Category Uncategorized

Manchester United are now in a race with Tottenham Hotspur to sign an “unreal” defender who could be available for just £25 million, according to a new report.

Man Utd identify multiple defensive targets after Diego Leon arrival

Man United announced the arrival of Diego Leon over the weekend, who had to wait until he turned 18 to officially join the club. The young left-back became United’s second signing of the summer but is considered to be a player for the future, who will mostly look to impress Ruben Amorim on the training ground and in domestic cup competitions in the season to come.

Despite signing young defenders in the past two transfer windows, Leon may not be the only defender to arrive at Old Trafford this summer. According to a recent report, United are discussing a move to sign Yann Bisseck from Inter.

The German played an important role in Inter reaching the Champions League final last season, and his performances have now caught the eye of United and many other Premier League teams.

Amorim keen: Man Utd in contact to sign 28 y/o free agent in shock move

The Red Devils could make a surprise move…

BySean Markus Clifford Jul 6, 2025

As well as weighing up a move for Bisseck, United are also interested in signing Giorgio Scalvini from Atalanta after it became clear the Serie A side could be open to business should they receive an offer of around €60 million, which is roughly £51 million. But the list doesn’t stop there, as the Premier League giants add a new name to their list of defensive targets.

Man Utd now in race with Tottenham for De Winter

According to Caught Offside, Man United are actively monitoring Genoa centre-back Koni De Winter ahead of a potential move.

The report states that Amorim has identified De Winter as a potential target in this transfer window, as he looks to solve the club’s defensive issues. The Serie A side have set a valuation of €30–35 million, which is roughly £25-30 million.

However, United are not alone in their pursuit of De Winter, as Tottenham are also chasing the player, as well as the likes of Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich, Inter Milan, Napoli and Roma, but the English clubs are said to have an edge in the race, given their financial muscle.

Apps

25

Starts

23

Goals

3

Clean sheets

7

Interceptions per game

1.0

Tackles per game

1.3

Clearances per game

4.5

Dribbled past per game

0.3

De Winter, who has been dubbed “unreal” by journalist Antonio Mango, joined Genoa on a permanent basis from Juventus last summer after a loan spell at the club. The centre-back, who can also operate as a right-back and a defensive midfielder, played 25 times in Serie A last season, scoring three goals in the process.

De Winter’s potential arrival at Old Trafford could see him be the upgrade to Harry Maguire, who remains a key part of Amorim’s plans, but only has 12 months remaining on his current deal.

Glasgow Rangers have a lot of work to do during the summer transfer window as they go about building a squad that can compete for the Scottish Premiership title next season.

Russell Martin arrived at Ibrox earlier this summer as the new head coach and the new boss will be aiming for success in his first year in charge.

The Gers manager has inherited a team that ended the 2024/25 season without a single trophy to show for their efforts, which illustrates how big the job ahead of him is going to be, as he is not taking on a side that is ready to hit the ground running next term.

Plenty of work is already going on to alter the make-up of the squad ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, as the Light Blues confirmed the signing of Lyall Cameron on Tuesday.

The 22-year-old Scottish midfielder has joined on a free transfer from Dundee to bolster Martin’s options in the attacking midfield positions next season.

What Lyall Cameron could bring to Rangers

One thing that stands out about Cameron is that he has already amassed plenty of experience in the Premiership at a young age, with 65 appearances in the league since the start of the 2023/24 campaign.

This means that he could hit the ground running at Ibrox as a player who has already played plenty of matches in the division in the last two years, which means that he knows what to expect physically and tactically.

His performances in the Premiership in the 2024/25 season also suggest that the midfield whiz could be an exciting addition to the squad as a player who can make a big impact at the top end of the pitch.

Cameron, who can play as a central midfielder or as an attacking midfielder, ended the campaign with a haul of nine goals and five assists in 33 outings in the league for Dundee.

Shots on target

20

Top 4%

xG

3.80

Top 7%

Goals

9

Top 4%

xA

4.78

Top 10%

Chances created

54

Top 4%

Assists

5

Top 9%

As you can see in the table above, the Scottish maestro ranked highly among his positional peers in the division when it came to scoring and creating goals as an attacking midfielder.

