Much like their near Yorkshire neighbours in Leeds United, Sheffield United slipped up in the intense automatic promotion battle this weekend in the Championship.

Indeed, Chris Wilder travelled back to former employers Oxford United and was dealt a firm body blow in the form of a 1-0 loss, leading to Burnley jumping up to the top of the second tier at the away side’s expense.

Wilder will be particularly irked by the continued poor displays by £10m man Tom Cannon, with the attacker joining the building back in January with a reputation for being a goal machine, only to now be regularly fluffing his lines.

Cannon's poor displays at United

The £10m price tag that was instantly put above the 22-year-old’s head did have the potential to backfire against him, with the Irishman demanding that hefty fee off the back of a goal-laden loan spell with Stoke City.

Unfortunately for the automatic promotion hopefuls, Cannon’s blistering form in front of goal for the Potters – which saw him bag an impressive 11 strikes from 25 games – is yet to come to the forefront at Bramall Lane, with the United number 28 still goalless in his new location.

Cannon’s numbers for United
Stat	Record
Games played	10
Games started	4
Goals scored	0
Assists	1
Sourced by Transfermarkt
Cannon’s numbers for Stoke
Stat	Record
Games played	25
Games started	24
Goals scored	11
Assists	1
Sourced by Transfermarkt

Instead of leading the line as United’s main marksman, Cannon has been reduced to a background figure for Wilder’s men, with just four starts coming his way from ten overall appearances.

Patience will have to be exercised on the end of the promotion chasers – considering the 22-year-old cost such a lavish amount to bring in – but they must rue selling this former attacker now who could well have been the club’s original Cannon.

Sheffield United sold the original Tom Cannon

Thankfully for Wilder and Co, other attackers have stepped up to the mark whilst Cannon flounders, with Tyrese Campbell boasting ten goals for the season now as the Blades’ star striker.

But, the United boss wouldn’t say no to having Daniel Jebbison back at his disposal as another exciting attacking option, with plenty expected of the Canadian forward when he was still situated in South Yorkshire.

After all, in a similar fashion to Cannon, Jebbison was tipped for big things from a very young age, with the then 17-year-old attacker tapping home this effort in the Premier League way back in 2021.

Helping himself to a stunning six goals from six games in the U18 structure too – much like Cannon who fired home a ridiculous 28 goals for the Everton U18s – Jebbison must have been anticipating that this strike against Everton would catapult him into stardom at Bramall Lane, but his reality would unfortunately play out much differently.

The one-time Canada international would only go on to amass two more goals for United from a further 33 first-team outings, before he was sold on to AFC Bournemouth in 2024 to bring his long-standing association with his boyhood club to a close.

Now out on loan at Watford, United must wonder if Jebbison could be the goalscoring machine they desire in the here and now if he was back on their roster, with his national team manager in Jesse Marsch recently stating that the 21-year-old still possesses “massive potential.”

Annoyingly, Jebbison never exiting might well have saved United significant amounts of cash in buying Cannon, but Wilder will pray he can get a tune out of the former Leicester City man sooner rather than later, as huge games come thick and fast in the brutal promotion race.

Sheffield United eye move to sign "brilliant" 21 y/o from Yorkshire rivals

Chris Wilder is looking to bolster his squad depth at Sheffield United.

By
Sean Markus Clifford

Apr 6, 2025

Eyeing one of the moves of the summer, Everton are now reportedly poised to join Liverpool in the race to sign an in-form forward who would instantly replace Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

Calvert-Lewin closing in on Everton departure

As things stand, Calvert-Lewin is set to bow out of Merseyside as a free agent when his current Everton contract comes to an end this summer. The forward – once destined for great things – has seen his recent seasons controlled by injuries and looks destined to leave with a whimper rather than the goalscoring roar that Goodison Park hasn’t heard enough in the last few years.

