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Tottenham Hotspur are now determined to sign a “fantastic” defender in January, with manager Thomas Frank personally keen on the move.

Tottenham decide against summer move for new defender

There were some late suggestions that Tottenham could make a late move for a new centre-back, with Manuel Akanji being named among the potential targets, but they ultimately decided against bringing in a new defender.

Frank has previously made it clear he is happy with the current options at the back, saying: “We have right now three centre backs: Micky, Romero, Danso and Ben (Davies) can play there if necessary,”

“We have Kota the young central defender we bought this summer and is running now and training with the team next week. There’s not many left behind. And then Dragusin is coming back in a couple of months (to playing games) so that should be enough.”

Sold for £6.7m: Spurs must regret selling star who's outscoring Kolo Muani

After Tottenham signed Randal Kolo Muani on deadline day for a €5m loan fee, should Spurs regret selling a striker who has outscored the Frenchman?

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Spurs have shipped just one goal in the Premier League up to this point, having looked far more solid defensively than they did under Ange Postecoglou, with newly-appointed captain Cristian Romero continuing to impress despite the defeat to AFC Bournemouth.

Statistic

Number completed

Duels won

5/6

Clearances

3

Tackles

2

Last man tackles

1

That said, according to a report from Caught Offside, Tottenham remain determined to bring in Brentford’s Nathan Collins during the January transfer window, and they are hoping to make concrete progress in their pursuit of the defender.

Frank is clearly a fan of his former player, with the report stating the Dane is personally eager to sign Collins, as Spurs are keen to bring in a proven Premier League leader.

However, the Bees are in a strong negotiating position, given that their captain is contracted until the summer of 2029, and it may take an offer of €50m (£43m) to tempt them into a sale.

Collins would provide "fantastic" depth for Tottenham

As previously mentioned, Frank isn’t exactly short on options at the back, but it could be worth Tottenham revisiting a move for their summer target in the January window if they suffer a major injury setback before then.

Losing Romero or Micky van de Ven would be a real blow, given the way in which the centre-back duo have started the season, keeping clean sheets in two of the opening three Premier League games.

However, the Irishman has proven he could be capable of stepping in as a replacement, with compatriot John O’Shea lauding him as a “fantastic player” back in March.

Not only that, but Collins would also be a dependable option at the back for Frank, given that he very rarely sustains injuries, appearing in all 38 of Brentford’s Premier League games last season.

Germany's current No. 1, Oliver Baumann, has dismissed speculation over a sensational Manuel Neuer return as "unhelpful" to the team. With Marc-Andre ter Stegen injured, Baumann has stepped in but insists he will support the Barcelona star upon his return, while Neuer's incredible club form sparks contract talks and fuels the international debate.

• Baumann dismisses 'unhelpful' Neuer return speculation

  Baumann has branded recent discussions about a potential international return for Neuer as unhelpful to the national team. With established first-choice Ter Stegen sidelined after back surgery, Baumann has stepped in as the starter, but calls from some experts for the retired Neuer to return for the 2026 World Cup have grown louder amid the Bayern Munich captain's exceptional form. However, the Hoffenheim keeper believes the speculation is an unwelcome distraction.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  What Baumann said about the Neuer debate

  Speaking to German outlet Baumann moved to quash the mounting speculation. "I don't think it helps us as a national team," he stated. Despite dismissing the comeback talk, the 35-year-old was full of praise for the Bayern legend's enduring quality and career achievements. "To play at the top with such consistency over the years is something not many can achieve. I take my hat off to that," Baumann added, acknowledging Neuer's "remarkable" status in the game.

• Hoffenheim keeper accepts placeholder role for Ter Stegen

  Baumann made it clear that he understands his current position is temporary and affirmed his full support for Ter Stegen, who national coach Julian Nagelsmann has designated as his number one for the 2026 World Cup. "Of course, I want to play as long and as often as possible. But if Julian comes to me at some point and tells me that Marc is playing again, then I won't oppose him, but will support Marc as I always have before," Baumann said. "I will always be there for this team." He also praised his injured colleague, stating: "I think he's handled the situation very well so far."

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• Neuer's imperious form fuels Bayern contract talks

  The debate over an international return has been fuelled by Neuer's outstanding performances since his return from a long-term injury. The 39-year-old has been in imperious form for Bayern Munich, who are now planning to open contract talks in December to extend his deal beyond his 40th birthday, according to a report from . An extension for Neuer would likely lead to the permanent sale of Alexander Nubel, who is currently on loan at Stuttgart, and it has intensified the calls from pundits for Nagelsmann to reconsider Neuer for the national setup.