These statistics suggest that Cameron could arrive as an exciting addition, given his ability to make things happen in front of goal, but the Gers are now looking to sign another attacker who would be even more exciting for Martin.

Rangers hopeful of deal to sign new winger

According to STV News, Rangers are ‘hopeful of concluding’ a swoop for Peterborough United winger Kwame Poku during the summer transfer window.

The report claims that the Light Blues believe that they are in pole position to secure a deal for the Ghana international, whose contract with the English side expires at the end of this month.

Transfer Focus

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

It adds that the Ibrox giants would be due to pay a minimal training compensation fee to Peterborough for Poku if a move goes through as expected, due to his age and UEFA’s cross-border compensation rules.

STV News also reveals that the Light Blues are hopeful of bringing Max Aarons, who came through the Norwich academy during Martin’s time in Norfolk as a player, to the club from Bournemouth, in what is likely to be a loan deal.

If the Gers can finalise a move for Poku on a ‘free’ transfer in the coming days, Rangers could have an even more exciting signing than Cameron for their new head coach.

Why Kwame Poku is more exciting than Lyall Cameron

The 23-year-old’s form for Peterborough in the 2024/25 season suggests that he has the potential to provide even more quality than the former Dundee man at the top end of the pitch for the Gers next term.

Poku, who plays as a left-footed attacker on the right flank, could come in as a direct replacement for Vaclav Cerny, who returned to Wolfsburg this summer, and potentially offer even more of a threat than the Czechia international from the right wing.

The Wolfsburg loanee caught the eye with his performances for the Gers during the 2024/25 campaign, but the Light Blues may be set to sign an even better talent.

Appearances

27

33

Goals

12

12

Big chances missed

3

6

Big chances created

9

6

Assists

8

4

Dribbles completed per game

1.9

1.4

Dribble success rate

47%

46%

As you can see in the table above, the Posh wizard scored more goals per game than the former Rangers sensation, whilst also delivering far more quality as a creator for his teammates in the final third.

This suggests that Poku, if he can translate his form over to the Premiership, could improve the team’s attack next term by offering plenty of quality as both a scorer and a creator of goals, as shown by his output in League One this term.

The left-footed magician, who was dubbed “outstanding” by reporter Lukman Evergreen, has shown that he can score and create goals at an impressive rate, even scoring three more goals and providing three more assists than Cameron managed in the Premiership last term.

This means that Poku could carry an even greater threat than the new Rangers signing in front of goal next season if Martin can get a deal over the line for the Peterborough star in the coming days, as this latest report suggests that they will.

Martin can replace Hagi with Rangers move for "explosive" £10m "weapon"

Rangers can brilliantly replace Ianis Hagi by signing this reported transfer target.

ByDan Emery Jun 17, 2025

The right-sided winger would be an incredibly exciting signing for Martin at Ibrox because of his potential to be an upgrade on Cerny, and his potential to deliver even more quality at the top end of the pitch than Cameron.

With one La Liga star yet to sign a new contract in Spain, Aston Villa are reportedly looking to take full advantage and have already registered their interest in securing his signature.

Aston Villa's summer plans taking shape

It’s set to be an interesting summer at Villa Park. Even with European qualification secured for another season, those in the Midlands will likely have to sell players in order to buy in the coming months amid growing PSR concerns. And that could force Unai Emery to be ruthless. Already, names such as Ollie Watkins and Morgan Rogers have been linked with shock departures in deals that could make room for potential incomings.

Aston Villa could sign their next Duran in "magnificent" £42m star

Aston Villa have the perfect opportunity to pick up their next Jhon Duran if they sign this star.

ByKelan Sarson May 14, 2025

On that front, the rumours have also been coming thick and fast. Names such as Alexander Sorloth have most recently stolen the headlines as clubs begin to battle over his signature. Alongside a number of others in the race to sign the Atletico Madrid forward, Aston Villa could yet swoop in and finally sign their replacement for Jhon Duran.