2024/25

3

2023/24

8

2022/23

2

2021/22

5

2020/21

21

It remains up for date whether the Toffees will miss Calvert-Lewin like they would have done in the past, especially given how Beto has stepped up since David Moyes’ return to the dugout.

The Everton boss hasn’t hesitated to hand the forward some tough love either, telling reporters earlier this season: “I have seen a difference in him. There’s just a wee bit more eye of the tiger.

“He was rightly praised for his performance at the weekend. I was still saying he should have probably scored a couple more, we talked about that as well. Maybe we need a wee bit of tough love with him. He needs to be told, but also given the confidence and shown what he can do, he’s got all the capabilities.

“If I’m a centre forward, I wouldn’t be complaining about the opportunities the team have made him in the last couple of games. He’s been given three or four really big chances. He’s taken one, we’d like him to take more.”

Moyes has "massive" interest in Everton signing Sunderland star Dan Neil

His current club are readying themselves for bids.

ByHenry Jackson Apr 7, 2025

Whether they’re better off or not this summer though, Everton must replace Calvert-Lewin if he departs and that has reportedly seen them join a hectic race to sign an impressive forward.

Everton join Liverpool in Liam Delap race

According to TeamTalk, Everton are now poised to battle Liverpool in the race to sign Liam Delap from Ipswich Town this summer. The former Manchester City youngster reportedly has a relegation release clause worth £40m, which looks almost certain to become available in the coming weeks given that Kieran McKenna’s side sit 12 points adrift of safety in the Premier League.

Whilst Ipswich will likely go down, Delap has done more than enough to earn a permanent place in the top flight and one that Everton can provide this summer. Unlike Liverpool, one advantage that the Toffees could have is the offer of guaranteed game time for Delap, who may not be ready to make such a major step into the top six.

Praised for a “superb” season by talent scout Jacek Kulig after scoring as many as 12 goals in all competitions – nine more than Calvert-Lewin – Delap is undoubtedly one to watch.

Everton are close to beginning their new era at Bramley Moore Dock and could now move a step closer to completing a free transfer for an established Premier League defender, per reports.

Everton enjoying a peaceful end to Goodison Park era

Safety was the desired result when David Moyes took over at Goodison Park, and it is fair to say the former West Ham United boss has passed his remit with flying colours since returning to Merseyside.

A run of only four losses in 15 matches across all competitions have pulled the Toffees well clear of the drop zone, with their Premier League status secure after a raft of impressive results despite a clear lack of squad depth.

Incredibly, Goodison Park will host just two more Everton matches before being consigned to history as the Blues move across town, which could pave the way for some exciting additions to enter the fold if the Friedkin Group flex their financial muscle this summer.

Nantes winger Moses Simon could be one of first arrivals of the new era for a fee in the region of £12.8 million, offering a potential solution should Jack Harrison return to Leeds United. Sunderland sensation Chris Rigg is also on Everton’s radar, illustrating the calibre of reinforcement the Toffees have in mind to kickstart a new dawn under Moyes.

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David Moyes is looking to strengthen his Everton team in the transfer market this summer.

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Following years in the doldrums, the Blues finally appear to be on the up and have aspirations of progression once they arrive at Bramley Moore, but PSR regulations may limit their scope to spend at a lavish rate. Free transfers may be an intelligent way to attract quality while keeping the books in check, so it won’t some as a surprise to hear that Everton could utilise this mode of transfer action.

Everton make contact over Victor Lindelof move

According to CaughtOffside, Everton have made contact over a move for Manchester United star Victor Lindelof in an attempt to fend off competition from several other clubs for his signature. Fulham, Wolverhampton Wanderers and West Ham United have also registered their interest, while Inter Milan, Juventus and Benfica are lingering in the distance.

