him in numerous areas – that’s despite his side sitting rock bottom.

Gomes, who’s been described as “one of the best pressers in the league” by one analyst, has completed more of his attempted passes and notched more passes into the opposition box per 90 this season.

Such numbers in possession showcase that the Brazilian thrives at finding a teammate, which could benefit some of the £200m additions within the final third at Old Trafford.

Games played

12

12

Goals & assists

0

2

Pass accuracy

85%

83%

Passes into opposition box

1.3

1.2

Clearances made

2.1

1.1

Interceptions made

1.2

1.1

Tackles made

1.8

1.5

Take-on success

50%

46%

He’s also won more tackles per 90 whilst making more clearances and interceptions per 90 – numbers which make him the perfect ball-winning option for the Red Devils.

Gomes’ all-round dominance is further reflected in his higher take-on success and aerial duels won per 90, which could make him an absolute steal at his current asking price.

£44m in the current climate would be an excellent piece of business, with the midfielder having the opportunity to improve further in the years ahead given he’s just 24.

There’s little denying that Anderson would be the dream addition for many fans, but it’s evident that Gomes would be a cost-effective addition for the short term.

However, that shouldn’t discredit the Wolves star’s talents, with his numbers this season certainly going under the radar, which could make him a stellar addition for Amorim.

He's "much better" than Sesko: Man Utd pursuing "one of the best CFs in PL"

Manchester United could land a new centre-forward just months after landing Benjamin Sesko.

ByEthan Lamb Nov 21, 2025

Eddie Howe deserves a statue outside St. James’ Park. After all, he has been the purveyor of a new order at Newcastle United and has been described as “one of the best managers out there” by his assistant coach Jason Tindall.

But Newcastle are in a rut. To say the wheels have come off would be a step too far, but the turbulence of the summer transfer window has put a spoke in the club’s wheels all the same, with United down in 14th place in the Premier League, three away defeats on the bounce and without a win on the road all season in the league.

The word from those connected to PIF, as per The Athletic, is that Howe’s job is under no immediate threat, but there’s an acceptance that results and performances have been well below expectations, and that needs to change.

The likes of Anthony Gordon and Anthony Elanga are struggling down the flanks, and the problems on the tactical front can be found across all areas of the field. This is a big concern and needs rectifying quickly.

Talk of Howe’s dismissal is premature, but it has raised the question as to who could succeed the English coach if the Magpies fail to fly out of the hole they have fallen into.

Why Newcastle could consider Howe's future

Howe arrived at St. James’ Park shortly after the epoch-shaping PIF takeover, to say the club have gone from strength to strength since would be quite the understatement.

Two Champions League qualifications in three years and triumph in the Carabao Cup last season have immortalised this man, but he won’t be at the helm forever, with recent results and performances indicative of deeper issues than a mere skid of form.

Particularly, the Toon have lacked confidence and coherence on the road, having won only once away from home all season – a 4-0 win over Union Saint-Gilloise in the Champions League.

10

Games

7

7

Wins

1

0

Draws

3

3

Losses

3

20

Goals scored

7

9

Goals conceded

8

2.1

PPG

1.16

If the almost unthinkable event of Howe’s departure were to come to pass, newly-appointed technical director Ross Wilson may well set his sights on Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola, who has been riding the crest of a wave on the English south coast these past few years.

According to The Mirror, the Spanish tactician is among the most likely candidates for the Newcastle hot seat, should a decision be made on Howe’s future in the coming months, should improvements not be found in the matches ahead.

But given former Barcelona boss Xavi and Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner, who won last season’s FA Cup, are also named, what is it about Iraola that demands such respect? Why, indeed, would he be the perfect manager to replace Howe at the helm?

What Andoni Iraola would offer Newcastle

Iraola was given the keys at Bournemouth at the end of the 2022/23 campaign. Gary O’Neil had done good work at the Vitality Stadium, keeping the Cherries in the Premier League after their promotion, but Iraola’s progressive and exciting style was viewed as the perfect fit for an ambitious outfit.

