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As Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw makes his seventh start of the season on Friday against the Washington Nationals, he is just 12 strikeouts away from becoming the 20th pitcher in MLB history to record 3,000 strikeouts over his career. Entering Friday's start, Kershaw has tallied 2,988 strikeouts throughout his storied career, 20th most in MLB history.

Over 100 years before Kershaw approached the 3,000 strikeout mark, Walter Johnson became the first pitcher to pitch 3,000 strikeouts over his Hall of Fame career from 1907-1927. His feat stood alone for decades, until Bob Gibson reached the 3,000 strikeouts mark almost 50 years later in 1974.

Johnson and Gibson's strikeout tallied would eventually be surpassed, and the current career strikeout leader is Nolan Ryan, who recorded an unfathomable 5,714 strikeouts during his career. Ryan, Randy Johnson, Roger Clemens, and Steve Carlton are the only four pitchers to reach 4,000 career strikeouts.

Kershaw will become just the third active MLB pitcher to reaching 3,000 strikeouts over his career, joining the San Francisco Giants' Justin Verlander and the Toronto Blue Jays' Max Scherzer. Scherzer was the most recent pitcher to record his 3,000th career strikeout, doing so in 2021.

Kershaw will notably also become just the fourth left-handed pitcher to reach 3,000 or more strikeouts, joining Randy Johnson, Steve Carlton, and CC Sabathia.

Here's a full look at the 19 other pitchers Kershaw is slated to join in the 3,000 strikeouts club.

Since coming back from injury this season, Kershaw has averaged 3.3 strikeouts per start, but that average has risen to six strikeouts over his last two games. He has thrown 20 strikeouts this season, and likely will need just two or three starts to join the 3,000 strikeouts club.

From winning three Cy Young awards and the National League MVP in 2014, making 10 All-Star Games, and winning two World Series, to closing in on 3,000 career strikeouts, Kershaw has seemingly accomplished it all over his 18 years with the Dodgers.

Burnley midfielder Hannibal Mejbri has been hit with a four-game suspension and a £15,000 fine after the FA found him guilty of spitting at or towards Leeds United supporters during October’s six-pointer Premier League clash. The Tunisia international admitted the charge, with an independent commission issuing the ban as Burnley continue fighting to escape the drop zone.

• Burnley's Mejbri handed four-game suspension

  Mejbri has been suspended for four matches following an FA misconduct charge relating to a spitting incident during Burnley’s 2-0 win over Leeds United on October 18.

  Burnley have now lost Mejbri at a critical stage of the season, with the club sitting 19th in the Premier League after a run of five straight defeats. The 22-year-old will miss league fixtures against Newcastle, Fulham, Bournemouth and Everton, ruling him out until the end of December. Mejbri has made over 50 appearances for Burnley since arriving from Manchester United in 2024, but this latest setback adds pressure to a club already battling for survival.

  The midfielder’s ban also comes during a period in which Burnley desperately need stability, having struggled to replicate last season’s Championship-winning form. With just three wins from their first 14 matches, they are locked in a relegation fight where discipline and consistency are more valuable than ever. Mejbri’s absence will force manager Vincent Kompany to reshape his midfield amid growing scrutiny over results.

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  FA reveal Mejbri admitted to the allegations

  An FA regulatory commission outlined the misconduct charge in a formal statement, explaining: “An independent Regulatory Commission has sanctioned Burnley's Hannibal Mejbri for misconduct during their Premier League game against Leeds United on Saturday, 18 October. It was alleged that the player acted in breach of the laws of the game and/or in an improper manner and/or used abusive and/or indecent behaviour by spitting at or in the direction of Leeds United supporters around the 67th minute.” The statement confirmed that Mejbri had admitted the allegation and accepted responsibility for the incident. It added that “the Regulatory Commission imposed a four-match suspension and £15,000 fine following a hearing,” and that written reasons for the decision will be published in due course.

  The FA communication reiterated that the independent panel had reviewed the full evidence before determining the sanction applied. The FA emphasised that incidents involving spitting at or towards spectators fall under serious misconduct within the governing body’s disciplinary framework. 

