All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

As rumours continue to come thick and fast regarding Alexander Isak’s potential suitors, Newcastle United have reportedly joined the race to sign a 10-goal Premier League star.

Newcastle set sights on possible Isak replacements

The interest in Isak should come as no surprise. The Swede has been among the Premier League’s best forwards once again this season, scoring 22 goals in all competitions. But whilst his form hasn’t slowed down, Newcastle have.

The Magpies have so far been unable to match their Champions League ambitions and are set to miss out for a second consecutive season as things stand, doing them no favours in pursuit of keeping hold of their star man.

Newcastle could now sign £40m+ star who has just fallen out with teammates

It’s been a nightmare time for the forward…

ByTom Cunningham Mar 13, 2025

With or without those in Tyneside, Isak deserves to be playing among Europe’s best and that could hand Newcastle an instant problem if the likes of Liverpool come calling this summer. It is at least a potential exit that PIF seem to be preparing for, however, amid recent links to the likes of Hugo Ekitike, who could finally complete a move to St James’ Park following the Magpies’ long-standing interest.

If it’s not to be the Eintracht Frankfurt forward, meanwhile, then it may well be a candidate slightly closer to home that replaces Isak. According to The Boot Room, Newcastle are now plotting a summer move to sign Liam Delap from Ipswich Town following the forward’s excellent debut campaign for The Tractor Boys.

What should instantly make negotiations easier is the fact that Delap is under the same agency as James Trafford, who has reportedly already agreed personal terms with Newcastle ahead of a potential summer switch.

Having already successfully negotiated one deal between them, Newcastle and Trafford’s representatives could be set for further talks regarding another client in the form of Delap. The 22-year-old is certainly one to watch, especially if Newcastle are forced to find a replacement for Isak this summer.

"Phenomenal" Delap is a rising star

Joining a growing list of former Manchester City academy stars to find success elsewhere, Delap looks destined to make his way back to the top of English football, which could yet feature a move to St James’ Park this summer. Even as Ipswich have struggled, he has been at the centre of praise from the likes of football talent scout Jacek Kulig, who dubbed him “phenomenal”.

With 10 goals to his name in the Premier League this season, Delap looks unlikely to let Ipswich drop down to the Championship without putting up a fight. The forward has certainly done his job and now has 10 games left to drag The Tractor Boys to safety against the odds.

Meanwhile, as relegation looms for Kieran McKenna’s side, Newcastle are seemingly among those waiting to pounce and ensure that Delap maintains his own place in England’s top flight.

Manchester United are considered to be in a strong position to sign a “creative” new wide player this summer thanks to a hidden weapon, according to a new report.

Man Utd readying for mass exodus this summer

Given how the season has gone for the Red Devils, apart from perhaps Bruno Fernandes it could be argued that no player is safe from being moved on this summer – it’s been reported that as many as ten players could leave United this summer.

Man Utd want to sell £10m-a-year star and replace him with "monster" player

Amorim wants Man Utd to strengthen their defensive options this summer, leaving one of his current options out in the cold.

ByBrett Worthington Mar 25, 2025

Victor Lindelöf and Christian Eriksen are expected to leave when their contracts expire, while veterans Tom Heaton and Jonny Evans are now expected to retire at the end of the season, given their troubles with injuries in this campaign.

Meanwhile, United are openly looking to sell Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Antony as they hope that will generate funds for them to enter the transfer market. Midfielder Casemiro is also expected to be put up for sale after the Premier League side tried to sell him in the last summer transfer window.

It’s been reported by TEAMtalk that United now want to sell Harry Maguire, as they are wanting to move his wages off their books in the hope they can sign Jarrad Branthwaite as his replacement.

Man Utd to use Jason Wilcox to sign “creative” gem this summer

Moving these many players on in the summer will only help them bring in replacements, and according to The Daily Mail, via TEAMtalk, Man United are ready to go and sign Tyler Dibling from Southampton and make him their new right wing-back, despite the rumoured £100m price tag being placed on Dibling’s head.

The report states that United are ready to go up against their rivals Manchester City to sign Dibling this summer and they want to use Jason Wilcox, who knows Dibling well from his time working as Southampton’s director of football. Wilcox is being described as an ‘ace card’ and the hidden weapon in United’s plan to attack the market this summer.