Victor Lindelof’s Manchester United record

Appearances

277

Goals

4

Assists

7

Trophies

1 EFL Cup, 1 FA Cup

After falling down the pecking order at Old Trafford, £120,000 per week earner Lindelof is set for a new challenge in the prime of his career and has no shortage of offers in his hunt for a new club. His availability on a free transfer combined with experience of the English top-flight is a lucrative commodity for sides to consider heading into next season.

Everton have several players set to see their deals expire on Merseyside and may have a void to fill in the heart of defence, making Lindelof an inexpensive solution providing they can meet his wage demands in negotiations.

Liverpool are believed to be keeping tabs on a Vinicius Junior-esque starlet with a massive future in the game, according to a new transfer update.

Liverpool close in on title as transfer rumours ramp up

The Reds need just one more win to seal the Premier League title, following Sunday’s 1-0 triumph away to relegated Leicester City. They could even be crowned champions on Wednesday evening, should Arsenal lose at home to Crystal Palace, which feels unlikely.

Away from the on-pitch action, Liverpool continue to be linked with new signings, ahead of what promises to be a busy summer at Anfield. Nottingham Forest right-back Ola Aina has been mentioned as a potential replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold, should he depart for Real Madrid.

Bryan Mbeumo has also been mentioned as an option for the Reds for many months now and the Brentford ace is still being discussed as a summer target. A £50m bid for the Cameroonian is reportedly likely to be accepted by the Bees at the end of the season.

Liverpool are thought to have made contact with RB Leipzig ace Xavi Simons over a switch to Anfield, too, even though he only joined permanently from Paris Saint-Germain in the January transfer window.

Liverpool keeping tabs on Leicester teenager Monga

According to a report from Spain, Liverpool are eyeing a summer move for Leicester City teenager Jeremy Monga, who is considered one of the brightest young prospects in English football.

Chelsea and Manchester City are also thought to be interested in signing the winger, who recently became the first-ever player born in 2009 to play in the Premier League, and the second-youngest appearance-maker in the competition’s history.

Monga is a player who is being talked about as a special prospect, with scout/writer Jacek Kulig heaping praise on him and even comparing him to Madrid superstar Vinicius.

“Very positive on the ball, unpredictable, and confident of his skills. Doesn’t hesitate to use his weaker left foot and is capable of dribbling, passing, and scoring comfortably with it. Player has the potential to become a key player in a top European club.”

Liverpool should always be looking to sign the biggest young talent around and Monga could be an exceptional signing, maturing into a sensational player over time.

To have already played in the Premier League at the age of just 15 is an incredible achievement, and he was even introduced as a late substitute against the Reds on Sunday, making his second senior appearance in the process.

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Monga has already made a combined 23 appearances for Leicester at Under-21 and Under-18 level, shining way above his own age group, so Liverpool pipping rivals to his signature could look like a masterstroke over time.

In a major boost for those at the City Ground, one Nottingham Forest target is now reportedly keen to complete a move this summer with Evangelos Marinakis also pushing to get a deal done.

Nottingham Forest's UCL run-in

Whilst one win in their last five Premier League games should ignite plenty of concern around the City Ground, Forest’s fate is still in their own hands with three big fixtures left to play. After drawing against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Monday, Nuno Espirito Santo’s side sit sixth and two points adrift of Chelsea in the final Champions League place, who they face on the final day.

Nuno recently had his say on his side’s performance against Crystal Palace whilst instantly looking ahead to the Leicester City game.

The Forest boss said: “It was very important to react, it was a big blow to go behind because we were in a tough position when we conceded the penalty but the reaction of the boys was amazing and we should be proud of that. We are delighted to be in the fight. Let’s go game by game now starting with Leicester at The City Ground.”

Related Nottingham Forest now want to sign £29m forward with 14 goals in 24/25

Nottingham Forest are among the Premier League teams chasing a forward from Spain.

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The impact that Champions League qualification would have both on and off the pitch cannot be overstated, especially as those at the City Ground go in pursuit of one particular target.

