You only have to look as far as Arsenal’s current first-team squad to see how many quality young talents the club possesses, with all of them undoubtedly having a huge role to play in North London.

Bukayo Saka has been the shining light for the Gunners in the final third over the last couple of years, often single-handedly winning games for Mikel Arteta in their quest to end their two-decade wait for a Premier League trophy.

The Englishman has registered 67 goals and 73 assists in just over 250 appearances for his boyhood club since making his debut, registering a goal contribution every 1.7 matches, highlighting his impact in front of goal.

However, Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly are just two of the latest prospects to come through the Hale End Academy, with chances frequently falling their way and grabbing them with both hands as the pair got on the scoresheet in the 5-1 win against Manchester City last weekend.

It’s safe to say not all the youngsters who feature at the Emirates go on to have a successful time in North London, with numerous failing to make the grade over the last few years.

Arsenal's failed Hale End youngsters

Folarin Balogun was seen as one star for the future by many in North London after his superb goalscoring form in the youth ranks, especially in the U18 Premier League.

To this day, the American sits as the third top scorer in the division’s history, registering a total of 34 goals in just 33 appearances, potentially becoming their star number nine after such a run of form.

However, he would only make a total of ten appearances for the Gunners’ first team, banking a hefty profit when joining Monaco in 2023, but ultimately unable to make the impact at his boyhood club.

1. Chido Obi-Martin

37

2. Ellis Simms

36

3. Folarin Balogun

34

3= Reo Griffiths

34

5. Oakley Cannonier

32

Serge Gnabry also had high hopes of being a success at the club but was prematurely sold, now starring for Bayern Munich, featuring over 250 times since moving to the Bundesliga outfit back in 2018.

He’s not the only youngster who’s moved away from the club in recent years and starred elsewhere, with Arteta potentially living to regret his decision to allow the star to leave.

The midfield star who Arsenal may regret offloading

French midfielder Mateo Guendouzi joined Arsenal back in the summer of 2018 for a fee of £7m from French side Lorient with high hopes for the future.

However, he would make an immediate impact at the Emirates, featuring 48 times in all competitions during his debut season at the club, including 33 league outings.

His second and final year as a first-team member would see a slight drop in minutes, making just 34 appearances before an infamous bust-up with fellow Frenchman Neal Maupay ultimately saw him lose his place at the Emirates.

Guendouzi would endure two separate loan spells at Hertha Berlin and Marseille before joining the latter on a permanent basis for just £9m – banking a profit, but failing to reach the heights many expected due to his off-the-field antics.

2020/21

24

2

1

2021/22

56

5

8

2022/23

43

5

5

2023/24

50

0

1

2024/25

29

1

3

Total:

202

13

18

He’s since moved to Lazio in Serie A, a move which has catapulted his career for the better, making 75 appearances in the last two seasons, with his market value skyrocketing as a result of his consistent showings.

The Frenchman, who’s previously been dubbed as “phenomenal” by CBS football correspondent James Benge, is now valued at €45m (£37m) by CIES Football Observatory, a rise of 311% on the fee they sold him for just a couple of years ago.

It’s a shame that it didn’t work out for the 25-year-old at the club, but evidently, there was never going to be a way back for Guendouzi after his attitude problems which tarnished his relationship with Arteta.

However, his current form could’ve benefitted the Spaniard who is yet to see the best from another midfielder in Mikel Merino. Perhaps they may rue their decision to cash in so cheaply.

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1 ByAngus Sinclair Feb 9, 2025

Manchester City’s academy has produced some important first-team players for Pep Guardiola’s side over the past few seasons. Perhaps their best academy graduate has been Phil Foden, who has played exactly 300 games for the club, scoring 97 goals and grabbing 57 assists in that time.

More recent academy graduates include Rico Lewis and Oscar Bobb. The pair broke into the City first team at a similar time, and have 81 appearances and 27 appearances for the club respectively. Sadly for Bobb, injuries have affected his career so far, or that could have been far more.

However, City do not manage to keep all their talented academy graduates and have made the mistake of selling a few over the last few years. Two of the most notable sales made by director of football Txiki Begiristain have been Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers.

Txiki Begiristain's biggest transfer blunders at Man City

What a huge error City made in selling their former academy attackers before they had a chance to establish themselves in the first team. Palmer joined Chelsea for a fee of £42.5m on deadline day of the 2023 summer transfer window, which proved to be a big mistake from the Citizens.

He has since gone on to become an utterly destructive attacking player. In 72 appearances so far for the Blues, the England international has found the back of the net 39 times and registered 21 assists. As the stats show, Palmer has been one of the deadliest players in the Premier League.