كشف الجهاز الطبي للفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي الزمالك عن تطورات موقف اللاعبين المصابين قبل مواجهة ديكاداها الصومالي في بطولة كأس الكونفدرالية الأفريقية.

ويستعد الزمالك لمواجهة نظيره ديكاداها الصومالي في السادسة مساء يوم السبت الموافق 18 أكتوبر الجاري، على ستاد القاهرة الدولي، في ذهاب دور الـ32 لبطولة كأس الكونفدرالية الإفريقية.

طالع.. حسام المندوه يوضح موقف مجلس الزمالك من الاستقالة بسبب أرض 6 أكتوبر.. ويحسم مصير فيريرا

وأكد الجهاز الطبي بنادي الزمالك أن الفلسطيني عدي الدباغ يعاني من إصابة في العضلة الضامة، ويخضع للمرحلة الثانية من البرنامج التأهيلي.

وأضاف أن ناصر منسي يعاني من إصابة في العضلة الخلفية ويخضع للمرحلة الثانية من برنامجه التأهيلي لتجهيزه للمشاركة في التدريبات الجماعية. 

وفي نفس الوقت، أكد الجهاز الطبي بنادي الزمالك أن الفلسطيني آدم كايد يعاني من إصابة في عضلة السمانة ويواصل برنامجه التأهيلي.

وأوضح أن محمد شحاتة يؤدي المرحلة الأخيرة من التأهيل بالكرة بعد إصابته في العضلة الخلفية، لتجهيزه للمشاركة في التدريبات الجماعية.

اعتذر الإعلامي أحمد شوبير، بعد الجدل الذي دار مؤخرًا حول تصريحاته المتعلقة بالحالة الصحية لنجم الزمالك السابق عمرو زكي، حيث حرص على شرح ما قاله، مؤكّدًا أن حديثه كان بدافع إنساني.

قال الإعلامي أحمد شوبير في تصريحاته عبر برنامجه الإذاعي: “الأسبوع الماضي، قلت يا جماعة انتبهوا لعمرو زكي، واسألوا عنه، للأسف وجدت البعض يهاجم ويقول: لماذا تتحدثون عن الموضوع؟ ولماذا تُقحمون الأهلي والزمالك في الأمر؟ ولماذا نفعل ذلك؟”.

طالع أيضًا | شقيق عمرو زكي يوضح حقيقة تدهور حالته الصحية.. وموعد ظهوره

وتابع شوبير: “يا جماعة، نحن لم نفعل شيئًا خاطئًا، القصة ببساطة أنني كنت جالسًا مع شخص مهم في الزمالك، مقرّب جدًا من الكابتن عمرو زكي، وزميله لفترة طويلة، وقال لي: يا كابتن، يجب أن نفعل شيئًا لعمرو زكي”.

وأضاف: “سألته: ما الأمر؟ فقال لي: هو يمرّ بمحنة كبيرة، ويجب أن نقف إلى جانبه ونساعده، وشرح لي حالته، فقلت: الرجل في محنة ويجب أن نسانده، هذه هي القصة كاملة منذ بدايتها حتى نهايتها، وصلتني من شخص مهم داخل نادي الزمالك ومقرّب جدًا من عمرو زكي”.

وتابع: “لكن إن كان الكابتن عمرو بخير، وصحته جيدة، وحالته ممتازة بنسبة 100%، فأنا أعتذر له ولأسرته ولأخيه ولكل الناس، لكنني أقول في الوقت نفسه: لا تأتوا بعد ذلك وتقولوا إن أحدًا لم يسأل أو لم يهتم”.

واختتم: “طالما أن الكابتن عمرو نفسه يقول إن الأمور على ما يرام، فخلاص يا صديقي، الأمور جميلة والأجواء لطيفة، لنُغلق كل المواضيع، وأنا أول من سيغلقها”.

It is starting to feel like it’s now or never for Arsenal this season.

Mikel Arteta has done a brilliant job taking the Gunners from mid-table mediocrity to perennial challengers over the last five years. Still, after three successive second-placed finishes in the Premier League, some are starting to lose patience.

Fortunately, the board and new Sporting Director Andrea Berta and Co are backing him this summer, and have already made several exciting signings, most notably Viktor Gyokeres.