Yilmaz now keen on Nottingham Forest move

According to Turkish outlet Sabah, Baris Alper Yilmaz is now keen on a move to Nottingham Forest and Evangelos Marinakis is pushing to complete a deal ahead of this summer. The winger was at the centre of Forest’s interest in January but failed to swap Galatasaray for the City Ground. Now, six months on, Forest could match his price-tag reportedly worth over €30m (£26m).

Forest’s interest should come as no surprise either. The Turkey international has enjoyed an excellent campaign at Galatasaray – scoring 12 goals and assisting a further 10 in all competitions. The difference that another outlet would offer Forest must be noted amid Chris Wood’s recent struggles too. Without the New Zealand forward’s clinical form to turn towards, the Reds have struggled in the decisive moments.

What’s more, Yilmaz has already earned an impressive fan in the Premier League in the form of Virgil van Dijk. The Liverpool captain praised the winger after the Netherlands squared off against Turkey at the Euros last summer, telling reporters: “Baris Alper Yilmaz was running constantly. He was running elusive.

“It was difficult for every defender. He made it very hard for us. He couldn’t score a goal though. If we were to describe him in any way, he is a really important player.”

Now reportedly keen on a move to Forest, Yilmaz could finally be on his way to the Premier League and the City Ground in the coming months.

As rival fans have been so intent on reminding the Arsenal faithful in recent weeks, this season is yet another that the team are set to finish second in the Premier League.

Instead of Manchester City, it’s Liverpool who have pipped them to the post this time, although, with the Reds now 15 points ahead, it’s not been all that close.

Frustratingly, Mikel Arteta’s side still have the best defence in the competition, so the failure to finally get over the line once again falls at the feet of their faltering attack, which has scored 14 fewer goals than the Champions.

So, with it clear where the club need to strengthen in the summer, it’s hardly been a surprise to see endless reports linking them to some of the most exciting strikers around, such as Viktor Gyokeres and, previously, Alexander Isak.

However, if recent reports are to be believed, Andrea Berta and Co could now be looking at a cheaper alternative to the former, who is currently outscoring the latter.

Arsenal's striker search

Arteta and Co’s desire to sign Isak is hardly a secret, and considering he’s racked up a brilliant haul of 26 goals and six assists in 39 games this season, it’s hardly surprising either.

Transfer Focus

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

However, with a price tag that could exceed £150m, it’s a transfer that looks like it’s not going to happen anytime soon.

Gyokeres, on the other hand, feels a little more realistic.

The Sporting CP monster has been in absurd form this season, scoring 52 goals and providing 12 assists in 48 games, and it looks like he could be available for around £70m.

Yet, even then, that’s a lot of money to spend on a single player if the Gunners want to improve other areas of the squad as well, which might explain the links to Daizen Maeda.

According to a recent report from journalist Graeme Bailey, Arsenal are one of several teams interested in the Celtic star.

Alongside the Gunners, the report revealed that Liverpool, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, and other Premier League sides have watched the Japanese international this year.

While the level of competition for the attacker is far from ideal, the fact he could be available for a fee of just £25m is undoubtedly positive news.

It might not be a transfer that excites the fans, but given his price tag and his incredible output, it might be one worth fighting for.

Why Arsenal might want to sign Maeda

The first thing to say is that we aren’t claiming that Maeda is a better player than Isak or Gyokeres, but there are certainly a few arguments for why Arsenal might want to sign him over the latter.

Obviously, the first reason is the price, as at just £25m, the Japanese international’s arrival would conceivably allow the club to go big on at least one or two other attacking players to completely rejuvenate the entire frontline.

However, saving money is not going to excite the fans, so what are the tangible reasons that the Gunners may opt to pull the trigger on him?

Well, first and foremost, he’s proven himself to be a lean, mean output machine north of the border.

For example, this season alone, he has racked up an unreal tally of 33 goals and 11 assists in just 47 first-team appearances, totalling 3711 minutes of action.