As for Rogers, he left the Etihad Stadium before he could even make his debut for the club. He joined Middlesbrough for £1.5m in 2023, before switching to Aston Villa for £15m just months later, which has been a bargain.

The 22-year-old has so far made 49 appearances for Unai Emery’s side, scoring 14 goals and grabbing seven assists. That includes a Champions League hat-trick in matchday eight against Celtic at Villa Park, an incredible achievement.

City surely must wish they had given Palmer and Rogers a platform to flourish because they could have had two incredibly dangerous attacking stars in their squad if so.

However, possibly the biggest mistake over the last year or so was to sell a striker whose value has shot up since leaving.

Where Are They Now

Your star player or biggest flop has left the club but what are they doing in the present day? This article is part of Football FanCast's Where Are They Now series.

Expand Collapse The amazing striker Man City should have kept

Perhaps the worst error that Begiristain has made in the market in recent years when it comes to outgoings is to sell Liam Delap. The Man City academy graduate joined Ipswich Town over the summer for £20m.

In short, he has been sensational for the Tractor Boys this season. Although Keiran McKenna’s side are threatened with relegation, sitting 19th in the table with 16 points to their name, that does not mean Delap has struggled for form in front of goal.

The 22-year-old striker has scored nine goals and has two assists in 23 Premier League games this season. That includes a goal and an assist in winning causes against Tottenham Hotspur in North London and Chelsea at Portman Road.

The England U21 international has been impressing plenty of people with his performances this term. Former midfielder turned pundit Danny Murphy thinks he is “the obvious long-term successor” to Harry Kane once the Bayern Munich legend steps away from international duty.

Indeed, the “lethal” striker, as football analyst H described him, has fantastic statistics this season, via FBref, given how poor Ipswich have been. For example, he averages 0.18 goals per shot and a shot on target percentage of 48.7%.

Delap stats in 2024/25 PL

Stat (per 90)

Number

Goals

0.46

Shots on target %

48.7%

Goals per shot

0.18

Expected goals

0.37 xG

Shot-creating actions

2.4

Goal-creating actions

0.31

Stats from FBref

It might be unsurprising to hear that the 22-year-old is incredibly highly valued by Ipswich. As per reports over the winter, the striker is now valued at £50m, a huge increase of 150% on what he was sold for by City just months ago.

Given his performances and inflated value, the Citizens surely regret selling the striker when they did. Had they given him a chance in the first team, he might have become a prominent player and even pushed for a spot alongside or instead of Erling Haaland.

Selling Delap was another mistake from Begiristain, which is certainly a common occurrence if the form of their former academy stars are anything to go by. City will be desperate not to repeat the error in the future.

Related Man City ace sold by Pep could have saved them a fortune on Khusanov

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Posts 1 ByJoe Nuttall Feb 7, 2025

With just a couple of hours remaining in the transfer window, Tottenham Hotspur are running out of time to complete any new transfers to bolster Ange Postecoglou’s squad.

Kevin Danso and Antonin Kinsky are the only two confirmed new signings this month, but with the deadline ever closer, the club could look to add more names to the list of new additions.

Mathys Tel has been a player who has remarkably had a change of heart after originally rejecting the club over the last couple of days, flying into the UK earlier this afternoon ahead of his medical.

However, his loan move is yet to be completed, but it should be announced before the deadline, that is if all the admin and medical sides of the deal have been a success.

The Frenchman could be joined in North London by another player who’s remerged on their radar over the last couple of hours.

Spurs plot late move for attacking star

According to The Guardian, Spurs have targeted a late move for Southampton winger Tyler Dibling before tonight’s 11pm transfer deadline.

The 18-year-old has burst onto the scene this campaign at St Mary’s throughout 2024/25, scoring twice in his first 20 matches throughout his professional career.

Dibling was also said to be of interest to multiple Bundesliga clubs today, but given the fact their window closed at 5pm, it gives Postecoglou a free run at a move for the teenager.

However, it’s previously been reported that the Saints would demand a fee in the region of £55m to part ways with their star talent – an expensive but worthwhile addition for the club.

He would be the perfect immediate and long-term option for the Lilywhites, potentially being a bigger talent than Tel for the Aussie boss in the next couple of months.

Why Dibling would be a bigger talent than Tel for Spurs

This month’s deadline day has been frantic for the Spurs faithful, with deals on them off and on again, as seen with Bayern teenager Tel, who finally looks set to move to the club.

Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United were all also in the race for his signature, whether that be on loan or permanently – with the Lilywhites his chosen home, albeit until the end of June.

Undoubtedly, the prospect of another attacking addition had given the supporters a reason to be excited considering the recent injury issues in that department, but Dibling could prove to be a better option than the Frenchman in North London.

