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Leeds United did not add any new players to their squad to bolster their options at the top end of the pitch on deadline day before the summer transfer window officially slammed shut.

That was despite the fact that Daniel Farke claimed that it would be “difficult” for the club to avoid relegation from the Premier League if they did not add more quality to their frontline.

The German head coach was clear that he wanted more recruits to improve his options in the final third to give his side the best chances of avoiding the drop back down to the Championship.

Unfortunately, the club were unable to deliver on what the manager wanted. The Athletic’s Beren Cross has since reported that the club felt that there were not many wingers on the market who were better than Daniel James and Wilfried Gnonto, who scored four goals combined in their last season in the Premier League.

Despite that claim from sources inside the club, it was well-reported that Leeds were interested in a deal to sign Harry Wilson from Fulham on deadline day.

Why missing out on Harry Wilson was a blow for Leeds

The Championship champions reportedly agreed a deal with the Cottagers to sign the Wales international by meeting their asking price on the final day of the window.

However, Fulham then had a late change of mind and opted to keep the left-footed star at Craven Cottage, which left the Whites with little time to find an alternative before the window slammed shut.

Ultimately, Leeds should have known that they needed another option on the right wing the second they were promoted to the Premier League, given James’ aforementioned struggles in the division in the past, so there cannot be too much sympathy given to them for missing out on Wilson on deadline day.

However, it was a blow to miss out on the winger at the time because it then left the club without enough time to source a replacement before the window closed, and it was a blow because Wilson is a quality player who could have been an excellent signing.

Harry Wilson (Premier League)

23/24

24/25

Appearances

35

25

xG

3.38

4.21

Goals

4

6

Big chances created

5

2

Key passes per game

0.7

0.8

Assists

6

1

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, the Welsh wizard is a proven Premier League performer who has delivered ten goals and seven assists in the last two seasons, outperforming his xG in both campaigns.

Given that James has never scored more than four goals in a Premier League season in his career, Wilson’s tally of six in the top-flight last term suggests that he could have been an upgrade on what Farke currently has at his disposal.

Given Farke’s claim that it will be difficult for Leeds to avoid the drop without any additions to the frontline, the club must now consider looking into the free agent market, as they did around this time last year with the signing of Josuha Guilavogui to bolster their midfield.

There are some interesting names in the free agent pool, including recently released former Leeds striker Patrick Bamford, and one player who could fit the bill for the Whites is Hakim Ziyech.

Transfer Focus

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

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The Morocco international is a reported transfer target for Spanish side Elche, after leaving Al Duhail earlier this summer, and Leeds should now push to convince him to make a move back to the Premier League this season.

Why Leeds should sign Hakim Ziyech

The West Yorkshire outfit should attempt to sign Ziyech on a free transfer as an alternative to Wilson because it is clear that they need an addition to their options in that position.

James’ historical struggles in the Premier League and his poor start to the current campaign, with zero goals and zero ‘big chances’ created, suggest that he is not going to be the answer to their attacking woes any time soon.

Bringing in Ziyech, who is vastly experienced at the top level, on a free transfer could be a shrewd and relatively low-risk move that could pay off big time for Farke and his side.

The 32-year-old star has played over 200 Eredivisie matches, over 60 games in the Premier League, and 45 times in the Champions League, per Transfermarkt, which shows that he has had a fantastic career and proven himself in big competitions.

Ziyech, as you can see in the clip above, showed signs of quality during his time with Premier League giants Chelsea, with this stunning strike against Spurs arguably the individual highlight of his spell at Stamford Bridge.

Hakim Ziyech (Premier League)

20/21

21/22

22/23

Appearances

23

23

18

Starts

15

14

6

Goals

2

4

0

Big chances created

6

9

6

Key passes per game

1.5

1.3

0.8

Assists

3

3

3

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, the Moroccan wizard delivered an eye-catching return of 21 ‘big chances’ created in 35 league starts for the Blues.

James, meanwhile, has created 16 ‘big chances’ in 109 appearances in the Premier League, per Sofascore, for Manchester United, Fulham, and Leeds combined, which shows that he does not offer anywhere near as much creative quality as Ziyech.