The Red Devils have turned their attention to Dibling after missing out on Geovany Quenda, and while they believe he can play as a right wing-back, United also think he can play as one of the two number 10s behind the striker. Club chiefs have kept a close eye on the 19-year-old this season, watching him live in action for the Saints and England.

Apps

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4

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2

Southampton are anticipating the youngster, who has been dubbed a “creative winger” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, to leave this summer given their expected relegation to the Championship. But despite them closing in on a return to the Championship, the Saints are expected to ask for a massive 9-figure price for Dibling, perhaps with the knowledge that number will be whittled down somewhat in negotiations.

Arsenal apparently stand a chance of signing a marquee attacking star wanted by Champions League rivals Real Madrid, with one reporter urging people not to rule Mikel Arteta’s side out in the race for his signature.

Arsenal face Real Madrid in blockbuster Champions League tie

This evening, Arteta faces one of the biggest games of his Arsenal career to date.

Arsenal set to pay £51m release clause for "world-class" Real Madrid target

The Gunners are now ready to launch a move for one of Mikel Arteta’s key targets.

ByDominic Lund Apr 7, 2025

Real visit the Emirates Stadium tonight for the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie, which could make or break Arsenal’s season with nothing left to play for in the Premier League.

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Ipswich Town (away)

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Crystal Palace (home)

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Bournemouth (home)

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Liverpool (away)

May 11th

Los Blancos are undoubtedly Arsenal’s toughest possible test in the competition, and if they can somehow get past Carlo Ancelotti’s side, they’d surely be considered among the major favourites to win it.

While Arteta prepares his side for a vital game in north London, new sporting director Andrea Berta is working to ensure they won’t be so reliant on a good run in Europe next season.

Berta has a new attacker on his list of transfer priorities at Arsenal, with Bayer Leverkusen starlet Florian Wirtz apparently emerging as a target.

Arsenal could sign Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen

The Germany international is currently enjoying yet another sensational campaign in the Bundesliga after helping Xabi Alonso’s side make history with an unprecedented title triumph over Bayern Munich last season.

Wirtz has racked up 15 goals and 13 assists in all competitions throughout 2024/2025, leading to interest from some of Europe’s biggest sides, but Sky Germany have reported that he won’t be leaving Leverkusen for less than £112 million.

According to journalist Graeme Bailey, in a piece for The Boot Room, Arsenal are contenders to sign Wirtz, despite serious competition from the likes of Real, Bayern Munich and Man City.

“A lot of people ask about Wirtz and why it seems it is only Bayern Munich and Man City that are pushing hard to sign him.

“It is true they are at the front of the queue, if he decides to leave Bayer Leverkusen this summer and that ‘if’ remains the key – as we have reported in the last few weeks, we don’t know what he is thinking – does he sign a new deal and stay for another 12-months, or leave?

“Bayern have had a wonderful 2025 when it comes to their playing staff – their chiefs Max Eberl and Christoph Freund have managed to seal new deals for Alphonso Davies, Joshua Kimmich and Jamal Musiala, when at the turn of the year – the future of all three looked in some doubt.

“They are working hard on this summer’s potential arrivals and the player at he top of their list is Wirtz – he is widely regarded as the best player for his age in Europe, he really is up there with the likes of Jude Bellingham, Pedri, Gavi etc when it comes to talent.

“Man City love him, as we know, and they are doing everything they can to persuade.

“And whilst Bayern and City have done the most work to this point, I am told not to totally discount others, especially in just making an offer – if you are Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool or even Real Madrid – who all like him – why wouldn’t you at least have the conversation?”

Manchester United’s stalemate against neighbours Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon solemnly underlined the issues Ruben Amorim is dealing with.

The Portugal tactician inherited a mess and is trying his best, but he’s not going to reach the heights that INEOS will have envisaged when appointing him unless surgery is undertaken in the transfer market this summer.

However, the Red Devils are in a fragile financial state and know that they must trim the blubber from their first-team ranks if they are to make real headway in the transfer market this summer.

Man Utd need to fix their wage bill

Pep Guardiola’s Citizens are the only Premier League club to have a higher reported wage bill than Manchester United. Capology record that Old Trafford is drained some £181m per annum on first-team salaries.

Luckily, a sizeable chunk is all but confirmed to be sliced this summer. Christian Eriksen, Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans are all into the final months of their deals, which will free a combined £335k per week from the books.