Whether Villa’s transfer stance changes in the remaining two Premier League games is something to keep an eye on, too. The Villans still have a chance of securing Champions League football, which would hand them an instant boost financially.

Emery is, of course, well aware of just how important his side’s final two Premier League games are and reiterated the need to stay focused when speaking to reporters last weekend.

The Spaniard said: “To play in Europe is very fantastic and is very difficult through the Premier League. We have points to play (for) and we are going to push other teams, but it (Champions League) is not in our hands. But, of course, if we are winning, we will have more chance.”

Aston Villa register interest in Mosquera

With or without Champions League football, those in the Midlands are beginning to form their summer transfer plan. According to reports in Spain, Aston Villa have now registered their formal interest in signing Cristhian Mosquera, who is proven to be somewhat of a contract rebel at Valencia after failing to put pen to paper on a new deal.

Available for around €18m (£15m) this summer, Mosquera is not a target that should leave Aston Villa concerned about PSR, given his affordable valuation. A player who Emery reportedly sees as the perfect fit, the Valencia defender could yet become the Spaniard’s first signing of the summer.

Described as a “dominant ground dueller” by analyst Ben Mattinson, 20-year-old Mosquera is more ready than ever to step into a side of Aston Villa’s quality when the summer arrives.

Newcastle United have now made contact over a potential deal for an “outstanding” midfielder, who could be available for a fee of just £21m this summer, according to a report.

Magpies pursuing midfielder amid Tonali and Guimaraes uncertainty

Newcastle are on the brink of securing a return to the Champions League, and Sandro Tonali has been one of their most important players, with Jamie Carragher recently praising the midfielder after naming him in his Premier League team of the season.

Speaking about the Magpies, Carragher said: “They actually made a poor start to the season. I don’t think their season turned around until Eddie Howe put him [Tonali] in the holding role.

“For a lot of the time he has been there, he has been the attacking midfielder and Bruno has been the holding. I think him going to the sitting midfield role has made a huge difference.

Howe is likely to be very pleased with Tonali’s performances, but the Italian is now starting to attract interest from elsewhere, with Manchester United and Manchester City being named as potential suitors.

With Bruno Guimaraes also attracting attention, Howe may be forced to revamp his midfield in the summer transfer window, and a report from TEAMtalk has now revealed that Newcastle have made contact over a deal for Dinamo Zagreb’s Martin Baturina.

Baturina has a number of potential suitors from within the Premier League, with Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest also keen, and a deal for the attacking midfielder is likely to be relatively inexpensive, as the Croatian side are looking to hold out for around £21m.

Related Newcastle now planning face-to-face talks to sign "unbelievable" £30m star

The Magpies are set to hold discussions over a deal for a forward.

Posts ByDominic Lund May 21, 2025

Inter Milan are also interested in signing the 22-year-old, who is now ready to move to a top league in Europe, having put in some impressive performances in his home country of Croatia.

"Outstanding" Baturina could be a bargain signing

Of course, it is always a risk to take a punt on a player who is unproven in a major European league, but the Croatian has shown that he is ready to make the step-up to a higher level with his displays for Zagreb.

The Zurich-born maestro picked up six goals and 12 assists in all competitions during the 2024-25 campaign, with three of those coming in the Champions League.

Moreover, football scout Ben Mattinson has lauded the Zagreb star for his “outstanding” vision and weight of pass, and he has displayed his dribbling ability on a regular basis over the past year, ranking in the top 1% for successful take-ons by players in his position.

Statistic

Average per 90

Non-penalty goals

0.29 (97th percentile)

Shot-creating actions

3.78 (91st percentile)

Successful take-ons

2.91 (99th percentile)

Progressive carries

4.65 (99th percentile)

At just £21m, Baturina could be a bargain signing for Newcastle this summer, but there will be a hope that his arrival is not at the expense of Tonali and Guimaraes, given their importance to Howe’s side.

Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish has now been told by club chiefs to sign a “special” £25 million star this summer, according to a new report.