The former Ajax star, whose touch was hailed as “extraordinary” by Galatasaray boss Okan Buruk, also scored 79 goals in 216 Eredivisie games earlier in his career, per Transfermarkt, which means that he can also offer a goal threat when given regular game time.

At the age of 32, Ziyech may not be at the peak of his powers or a signing that would be as exciting as it would have been five years ago, but he is still at a stage where he can contribute at the top end of the pitch and provide a touch of class that Farke’s side are clearly lacking.

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The Whites clearly wanted a left-footed right-wing option, given the interest in Wilson, and the Morocco international could be a dream alternative option now that the club are restricted to free agents.

The incumbent No. 3 will be the batter under pressure ahead into the World Test Championship final in June

Andrew McGlashan13-Feb-20252:15

Marnus in or out? Finch and Clarke pick their WTC Final XIs

Aaron Finch believes Australia should drop Marnus Labuschagne for the World Test Championship final against South Africa at Lord’s in June with his lean run having extended too far to be accommodated.Australia face some tough selection calls for the final following the recent successful debuts of Sam Konstas, Beau Webster and Josh Inglis which has led to a battle for batting spots.Related

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Australia face Labuschagne call amid batting squeeze

Travis Head, who opened in Sri Lanka, said he expected Konstas to regain his position at the top of the order against South Africa while Cameron Green is in the frame to play as a specialist batter as he recovers from the back surgery that ruled him out of this season.It leaves Labuschagne, who has one century in his last 51 Test innings and an average of 31.54 since the start of the 2023, under significant pressure for his spot for the first time since establishing himself in 2019.”I’ve gone with Cameron Green or Josh Inglis. They’re at No. 3,” Finch said on ESPN’s when the panel was asked to pick their XIs for the WTC final.”And the reason is, I just think that [Labuschagne’s form] is such a concern because it’s been over four series. If it’s over two or three, I think that you can say, you know what, he’s just around the corner. But the fact that it’s been four, to me, that’s a really alarming sign.Marnus Labuschagne is the Australia batter under scrutiny•Getty Images”Josh Inglis, I think to get him into the side, he will get that opportunity. Or if Cameron Green is healthy, he just provides so much extra to that bowling line-up as well as with the batting. He’s got the ability to bat anywhere in the order.”However, Michael Clarke and Callum Ferguson retained Labuschagne in their sides for the decider although Clarke said it could be make or break.”I hope they pick him for the Test Championship [final],” Clarke said. “It’s completely different conditions against a different team. He’s played a lot of county cricket. He knows English conditions as well as anyone.”Remember, he bats in the hardest place as well. I think No. 3 is the hardest place to bat in Test cricket. You’re right, the numbers don’t tell a lie. He’s out of form. He’s due.”And to me, I reckon the Test Championship…could be his last opportunity. Going to West Indies, I would like to think that’s an opportunity to give a young player a go if Marnus makes no runs in this Test Championship. If he does, then no doubt he holds his spot because he’s been a wonderful player.”Ferguson, meanwhile, would include both Labuschagne and Green with the latter batting at No. 6 and backing for frontline bowlers.”I’m backing the four bowlers in to get the job done in a one-off hit out in a Test match,” he said. “We didn’t use Mitch Marsh a lot over the last few years. He’s been in that No. 6 position. So we’ve played effectively without that stone cold all-rounder in that position, bowling 10 overs a day. So that’s how I see it.”Stand-in captain Steven Smith backed Labuschagne to emerge for his slump, seeing similarities in how he was low on runs before making four centuries in his last five matches.”Marn’s similar to me, in a way,” Smith said. “I’ve said this a lot of times about myself, there’s a difference between being out of form and out of runs.”I don’t think he’s out of form, personally. I’ve watched him train, I’ve watched him play and a lot of the things that he’s done so well are there. He knows he’d love to score more runs, we’d love him to score more runs, but in my opinion, it’s just around the corner.”