Appearances

47

39

Minutes

3711′

3054′

Goals

33

26

Assists

11

6

Goal Involvements per Match

0.93

0.82

Minutes per Goal Involvement

84.34′

95.43′

That means the Osaka-born “physical beast,” as dubbed by former boss Ange Postecoglou, is averaging a goal involvement every 1.06 games, or every 84.34 minutes, and on top of that, he’s outscoring Isak.

Moreover, he’s a versatile attacker and can play off either wing or straight down the middle, and if we know anything about Arteta, it’s that he appreciates players who are comfortable in more than one position.

Ultimately, while Gyokeres would be the more exciting signing, Maeda still looks like he’d be a fine addition to the Gunners attack, and if he can replicate even half of his form north of the border in the capital, then the Emirates might finally see the Premier League trophy next season.

He'd revive Odegaard: Arsenal racing to sign £70m goalscoring "powerhouse"

Martin Odegaard could do with some additional firepower with him at Arsenal.

ByJack Salveson Holmes May 1, 2025

Aston Villa have made contact over the signing of an attacking player who is enjoying a superb return to form this season, according to a new transfer update.

Aston Villa eye signings after Champions League exit

Unai Emery’s team produced a brave performance at home to Paris Saint-Germain in midweek, beating the Ligue 1 champions 3-2 but crashing out of the Champions League on aggregate at the quarter-final stage.

It was another sign of the strides that this team had made under Emery, and while going out of Europe was hard to take, it shows that they are capable of holding their own against the best teams. Now, it’s a case of knuckling down in the Premier League and ensuring that they are back dining at the top table next season.

In terms of Villans transfer news, Club Brugge centre-back Joel Ordonez has emerged as a target, following an impressive campaign for the Belgian giants. He made 12 appearances in the Champions League, completing 90.9% of his passes and standing out as one of the best young ball-playing defenders in Europe.

Rosenborg teenager Sverre Nypan is another rumoured target for Villa, having caught the eye with his performances at the heart of his side’s midfield. He would be considered one for the future, but a hugely exciting option nonetheless.

Aston Villa enquire over £44.5m Moise Kean deal

According to Tuttomercato journalist Marco Conterio [via Sport Witness], Aston Villa have “already made enquiries” about signing Fiorentina attacker Moise Kean this summer.

The 25-year-old has a £44.5m release clause that is only valid between July 1st and July 15th this summer, so the Villans will need to act fast when that time arrives, with West Ham also credited with interest.

Kean is a player who has really kicked on over the past 12 months or so, enjoying a brilliant season for Fiorentina and threatening to reach his potential. The Italian has scored 17 goals in Serie A, which is three more than Ollie Watkins has managed in the Premier League, as well as netting once for Italy in the UEFA Nations League.

Kean has experience of the Premier League, which may be seen as an added bonus for Emery, admittedly only scoring twice in 32 appearances in the competition, but he has matured as a player since then.

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ByDominic Lund Apr 18, 2025

For that reason, he could be an excellent addition for Villans, coming into his prime years and showing that he can score regularly in one of Europe’s top leagues.

With Watkins turning 30 this year and Marcus Rashford not certain to join permanently, the Midlands outfit should look to snap him up.

Middlesbrough missed out on a Championship playoff place this campaign, but could now raid rival top six chasers Blackburn Rovers for one of their star assets if reports are to be believed.

Championship playoff battle ends in despair for Boro and Blackburn

The race for a shot at Premier League promotion is now over in terms of the regular season, and supporters of concerned clubs will now look forward to a heated battle to claim a place in the top-flight. Sheffield United, Sunderland, Coventry City and Bristol City secured a chance to reach the big time and the glamour that comes with it. However, for every success story, there are always hard-luck tales to offer some balance.