Crystal Palace eye multiple free transfers

The Eagles have still got an FA Cup final to prepare for this season, but already club chiefs are working hard behind the scenes to bring in new players this summer. Winning the FA Cup would see Palace play European football next season, and that might have something to do with the fact that the club are not wasting any time when it comes to contacting potential transfer targets.

Related Crystal Palace make enquiry to sign 28 y/o on free transfer ahead of Fulham

Crystal Palace are now in a race with Fulham to sign an experienced midfielder from La Liga.

Posts ByBrett Worthington May 7, 2025

It’s been recently reported that Palace have made an enquiry to sign midfielder Yvan Neyou, who will leave Leganes at the end of the season. The 28-year-old will be a free agent this summer, and Palace as well as Fulham have already made contact over a move to England.

As well as Neyou, the South Londoners have also been in contact with the agents of Junior Firpo over a possible move to Selhurst Park. The attacking left-back looks set to leave Leeds United when his contract expires, and Palace have now joined the long list of teams who are keen on snapping him up.

The free transfer targets don’t stop there, as a report has now revealed that the Eagles are close to signing Bright Osayi-Samuel from Fenerbahçe. Palace have offered a four-year deal to the right-back worth £3.8 million a season, and it seems to be enough to bring him to Selhurst Park.

Parish now told to sign £25m Newcastle star

According to The Everything is Black and White Podcast, relayed by The Chronicle, Crystal Palace officials have recommended signing Newcastle United’s Joe Willock.

Toon podcast host Andrew Musgrove revealed that Palace chiefs have put the idea forward to Parish: “I’ve been told that transfer chiefs at Crystal Palace have recommended Willock to Steve Parish and that they think they can get him. I think that move would work out for them.”

Willock, who was once dubbed a “special talent” by Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, has been at Newcastle since August 2021, during which he has been a regular in the side. However, this season the 25-year-old has found it hard to nail down a regular starting spot, as he’s started just 11 of the 30 Premier League games he’s played.

Willock has fallen down the pecking order behind the likes of Joelinton, Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali, and therefore he could be a player the Magpies look to move on this summer.

Joe Willock’s Premier League stats

Apps

157

Goals

15

Assists

9

His arrival at Palace could take some of the burden off finding a direct replacement for Eberechi Eze, who may be on his way out of Selhurst Park. Willock may not have produced the numbers Eze has, but the Newcastle man has shown that he can produce moments of quality in the Premier League, and his goals from midfield would take some pressure off any attacking signings.

Newcastle spent £25 million to get him from Arsenal, and the likelihood is that they are going to want to get their money back for the midfielder, who still has two years left to run on his contract.

After a dire return to Premier League action on Thursday night last week, Tottenham Hotspur fans finally had something to celebrate yesterday afternoon.

It wasn’t a vintage performance, and there was a moment when it looked like it could end in a draw, but Ange Postecoglou’s side managed to pick up three points at home against Southampton.

One of the stand-out performers for the home side was Brennan Johnson, who scored a brace and won the penalty that Mathys Tel put away in the game’s final moments.

The Welshman now has 16 goals across all competitions this season and is the club’s top goalscorer, so it’s good news that recent reports have touted a player who could be Tottenham’s next Johnson for a move to N17.

Tottenham's transfer targets

With how poorly this season has gone and the number of injuries the team have had to contend with, this summer has to be a massive one for Spurs in terms of incomings, and based on the last few weeks of rumours, it certainly seems like it will be.

For example, according to reports from late last week, the club are looking to bring in some more defensive reinforcements in the shape of Bayer Leverkusen star Piero Hincapie, who could be available for £60m and would come with title-winning experience.

On top of that, Daniel Levy and Co appear intent on adding to the attack, with the £60m Eberechi Eze back on their list of top targets.

Transfer Focus

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

Expand Collapse

The Crystal Palace star has scored six goals and provided 11 assists so far this season and would undoubtedly improve the attacking options at Postecoglou’s disposal next year, as would the most recent star touted for a move to N17: Antoine Semenyo.

Yes, according to a recent report from Spain, the Lilywhites are incredibly keen on signing the Bournemouth star this summer.