• Leeds fans' reported the incident to Lancashire Police initially

  The episode comes at a difficult moment for Mejbri, who joined Burnley from Manchester United in a deal worth up to £9.4 million and had quickly become a feature of the club’s midfield. Before this suspension, he had made 53 appearances in all competitions for the Clarets and established himself as a hard-working, combative presence in central areas. His disciplinary record had not been a major concern previously, making this misconduct charge a notable departure from his otherwise steady development.

  The investigation into the incident began after a Leeds supporter in the away section reported the matter to Lancashire Police, who reviewed footage and statements before passing it into the FA’s jurisdiction. While the police did not proceed with charges, the FA concluded that the laws of the game had been breached and handled the matter independently through sporting disciplinary channels. Burnley were fully informed throughout the process, though the club has made no public comment on the suspension.

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  Mejbri will return to action on December 30

  Burnley will now prepare for a defining stretch of fixtures without Mejbri, needing to find solutions that stabilise their form ahead of the new year. The midfielder will be sidelined for four key matches, against Newcastle United, Fulham, Bournemouth and Everton, that could shape the club’s survival prospects heading into January. Mejbri will be eligible to return against the Magpies on December 30 in the return clash of tomorrow's clash at St. James' Park.

Manchester United’s midfield department has been a problem area over the last couple of months, with Ruben Amorim still yet to discover his best partnership at the heart of the side.

The 40-year-old has operated with a two-man partnership ever since he took the reins last November, with the midfielders crucial to his 3-4-2-1 system.

The likes of Casemiro, Manuel Ugarte and Mason Mount have often shared responsibility in starting as part of the duo, but the manager still wants reinforcements in such a position.

Kobbie Mainoo is just another option at Amorim’s disposal, but he’s often decided against utilising the Englishman, as seen by his measly tally of zero starts in the Premier League this campaign.

As a result, INEOS have been tasked with identifying potential options during the January transfer window to try and provide a long-term fix to the issues in the midfield department.

Man Utd’s hunt for new additions during January

Over the last couple of weeks, United have been one of the Premier League clubs interested in a move to land Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson.

It’s been reported that Amorim’s men have already held talks with Sean Dyche’s side over a potential move, but it could be an expensive one, with a £100m price tag currently being mooted.

They aren’t alone in their pursuit of the 23-year-old, with rivals Manchester City also said to be keeping a close eye on his progress ahead of the upcoming window.

However, Anderson isn’t the only midfielder on the Red Devils’ radar, with Real Madrid sensation Jude Bellingham another option INEOS are reportedly considering.

According to one Spanish outlet, Amorim’s men have made a €150m (£130m) bid for the England international in an attempt to solve their current issues.

The report also states that his current employers aren’t looking to offload him at present, which could make a deal somewhat tricky to complete in the near future.

Why Bellingham would be perfect for Bruno Fernandes

Despite being an attacking midfielder, Bruno Fernandes has been asked to play in a somewhat deeper midfield role in United’s squad this season – often partnering Casemiro at the heart of the side.

However, it hasn’t stopped the Portuguese international from starring at the heart of the side, as seen by his excellent goals and assists tally in the Premier League.

In his first 15 appearances of the league campaign, he’s already registered ten combined goals and assists, with three of his efforts coming at Wolves on Monday night.

However, the manager is yet to strike a balance at the heart of the side, especially considering Casemiro is now 33 and set to leave at the end of his contract in the summer.

As a result, Bellingham could well be the answer to the current issue in midfield, especially if his stats from LaLiga in 2025/26 to date are anything to go by.

The numbers he’s produced showcase his remarkable box-to-box nature, which could well make him the perfect partner for Bruno at the heart of the side.

Bellingham, who’s been described as “the best midfielder in the world” by Newcastle’s Bruno Guimaraes, has been a tad off the pace this term but he’s certainly still the best when you consider raw talent and his potential. There is a reason, after all, that Madrid trusted him to wear Zinedine Zidane’s famed number 5 shirt at the biggest club in the global game.