However, with Alexander Isak looking like he might be going to reigning champions Liverpool, the North Londoners might need to find some more firepower from somewhere.

Interestingly, the club have already been linked with just the player this summer, someone who’d improve the team overall and even help Gyokeres reach the output levels of Isak.

Transfer Focus

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

Gyokeres' potential impact at Arsenal

After what felt like months of back and forth with Sporting CP, Arsenal finally got their hands on Gyokeres for around £63.5m including add-ons late last month, and while that is undoubtedly a lot of money, it’s not hard to understand why the club think he’ll be worth it.

For example, in just 52 appearances last season, the Swedish “powerhouse,” as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, scored a staggering 54 goals and provided 13 assists to boot.

In other words, the 27-year-old international averaged 1.28 goal involvements every game, or one every 63.40 minutes, which is nothing short of miraculous.

However, two potential problems could stifle his output in England.

The first is the simple fact that Portugal’s top-flight is far more forgiving than the Premier League, with it being ranked as just the eighth toughest in the world by Opta Analyst, coming in behind the Championship and Belgian top-flight.

The second problem is that, unlike the right-hand side, where Bukayo Saka will provide a constant stream of top-quality chances, the Gunners’ left-wing options haven’t been as effective as they needed to be over the last few years.

This is even more of a problem with the former Coventry City star, as when you look at his heat map from last season, it’s evident that, at times, he floats out to the left to interchange and collect the ball from his teammates.

However, the good news is that Arsenal could solve this problem if they go back into the market and sign an international player they were linked with earlier in the window: Morgan Rogers.

Why Rogers could help Gyokeres reach Isak level numbers

While there haven’t been any concrete links to Rogers in recent weeks, he was touted for a move to Arsenal earlier in the summer, although with a potential price tag of up to £100m.

Ignoring the potential cost of the deal for now, it would be fair to say that adding Rogers to Arteta’s current side would make them even more dangerous this season, and in particular, he could help Gyokeres reach Isak’s level of numbers.

We say this as even though he was playing for an Aston Villa side that eventually missed out on Champions League qualification last season, he was still an absolute output “machine,” as dubbed by The Athletic’s Jacob.

Appearances

54

Minutes

4496′

Goals

14

Assists

15

Goal Involvements per Match

0.53

Minutes per Goal Involvement

155.03′

For example, in 54 appearances last season, totalling 4496 minutes, the Halesowen-born superstar scored 14 goals and provided 15 assists, which means he was able to average a goal involvement every 1.86 games, or every 155.03 minutes.

On top of being a reliable source of goals and assists, the second reason the Claret and Blue star could be the player to help supercharge Gyokeres this season is his positional versatility.

While the 23-year-old dynamo is more than comfortable playing in the midfield, as a somewhat traditional number ten, he’s just as, if not more comfortable playing off the left, which, as we’ve already mentioned, is an area of weakness for Arteta and Co.

Just imagine a winger pairing of Saka on the right and Rogers on the left; there is no way Gyokeres won’t hit the same numbers Isak did last season playing between those two.

Ultimately, it would be a costly and extremely complicated transfer to get over the line, but if Arsenal want to ensure their new number nine can match the man who may be going to Liverpool, they should do all they can to sign the Villa star.

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West Ham United are now reportedly closing in on another summer signing after reaching a three-year agreement to welcome an experienced defender.

Latest on West Ham incomings

After losing Mohammed Kudus, West Ham instantly reacted by signing El Hadji Malick Diouf. The former Slavia Prague winger arrives with big shoes to fill and for around £19m, but is well aware of how he could slot straight into Graham Potter’s plans.

The versatile 20-year-old told West Ham’s official website: “I’m really happy to be here and to make a progression for my career. I’m looking forward to working hard and joining my new team-mates.

“There were a lot of teams [who wanted to sign me], but I chose West Ham United first and I spoke with the coach [Graham Potter] and it was a good plan for me.

“Everyone wants to come here to play in the Premier League. I think it is a dream for everyone. When they are here, they want to make everything good. I think they also have the personality to play here and if you are young, you want to continue your progression.

“If you are young, you have to keep your personality. It’s about the team. The most important thing is the team, not the player. I want to say to the West Ham supporters I’m very happy to be here with them. I think we’ll make a very good season this year.”

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Amid links to the likes of Jack Grealish and now one other player with plenty of Premier League experience, however, it’s clear that West Ham aren’t done there on the transfer front after Diouf, Daniel Cummings and Jean-Clair Todibo.