The resurgent Casemiro was widely expected to be sold this summer but he’s been in fine fettle of late and may play a role in the year to come. Albeit, the 33-year-old pockets a bigger pay packet than anyone else of a Man United persuasion.

Chopping away at such players to create room for exciting incomings is the way forward. It’s a daunting task, to be sure, but one that could will Old Trafford back into shape if handled correctly.

Another top earner, Antony, is out on loan at Real Betis, in fairness, and is not expected to return to Amorim’s brood. Freeing up his financial space will be a significant step in the right direction.

The same can be said for United’s other high-earning star currently out on loan.

Man Utd must axe their high earner

Since signing for Aston Villa on loan in January, Marcus Rashford has scored three goals and provided four assists across 12 fixtures.

He has been crucial in driving Unai Emery’s side into the FA Cup semi-finals and Champions League last eight, also pushing for a top-four (or five) finish in the Premier League.

However, he was described as a “major problem” by journalist Liam Canning, with performances toward the end of his time under the wing of Amorim proving to be “nothing short of shocking.”

This divorce of positivity and withdrawal of commitment was unacceptable for a player earning a gigantic wage at £300k per week.

But in truth, Rashford’s displays for his boyhood club had petered out over a number of years, with his brilliance over the 2022/23 campaign sadly standing as an outlier now.

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Villa have a buy option in their loan deal for the England international, which stands at £40m. Amorim wasn’t happy with him and deserves a clean slate to kickstart his project – of course, given that Rashford has earned north of £55m since making his professional debut, the argument for his permanent sale is only reinforced.

While Rashford has shown in the past that he can be a “goal machine” for Man United, as has been remarked by Statman Dave, there was a real sense of disconnect through the final days of his time at the club, there in the flesh.

He might be thriving at Villa Park, but for a player who has earned such vast sums as a Red Devil and ultimately lost his way, maybe cashing in and starting anew wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world.

Sweeping changes, at the start of a new INEOS and Amorim era, might just end up bearing fruit.

Amorim's own Salah: Man Utd pushing to sign "Europe's best player" for £67m

Man United need to make a range of impactful signings in the transfer market this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair Apr 7, 2025

Liverpool are “ready” to push to complete the signing of a player with a “good football brain” this summer, according to an update from journalist Graeme Bailey.

Liverpool buoyant after new Salah deal

The Reds have been a little flat in recent weeks, having been knocked out of the Champions League by Paris Saint-Germain before losing the EFL Cup final to Newcastle United. Last weekend’s 3-2 defeat away to Fulham in the Premier League didn’t help matters, either.

It felt as though Liverpool have needed a shot in the arm, and Mohamed Salah has provided it, signing a two-year extension on Friday to keep him at Anfield until the summer of 2027.

It is a huge moment for the Reds, who have been sweating about the Egyptian King departing at the end of the season ahead of his previous deal expiring.

Now, they have him for at least a couple more years as he looks to cement his status as one of the club’s greatest-ever players.

Liverpool supporters will now be hoping that Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk follow Salah by extending their stays at Anfield, but in truth, it would be a surprise if both remained at the club as things stand, with the vice-captain continuing to be heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid.

Liverpool pushing to sign 18 y/o talent

Writing for Rousing The Kop and X, Bailey claimed that Liverpool are “ready” to sign Sheffield United youngster Ryan One this summer:

“Liverpool are ready to make a push to land Ryan One this summer. The Reds believe the Sheffield United forward has huge potential and are keen to bring him to Anfield.”

One may not yet be a household name to Liverpool fans, but he is a player who could have a big future in the game should he reach his potential.

The 18-year-old has already made 14 appearances for the Blades, scoring once in that time, and has only been handed three starts this term by Chris Wilder.

Former Blades boss Paul Heckingbottom has heaped praise on him in the past, saying: “He has a good football brain and has shown moments where he handles the ball well. Physically, we can see what he can potentially be, but he’s nowhere near where that is yet.

“He has come in and found the level and the intensity a big step, but I have seen in the games that I have already watched him in that he is quickly coming to terms with that.”

One clearly wouldn’t be an immediate key squad player for Liverpool, with a loan move from the off arguably making sense, but if Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes believe he can be a future star at Anfield, they have to be trusted.