MatériaMais Notícias

O Palmeiras treinou na manhã desta terça-feira (25), na Academia de Futebol, e finalizou a preparação para enfrentar o Tombense-MG, nesta quarta-feira (26), às 20h, no Parque do Sabiá, em Uberlândia (MG), pelo jogo de volta da terceira fase da Copa do Brasil. O Verdão venceu o jogo de ida por 4 a 2, no Allianz Parque, e pode empatar ou perder por até um gol de diferença para avançar às oitavas de final. Rony e Raphael Veiga novamente fizeram parte do treinamento com o elenco.

> Veja tabela da Copa do Brasil-2023 clicando aqui

Antes do campo, a comissão técnica realizou uma sessão de vídeo no auditório do centro de excelência. Após o aquecimento com estações de força, coordenação e potência, o elenco realizou atividades técnicas e recreativas, terminando com práticas de finalizações e cobranças de falta.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasNúm3ros da bol4Em alta no Palmeiras, Richard Ríos já lidera estatística no BrasileirãoNúm3ros da bol425/04/2023PalmeirasSem Artur, Palmeiras tem nova disputa para o ataque diante do Tombense pela Copa do BrasilPalmeiras24/04/2023PalmeirasEstevão completa 16 anos e assina primeiro contrato profissional com o PalmeirasPalmeiras24/04/2023

Vale lembrar que o Palmeiras não permite a presença de jornalistas para acompanhar os treinos. Assim, as informações são fornecidas pela assessoria de imprensa do clube. Além disso, foi possível notar pelas fotos divulgadas que Veiga e Rony, que estão em transição física, treinaram com o restante do elenco. Mesmo caso de Mayke, outro que aparece nas imagens do trabalho.

+ Todos os jogos do Brasileirão você encontra no Prime Video. Assine já e acompanhe o seu time do coração!

No entanto, eles não devem estar entre os relacionados para o duelo com o Tombense. Desfalque certo mesmo é Artur, que já atuou pelo Bragantino na Copa do Brasil e não pode defender o Verdão. O seu substituto é onde parece morar a maior dúvida para o jogo desta quarta-feira. Com o ataque em boa fase, Flaco López, Endrick, Jhon Jhon e Rafael Navarro brigam por duas vagas no setor.

>Sem Artur, Palmeiras tem nova disputa para o ataque diante do Tombense pela Copa do Brasil

Um provável Palmeiras para enfrentar o time mineiro é: Weverton; Marcos Rocha, Gustavo Gómez, Murilo e Piquerez; Zé Rafael, Gabriel Menino e Richard Ríos (Jhon Jhon); Dudu, Endrick (Jhon Jhon) e Flaco López (Rafael Navarro).

Depois de vencer o Tombense por 4 a 2 na partida de ida, no Allianz Parque, o Verdão pode até empatar ou perder por até um gol de diferença que estará classificado para as oitavas de final da Copa do Brasil. Já no sábado, em sua arena, o Alviverde recebe o Corinthians, pelo Brasileirão.

continua após a publicidade

Sunderland have now made a “direct approach” to sign a “fantastic” midfielder, according to Fabrizio Romano, having also opened talks to sign Granit Xhaka in recent days.

Black Cats looking to sign new midfielders

The Black Cats have already secured the signatures of Noah Sadiki and Habib Diarra this summer, while Enzo Le Fee made his stay at the Stadium of Light permanent, meaning Regis Le Bris appears to be relatively well-stocked in the central midfield area.

However, the manager will be under no illusions about how difficult it will be to remain in the Premier League next season, and he clearly believes that signing another central midfielder could boost his side’s survival chances.

It may also be a wise idea to bring in players with Premier League experience, and Xhaka ticks that box, having spent a number of years with Arsenal, and talks over a deal for the 32-year-old have now been opened.

However, the former Arsenal man is not Le Bris’ only target in that area of the pitch, with Romano recently taking to X to reveal that Sunderland have now made a “direct approach” to the agent of Napoli midfielder Frank Zambo-Anguissa.

The Black Cats are still “working on” a deal for Xhaka, but Zambo-Anguissa has also now entered the frame as a potential target, although it could be difficult to lure him away from Napoli, as the Italian side have already offered him a new deal.

As things stand, the 29-year-old has a £38m release clause in his contract, meaning the newly-promoted side may need to spend big if they are to get a deal over the line.