West Ham reach agreement with Walker-Peters

As reported by Fabrizio Romano, West Ham have now reached a three-year agreement with Kyle Walker-Peters. The right-back became a free agent when he left Southampton at the end of last season and is now set to join up with Potter at the London Stadium in a bargain deal.

In a quickfire transfer, the Hammers look to be welcoming a replacement for Vladimir Coufal and impressive competition for Aaron Wan-Bissaka down their right-hand side.

Even as his tenure ended in failure at Southampton, Russell Martin was often full of praise for Walker-Peters – highlighting his quality for all to see. The former Saints boss told reporters last season as transfer rumours commenced: “He’s still here. So, I hope he’ll still be here in a few weeks’ time.

“But whilst he is here, we had the chat and we need him to help us because he’s a really top player. He was great and he’s a fit, fit boy. He’s trained so well.”

Leeds United are stepping up their pursuit of reinforcements and could now be set to land a talented midfielder for free, according to recent developments.

Leeds United beginning to make swift moves

In recent days, Lyon goalkeeper Lucas Perri’s imminent move too Elland Road has stolen the headlines, in a transfer that is set to cost the Whites roughly £15 million, and, in turn, solve their uncertain situation between the sticks.

With an arrival set to occur, Don Goodman believes Leeds stopper Illan Meslier could restore his confidence at Leicester City amid reports he could be set for a switch to the King Power Stadium.

He stated: “I think obviously if you could get the absolute best version of Illan Meslier then that would be good, but obviously he’s on the back of a very difficult season where, ultimately, Daniel Farke – who is extremely loyal to players but particularly goalkeepers – felt the need to replace Illan Meslier towards the end of last season.

“There were just too many errors that were costing Leeds United points so it’ll be an interesting one, as I said sometimes goalkeepers can have seasons where they’re not quite at their best.”

Rodrigo Muniz could bolster Farke’s forward line at Leeds, though it remains to be seen whether he would be tempted by the prospect of swapping Craven Cottage for Elland Road.

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Bringing proven Premier League experience to Yorkshire will be paramount to the Whites’ chances of securing survival. Nevertheless, finding new faces to add impetus to a freshly-promoted squad is never without its challenges.

However, they could now be set to land a familiar face on a free transfer if reports are to be believed.

Kalvin Phillips could join Leeds United for free

According to Graeme Bailey in conversation with Leeds United News, Leeds could land former star man Kalvin Phillips on a free transfer as Manchester City may opt to terminate the remainder of his £150,000 per week deal.

He stated: “I’m increasing in belief that Leeds are waiting for Phillips, as well. I’m even hearing Man City might pay him off. It might cost City a lot, but I think he will end up at Elland Road.”

Kalvin Phillips at Leeds United

Appearances

234

Goals

14

Assists

13

Earning promotion with Leeds in 2020, Phillips has since went on to be a peripheral figure at Manchester City and spent last season on loan at relegated Ipswich Town, registering a solitary strike in 22 appearances.

Sean Longstaff has joined the Whites from Newcastle United and Anton Stach is also in the building, so it would be hard to envisage where Phillips would fit in should he return to the scene of his former glories.

Ultimately, the final decision on that will lie with Farke, who may need to weigh up whether having the England international come into the picture is too good a scenario to turn down without having to pay a transfer fee.

Derby County have submitted a bid worth more than £5 million to sign a “great” player who wants to join the Rams, according to a recent report.

Derby re-sign Andi Weimann on a free transfer

The Rams have decided to bring back Andi Weimann to Pride Park for what will be his second spell at the football club. The forward joined the club at the start of the 2011/12 season and stayed until the summer of 2015, during which he scored 24 goals in all competitions.

He's spoken to Eustace: Derby now in talks to sign "wonderful" new winger

The Rams are looking to land their second signing of the summer.

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The versatile forward has now returned to Derby, as John Eustace reunites with the player after signing him for Blackburn Rovers last summer. The 33-year-old has signed a one-year deal with the Rams, and he’s told the club’s official website that he is “delighted to get the deal over the line”, and one of the reasons he decided to return was because of “the gaffer”.

Weimann said: “I’m happy to be back. I’m delighted to get it over the line now, and I am ready to crack on. I signed 10 years ago, and I left seven years ago. I had some good times, definitely, and I enjoyed my time here. Obviously, there were some disappointments because we lost in the play-offs twice, so maybe I’ve got a little bit to point to prove here.