When comparing the duo’s stats from the current campaign, the Southampton ace has massively outperformed Tel in various key areas, showcasing why he would be a superb immediate and long-term option for Postecoglou.

Dibling, who’s previously been dubbed “one of the best ball carriers” by one analyst, has produced more combined goals and assists to date than Tel, whilst also registering more of his shots on target – highlighting his clinical nature in the final third.

Games played

20

8

Goals & assists

2

1

Progressive carries

3.7

2.1

Shot-on-target accuracy

39%

30%

Shot-creating actions

2.9

1.4

Take-ons attempted

5.6

4.3

Carries into the final third

2.8

2.5

He’s also completed more progressive carries per 90 along with more attempted take-ons, showcasing his desire to take the ball into attacking areas and get past his man at any given opportunity.

Whilst £55m may seem like a huge fee for a youngster who’s only played 20 games in his professional career, but he’s already showcased that he has all of the tools to be a hit in England’s top flight – having the ability to develop further down the line.

Tel may provide a temporary fix to the current injury crisis, but the Southampton ace would be the man to offer the long-term option, already proving that he’s capable of outperforming the Frenchman, showing why he’s capable of being a star for the club under Postecoglou.

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ByEthan Lamb Feb 3, 2025

ظهر الإيطالي كارلو أنشيلوتي، في مؤتمره الأول كمدير فني للمنتخب البرازيلي، متحدثًا لوسائل الإعلام.

وأنهى أنشيلوتي مسيرته التدريبية مع ريال مدريد، ليبدأ حقبة جديدة يتولى خلالها تدريب منتخب البرازيل.

وأعلن أنشيلوتي، قائمة منتخب البرازيل المستدعاة لخوض مباراتي فترة التوقف الدولي خلال شهر يونيو المقبل، ضد كل من الإكوادور وباراجواي في إطار تصفيات قارة أمريكا الجنوبية المؤهلة إلى كأس العالم 2026. أنشيلوتي يوضح أسباب استبعاد نيمار ورودريجو من قائمة البرازيل

ونشرت صحيفة “آس” الإسبانية تصريحات أنشيلوتي وقال: “هذا هو جدول المباريات الحالي، لا وقت للتدريب والاستعداد، هاتان مباراتان في غاية الأهمية للتأهل، حاولتُ استدعاء لاعبين جاهزين وقادرين على المساهمة”.

وأضاف: “حاولتُ اختيار لاعبين لائقين، عاد نيمار مؤخرًا من الإصابة، إنه لاعب مهم للغاية، نحن نعتمد عليه، بالطبع”.

وتابع: “هناك العديد من اللاعبين المصابين حاليًا، لدينا أيضًا رودريجو، وجويلينتون، وميليتاو، وإيدرسون، وجابرييل… البرازيل لديها الكثير من اللاعبين الموهوبين”.

وأوضح: “في حالة نيمار، نعتمد عليه في أفضل حالاته، لقد عاد إلى البرازيل للاستعداد جيدًا لكأس العالم، تحدثت معه هذا الصباح لشرح ذلك، وهو يتفق معنا في الرأي”.

طالع قائمة البرازيل لمباراتي الإكوادور وباراجواي في تصفيات كأس العالم.. استبعاد لاعب ريال مدريد أنشيلوتي يوضح أهمية كاسيميرو لمنتخب البرازيل

وانتقل للحديث عن كاسيميرو قائلاً: “برأيي، إنه لاعب رائع، كنت محظوظًا بالتواجد معه، أعتقد أن الفريق بحاجة إلى هذا النوع من اللاعبين، يتمتع بالكاريزما والشخصية والموهبة، لطالما تميّزت البرازيل بمواهب كثيرة، يجب أن نضيف التضحية والتفاني، وكاسيميرو يتمتع بذلك، إنه أساسي، لا سيما في التحضير لكأس العالم”.

واستطرد مدرب البرازيل: “شعرت بأن الأمور كانت جيدة مع جميع اللاعبين، العلاقات الشخصية أمر أُوليه اهتمامًا كبيرًا”. أنشيلوتي: البرازيل تنتظر مني التتويج بكأس العالم

وأكمل: “لا أعرف ما هو النظام الذي يضمن الفوز بالمباريات، ما أعرفه هو أن النظام يعتمد على خصائص اللاعبين الذين تملكهم، من أجل أن يشعروا بالراحة في الملعب، أريد أن أستفيد من الجودة الهائلة للاعبين، وأن أوظفها سويًا للفوز بكأس العالم”.