In fact, the report has revealed that Spurs ‘are in a fierce battle’ to secure the Ghanaian’s signature with Premier League rivals Manchester United.

On top of having to contend with the Red Devils, the North Londoners will also have to cough up a significant amount of money to get their man as the Cherries will only entertain selling at around €50m, which is about £43m.

It could be a costly and complicated transfer to get over the line for Spurs, but given Semenyo’s immense ability, it is worth fighting for, especially if he can be their next Johnson.

Why Semenyo would be Johnson 2.0

So, while we are not saying they are the same player, there are some undeniable parallels between Johnson and Semenyo, especially if the latter moves to Spurs.

The first is that both would have moved to Spurs from other Premier League sides who are outside the traditional ‘big six’ but appear to be on positive trajectories, with Bournemouth looking good for a top-half finish.

The second similarity is that both players can be devastatingly effective from the wing.

Semenyo & Johnson

Player

Semenyo

Johnson

Appearances

35

41

Goals

9

16

Assists

6

4

Goal Involvements per Match

0.42

0.48

All Stats via Transfermarkt

For example, while he hasn’t got as many goal involvements as the Welshman, the “sensational” Ghanaian, as dubbed by journalist Thierry Nyann, has still managed to rack up nine goals and six assists in 35 appearances, totalling 3003 minutes.

That means the 25-year-old is currently averaging a goal involvement every 2.33 games, or every 200.2 minutes.

Finally, while the former Nottingham Forest star has settled into a right-wing role, both players are positionally versatile and have shown an ability to play all over the pitch in the past.

Ultimately, while it could be an expensive transfer to get over the line, Semenyo has more than proven himself in the Premier League this season.

Therefore, Spurs should do all they can to sign him in the summer.

Related Spurs are brewing a dream Maddison replacement in 17-year-old "cheat-code"

The teenage sensation could be a star for Spurs.

Posts ByJack Salveson Holmes Apr 4, 2025

Allrounder’s 19, three wickets and two catches proved too much for Originals, who are now bottom

ECB Media13-Aug-2025Welsh Fire 137 for 8 (Smith 26, Kohler-Cadmore 26, Tongue 3-25) beat Manchester Originals 112 (Buttler 57, Meredith 4-9) by 25 runsAussie pace bowler Riley Meredith cranked it up in front of a raucous Cardiff crowd, taking 4 for 9 as Welsh Fire defeated Manchester Originals by 25 runs.There were also three-fors for both Chris Green (3 for 19) and David Payne (3 for 14) as a brilliant fielding and bowling performance earned Fire a much deserved win.Bowling first, Originals got off to a flying start, Sonny Baker having Jonny Bairstow caught by Lewis Gregory at slip with his fifth ball.Fire reached 28 for 1 after the powerplay, 22 of the runs to Steve Smith, including a stunning six over point off Josh Tongue.Tongue soon got his revenge, seeing Smith caught behind for 26. Fire then lost Luke Wells to Scott Currie for 13, reaching 57 for 3 at the halfway point.Tongue returned to remove Abell (22) and Currie got rid of Saif Zaib (15), both caught behind by Jos Buttler, the Fire innings threatening to fizzle out at 108 for 6.Chris Green added some late impetus, striking two sixes in his nine-ball 19, as Fire closed on 137 for 8, Currie (3 for 21) and Tongue (3 for 25) the pick of the Originals’ attack.A brilliant burst of 3 for 6 from 10 balls by Riley Meredith saw the backs of Phil Salt (3), McKinney (10) and Mark Chapman (0), Salt spectacularly caught at deep backward-square by Green, as the Fire started well on top.Buttler began the counterattack, hitting Paul Walter for back-to-back boundaries, but the Fire struck a huge blow when they had Heinrich Klaasen (11) caught in the deep off Green.Buttler kept going, bringing up his fifty from 28 balls with a six off Green, but the off-spinner then struck twice, taking the key wickets of Buttler (57) and Gregory (21), both caught at deep midwicket by Abell, before Payne and Meredith cleaned up the tail.Meerkat Match Hero Chris Green said: “It was a lot of fun. The last two games here have been an amazing atmosphere. The support here in Cardiff has been fantastic and it was great to reward that support with a win here tonight.”Tommy Abell thought 130 was defendable, there was a bit of hold for the off-cutters for the seamers and a bit of hold for the spinners as well.”Riley Meredith was outstanding up front and probably should be standing here because I thought he broke the game open. The energy we had and the support we had tonight got us over the line and we go into a big game in London on Saturday.”