To illuminate his qualities, he’s completed 8.9 progressive passes per 90, all of which being made into the final third. That sounds pretty perfect for Fernandes, doesn’t it?

Such numbers showcase the creative nature he possesses, with such tallies potentially taking some of the strain and responsibility on Bruno to constantly provide the goods in central areas.

However, out of possession is where the 22-year-old has excelled this campaign, as seen by his tally of 2.9 tackles won per 90 – subsequently ranking him in the top 5% of all players in LaLiga.

He’s also made 0.9 interceptions and won 1.5 aerials won per 90, which also ranks him in the top 5% of midfielders – highlighting his remarkable talents out of possession.

Bellingham’s dominance is showcased in his tally of 67% of tackles entered that he’s won this season, finally ending United’s hunt for a new ball-winner if a deal can be completed.

£130m would be a remarkable amount of money spent on just one player, but the Madrid star has demonstrated world-class levels for many years despite his tender age.

The prospect of him linking up with Bruno is one to get excited about, with the pair potentially having the quality to catapult the club to a title challenge in the near future.

The new Ji-Sung Park: Man Utd star is fast becoming as important as Bruno

Manchester United have another star who is becoming as important as Bruno Fernandes.

By
Ethan Lamb

6 days ago

Russell Wilson and his family are in attendance for Sunday's edition of the Subway Series, as the New York Yankees prepare to host the New York Mets at Yankee Stadium.

Prior to the game, Wilson and his family got to spend some time on the field during batting practice, during which Wilson's children got to meet some of their favorite ballplayers, including superstar outfielder Aaron Judge.

Judge had an awesome surprise ready for the kids, too. After greeting Wilson's children, Judge was seen gifting each child a pair of his batting gloves.

Wilson has some strong ties to New York and the Yankees organization. In addition to joining the New York Giants in the offseason, Wilson was previously acquired by the Yankees in a trade with the Texas Rangers, who had acquired him in the Rule 5 Draft in 2013.

The Super Bowl-winning quarterback, who also played middle infield as a high schooler, was drafted by two MLB teams, once in the 41st round by the Baltimore Orioles in 2007 when he was coming out of high school, and again in the fourth round by the Colorado Rockies in 2010.

New York traded for him in exchange for cash considerations in 2018 and even invited him to spring training. Wilson suited up for the team in a Grapefruit League game that spring, serving as a pinch-hitter for Judge.

Although Wilson never fully lived out his baseball dreams, he's remained close to one of the organizations that gave him an opportunity, and he got to experience a wholesome moment with his family ahead of Sunday's game.

Paul Doyle has changed his plea to guilty for all 31 charges after ramming his car into a crowd at Liverpool's Premier League title victory parade. The 53-year-old previously said he was not guilty of dangerous driving, affray, attempting to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH) with intent, causing GBH with intent, and wounding with intent in September. But more than six months on from 130 people being injured in the incident, Doyle has now pleaded guilty and a sentencing awaits.

• Doyle faces jail sentence of 'some length'

  According to BBC News, Doyle sobbed as he changed his pleas – for affray, dangerous driving, 17 counts of attempting to cause GBH, nine of causing GBH with intent, and three counts of wounding with intent – on the second day of his trial at Liverpool Crown Court. The charges relate to 29 people aged between six months and 77 years, all of whom were there on May 26 when Doyle's attack on the parade happened in Liverpool city centre. His Honour Judge Andrew Menary KC, told Doyle it was "inevitable" he would be facing a custodial sentence of "some length". A sentencing date has been set for December 15 at the same court.

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  Celebrations turn to nightmares

  On a day that should have been remembered for Liverpool's title celebrations, it ended up being hijacked by scenes of terror on Merseyside. A total of 50 people required hospital treatment after Doyle drove his Ford Galaxy into the dense crowd on Water Street, leading to his subsequent arrest. According to The Athletic, no explanation was given in court for his actions but more details are likely to take place when the former Royal Marine is sentenced next month. 