وواصل: “اللاعبون يعرفون بعضهم لأن الجميع يمكنه مشاهدة كل المباريات، في أوروبا، يتم متابعة الفرق الأوروبية أكثر، أما أنا، فأرغب خلال هذه الفترة في البقاء هنا للتعرف على هيكل كرة القدم البرازيلية، وأنديتها، ولاعبيها… كما أريد الحصول على إجازة للاستمتاع بريو”.

وشدد أنشيلوتي: “أعلم جيدًا ما يُنتظر مني، أن أقدم عملًا جيدًا وأن تفوز البرازيل بكأس العالم، لكن من المهم أن أحظى بدعم ومساندة البلاد، البرازيل وإيطاليا ستعودان لتكونا منافستين من جديد في العام المقبل”.

وعن لاعبه فينيسيوس جونيور، علّق: “فيني لم يُظهر أفضل نسخة منه بعد، لكنه سيفعل ذلك، إنه مجتهد ومقاتل… الضغط الكبير من أجل تقديم أداء جيد قد يجعلك لا تكون بخير، هل سنلعب مثل ريال مدريد؟ هذا يعتمد، مثل فريق الموسم الماضي نعم، أما مثل فريق هذا الموسم فلا”.

وأردف: “لا يمكنك قراءة كرة القدم بطريقة واحدة فقط، لا أحب أن يكون للفريق الذي أدربه هوية واحدة فقط، إذا كنت تريد النجاح، فعليك أن تُجيد القيام بالعديد من الأشياء بشكل جيد”.

واسترسل: “عند اختيار القائمة، لا أنظر إلى جواز السفر، كاسيميرو هنا لأنه يستحق أن يكون هنا، بسبب خبرته وقيادته، إستيفاو ليس هنا لأنه شاب فقط، في الفريق يجب أن تجمع كل شيء معًا”.

وأكد: “هذه القائمة نابعة من تفكير قمنا به معًا، نظرنا إلى اللاعبين وحالتهم البدنية، مع الأخذ في الاعتبار اللاعبين الموقوفين، سأتعرف على الجميع خلال هذه الفترة”.

وأكمل: “أوجه رسالة للإيمان، والثقة، والمحبة تجاه المنتخب، لا تستسلموا أبدًا ولا ترفعوا الأيادي، الجماهير يمكنها أن تساعد كثيرًا في هذه الفترة”.

اقرأ أيضًا.. أنشيلوتي يراهن على لاعبه السابق لمساعدته في قيادة البرازيل أنشيلوتي: مفاوضاتي مع البرازيل بدأت منذ عامين 

وعن المفاوضات مع البرازيل، أوضح: “بدأت هذه المفاوضات منذ عامين، ثم توقفت لأن لدي عقدًا مع ريال مدريد، وأُعيد فتحها هذا العام”.

وعن نجله دافيدي أنشيلوتي والذي كان مساعدًا له في ريال مدريد، أوضح: “في الوقت الحالي، دافيدي لديه مفاوضات مفتوحة مع فريق أوروبي، ولم أجد من المناسب أن نُحضره الآن، إذا انتقل إلى نادٍ آخر أتمنى له التوفيق، وإذا لم يحدث، يمكنه العودة إلينا”.

وعن المنتخب البرازيلي، أصر: “لدينا الجودة ويمكننا أن نؤدي ذلك بشكل جيد جدًا، أنا واثق من بناء فريق قادر على المنافسة مع أي خصم”. أنشيلوتي: إيطاليا لم تحتاج إليّ والبرازيل اختارتني للتتويج بكأس العالم للمرة السادسة

وسُئل عن عدم تدريبه للمنتخب الإيطالي، ورد: “لماذا لم أذهب مع إيطاليا؟ لأن إيطاليا لم تكن بحاجة إلى مدرب ولم تتصل بي أبدًا، أما البرازيل فقد أبدت اهتمامًا بي واتصلت بي”.

وأكمل: “التاريخ يقول إن البرازيل هي أفضل منتخب في العالم، حيث فازت بكأس العالم خمس مرات، وقد اختارتني للفوز بالمرة السادسة، أتحمل هذه المسؤولية بسرور، كرة القدم تغيرت كثيرًا، البرازيل لا تزال تنتج مواهب كبيرة، وستظل تنتج دائمًا”.

وأشار: “كان الاستقبال رائعًا، أشعر وكأنني في بيتي، جميعنا متشابهون، أحب روح هذه المدينة، تدريب البرازيل إنجاز عظيم لنا”.

واستطرد: “بالنسبة لي، البرازيل لديها لاعبين ممتازين، فينيسيوس، رودريجو، وإندريك هم ثلاثة مواهب كبيرة، على إندريك أن يتعلم، فهذه عملية تعلم يجب أن يمر بها الجميع، كرة القدم اليوم أصبحت أكثر تطلبًا من الشباب مقارنةً عندما بدأت أنا، كما يُطلب منه أن يكون ذكيًا على مستوى الأندية”.