“There are a couple of factors, to be honest. One is the gaffer. I loved working with him last year. I’ve obviously known him for a long time; I played with him at Watford when I was 19. Last year was the first time I worked with him [as a Head Coach]. I loved it and working with his staff as well. I enjoyed working with them. As someone around the training ground or the squad and everyone else involved, it’s brilliant. It was a big part of my coming here again and wanting to work with him for a bit longer.

“[My role is] similar to last season; I’m one of the more experienced players now. I’m nearly 34, so I’ve been around a long time, and I feel he likes what I can bring on the pitch but just as much off the pitch. I’d like to say I’m a good lad around the place; I think he liked that last year.”

Derby make £5m+ bid to sign "great" player for Eustace

Despite already wrapping up deals for Weimann and Carlton Morris, according to The Athletic, Derby have now submitted a bid to sign Patrick Agyemang from MLS side Charlotte FC.

The report states that the offer is worth $8 million, which is roughly £5.8 million, and while that has yet to be accepted by the MLS side, Agyemang has already been given the go-ahead to join the Championship side this summer.

The 24-year-old, who has been dubbed “great” by USA teammate Tyler Adams, joined Charlotte FC in 2022, and in the 2024 season, the versatile forward scored 10 goals in 31 MLS games. Agyemang was on course to beat that tally in the 2025 season, as he’s already scored six goals in 16 games.

Apps

72

Goals

22

Assists

5

The USA international is out of contract at the end of 2025, so Derby will be hoping that fee is enough for them to get a deal over the line and add Agyemang to their long list of exciting attackers ahead of the new season kicking off.

Rashid Khan wishes “we could do something and wish there was a solution for it” but can’t do much about “some things which is not under the control of anyone in cricket.” The Afghanistan T20I captain was responding to whether beating Australia at the T20 World Cup on Saturday night in St Vincent gave them extra satisfaction.The backdrop to the question was in relation to Cricket Australia’s decision to not play Afghanistan bilaterally due to “a marked deterioration in human rights for women and girls” in the country. Earlier this year, Cricket Australia postponed a scheduled three-match T20I series with Afghanistan. CA have also postponed the hosting of a one-off Test for the same reason.”Well, we are sportsmen, and we love sports,” Rashid said at the post-match press conference. “People back home love sports. And I mentioned earlier, cricket is the only source of happiness back home. That’s the only source left in Afghanistan where people could celebrate. And if we keep that source away from us, I don’t know where Afghanistan will remain.Related

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“We sportsmen only think about the cricket. Everyone is saying sports bring the nation together and bring everyone together. So, for me, we’re always happy to play against any side, and that’s the only way where our cricket can improve day by day. Some things which are not under the control of anyone in cricket, and that’s something we can’t do anything about it. Wish we could do something, and wish that was a kind of solution for it, we would have been happy, but I don’t know what’s the solution for that.”Rashid had threatened to withdraw from the Big Bash League in 2023 after CA decided to postpone their ODI series. Rashid’s public stance joined a chorus of protests from Afghanistan’s male cricketers soon after ACB had termed CA’s statement over refusing to play Afghanistan due to the human rights crisis as “pathetic”.Rashid Khan reiterated Afghanistan are happy to play Australia•ICC/Getty Images

Rashid eventually softened his stance and put his name up in the drafts but was forced to miss the tournament through injury. On Sunday, Rashid reiterated they’re happy to play the team, but have no direct control of things that happen beyond cricket.”We’re happy to play any side, but as I mentioned earlier, some things, government, and political things, I don’t know much about these things, and I don’t like it as well. So, I have no answer for this, but my only thing always in mind is I love to play against the big teams. I love to travel all around the world to play and I have received so much so much love from everyone.”Whenever I go to Australia for Big Bash, I think I have got so much love and support from the fans there. They have given me so much love. In 2022 T20 World Cup, when we were playing in Adelaide against Australia, I got more support than them. And that was so satisfying.”Rashid reminisced the love and support he received in the aftermath of his father’s passing during the BBL in 2019, and termed fans in Adelaide [he plays for Adelaide Strikers] as “family”, while maintaining “cricket isn’t the solution for politics.””Playing in Australia, I’ve got massive support in every city. The hospitality I got in Australia, especially during the tough days in 2019 when my dad passed away, that was the hardest time for me when I was in Australia. And the amount of love and support I got from everyone in the team, and also the fans [was immense], I think I call them a family.”But as I said, I love to play all around the world. And those things which are not under the control, and cricket is not the solution, I don’t think we can bring sports into that. If there is another solution, you can take that. But don’t think cricket is the solution of politics and things like that.”So, yeah, if we play in the World Cup, why don’t we play in bilateral series? I think we’re happy to play against the best side. We learn from them. We get better day by day. But that’s the only thing I can say.”