Michael Carrick will be feeling a sense of frustration after Middlesbrough missed out by a four-point margin following a run of one victory in their final six fixtures. Ultimately, the club’s decision to cash in on Emmanuel Latte Lath in January may have come back to bite officials at the Riverside Stadium.

The Ivorian striker scored 11 times before moving to Atlanta United, leaving a shortage of goals present in Carrick’s line-up barring Finn Azaz and Tommy Conway.

Middlesbrough’s unfateful run of results during Championship run-in

Middlesbrough 0-1 Leeds United

Millwall 1-0 Middlesbrough

Middlesbrough 2-1 Plymouth Argyle

Sheffield Wednesday 2-1 Middlesbrough

Middlesbrough 0-0 Norwich City

Coventry City 2-0 Middlesbrough

Rangers midfielder Tom Lawrence could be an early arrival at Middlesbrough on a free transfer to add an offensive threat from midfield, and the Wales international is likely to be one of a number of targets under Boro’s watch over the coming weeks.

In similar fashion, Carrick’s men are now said to have another bargain deal up their sleeve that may come at the expense of rivals Blackburn.

Middlesbrough in pole position to sign Tyrhys Dolan

According to EFL Analysis, Middlesbrough could sign Tyrhys Dolan on a free transfer from Blackburn, and they are leading the race for his signature as his contract veers closer to expiring at Ewood Park.

Set to become available as a free agent, talks have taken place between his camp and Boro representatives. It has been made clear that he is primed to seek a new challenge away from the Lancashire outfit.

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Labelled “outstanding” by John Eustace, Dolan has registered seven goals and six assists across 47 appearances in all competitions this season, playing a major role in Rovers’ own close shave with earning a playoff place. Despite competition from a number of sides, Boro are at the front of the queue and are taking a proactive approach to atone for missing out on a shot at promotion to the top-flight.

Completing an average of 1.3 dribbles per match on Championship duty, Dolan has emerged as a rising talent and reportedly fits the bill as Middlesbrough seek depth to put the building blocks in place for a better season next time out.

Crossing paths to join another club in the same league may sour relations with his current employers, but it would also be a mark of Carrick’s ambition heading into pre-season.

On Sunday, Arsenal defeated Newcastle United 1-0, and after the game, with it being their final home match of 2024/25, it gave the supporters a chance to say farewell to some players who are unlikely to be seen again in red and white.

Kieran Tierney will bow out of the Emirates Stadium, set to head back to Celtic, after a haul of 143 appearances for the north Londoners.

Jorginho, too, will depart at the end of his contract. While he perhaps won’t be remembered as fondly as Tierney, his ultimate professionalism across the two years he’s been at Arsenal has been a joy to behold.

It will be sad to see them go, but it certainly wasn’t as emotional as some farewells we’ve given in the modern era.

Arsene Wenger’s exit in 2018 will go down in history, while it’s hard to forget the tears a certain Aaron Ramsey shed when leaving under Unai Emery in 2019.

Since his exit, Arsenal haven’t had too many goalscoring midfielders. That said, they may well have found one now.

What made Aaron Ramsey so special

A winner of three FA Cups, a scorer of two cup final goals at Wembley, Ramsey will forever be remembered in these parts as a big game player, an icon who overcame so much adversity.

The way he entered the club rather set the tone for his dramatic time in the English capital. Manchester United had announced he was set to sign for them on their official website, only for the Welshman to pen terms with Arsenal instead.

Signed from Cardiff, it didn’t take Ramsey long to make an impression, but that horrific leg break against Stoke in February 2010 was a colossal setback.

After several months out, the Wales international fortunately went on to have a wonderful career in the game.

Who can forget that remarkable season in 2013/14? Ramsey scored the winner in extra time of the FA Cup final against Hull City, one of 16 goals in just 34 outings throughout the campaign.

A true box-to-box star, the Wales international became a master of arriving late in the penalty area and scoring from midfield.

Since then, however, Arsenal haven’t had too many players capable of finding the net from similar zones, ghosting into the area.