Celtic are enjoying their renewed status as Scottish Premiership champions and could now strike to beat their rivals to the signing of a highly-rated youngster, per reports.

Celtic probe ahead of summer transfer window

The Bhoys are basking in the glory of a fourth successive league title and will look to hammer home their supremacy this season when they travel to face Rangers at Ibrox on Sunday.

However, their rivals have claimed victory in their last two Glasgow Derby encounters, leaving Brendan Rodgers with a point to prove against his opposite number, Barry Ferguson.

Truthfully, the Irishman can put forward a compelling argument that he has already met his remit with flying colours. He is now the third-most successful manager in Celtic history; trophies are the bottom line in Glasgow after all.

In light of this, Rodgers is likely to gain significant backing from the Hoops hierarchy this summer. According to reports, AC Ajaccio striker Moussa Soumano has emerged as a target at Parkhead, even if Brentford are deemed to be leading the race for his signature.

Crystal Palace winger Jesse Derry is also on Celtic’s radar, but he is likely to be one for the future should he join the club for a compensation fee after refusing to pen a new deal at Selhurst Park.

Celtic set to lose "fantastic" player until 2025/26 after painful injury

The Bhoys will have to do without one of their star men.

BySean Markus Clifford Apr 28, 2025

In the background, plenty of groundwork will be ongoing to ensure the Bhoys have adequate quality present to combat the challenge of competing in the final Champions League qualifying round next term.

Homegrown players will be needed to meet squad quotas regardless of what league phase they end up in, so it won’t be a surprise that they are now battling their rivals for one of Scotland’s brightest young talents.

Celtic and Rangers race to sign Hearts forward James Wilson

According to Chronicle Live, Celtic and Rangers are both racing to sign Heart of Midlothian forward James Wilson alongside Premier League outfit Newcastle United.

Becoming a regular at Tynecastle, the 18-year-old earned his first Scotland cap against Greece earlier this year and has been scouted by either side of Glasgow’s divide, while the Magpies have sent representatives to watch the youngster several times.

James Wilson’s breakout season at Hearts – first-team and B team level

Appearances

37

Goals

11

Assists

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Impressive at senior level, Wilson has netted six times in 31 appearances and is capable of playing either on the right flank or as a central striker.

Lauded for his “brilliant” campaign by James Penrice, the prodigious talent has also managed to create 11 chances on Scottish Premiership duty.

Evidently, Wilson still has plenty of growth to come in the next few years, but all the telltale signs are there that he could go on to be a star of Scottish football with the correct development plan.

Celtic will hope they can convince him that Parkhead is the place to achieve that feat, though he would likely be met by stiff competition for his place.

68 days on from the sacking of Philippe Clement, the search for Rangers’ new permanent manager goes on at Ibrox.

For now, Barry Ferguson remains in interim charge, and he will remain in situ for the rest of the season, most recently overseeing the Gers’ 2-2 draw in Paisley on Saturday.

This means the Light Blues have now won only three of their last eight Premiership outings, conceding at least twice in ten of 12 outings across all competitions since mid-February.

However, with the 49ers takeover seemingly imminent, could the new owners land their dream appointment, one that would reinvigorate the club captain?

James Tavernier's recent form at Rangers

Sunday’s Old Firm at Ibrox will be James Tavernier’s 510th appearance in a Rangers jersey, only ten men have accumulated more for the club, making him an undisputed, bona fide legend in Govan.

During Rangers’ title-winning season of 2020/21, Jordan Campbell of the Athletic exclaimed that Tavernier was ‘the best player in Scotland’, stating that he was ‘playing on a different level to the rest of the league’, adding that the ‘extraordinary’ right-back put in one of the most ‘impressive individual seasons’ in Scottish football history.

However, in more recent times, Tavernier’s place in the Rangers team has come under scrutiny.

The Englishman himself admitted “I started the season off slow”, not reaching his usual high level, with Joshua Barrie of the Rangers Review labelling his performance against Motherwell in November’s League Cup Final as “passive”.

In an attempt to combat his defensive lapses, interim manager Ferguson has shifted Tavernier around, deploying him at centre-back against Athletic Club in the Europa League at San Mamés, before also trialling him as a right-wing-back on occasion, as was the case last weekend.

Given the 33-year-old’s attacking output, the latter role certainly suits him, so could the current front-runner to be the next Rangers manager get the best out of the skipper?