Inter Miami’s chief business officer, Xavi Asensi, has explained how Lionel Messi helped to deliver a “wonderful miracle” for MLS and Inter Miami alongside Manchester United and England legend Sir David Beckham. Argentine GOAT Messi moved to the United States in 2023 and has helped to grow the American game at a rate few could have predicted prior to his arrival.

• American dream: What Messi has achieved in Miami

  When bidding farewell to European football at Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona icon Messi decided that the time had come to spread his wings. Beckham, who is now a co-owner in Miami, helped to convince the World Cup winner that he should chase the American dream.

  Messi had offers to join eternal rival Cristiano Ronaldo in the Saudi Pro League, but opted to tread his own path. Success has been enjoyed in the States, picking up an eighth Ballon d’Or while cementing his standing as the most decorated player in history.

  At 38 years of age, there is no sign of Messi slowing down. He has enjoyed a Golden Boot-winning campaign in 2025 and has helped Inter Miami to the MLS Cup final. The expectation is that he will also form part of Argentina’s global title defence next summer.

Advertisement

• Getty/GOAL
  

  Combined forces: Messi has linked up with Beckham

  Those in Florida always dreamed of such success, with an all-time great leading way, and Messi has helped to make all of that possible. Asensi has told : “All in all, I would say that it's a miracle. It's a wonderful miracle – it is daring and a dream. From ownership to everyone that is here in the club, we are really blessed to be part of it. We are five years old, we are creating history, we are living history as we are speaking. So having Lionel playing and being our captain changed us completely.”

  Asensi added on the power of Beckham combining with the mass appeal of Messi: “Without David Beckham none of us would be sitting here. Everything ended up being possible. There aren't names as global as David Beckham and Leo Messi – they are combined here.

  “When we arrived here in 2020-21 with owners Jorge Mas, [his brother] Jose Mas and David Beckham in charge, the main goal was to win on the pitch. I would say Lionel Messi is the greatest of all time, subjectively and objectively. So obviously having the best player possible in your roster is a no-brainer.

  “This is what we've been trying to do from the very beginning. Not just bring in big-name players, but bring in the best players possible so the team on the pitch is something we can be proud of – and one that wins.”

• Global brand: Inter Miami become a household name

  Messi changed the landscape for MLS when arriving in America, despite the likes of Beckham, Thierry Henry and Zlatan Ibrahimovic having previously trodden a similar path. He has shifted tickets and shirts at a remarkable rate, helping Inter Miami to become one of the most recognisable sporting brands on the planet.

  Asensi said: “Overnight we went from being an MLS club to a club that I would say everybody knew. Every outlet in the world, everyone talked about it. Crazy. From Fiji to Anchorage, Patagonia to Mongolia, it put Inter Miami into the big time. We're talking about the number one sport in the world, and the US economically is the number one country in the world. It's the biggest market, and the king of sports entertainment.”

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty/GOAL
  

  A-list guests: Messi preparing for MLS Cup final

  Messi has helped to attract A-list guests to Inter Miami games, with the likes of Will Smith, Floyd Mayweather, Tom Brady, Aryna Sabalenka, LeBron James, Kim Kardashian, Eva Longoria, Ronaldinho and Roberto Carlos attending Herons matches.

  More celebrity visitors are likely to acquire tickets for Saturday’s MLS Cup final. Said contest will take place at Chase Stadium, as Inter Miami prepare to bid farewell to that venue. They will be moving into the newly-constructed Freedom Park next season – with their opening five games taking place on the road as their new home is completed.

It’s still early on in the season, but Arsenal are looking near enough unstoppable at the moment.