وأتم: “لطالما قلت أنني في يوم من الأيام أريد أن أجرب مرة أخرى تجربة تدريب المنتخب”.

Liverpool faced the incredibly difficult task of replacing Jurgen Klopp in the summer after he decided to step away from Anfield after almost a decade of service.

The German manager announced his departure in January of last year and officially left at the end of the 2023/24 campaign, after winning one Premier League title and one Champions League trophy during his time on Merseyside.

Arne Slot came in from Feyenoord to lead a new era for the Reds and only bolstered the squad with one addition in the summer transfer window, which was the signing of Federico Chiesa on a permanent deal.

The Dutch head coach has done a spectacular job at Anfield, so far, as his team is currently top of the Premier League table and has already qualified for the knock-out stages of the Champions League.

Mo Salah’s return of 19 goals and 13 assists on the right wing and Cody Gakpo’s return of eight goals and three assists on the left flank has helped to fire Liverpool to the top of the table, despite not having a consistent and reliable number nine option.

The Reds have failed to find a striker who can be relied upon to deliver week-in-week-out as a centre-forward in the Premier League since Roberto Firmino’s time at the club.

Why Roberto Firmino was a star for Liverpool

Liverpool signed the Brazil international from Hoffenheim in the summer of 2015, shortly before Klopp’s arrival at Anfield, for a reported fee of £21.3m.

The bulk of his appearances for the Bundesliga side came as either an attacking midfielder or a second striker, but he eventually found his place as a centre-forward for Klopp for the majority of his time at Liverpool.

257 of his 362 appearances for the Reds came as an out-and-out number nine and he was an integral part of the club’s success in the Premier League and the Champions League as part of an exceptional front three alongside Salah and Sadio Mane.

Firmino made the attack tick with his ability to drag centre-backs up the pitch to create space for Salah and Mane to make runs in behind, whilst also using his incredible technical quality and fantastic passing range to provide assists for the wingers.

The 33-year-old ended his career at Anfield with an excellent return of 111 goals and 75 assists in all competitions, which shows that he provided quality as both a scorer and a creator of goals on a consistent basis as a centre-forward for the club.

Darwin Nunez, who has scored four goals and provided two assists in 17 Premier League matches this season, does not offer the same level of quality or consistency in the final third at this moment in time.

Slot, however, could unearth his own version of Firmino by dipping into the January transfer window to sign one of the club’s reported targets.

Liverpool eyeing Premier League striker

Football Insider reported last month that Liverpool are interested in Brighton & Hove Albion centre-forward Joao Pedro, as they look at potential targets to bolster their attacking options.

Transfer Focus

The outlet claimed that the Reds are plotting a move for the Brazilian dynamo and that they have been keeping tabs on his performances for the Premier League side, to see how he has developed this season.

It added that the former Watford attacker would be open to moving on from the Seagulls if the chance to join one of the top clubs in the division came around, which Liverpool – sat at the top of the table – certainly are.

Brighton paid £30m to sign the 23-year-old star from Watford in the summer of 2023 and Football Insider stated that they would want at least £60m to consider parting ways with the talented youngster during the January transfer window.

However, the report also revealed that a transfer is more likely to happen in the summer, at the end of the season, due to how tough Brighton are to negotiate with.

Whether Liverpool can wrap up a deal to sign Pedro this month or if they wait until the summer, the Brazilian forward could come in as Slot’s own version of Firmino to bolster the attack.

Why Joao Pedro could be Roberto Firmino 2.0

Aside from the obvious comparison of them both being Brazilian strikers who have played in the Premier League, the Brighton dynamo is also a number nine who has the quality to provide both goals and assists for his side.

The Brazil international showcased his ability as a goalscorer in his debut season with the south coast club, with a return of 20 goals in 40 matches in all competitions.

Pedro, who scored nine goals in 19 starts in the Premier League last term, has flourished as both a scorer and a creator of gals in the current top-flight campaign.

The Brazilian magician left former Spurs defender Michael Dawson amazed with his “De Bruyne-esque” pass to Karou Mitoma against Bournemouth earlier, which was one of the five assists he has registered so far. That was particularly high praise given that Kevin de Bruyne has 173 assists for Manchester City to date.

He currently ranks within the top 2% of Premier League forwards for assists per 90 (0.35) and this illustrates his immense creativity, as he is one of the best in his position at setting up teammates for goals in the league.