The current favourite to be the next Rangers manager

According to a report by The Daily Record, Marco Rose is currently the ‘nailed-on favourite’ to become the next Rangers manager.

The 48-year-old German is out of work, having been sacked by RB Leipzig in March, but boasts a pretty impressive CV.

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0

RB Salzburg

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114

72%

Austria Bundesliga x2 & ÖFB-Cup

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88

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0

Dortmund

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55

59%

0

RB Leipzig

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128

56%

DFB-Pokal & DFL-Supercup

TEAMtalk notes that a move for Rose could be feasible because Rangers’ new prospective owners, 49ers Enterprises, led by Paraag Marathe, already own Leeds United, who have minority investment from Red Bull GmbH, with whom Rose already has a working relationship, having been employed in both Salzburg and then Leipzig for nigh on a decade.

So, would Rose be a good appointment, and what is his style of play? Well, Scottish football expert Kai Watson has already declared that “he’s a level above Gerrard,” another of Rangers’ shortlisted candidates.

Meanwhile, Jacek Kulig of Football Talent Scout certainly thinks so, labelling him “one of the most promising coaches in world football”.

As further noted by Luis Kircher of Total Football Analysis, Rose likes his teams to ‘press hard and make quick transitions’, with ‘intensity’ and ‘committing players forward’ key aspects of his style.

Manager Focus

Who are the greatest coaches in the land? Football FanCast’s Manager Focus series aims to reveal all.

When asked about his playing philosophy, Rose himself stated “we want to be very active… when we lose possession, lots of sprinting. We want to win the ball high up the pitch”, believing this “is a style that continues to excite” supporters.

Often favouring a back three, but the principle is the same in a four, as outlined by Marcel Seifeddine of Total Football Analysis, the width in a Rose team often comes from the full-backs, not deploying wingers, instead utilising central number tens, with the full-backs overlapping.

This has allowed attacking full-backs such as Lutsharel Geertruida, Benjamin Henrichs, David Raum, Raphaël Guerreiro, Ramy Bensebaïni, Stefan Lainer and others to thrive under his stewardship.

Thus, not only would the appointment of Rose be a major coup for Rangers, it could be the ideal hire to reinvigorate an out-of-form Tavernier.

Rangers: "Outstanding" 4-4-2 manager explodes into race to replace Ferguson

A high-profile European coach is now among the main contenders to become the new manager of the Gers.

ByDominic Lund May 1, 2025

After confirming their first season without a trophy in four years, incoming sporting director Hugo Viana and Manchester City have reportedly made their first move to sign a Crystal Palace star who cost them the FA Cup.

Man City defeated in FA Cup final by Palace

Last year it was Manchester United who overcame Pep Guardiola’s side at Wembley to cause a great shock, as Manchester City entered the final in a partying mood fresh from Premier League title success. This time around, it was Crystal Palace sending great shockwaves. But this year, there has been no title for Manchester City to celebrate. In fact, it’s been their toughest year of Guardiola’s reign altogether.

When Eberechi Eze swept home from a blistering Crystal Palace move in the first half, it became an all too familiar story for the Citizens, who dominated the early stages only to lack the ruthlessness which saw them win four Premier League titles in a row.

Defeat didn’t come without controversy, however. Manchester City may feel as though Dean Henderson should have been given his marching orders for palming the ball away from outside of his area. And given that he then went on to save Omar Marmoush’s penalty later in the half, the Citizens should feel rightly frustrated by the decision.

Guardiola had his say on the defeat and answered whether it was his decision for Marmoush to take City’s penalty over Erling Haaland, telling reporters: “I didn’t speak with them [Haaland and Marmoush].

“They take a decision, penalties are like that. I like guys who take initiative and they decide. In that moment, it’s how they feel. They decided Omar was ready to take it.”

As bad as Marmoush: 5/10 Man City flop proved why Pep must axe him

Crystal Palace defied the odds to overcome Man City at Wembley.

1 ByDan Emery May 18, 2025

For all the moments to forget against Palace, though, the Citizens did at least get a first-hand look at a player they’ve already reportedly made their move for ahead of this summer.

Man City make first move for £59m Eze

According to reports in Spain, Viana has now made an opening move to sign Eze for Manchester City this summer. The FA Cup final goalscorer reportedly has a release clause worth as much as €70m (£59m), and those at the Etihad now want to activate it.