Bournemouth haven’t looked back. The 2023/24 season was one of stability, Iraola sticking his roots into the soil, but last year he made proper headway and garnered respect for his tactical acumen, matching Howe’s record ninth-place finish (the difference being that Iraola finished with 56 points, whereas Howe collected only 46 during the 2016/17 term).

Journalist James Horncastle has gone as far as to hail the 43-year-old as being the “best coach in the Premier League” for his resourcefulness and shrewd coaching style. The sharp-minded manager labelled his vision as being one of “rock and roll”, with such intensity and fury sure to be facets that endear Iraola to the Newcastle fanbase, should he be appointed down the line.

Should Newcastle make this move, it might help someone like Gordon return to top form. The Three Lions star struggled last season and has slipped further down a slope this year, yet to score or assist in the Premier League, albeit with four goals and an assist from four matches in the Champions League.

This is a winger who considers himself to be among the top brass, a “nightmare for anyone” he comes up against, words straight from the horse’s mouth. So much more is needed.

Iraola could be the man to rekindle the 24-year-old’s finest form, with his high-pressure and high-speed attacking plan something that could work a treat for a pacy player like Gordon. After all, just look at the gains Antoine Semenyo has made at Bournemouth over the past few years.

Gordon could match him, eclipse him. Even so horribly out of sorts in the Premier League, the £150k-per-week talent ranks among the top 8% of attacking midfielders and wingers in the Premier League for carries into the penalty area and the top 14% for successful take-ons per 90 (data via FBref).

For sure, this is the kind of electric pace and athletic application that Iraola loves from his wide attackers.

Of course, this comes with the huge caveat that Howe himself enforces a game built on effective transitional play, and Gordon is flattering to deceive in this system.

But maybe this is merely a life force reaching its end. Newcastle have achieved great things under Howe’s wing, but the boss will be defined by the stability he has created, able to pass the torch onto someone like Iraola.

Newcastle are not at the point where Howe’s future must be considered with a view toward a decision, but Newcastle have not been good enough this season, and if they fail to escape from the hole into which they have fallen, Iraola would be the perfect coach to lead them forward and into an exciting new chapter.

PIF must cash in on Newcastle "legend" who is becoming the new Sissoko

This Newcastle star appears to have gone past his sell-by date.

1 ByAngus Sinclair Nov 12, 2025

Aston Villa scouts are being put through their paces ahead of the January window and may now have found a player worth pursuing in PSV Eindhoven midfielder Ismael Saibari.

The Villans struggled for goals in the early part of the campaign, and it is fair to say that their efforts to hit the target need to improve, given they are one of the lowest-scoring sides in the Premier League table.

Yet to hit double figures on that front, at the time of writing, much has been made of Ollie Watkins’ poor form at Aston Villa this season. The England international has hit the target in just one of 13 this campaign, failing to repeat the stellar form he showed in 2024/25.

Undoubtedly, January will be a time where finding potency will be prioritised. Hoffenheim striker Fisnik Asllani is on the Villans’ radar and may be pursued, with Unai Emery set on achieving even loftier goals than the accomplishments he has met during his three years in the West Midlands.

He said before the clash with Liverpool: “Still work to do, still objectives to set and work hard to achieve those objectives – collectively and myself as well, individually.

“One of them is some titles, but of course the title only is winning one, Premier League, the cups in England, and Europe, is the target we can set through to achieve some titles, and we are in this way.”

PSR may force Aston Villa’s hand as Liverpool plot a move for Ezri Konsa. Even then, there will be room to recruit more additions to offer Emery a greater sense of potency in his side’s hunt for continental qualification, something he may now find in his latest target.

Aston Villa scouts blown away by Ismael Saibari

According to TBR in conversation with Graeme Bailey, Aston Villa scouts were blown away by PSV midfielder Ismael Saibari after watching him in action against Feyenoord last weekend, where he scored a hat-trick.

Bailey said: “Saibari is attracting a lot of attention and his treble last week was special. He is one to keep an eye on for January, getting goals in January is something Premier League clubs especially are looking for and he could offer that.”

With ten goals and an assist to his name this term, the engine room operator is also wanted by Leeds United, West Ham United, Everton, Fulham and Brighton & Hove Albion.