Starts

15

xG

3.94

Goals

5

Key passes

17

Assists

5

As you can see in the table above, Pedro has been a well-rounded centre-forward for Brighton this season with his ability to score and create goals consistently.

His return of ten direct goal contributions in 15 starts also speaks to his consistency in the final third, which is another reason why he could be Firmino 2.0 for Liverpool if the club can strike a deal for his services.

The Brazil international, who still has time left to develop and improve at the age of 23, has the technical ability, finishing quality, and creativity to be Slot’s own version of the former Reds icon, as well as a terrific teammate for Salah and Gakpo moving forward.

Imagine him & Salah: Liverpool showing big interest in "unpredictable" star

Liverpool are reportedly in the race to sign the Eredivisie forward.

ByDan Emery Jan 28, 2025

Looking to steal the headlines for the first time this summer, Fulham are now reportedly considering a move to sign an attacking reinforcement who Marco Silva already knows well.

Fulham transfer news

For much of this month, the Cottagers have been forced to focus on keeping hold of star men such as Andreas Pereira amid reported interest from Brazilian side Fluminense. Having seemingly fought off that interest, however, Silva’s side could yet welcome their first reinforcement of the transfer window and one who needs no introduction to Craven Cottage.

Whilst any move would be arriving in the dying embers, Fulham should be in no position to panic given how they’ve impressed even without further reinforcements in the last month or so. Sitting as high as ninth and in a shock race to fight for a European place in the Premier League, Silva has created an established side ready to cause plenty of upsets and he could yet get one particular reunion in pursuit of that.

According to Matt Law of The Telegraph, Fulham are now considering a move to re-sign Willian in a shock move folllowing his departure from Olympiacos to become a free at the beginning of the month.

Now 36 years old, the Brazilian has already stolen the headlines in West London on one ocassion in the past, playing a surprise starring role in the 2022/23 capaign despite initial doubts over his ability to still perform in the top flight.

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ByDominic Lund Feb 2, 2025

Two years on, he could get the chance to prove those doubters wrong once again and play yet another starring role in Silva’s side. At such an age, however, it must be said that any stint may well be his last in the Premier League.

"Incredible" Willian could complete shock reunion

Even in a cameo role, Willian represents a player full of experience who knows exactly what it takes to push a side into the European places and earn the admiration of those at Craven Cottage. Earning plenty of praise from Silva in his last stint, the Portuguese manager told reporters as relayed by beIN Sports: “He was class. He’s a class player and he has incredible quality.

“He played with a very good intensity and it was probably one of his best games this season so far and I’m really pleased for him because of the quality he has. He did so many things. The way he created on the left was very good.

“The players with the top quality can decide any moment of the game and they make the difference in football. The decisions Willian made came in the right moments and he’s a top-class player. He scored the goal because he believed he had other chances to score and I’m really pleased for him.”

In one last Premier League run, a 36-year-old Willian could bow out in perfect fashion by completing a move back to West London and back to England’s top flight.

MatériaMais Notícias

O Corinthians sonha com o retorno do zagueiro paraguaio Fabián Balbuena. O nome desponta como possibilidade para o Timão, que deve perder João Victor na janela de transferências do meio do ano.

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+GALERIA – Willian e Giuliano se destacam em goleada do Timão; veja notas

O defensor, que atualmente defende o Dínamo Moscou, da Rússia, passou pelo Timão entre 2016 e 2018, conquistando dois campeonatos Paulista e um Brasileiro no período.

A informação do interesse corintiano foi publicada inicialmente pelo jornalista Jorge Nicola e confirmada pelo LANCE!.

+ TABELA – Confira a tabela e simule os jogos do Brasileirão

A autorização da Fifa para que atletas que atuam no futebol russo e ucraniano acertem contratos provisórios com outros clubes até junho de 2023, por conta da guerra entre os países do Leste Europeu, anima a diretoria corintiana, mas, segundo informações obtidas pela reportagem, o monitoramento ainda está em estágio e inicial e o padrão salarial do zagueiro é visto como alto para os padrões do Corinthians.

Dentro da equipe alvinegra o entendimento é que Fabián Balbuena é um jogador que chegaria para assumir a titularidade no Timão e de que ele possui um perfil que o técnico Vítor Pereira gosta de trabalhar.

In the last few days of the January window, Everton will be hunting for any additions to their squad that suit the playing philosophy and give David Moyes the best chance at guiding his group away from the relegation zone, currently sitting 16th in the Premier League, seven points above of 18th place Wolves.

The Toffees are averaging the lowest possession numbers in the division, with 39.4% possession per game, focusing less on keeping the ball with short-circuit passing, and instead looking to hit teams on the break, using their carrying power. Everton are averaging 19.0 take-on attempts per 90, completing 8.50 take-ons per 90, ranking in the top half of the division for these metrics.