And with that, the Premier League is done and dusted for another year. Arsenal, the division’s second place side, ended things with a win but the real work starts now for new sporting director Andrea Berta.

Mikel Arteta declared post-game on Sunday that work for the new season would commence quickly.

Where do they need to strengthen?

It’s pretty obvious unless you have been living under a rock.

For the first time since the 1923/24 season, yes, over 100 years ago, Arsenal failed to find a player who scored double figures in a league season.

Injuries have no doubt led to this but so has the club’s poor recruitment over the last 18 months.

A new striker and potentially also a winger simply has to be sourced this summer.

Arsenal’s transfer plans post-season

It’s set to be out with the old and in with the new this summer for the Gunners.

Kieran Tierney scored on his final outing for the Gunners at Southampton but it may not have been just his final outing.

Indeed, Raheem Sterling will head back to his parent club while Thomas Partey and Jorginho see their contracts expire in a few weeks time.

Leandro Trossard – linked with Saudi last January – could sign a new deal at the Emirates Stadium this summer, but that is unlikely to have an impact on whether or not they sign a new forward.

For that central berth, the likes of Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko seem the most likely of candidates but there’s also the potential for a new winger to arrive in the shape of Real Madrid star, Rodrygo.

The Brazilian isn’t the only wide player on their shortlist with reports in recent weeks suggesting that Arsenal have been working on a deal for Rafael Leao.

The Milan star is also wanted by Bayern Munich this summer but there’s has been a new development in Arsenal’s chase.

Transfer Focus

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

That’s according to French publication, Foot Mercato, who suggested over the weekend that while the Portuguese winger is on the club’s ‘shortlist’, Berta actually had a phone call with the player in the last two weeks.

The purpose of that call was to tell Leao that there is definite interest in him from the Gunners.

Arsenal don’t have an endless supply of cash this summer, and with other areas needing to be improved, they will have to spend wisely. Thus, a reported £145m release clause is unlikely to be met too well by the club’s recruitment team.

How Rafael Leao compares to Rodrygo

Speaking last week ahead of the game with Southampton, Arteta was actually asked about the prospect of signing Rodrygo from Real Madrid.

While he didn’t explicitly reveal that Arsenal were interested, he was slightly more open to the prospect of discussing transfers than he was a week or two ago, stating: “If you want to win titles, you have to be the best in the market. The teams that win have the best players.”

Well, speaking of the best players, who would be the better option here?

Rodrygo is an electrifying talent and there is a belief that if he moved away from the Bernabeu and was the main man, he’d be a genuinely scary proposition. After all, this is a player who has scored 50 goals since the beginning of the 2022/23 season.

In comparison, Leao – who’s actually been compared to a young Thierry Henry for his play style on the left flank – has scored 43 times in the same time frame.

So, with fewer goals, why is the Portuguese more exciting?

Goals

0.40

0.34

Assists

0.31

0.24

Shot on target %

36.0%

36.3%

Key passes

2.06

1.91

Progressive passes

4.12

3.76

Shot-creating actions

4.60

4.71

Successful take-ons

2.64

2.56

Progressive carries

5.20

5.63

A genuine speedster, the Milan forward has notably been described by the Athletic’s Alex Barker as “one of the best dribblers in the world”, the numbers certainly showcase that.

He ranks within the top 5% of wingers in Europe’s top five leagues this season for successful take ons per 90 minutes with 2.84. In contrast, Rodrygo only ranks among the best 23% with 2.08 per 90 mins in 2024/25.

Evidently both very capable dribblers, over the last three seasons it’s the Milan superstar who comes out on top in most areas, most importantly producing more end product (goals and assists) every 90 minutes.

Leao isn’t just a dribbler and a goalscorer, but he’s also capable of providing assists, delivering more key passes and progressive passes than Madrid’s wing sensation.

It’s likely the latter would be a cheaper acquisition but based on the numbers it’s the Portugal international who looks like the more exciting talent.

Combine that with comparisons to Henry and you have a genuine world beater here capable of getting Arsenal fans off their seats again.

It’s safe to say they’ve lacked that star quality and X factor on too many occasions this season.

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