  Detective Chief Inspector John Fitzgerald, of Merseyside Police, said it was only by "sheer luck that nobody was killed" because of Doyle's "reckless actions". And Sarah Hammond, chief crown prosecutor of the Crime Prosecution Service, described Doyle's actions as an "act of calculated violence".

  "Dashcam footage from Doyle's vehicle shows that as he approached Dale Street and Water Street, he became increasingly agitated by the crowds," she said. "Rather than wait for them to pass, he deliberately drove at them, forcing his way through. Driving a vehicle into a crowd is an act of calculated violence. This was not a momentary lapse by Paul Doyle — it was a choice he made that day and it turned celebration into mayhem."

• 'Distressing and frightening experience'

  The Judge told Doyle that he would consider "character evidence" from his defence lawyers before deciding on a verdict. 

  "The purpose of the delay is to ensure that everything is prepared and the court has, in writing, all the submissions that are to be made in respect of the sentencing exercise," said Menary. "In the meantime, you must remain in custody. Plainly, its is inevitable there will be a custodial sentence of some length, and you should prepare yourself for that inevitable outcome."

  Officer Fitzgerald also gave a snapshot of the horror experienced on that day.

  He told the court, "It is hard to forget the shocking scenes from that day. What should have been a day of celebration for the city turned into a distressing and frightening experience which we know continues to have a physical and psychological impact on many people. We know that a lot of people are still recovering from the injuries they suffered on that day and our thoughts remain with them and those that continue to be affected. We hope that the knowledge Doyle is now facing a considerable prison sentence will be able to help those affected to move on with their lives."

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• Liverpool release club statement

  Liverpool have issued an official statement responding to the news of Doyle's change of plea, which reads: "Our victory parade last May allowed an unprecedented number of Liverpool fans to celebrate together our Premier League title win – something we were unable to do in 2020. The day of incredible joy ended in unimaginable circumstances and we hope today's conviction brings some peace to all those affected by the horrific incident. Our thoughts are with them all. We would like to thank our emergency services and partner agencies – Merseyside Police, North West and St John Ambulance Services, Merseyside Fire & Rescue – and members of the public, who responded with such bravery and compassion on the day. Their actions undoubtedly saved lives and exemplified the spirit of our city."

Middlesbrough are already working on Kim Hellberg’s first signing and are now reportedly in pole position to sign a Ligue 1 winger for their new manager.

Hellberg: Championship promotion is the "clear aim"

After hijacking Swansea City’s move, Middlesbrough unveiled Hellberg earlier this week and watched on as their new manager instantly set his sights on promotion to the Premier League. The 37-year-old will be desperate to simply pick up where Rob Edwards left off and secure a win on his debut against Derby County this weekend.

Speaking to reporters for the first time, Hellberg outlined his Premier League ambition, saying: “To get to the Premier League, that’s the clear aim,” said Hellberg in his first press conference. “If it’s this year or next year, it is of course difficult to say.

“It’s an opportunity when you’re in this position, to aim for it and to work as hard as possible to get into that spot that gets you to the Premier League. That’s nothing to hide from.”

It is, of course, easier said than done to achieve promotion from the Championship, but Boro have certainly put themselves in a strong position to do exactly that.

Despite defeat against Coventry City late on in midweek, those in Riverside only sit third on goal difference and could move into the automatic promotion place if results go their way this weekend.

Meanwhile, when it comes to the playoffs, Boro have given themselves a four-point gap inside the top six. Everything is set up for Hellberg to make a promotion charge, before potentially welcoming his first arrival at the club in 2026.

Middlesbrough in pole position to sign Cheikh Sabaly

According to Africa Foot and relayed by Sport Witness, Middlesbrough are now in pole position to sign Cheikh Sabaly from FC Metz in 2026. The winger is set to become a free agent next summer and has also attracted the interest of Southampton, but it is Boro who are currently most likely to seal a bargain deal.

The Senegal international is certainly talented and England fans saw that talent for themselves back in June, when he scored in a stunning 3-1 victory for his country against Thomas Tuchel’s men.