With the likes of Ipswich and Wolves completing business sitting below them in the table, Everton will be wary and want to complete business of their own in order to equip the squad accordingly for the second half of the season.

Latest Everton transfer news

According to TEAMtalk journalist Harry Watkinson, it is understood Chelsea midfielder, Carney Chukwuemeka is open to joining Everton on loan. The two clubs are still engaged in talks regarding Armando Broja’s future, as well as the prospect of other Chelsea players moving to Goodison Park in his place – the former Aston Villa starlet among them.

Transfer Focus

As per Watkinson, West Ham are interested too, with the youngster said to also be open to joining the Hammers on loan.

Chukwuemeka has, of course, worked with Graham Potter before at Chelsea, which could give West Ham the upper hand should both teams go for the young midfielder. However, Everton could steal a march by moving first, convincing the Englishman with a key role in the team.

The 21-year-old has only managed five appearances this season under Enzo Maresca, totalling just 130 minutes played, starting on just one occasion. Chukwuemeka’s lack of minutes could present a brilliant opportunity late in the window for Premier League sides to swoop in and take him on loan.

The potential Chukwuemeka & Hamza Igamane partnership

Another player being heavily linked with a move to Everton this month is Rangers centre-forward, Hamza Igamane, who has made 27 appearances so far this campaign, scoring 13 goals, providing three assists and totaling 1,550 minutes played.

Igamane, again, fits into the Everton philosophy as mentioned earlier, looking to be direct on the counter-attack, drive with the ball positively when possession is regained and cause the opposition problems in as few actions as possible.

Chukwuemeka (2022/23) vs Igamane comparison
Stats (per 90 mins)	Chukwuemeka	Igamane
Goals + Assists	0.00	0.95
Progressive Carries	5.38	1.61
Progressive Passes	5.90	2.90
Shots Total	1.22	4.24
Goals/Shot	0.00	0.19
Key Passes	2.05	2.26
Shot-Creating Actions	4.10	3.87
Successful Take-Ons	1.54	2.26
Aerial Duels Won	0.26	3.55
Stats taken from FBref

When comparing the two players’ metrics, you can see both players have creative qualities, making plenty of key passes, driving with the ball, taking on their man and looking to be direct and affect the game.

Chukwuemeka has been labelled an “artist” by Chelsea legend, Marcel Desailly, stating he admires the way the midfielder uses the ball. His teammate at Stamford Bridge, Noni Madueke, has also praised the 21-year-old as “underrated”, while speaking about how it is a nightmare to get the ball off of him.

Everton already have Iliman Ndiaye, who is a nightmare to get the ball from, they could be adding Igamane, who has that similar direct and physical prowess.

If they could blend that with an “absolute 10/10 talent” like Chukwuemeka – as hailed by Jacek Kulig – who has similar qualities and could fit into Moyes’ counter-attacking system, it could make Everton a force to be reckoned with on the break.

Everton eye move for "unbelievable" £45m striker after Calvert-Lewin blow

David Moyes is keen to bring in a new striker before the transfer deadline.

1

By
Dominic Lund

Jan 30, 2025

Things have just not gone Arsenal’s way this season.

Mikel Arteta has had to deal with poor decisions, a mountain of injuries, and a frontline that, when fit, has underwhelmed.

While Bukayo Saka was on a tear prior to his injury, and even Kai Havertz looked on course for a 20-goal season, the likes of Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard have been disappointing.

However, with the German now out for the season, the Belgian and Brazilian – when back from his own injury – will need to seriously up their game, especially as they’re being outscored by a former academy star who was sold for just £2m.

Martinelli & Trossard's season in numbers

Following a stellar campaign in which he scored 17 goals and provided two assists in 46 appearances for Arsenal, which is an average of a goal involvement every 2.42 games, there was an expectation among fans that Trossard would be just as effective this year.

Unfortunately, that has simply not been the case, as while he’s looked a little better in recent weeks, the Waterschei-born ace hasn’t been anywhere near as dangerous as he was.

For example, in his 36 appearances thus far, totalling 2190 minutes, the 30-year-old has scored five goals and provided seven assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 3.08 games, or every 183 minutes, which really isn’t good enough for a winger in a title-chasing team.

Likewise, before his injury, Martinelli was having a rather underwhelming campaign in terms of his output.

He’s scored just seven goals and provided four assists in 35 appearances, totalling 2378 minutes, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 3.18 games, or every 216 minutes.

In short, neither winger has been playing to the standard required this season, and now that Havertz has been ruled out for the rest of the campaign, they’ll have to seriously step up their game, especially as a former youth player deemed surplus to requirements has been outscoring them.