Aston Villa eyeing Joshua Zirkzee to fill attacking void

Versatility is a key part of his game, something that could potentially signal several arrivals are imminent, given Saibari can feature as a ten, in central midfield or in a role shielding the back four.

Nevertheless, PSV hold the cards in negotiations due to having the Morocco international under contract until 2029. Aston Villa may need to shell out a premium to land his services, though could now be tempted by the prospect of a January bid.

Manchester United academy graduate Kobbie Mainoo has found himself in a difficult position under head coach Ruben Amorim this season.

The England international has not started any of his seven appearances in the Premier League in the 2025/26 campaign, as Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro, and Manuel Ugarte have all been preferred ahead of him in the XI.

Mainoo started 19 Premier League games last season and 24 in the 2023/24 campaign, per Sofascore, which shows that he has been far more integral to the side in previous terms.

On top of his current struggles for game time, the Red Devils and the INEOS regime are reportedly interested in signing another midfielder who would also be ahead of him in the pecking order.

Man Utd eyeing move for Premier League midfielder

The January transfer window is eight weeks or so away from opening for business, and the Premier League giants are looking at possible targets to bolster their squad.

Transfer Focus

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

According to Football Insider, Manchester United are one of the clubs eyeing up a move for Nottingham Forest central midfielder Elliot Anderson ahead of the January window.

The report claims that the England international, who has emerged as a key player for Thomas Tuchel’s Three Lions, is United’s number one midfield target.

It adds that Liverpool are also interested in the £120m-rated midfielder, which shows that there will be competition for his signature at the turn of the year.

However, it now remains to be seen whether or not United or Liverpool are willing to pay the money that it would take to sign him from Forest in January.

Why Man Utd should sign Elliot Anderson

The Red Devils should push the boat out to sign the England international because he could arrive at Old Trafford as a big upgrade on Mainoo in the middle of the park.

The chart above shows that Anderson has outperformed Mainoo in a host of metrics over the past 365 days, particularly as a defensive force and as a progressive passer.

Whilst the counterargument to that would be that Mainoo has not had enough minutes on the pitch to showcase his quality this season, England boss Tuchel has also decided to go with Anderson over the United man in his midfield at international level.

On top of that, the Nottingham Forest star, who was hailed as “incredible” by journalist Miles Starforth, also outperformed the Red Devils academy graduate in the Premier League last season, when the midfielder started 19 of his 25 appearances.

Appearances

25

37

Goals

0

2

Assists

0

6

Tackles + interceptions per game

2.6

3.3

Duels won per game

4.4

6.5

Ground duel success rate

47%

49%

Aerial duel success rate

38%

66%

As you can see in the table above, Anderson provided more quality to his team in the middle of the park with both his play in and out of possession for the Tricky Trees, offering more protection to his defence and making a bigger impact in the final third.

These statistics, on top of the aforementioned statistics over the past 365 days, suggest that he would be a better option for Amorim than Mainoo in the middle of the park in the second half of the season.

This means that a move for Anderson in the January transfer window could leave the English midfielder in a precarious position at Old Trafford, because he could be behind Bruno, Casemiro, Ugarte, and Anderson for two midfield positions.

That could then force the academy graduate to consider his long-term future at the club under Amorim and INEOS, as he may not want to sit on the bench at United when he could be playing regular games elsewhere.

Carragher said Man Utd star was "terrible", now he's Amorim's key player

Manchester United now have a talent who has managed to transform his career at Old Trafford.

ByEthan Lamb Oct 30, 2025

It’s been an interesting start to the Premier League season for Ipswich Town this year.

Before a ball was kicked, fans and pundits alike were fearful that the club would be in for an extraordinarily tough campaign, as just two years ago, they were still fighting to get out of League One.

However, we are now ten games into the season, and the good news is that Kieran McKenna’s side have only been on the losing side five times, but the bad news is that they are still without their first win.

It’s too early to say with any certainty whether Ipswich will be able to beat the drop come May, but with young stars like Liam Delap in the side, anything is possible.