Mikel Arteta’s side won their tenth game on the spin against Salvia Prague on Tuesday night, and for the eighth game in a row, kept a clean sheet.

Moreover, the Gunners sit atop the Premier League table ahead of a weekend in which Liverpool play Manchester City.

However, Arsenal are not the perfect team, and for large parts of the season, creativity has been a problem, although they now have a star in the side playing like Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka.

Arsenal's creativity this season

Now, it should be said that overall, this Arsenal team is arguably the closest to being perfect out of every side in the Premier League.

After all, they have far and away the best defence, have managed to score 18 goals, and still, there is a sense that they could go up another couple of gears over the coming months.

However, as with every team, the Gunners have had some areas of weakness this season, notably in their open play creativity.

For example, in the aftermath of the draw with City, everyone’s favourite Sky Sports pundit, Jamie Carragher, argued that the club’s problem “is creating.”

At that time, it was difficult to disagree with him, as Arteta’s side created just two big chances despite having 67% of the ball. Then, in the game against Liverpool a few weeks before, they didn’t have a single big chance.

Another way this lack of creativity is clearly visible is in the lack of assists for the club’s top players, such as Saka and Odegaard.

For example, while the former has put in some good performances this season, he has yet to register a single assist in the league.

Saka & Odegaard in the PL

Player

Saka

Odegaard

Appearances

8

6

Minutes

594′

204′

Assists

0

1

Assists per Match

0.00

0.16

Minutes per Assist

N/A

204′

All Stats via Transfermarkt

Likewise, while the captain has had to deal with several injuries, his return of one assist in six appearances, totalling 204 minutes, is still underwhelming.

Fortunately, things have started to improve in recent weeks, and other players have begun to step up and enhance their own creativity, especially one star who is starting to emulate the best aspects of Saka and Odegaard in his own game.

The Arsenal star playing like Saka & Odegaard

Some of the players who have stepped up in recent weeks include Leandro Trossard, who provided an assist against Burnley, and Jurrien Timber, who did so against West Ham United.

Chalkboard

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

Expand Collapse

However, there is another regular starter who has been steadily improving the creative side of his game and can now do some of the things fans expect of Saka and Odegaard: Declan Rice.

Yes, the all-action, tough-tackling midfield monster who, in the words of Thomas Frank, has been one of “the best in the world” since his £105m arrival in 2023, has now become something of a creative force for Arteta and Co.

For example, his incredible deliveries from corners and free-kicks are now practically a cheat code for the Gunners, and if they don’t result in a goal, at least they result in a brilliant chance.

However, it’s not just from dead-ball situations that the Englishman has started to show an Odegaard-esque range of passing.

For example, while the attack started from a corner, his delivery for Mikel Merino’s equaliser against Newcastle United was practically in open play.

Then, against Slavia Prague, he delivered a pinpoint-accurate cross into the penalty area for that Spaniard to once again get his head on it.

Finally, in addition to the five assists he has provided this season, his underlying numbers further highlight how his overall creativity has improved.

According to FBref, he ranks in the top 1% of midfielders in the league for progressive passes, the top 4% for total passing distance, expected assists, and crosses, the top 8% for live-ball passes and switches, and more, all per 90 minutes.

Rice’s Scout Report

Statistics

Per 90

Percentile

Progressive Carries

2.80

Top 1%

Inswinging Corner Kicks

2.69

Top 1%

Total Passing Distance

1104.63

Top 4%

Passes Attempted (Long)

11.75

Top 4%

xA: Expected Assists

0.22

Top 4%

Dead-ball Passes

7.84

Top 4%

Crosses

5.82

Top 4%

Corner Kicks

4.03

Top 4%

Total Carrying Distance

304.48

Top 4%

Progressive Carrying Distance

143.28

Top 4%

Carries into Final Third

2.57

Top 4%

Shots from Free Kicks

0.22

Top 6%

Passes Completed

61.34

Top 6%

Progressive Passing Distance

281.08

Top 6%

Passes Completed (Medium)

28.54

Top 6%

GCA (Dead-ball Pass)