Of course, it’s no secret that Manchester City want a No.10, either, amid their chase to sign Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz. As things stand, however, reports are pointing towards a move to Bayern Munich rather than the Premier League, which could open the door for Eze to complete his move.

Losing possession just once against the Citizens, earning three fouls and completing five recoveries, Eze was everywhere to be seen at Wembley whilst also netting the all-important winning goal.

The midfielder’s season had been leading up to such a moment, and Oliver Glasner’s earlier praise should have come as no surprise this season. Describing Eze as “unbelievable” in September, the Crystal Palace boss will be well aware of just how capable his star man is of performing at the highest level.

Sunday’s clash against Liverpool was always going to be a tough one for Arsenal from a mental perspective.

After crashing out of the Champions League at the semi-final stages, the last place they probably wanted to be was Anfield, the home of the Premier League title winners.

A guard of honour was given and Arsenal actually starting vibrantly, Bukayo Saka missing a chance from a matter of yards out. Here we go again, it’s going to be another one of those days.

Indeed, that certainly looked the case when the Gunners found themselves 2-0 down after 21 minutes. This was the perfect encapsulation of this season. Arsenal could have been two up themselves but squandered their chances and as they found in Paris on Wednesday, they were up against it.

This time, Mikel Arteta’s men rallied and put in a brilliant second-half performance to walk away from Merseyside with a point in their battle to finish inside the top four.

Arsenal's finest performers against Liverpool

While Arteta was left to bemoan some uncharacteristically lapse defending from William Saliba in the first half, shutting off for the second goal, in forward areas, there were some more encouraging signs.

Saka was his usual effervescent self, while Gabriel Martinelli was perhaps the standout player on the away side.

The Brazilian initially started the game on the left flank but a few tactical tweaks at half-time saw a renewed display, not just from Martinelli but the whole side.

Leandro Trossard moved out to the left and Martinelli moved into the centre of the pitch. A matter of minutes into the second half the two attackers combined brilliantly to get Arsenal back into the game.

The Belgian winger crossed into the box, where Arsenal’s number 11 was ready and waiting to head the ball home. In truth, that tactical tweak changed the game. Martinelli made a number of threatening runs in behind that also brought out the best from Martin Odegaard.

The Norwegian has had a troubled campaign, only scoring five times, but he looked closer to his best in the second period at Anfield, playing a number of balls towards Martinelli.

Player ratings courtesy of Sofascore

Odegaard also had a vital role to play in the equaliser. Plenty of supporters have bemoaned his unwillingness to shoot from range this season but it was his fierce effort from outside the box that the second goal came from.

The captain unleashed a fizzing drive that Alisson tipped onto the post but Mikel Merino followed up well and headed the rebound into an empty net.

It was yet another crucial moment for the Spaniard who has enjoyed a fabulous back end of the season. Well, that was until he was given a red card for a late challenge on Dominik Szoboszlai, a tackle that saw him branded with a second yellow card.

Still, Merino was far from the worst player on the pitch.

Arsenal's poorest performers against Liverpool

Arsenal’s defending since Gabriel got injured certainly hasn’t been the best but one has to commend the displays of Jakub Kiwior who notably stood out in the two-legged win over Real Madrid.

That being said, it hasn’t been plain sailing for Saliba who, without Gabriel, doesn’t look quite as assured at the back.

Chalkboard

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

The French titan is no doubt a fabulous player, but there have been some nervy moments for the centre-back when playing out from the back. He also switched off completely for Liverpool’s opening goal.

Despite grabbing an assist, it was largely an afternoon to forget for Trossard too, whose woes were compounded in the 78th minute when he was substituted with an apparent hamstring injury.

For Arsenal, that is not good news, particularly after Merino’s late red card. Who Arsenal will play up top against Newcastle next week is anyone’s guess.

Either way, Arteta should consider axing him from the team. Even if it’s not fully from the team, he should be axed as the main centre forward.

In the words of Arsenal writer Connor Humm, the £27m signing is a “waste of time” as a striker, not boasting the physicality to hold the ball up and perhaps also lacking the sort of runs we ultimately saw from Martinelli down the centre when they swapped positions.