The Hale End star outscoring Trossard and Martinelli

There are several Hale End graduates having great campaigns across England and Europe this season, from Emile Smith Rowe with Fulham to Donyell Malen, who just joined Aston Villa.

Where Are They Now

Your star player or biggest flop has left the club but what are they doing in the present day? This article is part of Football FanCast's Where Are They Now series.

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However, in this instance, the player in question is not just a former academy player; he is the club’s second all-time top goalscorer for the U21s: Chuba Akpom.

Yes, before he went out on a myriad of loan moves that ultimately saw him move to Greek side PAOK Salonika for £2m in August 2018, the Canning Town-born poacher racked up an impressive tally of 33 goals for the U21s, which remains second only to Folarin Balogun’s 37.

Since leaving the Gunners, the Englishman has enjoyed fruitful spells with PAOK, Middlesbrough, and Dutch giants Ajax, and then on February 2nd, he joined French side LOSC Lille on a short-term loan with an option to buy.

Moreover, while the “terrific” striker, as dubbed by former manager Michael Carrick , has swapped teams halfway through the campaign, he’s enjoyed a relatively successful season in front of goal.

Akpom vs Trossard vs Martinelli 24/25

Player

Akpom

Trossard

Martinelli

Appearances

35

37

35

Minutes

1698′

2190′

2378′

Goals

10

5

7

Assists

1

7

4

Goal Involvements per Match

0.31

0.32

0.31

Minutes per Goal Involvement

154.36′

183′

216′

All Stats via Transfermarkt

For example, in 35 appearances, totalling 1698 minutes, the 29-year-old sharpshooter has scored ten goals and provided one assist, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 3.18 games, or more crucially, every 154.36 minutes.

Ultimately, at the start of the season, the idea of Akpom possibly getting any game time at Arsenal would have been laughable.

Still, with the number of injuries the team now have, combined with the poor form of Trossard and Martinelli, we can’t help but think he’d be a useful squad player at the very least.

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Posts ByJack Salveson Holmes Feb 13, 2025

As Club América chases a historic fourth straight title, Las Águilas legend questions Jardine's merit.

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• made 398 appearances with
• He captured the Liga MX title in 2005

• Henry Martín could return just in time for their quarterfinal showdown against Pachuca

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• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Club América are once again gearing up for another Liguilla, with their sights firmly set on making history. A fourth consecutive Liga MX title would not only solidify their dominance in Mexican football but also further enhance the legacy of Brazilian manager André Jardine, whose tenure has already been marked by consistent success.

  However, one of the most iconic figures in the club’s history, Cuauhtémoc Blanco, recently cast doubt on how much credit Jardine truly deserves for América's recent accomplishments. Speaking on former footballer Shaggy Martínez’s podcast, the always-outspoken Blanco suggested that the team’s recent triumphs are more a product of financial muscle than managerial brilliance.

  “They’ve invested a ton of money,” said Blanco bluntly. “They’ve got star players even on the bench. With that kind of squad, any coach could step in and lead the team.”

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Despite his initial criticism, the former forward did acknowledge some of Jardine’s qualities — though not necessarily from a tactical standpoint. Blanco praised the Brazilian’s ability to manage a locker room full of high-profile players, emphasizing the importance of maintaining unity and discipline among a squad packed with talent.

  “You also have to give the coach some credit,” he admitted. “I think he’s done a great job building a strong group and managing a team full of big personalities. That’s not easy. If you’re not starting, work your ass off and earn that spot. That’s how it should be.”

  Blanco also pointed out how much the game has evolved in recent years, highlighting the physical demands of modern football in Liga MX.

  “It’s tough now,” he said. “Back then, it wasn’t all about physicality. Today, if you don’t run, you don’t play. Simple as that.”

  Now a politician, the former América and Mexico striker remains a polarizing voice in Mexican football, unafraid to challenge the current narratives — even when they involve the club where he became a legend.

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  DID YOU KNOW?

  Club América may be bolstered by the return of striker Henry Martín just in time for their quarterfinal showdown against Pachuca. The forward rejoined full training with Las Águilas this week after a lengthy spell on the sidelines due to tendinitis.

  Martín has only featured in seven matches during the Clausura 2025 campaign, scoring just once — the lowest tally of his tenure with América. Now, as the team enters the high-stakes knockout phase, he’s eager to make up for lost time and play a decisive role in their title defense.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR CLUB AMÉRICA?

  Jardine’s Club América will take on Pachuca in the quarterfinals of the Liga MX playoffs. The two-legged series is scheduled to begin on May 7 and 8 with the first-leg matches, while the return legs will take place over the weekend.