1

Liverpool

2-0 Defeat

2

Manchester City

4-1 Defeat

3

Fulham

1-1 Draw

4

Brighton & Hove Albion

0-0 Draw

5

Southampton

1-1 Draw

6

Aston Villa

2-2 Draw

7

West Ham United

4-1 Defeat

8

Everton

2-0 Defeat

9

Brentford

4-3 Defeat

10

Leicester City

1-1 Draw

Moreover, the 21-year-old’s sensational form makes the club’s decision to sign him over another striker they were interested in this year look even better.

Liam Delap's form this season

Ipswich opted to hand Manchester City around £20m for Delap’s services in July and to say he’s proven to be an excellent signing in the months since would be an enormous understatement.

The Englishman has played in all ten league games for the Tractor Boys so far, and while he scored just once in his first five games, he now has five goals to his name.

This utterly brilliant form in front of goal means he currently has as many goals as far more established Premier League stars such as Ollie Watkins and Luis Diaz.

Moreover, with his brace against Aston Villa, which secured his side an unlikely point, he’s shown that big games are not an issue for him and that he does, in fact, have the mentality to make it at the highest level.

In all, signing Delap in the summer was a masterstroke from Ipswich, especially when they were supposedly interested in another striker who has looked entirely out of his depth in the top flight this season.

The failing striker Ipswich could've signed

Before Ipswich got their hands on Delap in July, they were linked to another striker who had just enjoyed a relatively successful six-month stint in the Premier League with Sheffield United: Ben Brereton Diaz.

Yes, following a disastrous switch to La Liga side Villarreal in the summer of 2023, which saw the Chile international fail to score a single goal in 20 appearances, he moved to the relegation-threatened Blades in January, where he proceeded to score six goals and provide one assist in 14 top-flight appearances.

Now, considering the “extraordinary” marksman, as dubbed by former manager Tony Mowbray, averaged a goal involvement every other game in the Premier League last season, the Blues’ interest in him made sense, but given how he’s played for Southampton so far this year, it’s safe to say they dodged a bullet.

Since his £7m move to St Mary’s, the former Blackburn Rovers star has failed to score a single goal for the club in eight appearances across the league and League Cup, and worse yet, the south coast side’s only win in the league so far this season came when he wasn’t in the squad.

Ultimately, the Stoke-on-Trent striker might still be a talented forward in a bad run of form, but as things stand, his transfer has to be considered a flop, and considering how well Delap has done at Portman Road, Ipswich undoubtedly made the correct decision over the summer.

Signed by Keane: Ipswich loan ace who left in 2010 is struggling in Turkey

The veteran attacker had a short stint with Ipswich Town.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Nov 8, 2024

Back-to-back wins for Tottenham Hotspur. What is this? Yes, we know, shock horror, right?

Thomas Frank’s time in charge of the Lilywhites has not been smooth sailing so far and prior to Spurs’ win over Brentford last weekend, they had not won a game of football since the end of October.

November was a horror month for Frank, one that already raised questions about his future. However, the north Londoners are now on the right track again and they have Xavi Simons to thank for two inspirational displays in the last two games.

Xavi Simons' Spurs turnaround

While Simons’ goal against Slavia Prague in their 3-0 win on Tuesday came from the penalty spot, this has been a much-improved few days for the Dutchman who appears to be coming good in Spurs colours at long last.

Simons also found the net in the win over Brentford on Saturday and appears to be a lot happier with how things are going now.

Speaking after the game, the Netherlands international said: “It is really nice to score the goals, but feeling great on the pitch, that is the most important for me and I’m enjoying it. So, really happy to be in this moment.”

Also making an appearance at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Tuesday was club legend, Son Heung-min.

The South Korean left Spurs behind in the summer for a new adventure with LAFC in MLS and he was back in England this week to finally wave goodbye to fans after a decade of service.

Simons commented: “I didn’t meet Son (before) personally and now a little bit. He is a big legend for the club and it’s a real pleasure for me to take this number and build my own legacy, so really happy to meet him.”

Son waves farewell to Spurs

Son scored 173 goals in 454 appearances for Spurs, with his final competitive appearance in the historic Europa League triumph over Manchester United back in May.

The South Korean paraded the trophy around the stadium days after that victory in Bilbao, but left in pre-season to sign for LAFC. Thus, he did not have the chance to say goodbye until this week.