Now, Sabaly could get the chance to become the star of the show every week in England, courtesy of Boro. Whether the promotion contenders wait until the winger is a free agent to make their move is the big question.

In Ligue 2 last season, Sabaly scored 15 goals and provided four assists. Whilst he has struggled to make the same mark in Ligue 1, there’s every chance he would rediscover his best form in the Championship.

Hellberg starts instant Middlesbrough overhaul as Viveash handed new role

Right before the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs were set to start their first of two games in Tokyo to officially open the 2025 MLB season, the Dodgers scratched Freddie Freeman from the lineup.

Freeman experienced rib discomfort during batting practice on Tuesday, causing him to sit out for the game. He told reporters after the game, which the Dodgers won 4–1, that the pain is similar to what he dealt with during last season's playoff run. It was revealed after Los Angeles's World Series win that Freeman played through the postseason with broken cartilage in his ribcage.

The first baseman clarified that the pain he's experiencing now in his ribcage is "less severe" and there's a 75% chance he'll play in Wednesday's game in Tokyo, 's Jack Harris reported. He even wanted to play on Tuesday, but was held out for likely precautionary reasons.

Freeman explained that he received treatment after batting practice in hopes to play on Tuesday. He said as long as he doesn't feel any pain on Wednesday, he should be good to play.

While the ribs are a lingering issue, it doesn't sound like Dodgers fans need to worry about Freeman's ankle. He dealt with a sprain in the postseason, which caused him to miss Game 4 of the NLCS. He still battled through the injury, even winning World Series MVP thanks to his efforts. He underwent surgery on his ankle in the offseason.

Barcelona's promising winger Roony Bardghji has decisively shut down speculation linking him with a January exit, insisting that he "feels great" in Catalonia and has no desire to leave. Despite limited playing time since his summer move from FC Copenhagen, Bardghji affirmed that both manager Hansi Flick and the football club have put their trust in him.

• Bardghji dismisses January transfer rumours

  Bardghji has made it clear he intends to remain at Barcelona, despite recent media speculation about a potential January departure. The Swedish international, who joined the Catalan giants from Copenhagen in the summer, has not enjoyed extensive minutes on the pitch but remains committed to the club.

  In an interview with Fotbolskanalen, cited by Mundo Deportivo, Bardghji addressed the rumours directly: "That’s what the media writes. But I have had a great time and I have a good relationship with Hansi, who is an amazing coach. He and the club trust me, which means a lot. I feel great. I’m improving every day and learning a lot. I’ve had quite a bit of playing time, so I feel great. I am patient. I’ve been here for three or four months."

  Bardghji has made nine appearances in all competitions for Barcelona, with only two of those coming as starts. His total playing time amounts to approximately 173 minutes in La Liga and 22 minutes in the Champions League. Despite these limited minutes, the 20-year-old winger expressed satisfaction with his progress and adaptation to life in Catalonia.

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  Confidence from Hansi Flick and the club

  A key factor in Bardghji's decision to stay is the evident confidence placed in him by head coach Hansi Flick and the Barcelona hierarchy. Sport newspaper reported that Flick and his staff "have no doubts: the winger has a great future ahead." This internal belief seems to outweigh any external pressure or the player's current reduced role.

  Bardghji himself highlighted his strong relationship with Flick, calling him "an amazing coach." This positive dynamic suggests that the manager sees long-term potential in the Swedish talent, even if immediate regular starting berths are challenging to secure due to intense competition, particularly from the likes of Lamine Yamal on the right wing.

  The club's financial struggles and the necessity to return to the 1:1 rule have often fuelled speculation about player sales. However, Bardghji's firm stance indicates that some players, especially young talents with high ceilings, are considered integral to the long-term project.

• Reflecting on El Clasico experience and standout moments

  One of the highlights of Bardghji's early Barcelona career was his late substitute appearance in El Clasico, a 2-1 defeat to Real Madrid at the Bernabeu. Despite the disappointing result for his team, Bardghji described the experience as memorable.