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Touches

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31/36 (86%)

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Duels won

7/13

Possession lost

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Trossard only won seven of his 13 contested duels during the clash and failed to have a single shot on target. To make matters worse, he also lost the ball on 16 occasions. That isn’t what you need from a role that requires bringing others into play.

There was a wasteful moment that rather summed up his topsy-turvy season in the first 45 minutes. Arsenal pressed well in Liverpool’s penalty area and won the ball back. However, neither Partey nor Trossard took control of the situation and waited for each other to pick up the possession. Had either done so, it probably would have been a goal. Instead, the chance went begging.

Moments like that are why the Belgium international has frustrated supporters so often this season. There is talk of a new contract and perhaps he might deserve one. There aren’t many better squad players in Arteta’s ranks.

However, if Arsenal are going to sign one or two attackers, Trossard should be given the boot to accommodate them.

He's just like an "early Henry": Arsenal begin work to sign £85m winger

Arsenal are in the market for more firepower this summer,

ByMatt Dawson May 11, 2025

The summer transfer window is nigh. Everton have one final Premier League match to play out this season, against Newcastle United on Tyneside, but 13th place has been sealed and Goodison Park has been left behind.

The air was blue but the mood was not last weekend, with The Toffees’ victory over Southampton one of the most charged and emotional days in the club’s modern history. A day of celebration.

David Moyes ensured it was so, having led the squad away from the lower levels of the Premier League after replacing Sean Dyche in January. The Scottish tactician will lead Everton into the Hill Dickinson Stadium, and his sights will be set on progress.

While fans are excited about potential incomings, many are leaving at the end of their contracts and interest in star defender Jarrad Branthwaite remains too. Whether the English sensation stays or goes, Moyes wants a new centre-back.

Everton considering bid for new centre-back

According to TEAMtalk, Everton are weighing up a bid for Nantes centre-back Nathan Zeze, though they face fierce competition from Bournemouth, who have already submitted a verbal offer of around €20m (£17m) as they look to replace the Real Madrid-bound Dean Huijsen.

It’s understood that the reason Everton have yet to make any concrete move stems from the ongoing reshuffle process, with the bosses internally deciding who should leave and who should stay.

As per the report, centre-back is deemed to be a ‘priority’ for the Toffees this summer, with the Friedkin Group ready to back Moyes in the market ahead of a fresh start next season.

Why Everton should sign Nathan Zeze

Veteran defender Michael Keane is among the many Everton first-teamers facing the end of their contract this summer, and he could be replaced by a younger man in Zeze.

Hailed as an “elite” youngster by talent scout Jacek Kulig, the Frenchman has the potential to reach the level of someone like Branthwaite, with a modern outlook and a left-footed preference that suggests he could even replace the England international, who has been courted by Manchester United over the past year, with Liverpool and Manchester City also among those to register their interest.

In a way, Zeze could become Moyes’ own Branthwaite, arriving as a youngster and becoming one of the most talented defenders in the Premier League at an early age.

Zeze’s development in France could positively impact his start to life at Everton. Take, for example, Branthwaite’s 2022/23 loan spell with PSV Eindhoven in the Eredivisie. The renowned Premier League defender used that spell, 20 at the time, in Holland to foster his youthful talents, and he’s now reaping the benefits of his toils.

That campaign also serves as a better yardstick than his English exploits, when comparing him with Zeze.

Matches (starts)

27 (21)

18 (17)

Goals

2

0

Assists

1

0

Touches*

56.6

62.1

Pass completion

87%

86%

Ball recoveries*

6.6

3.7

Tackles + interceptions*

2.3

3.4

Clearances*

3.4

6.6

Duels (won)*

3.4 (56%)

4.8 (61%)

As you can see, Zeze has arrived on the senior stage with a firm defensive quality, so strong in the duel and active in clearing danger away. Moreover, he’s incredibly fierce in ball-winning situations, something that could be translated well into Moyes’ system, where Branthwaite is thriving.

The teenager, who will turn 20 in June, has already played 35 times for the Nantes first team, his maturity underscored by recent weeks, playing every minute of five of his side’s past six Ligue 1 matches, conceding only five goals in that period.

Branthwaite is the cream of Moyes’ defensive crop, but Zeze has that ‘elite’ capacity which could propel him into the upper echelon of defenders in the Premier League.

The Friedkin Group just need to make sure they seal the deal before Bournemouth canvass a proposal the prospect can’t resist.

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