An emotional evening started with Son’s mural being unveiled on the High Road before he spoke to the crowd and promised, “I will always be Spurs.”

Speaking to Korean media after, he stated: “First of all, I’m happy to be back in a place where I spent my youth and is like a home. I’m so grateful that so many fans welcomed me and cheered for me. It was a little hard (on Monday) because the flight time was longer than I thought, but I had a really happy day. Thank you so much.”

Mathys Tel, who was only drafted into Spurs’ Champions League squad this week as a replacement for the injured Dominic Solanke, was delighted to see Son.

Tel added: “Sonny is like my big brother. He is always texting me, his support is always behind me, so back in the Champions League, we won and Sonny was there… a lot of good things. Sonny is a big legend at Tottenham, so when a guy like Sonny comes after he did everything, you give everything for him.”

Spurs star showed why he could become a "future £100m" player vs Slavia

Tottenham Hotspur have yet another gem on their hands after the victory over Slavia Prague.

ByEthan Lamb 2 days ago

Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta has a key decision to make about the future of a big-name player this summer, with Premier League rivals now looking at tempting him with a move away.

Berta given £35m demand for seventh Arsenal signing after "initial talks"

Andrea Berta has been told exactly what he needs to do.

ByEmilio Galantini Jul 31, 2025

Berta’s key priority right now, according to Fabrizio Romano, is sealing some outgoings to balance the books – having already spent over £200 million on new additions this window.

Gyokeres is their latest official capture after he sealed a long-awaited £64 million move from Sporting CP last weekend, joining Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, Noni Madueke and Cristhian Mosquera.

Eze would be a fine addition to this already-impressive crop of exceptional new talent, and Arsenal are believed to have already held initial talks with Crystal Palace. However, going by Romano’s update, exits will be necessary before they can formally bid.

Leandro Trossard faces a reported uncertain future at Arsenal given the Belgian has now entered the final 12 months of his contract. According to recent reports, Arsenal could sell Trossard this summer, rather than lose him for free in 2026.

The winger has offers to leave England with Borussia Dortmund keen (Florian Plettenberg), and Trossard isn’t the only forward who could quit before deadline day.

Reports earlier this month, specifically from talkSPORT, claimed Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr hold a serious interest in Gabriel Martinelli and were considering a £73 million bid, which would double Arsenal’s club-record sale of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to Liverpool in 2017.

£265,000-per-week striker Gabriel Jesus is another nominee for Berta’s chopping block, especially following Gyokeres’ arrival.

Arsenal poised to accept Gabriel Jesus offer as Premier League rivals line up

Jesus has attracted serious interest from Flamengo, according to recent reports from Brazil, with the 28-year-old also open to leaving the Emirates.

Right now, Jesus is in recovery from a crippling ACL rupture which ended his 2024/2025 season, and that potentially makes finding an outright buyer pretty difficult.

Nevertheless, according to well-connected former chief scout Mick Brown, who worked at Man United during their most successful period, top flight rivals are keen on signing Jesus from Arsenal.

“Arsenal are going to accept an offer for Jesus if their price is met.

“I think his best days are behind him, but he was still a reliable squad player at Arsenal until now. He hasn’t pulled up any trees, but he’s done alright. I think the thing for Arsenal has been that they need better than ‘alright’ and that’s why they’ve now gone out and spent all that money on Gyokeres.

“With him and Havertz there, it’s difficult to see where Jesus would fit in their plans.

“I hear there’s interest from a few teams in the Premier League, so that would be a good option. From his point of view, he’s going to want to go somewhere he can play at a high level but also play regular football, because he won’t get that at Arsenal.

“And from the club’s point of view, if they can make good money from him, they can spend it elsewhere. It’s the type of deal I think could work for all parties.”

The former Man City star signed for around £45 million on a long-term deal back in 2022, but has struggled to become that ’25 goal per season’ striker despite periods of excellent form.

Jesus enjoyed a real purple patch just last season, but that was immediately followed by his long-term injury in what was real bad luck for the ex-Palmeiras sensation. With just two years remaining on his deal, now could be the right time to sell Jesus if any suitor is prepared to take the plunge.