  "It’s the most important game and you could feel it in the media, everywhere, even before the game. There was a lot of intensity on the pitch and afterwards. I didn’t participate (in the scuffle at full time), but a lot of things happened. There is a lot of emotion, because it is an important match and a great rivalry. It’s normal, but it was amazing to be there," he recounted to Fotbolskanalen.

  Beyond El Clasico, Bardghji has already produced a "standout image of the season" with a curling finish he scored against Olympiacos, a moment he described as "great" and "went a bit viral afterwards." These glimpses of his talent, even in limited minutes, have reinforced the club's belief in his abilities.

  Bardghji faces stiff competition for a starting spot, most notably from the highly-rated Lamine Yamal. However, the Swedish international remains patient and focused on his development. He sees his time at Barcelona as a continuous learning process, stating: "I’m improving every day and learning a lot."

  Barcelona acquired Bardghji from Copenhagen for several million euros plus add-ons, a "low-risk operation" to secure a "gem of Swedish soccer." Clubs like Porto and Stuttgart have reportedly inquired about a potential loan move in the winter market, but Bardghji's firm intention to stay indicates he believes his development is best served at Camp Nou.

  Bardghji has also recently made his first senior international appearance for the Swedish national team, further underscoring his rising profile in European football.

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  What next for Bardghji and Barcelona?

  Bardghji's immediate future remains at Barcelona. He will continue to train under Flick, seeking to earn more playing time and develop his skills within the demanding environment of La Liga and the Champions League. His commitment allows Flick to maintain squad stability during the winter transfer window, a period where the coach reportedly prefers not to make major changes.

  For Barcelona, retaining Bardghji is a vote of confidence in their long-term project and their ability to nurture young talent. As the club navigates its financial constraints, relying on promising youth players like Bardghji will be crucial. His patience will be tested, but his determination to succeed at Camp Nou is clear as he aims to become a more integral part of the first team in the coming months. Barcelona will now be seen in action against Athletic Club in LaLiga before taking on Chelsea in the Champions League. 

In what could see one player make his return to the Premier League, Everton have now reportedly made their first contact to sign a former Arsenal defender this summer.

Everton looking to bounce back from defeat

Like every side sandwiched inside the Premier League’s bottom half, Everton have the luxury of playing without the pressure of relegation in the coming weeks, with the drop now confirmed for all three of Ipswich Town, Leicester City and Southampton. What that should hand them the chance to focus on is handing Goodison Park the farewell it deserves and that should start with bouncing back from defeat.

Friedkin now serious about dream Everton move to sign "fantastic" forward

A signing that would certainly make a statement…

By
Tom Cunningham

Apr 29, 2025

With nothing left to play for, the Toffees have suffered back-to-back defeats against Manchester City and Chelsea in two narrow games, much to the frustration of those on Merseyside who’ll be hoping to end the season strongly.

Manager David Moyes reacted to defeat against Chelsea last time out, telling reporters: “We were perhaps fortunate to only be 1-0 down at half-time, but we stuck at it and grew into the game and played very well in the second half.

“We were just lacking quality to get a finish on the end of some of our play. The substitutes made a big difference. It looked like we had more energy and were more creative.”

It’s the type of quality that the Everton boss will hope to see his side find in their penultimate game at Goodison Park this Saturday, which will see them square off against Ipswich Town.

It’s a game that the Toffees will be expected to win, especially at Goodison Park, and one that they should use to make a statement of intent as they prepare to enter a new era at the Bramley-Moore Dock stadium.

Meanwhile, away from the pitch, ahead of that new era, Friedkin have already reportedly set their sights on their first summer signing.

Everton express interest in signing Tavares

According to Sky Sports’ Gianluca Di Marzio, Everton have now expressed interest in signing Nuno Tavares from Lazio this summer. The left-back has spent the season on loan at the Serie A club this season in a move that will become permanent at the end of the current campaign. Any move away from English football may be short-lived, however, amid interest from Everton.

Praised for an “incredible season” and described as “talented” by U23 scout Antonio Mango during his loan spell at Marseille last season, Tavares has only reached more impressive levels at Lazio – assisting nine goals in all competitions.