Perhaps the last was Granit Xhaka. In the Swiss’ final year with the Gunners, he scored on nine occasions and registered a further seven assists in 47 matches.

So, how have Arsenal gone about replacing the dynamic duo?

Arsenal's new Granit Xhaka and Aaron Ramsey

The form of Martin Odegaard a few years ago certainly suggested he could replace the pair. Indeed, during 2022/23, no midfielder scored more than the Norwegian’s 15 in the Premier League.

That being said, he isn’t a box-to-box midfielder. He presses hard, but he doesn’t do the dirty work further back in the field.

Instead, Mikel Arteta’s modern-day answer to Ramsey and Xhaka is a certain Declan Rice. Oh, where would the Gunners be without him this season?

Of course, you’ve got those two remarkable free-kicks against Real Madrid, but he’s also come up with some vital moments elsewhere.

He’s not just a master of free-kicks, but his corner delivery has been one of the best in Europe this season. We salute Nicolas Jover for putting the former West Ham man on set-pieces towards the back end of last season.

Funnily enough, Rice initially signed as a defensive midfielder but throughout 2024/25, he’s been largely selected as the left-sided 8 and it’s a position he’s made his own.

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4

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7

10

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9

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The difference was felt in the first leg of Arsenal’s Champions League semi-final tie with PSG. The £240k-per-week earner had destroyed Madrid across both legs from a more advanced role in midfield but due to Thomas Partey’s suspension, he had to play further back.

While Rice is certainly excellent at sitting in front of the defence, Arsenal couldn’t get up the pitch as quickly and they also lost one of their goal threats. That perhaps explains why the club reportedly want to bring in Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi this summer. More of a Jorginho type, the Spaniard would give Rice the keys to make that no.8 spot his permanent position in the team.

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So, why has he thrived so much? Well, like Xhaka, he’s got a terrific engine and his technique is first-class.

Meanwhile, like Ramsey, he’s becoming rather good at arriving late in the area or on the edge of the box to score a goal. In the words of Arsenal writer Connor Humm, he is a true “monster.”

We saw that first-hand against Newcastle on Sunday. Odegaard found the ball on the right-hand side and laid it into the path of Rice, who was ready and waiting on the edge of the penalty area to fizz the ball past Nick Pope.

That was the £105m signing’s ninth strike of the campaign, one that equalled Xhaka’s haul of two years ago. It also marked Rice’s best-ever goalscoring return in a single season. Not bad at all.

When Arsenal’s Player of the Season is announced in the forthcoming weeks, there are surely only two candidates: Gabriel and Rice. For that magical night against Madrid alone, Rice is our man.

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Whether or not you agree on the matter that Arsenal have regressed this season, there is one undeniable statement that no one can argue with.

The Gunners need more firepower to take them to the next level in the 2025/26 campaign.

Just over a year ago when Mikel Arteta’s men were dumped out of the Champions League by Bayern Munich, there was an admission that Arsenal were lacking a bit in the forward department. That was even with Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.

A year later, they travelled to Paris, seeking to reach their first Champions League final since 2006. Unsurprisingly, they exited the competition. Arteta and skipper Martin Odegaard spoke after the game about how the tie was won in both boxes. PSG were better in those areas, and there was once again an admission they didn’t have much in attack.

“Usually in the box there are strikers”, Arteta remarked, noting how Arsenal have been forced to play with Mikel Merino up top instead of the injury-stricken Jesus and Havertz.

A year on from their previous exit from the competition, somehow their forward line looked even worse. If they are to progress next term, then signing more forwards is of utmost importance.

How Arsenal could strengthen their forward line

Name an attacker, and it’s likely they’ve been linked with Arsenal in recent weeks and months.

Of course, the number one priority for Arsenal is Newcastle’s Alexander Isak, with the BBC’s Sami Mokbel revealing only a few days ago that he is ‘the dream target’. Yet, as we know, any move is complicated by the Magpies’ astronomical asking price.