0.22

Top 6%

Touches

80.93

Top 6%

Touches (Att 3rd)

22.28

Top 6%

Touches (Live-Ball)

80.93

Top 6%

Passes Completed (Long)

5.93

Top 8%

Live-ball Passes

64.48

Top 8%

Switches

0.67

Top 8%

SCA (Dead-ball Pass)

1.23

Top 8%

Carries

48.69

Top 8%

Passes Received

55.63

Top 8%

All Stats via FBref

Ultimately, Rice has been an incredible player for Arsenal over the last two years, but this season, he has taken another step forward and is showing a passing range and level of creativity you’d expect from Saka and Odegaard.

Related Saved by Merino: Arteta must drop Arsenal star who won just 28% duels

Unlike Merino, it was a Champions League night to forget for the Arsenal man.

Posts ByJack Salveson Holmes Nov 5, 2025

Alexander Isak has admitted he expected to do "much more" at Liverpool after a slow start to life at Anfield. The striker joined the Reds from Newcastle United for a Premier League record fee of £125 million ($167m) but so far he has failed to fire. The Swedish international also admits that injuries have hampered his progress, and he has never felt at 100 per cent so far.

Isak and Liverpool struggle

Since his blockbuster £125m move, which entailed a lengthy transfer saga where Isak refused to play for Newcastle and trained alone for much of the summer, the 26-year-old has only scored two goals in all competitions this season. The Swede has struggled with injuries and form since arriving on Merseyside, and so have Arne Slot's team, with the defending Premier League champions currently ninth in the table. As a result, the former Real Sociedad man admits this has not been an "easy" period for him and his new club.

He told : "It's not been easy, of course, individually and also collectively. We've not had the best results lately. Of course, I wish more from me as well, so I think that's pretty obvious. I'm trying to stay positive, we as a team as well, it's a really good group and we're just looking forward and trying to do better as a team."

AdvertisementGetty Images SportIsak not at full tilt

The forward admitted he was his own harshest critic and that he is not happy with his goal-scoring output so far. However, he still stressed that injuries have taken their toll on him.

"I expect to do much more of course, I always do that. Even when I do really well, I want more, so that's not a problem for me. But yeah, I'm trying to stay positive, trying to work to do better and that's what we're looking to do," he said. "Yeah, of course. I think obviously I'm the first one to know and I know best when I'm doing good and when I'm not doing good. So I don't need anyone to tell me how I'm doing, so that's not a problem for me."

When asked if he had felt at 100 per cent at any stage for Liverpool, Isak replied, "I would probably say no, physically. I probably haven't felt at my best. But yeah, that's not really the way I judge myself either. When I'm on the pitch, I want to do well anyway. But yeah, obviously, there's more of me."

Slot defends Isak

Despite scoring just once in the Premier League this season, Liverpool boss Slot said the Reds are not bringing the best out of the Swedish star and must do all they can to maximise his strengths. 

The Dutchman told reporters on Friday: "He is not the only No.9 who suffers in some games from not getting many chances. At this level it’s not like the No.9 is involved in eight, nine, 10 chances every single half. But it is obvious and clear that we want to bring him into more threatening situations. Before we went to only one goal conceded in two games [West Ham and Sunderland] we had a lot of chances. Because we are a little bit more compact and not taking as many risks, we have not been able to create as many chances as all of the games before. It is definitely one of the things on my list of things to improve to get our No.9 more involved in the game and more involved in the final third."

The former Feyenoord manager also said that Isak's match fitness remains an issue and that it is "unrealistic" for him to complete three 90-minute games in a week. 

"That’s not the way you want to start your career at Liverpool. It is far, far from an ideal situation but, again, this club doesn’t buy a player for half a year. We bought him for six years," he added.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty Images SportWhat comes next for Liverpool?

After playing 68 minutes in the 2-0 win at West Ham and 86 minutes in the 1-1 draw with Sunderland, it remains to be seen if Isak will start away at Leeds United on Saturday evening. If not, Hugo Ekitike may lead the Reds' attack at Elland Road.