As Ashley Young edges closer to retirement too, welcoming fresh competition for Vitalii Mykolenko would be no bad idea for Everton this summer, and Tavares would offer exactly that.

In one swift move, the left-back could find himself on his way back to the Premier League not long after turning his loan move permanent at Lazio this summer.

It wouldn’t be unfair to say that, for much of this year, there’s not been much for Arsenal fans to celebrate.

First, the club failed to sign anyone in the winter transfer window, then they crashed out of the FA Cup and League Cup, and to top it all off, injuries and a lapse in form saw them bow out of the Premier League title race.

However, in the last month or so, the team feel like they’ve turned a corner and, following what will go down as a legendary victory over Real Madrid in the quarter-finals of the Champions League, there is a palpable sense of optimism and positivity coursing through the fanbase.

This turnaround in the team’s fortunes has also been reflected in individual players, with perhaps the most significant transformation – alongside Mikel Merino – being that of Jakub Kiwior.

The Polish international has gone from a worrying afterthought to a growing fan favourite and someone who looked impeccable away at the Bernabeu, but football is a brutal business, and if recent reports are to be believed, the club could already be eyeing up his replacement.

Arsenal transfer news

Before we get to the player in question, there are a few other defenders who have been touted for moves to Arsenal this summer, such as Dean Huijsen.

Transfer Focus

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

The Bournemouth gem reportedly has a £50m release clause in his contract. However, just because the club knows how much he’ll cost doesn’t mean he’ll be easy to sign, as sides like Real Madrid, Chelsea and Liverpool have also been credited with interest.

Another name that has, rather surprisingly, come up in connection to the North Londoners in recent days is Nathan Collins.

The Brentford ace has been enjoying a stellar campaign with the Bees this season and, according to journalist Graeme Bailey, is someone the Gunners have been looking at.

However, it probably wouldn’t be entirely accurate to describe the Irishman as being better than Kiwior, which could be said about Murillo.

Yes, according to a recent report from Caught Offside, Arsenal are one of the Nottingham Forest star’s ‘main suitors’ ahead of the summer transfer window.

Alongside the Gunners, the report has revealed that Liverpool, Chelsea and Real Madrid are also interested in the talented defender, but that the Tricky Trees value him at around €80m, which is about £69m.

It would be a costly and complicated transfer to get over the line, but Murrilo would undoubtedly improve Arsenal’s squad, although he’d be bad news for Kiwior.

How Murillo compares to Kiwior

So, if Arsenal were to get their way this summer and bring Murillo to the Emirates, it seems unlikely, at least to start with, that he’d replace either William Saliba or Gabriel Magalhães as the team’s starting centre-back.

Therefore, he’d likely be the first backup option and, in turn, be in direct competition with Kiwior, but who comes out on top when we compare them?

Well, as raw output isn’t something that really matters all that much for a central defender, it’s more useful to take a look under the hood, at their underlying numbers, and when doing this, it’s clear that the Brazilian is far superior.

For example, he comes out on top in almost all relevant metrics, including but not limited to, progressive passes and carries, tackles and tackles won, interceptions, blocks, clearances, aerial duels won, ball recoveries and more, all per 90.

On top of that, while the former Spezia ace has seriously stepped up for the North Londoners in recent weeks, the Forest monster has been performing at a top level for the entire season and has played a key role in why they stand a brilliant chance of qualifying for the UCL next season.

Moreover, it’s been his incredible form this year which lends serious credence to the claim he’s “one of the best defenders in the PL” made by certain experts on Brazilian football.

Finally, while this isn’t massively important today, it does help that the Sao Paulo-born star is three years younger than the Tychy-born international, as that could see him coming into his prime years around the same time as Saliba and helping to further future-proof the team.

Ultimately, while he might cost a lot of money, Arsenal should do what they can to sign Murillo this summer, as he looks like he could be a mega defender a few years from now, and he’s already a better player than Kiwior.

Arsenal can forget Merino & Trossard by unleashing "unplayable" star at CF

Arteta must be bold ahead of Arsenal’s next game.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Apr 23, 2025