As such, Sporting’s Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko are two alternatives. In short, Arsenal have no excuse given the number of options out there on the market this summer.

It’s not just in that centre-forward Berth where Arteta needs recruits. Despite talk of an extended contract for Leandro Trossard in recent days, they need improvement on the left wing and once more, there are a plethora of options.

Transfer Focus

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

Arsenal are reportedly the favourites to sign Borussia Dortmund’s English winger Jamie Gittens while their dream target in this position, according to the Daily Mail, is Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams.

But there’s a spicy alternative in the form of AC Milan’s Rafael Leao, who the Mail reported on Saturday is on the club’s shortlist.

A separate report from Italy has also spoken of Arsenal’s interest in the Portuguese forward.

They claim that while Chelsea are also in the running and have been in contact with the Serie A side, Arsenal have entered the race now too, ‘taking information’ on the player as they prepare a move.

It’s reported that new sporting director Andrea Berta has personally placed him on the club’s shortlist as one of his first pieces of business.

With Arsenal needing to recruit a few big-name players this summer, one sticking point could be Leao’s €100m (£85m) valuation.

How Rafael Leao would improve Arsenal

Arsenal need a winger and they need one ASAP. Take one look at the PSG tie and the difference in wing play, most notably on the opposite side to Bukayo Saka was stark.

While Arteta had an uncertain Gabriel Martinelli there, spurning chances and failing to get the better of Achraf Hakimi, the Parisiens had Georgian superstar Kvicha Kvaratskhelia. A demonic presence in attack, his relentless speed, close control, and dribbling ability make him an absolute nightmare for any defender. He’s unpredictable and boasts the talent to go on either side.

It’s something that, Saka aside, Arsenal don’t have much of: unpredictability.

In Leao, they’d be finding that. The scorer of 12 goals and the assister of 13 so far this season, in the words of data analyst Ben Mattinson, the left winger is “absolutely perfect for game-breaking moments” and he’s also “a winger who brings fear to defences.” In that sense, he’s a lot like the aforementioned Kvaratskhelia.

But, there’s another mighty fine comparison we want to touch on here. Back in 2022, Milan coach Stefano Pioli said: “Leao reminds me a lot of the early Thierry Henry, who started wide then came inside.”

Well, as far as Arsenal fans are concerned, it surely doesn’t get much better than that? Henry left the Gunners behind as their club-record scorer and they’ve been searching, dreaming of finding someone with similar traits.

Like Henry, Leao has an incredible burst of pace and boasts a similiar languid playing style to Henry that gave them the opportunity to use their long strides to glide past players. Interestingly, they both stand at 6 foot 2, only emphasising the comparison further.

They’ve got that same trademark style as well. Milan’s star winger loves to race down the left before cutting inside onto his favoured right foot. While Martinelli has tried to learn that attribute, he still leaves plenty to be desired, as the numbers indicate.

Goals

0.31

0.31

Assists

0.31

0.18

Key passes

2.27

1.63

Progressive passes

3.61

2.07

Shot-creating actions

4.43

2.91

Successful take-ons

2.31

1.41

Progressive carries

4.82

4.93

Carries into final 3rd

2.78

1.32

Aerial duels won

1.02

0.66

Looking at the metric above it’s perhaps unsurprising to leave that Leao, aged 25, is two years older than Martinelli, but this difference in quality is why Arsenal need to sign a new winger.

The Portugal international may boast the same goalscoring ability but he’s far more creative and, as we can see from the carrying numbers, he’s far more likely to not only get at the defence, but he’s more likely to succeed in doing so. As Mattinson says, he’s a truly scary proposition.

Arsenal’s biggest priority this summer must be signing a striker but in Leao, they’d be able to get their hands on one of the best left wingers in Europe.

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ByJack Salveson Holmes May 10, 2025