"Fantastic" Anguissa would be coup for Sunderland

It appears unlikely that Sunderland will be able to secure the Cameroon international’s signature, given that Napoli are “confident” he will commit to a new contract, but it would be a real coup if they were able to get a deal done.

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The 29-year-old played a major role for the Serie A champions in their title-winning 2024-25 campaign, making 35 league appearances, during which time he picked up six goals and four assists.

Former Napoli loanee Philip Billing was also left impressed by his ex-teammate during his spell in Italy, describing him as “fantastic”. Speaking about the Cameroon international and Scott McTominay, the Bournemouth man also added: “I stick to my own playing style but also try to learn from them.

“They are both incredible, great profiles both physically and technically. They run a lot and also score goals.”

That said, Xhaka may be a more attainable target, and it is an added bonus that the Swiss midfielder already has Premier League experience.

Fifties from Qasim Akram and Sahibzada Farhan led Dolphins’ spirited attempt in the chase but it wasn’t enough

Danyal Rasool14-Sep-2024

Usman Khan scored 111 off 110 batting at No. 4•PCB

A century for Usman Khan and five wickets by Mohammad Hasnain inspired Panthers to their first win of the Champions One-Day Cup, beating Dolphins by 50 runs. A team batting effort that also saw quickfire half-centuries from Haider Ali and Shadab Khan helped them to 328, the third consecutive time in this competition the first innings saw a score in excess of 325. Qasim Akram’s 65 and a half-century from Sahibzada Farhan led Dolphins to the most spirited attempt at a chase in this competition, but Hasnain ripping through the middle order meant they always looked a bit shy of the target.Batting conditions have been easier in the first innings in Faisalabad thus far, and after being stung looking to chase in the opening game, Shadab had no hesitation batting first this time. His side wobbled in the early stages when Mir Hamza prised out both openers for single figures, but Usman and Haider’s 103-run fifth-wicket partnership steered the ship back on course towards the huge first-innings total that has become characteristic of this season. Once again, the bowlers were unable to stem the flow of runs in the death overs, and though legspinner Usman Qadir did take three wickets in the final over, much of the damage had already been done.Dolphins started brightly with a 68-run stand between openers Mohammad Hurraira and Farhan, but the legspin of Usama Mir and Shadab found a way of breaking through. Mir coaxed edges out of Farhan and Mohammad Akhlaq, and Shadab removed Hurraira, who had sped along with three fours and as many sixes in a 30-ball 39.It was the Hasnain show thereafter. With his trademark high pace, he kept chipping away at the middle order, a couple of sixes off the final two balls of his spell souring figures that were far more impressive than the 5 for 74 may register on the scorecard. It wasn’t until he cleaned up Qasim and Faheem Ashraf in the 42nd and 44th overs that the game irrevocably swung his side’s way, with the five-for he registered just reward for his efforts.

An “excellent footballer” could be “on his way” to West Ham United this summer, as he is now expected to leave his current club, reporter Gianluca Di Marzio has revealed.

Major changes needed at the London Stadium

It is set to be a summer of change at the London Stadium, off the back of a disappointing 2024-25 campaign, with some long-serving players, such as Vladmir Coufal, Aaron Cresswell and Lukasz Fabianski needing to be replaced.

The trio have all been released upon the expiration of their contracts, and there could be some further departures, with the Hammers open to offers for Mohammed Kudus, while Lucas Paqueta has made it clear he wants to leave the club this summer.

Graham Potter may also be keen to inject some youth into his squad, given that his side were, on average, the second-oldest in the Premier League last season, behind only Fulham, and a new target has now been identified by recruitment chiefs.

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That is according to Di Marzio, who recently told Tipsbladet that the Hammers have now set their sights on Leicester City goalkeeper Mads Hermansen.

The reporter said: “Mads Hermansen could be on his way to West Ham. The club really likes him and it could be a good opportunity for him.

“I don’t believe he will stay at Leicester. And I think West Ham would be the right option for him.”

The report goes on to state that Hermansen is contracted at the King Power Stadium until 2028, meaning Leicester are in a position to command a good fee for the £10k-a-week goalkeeper, although it is unclear how much they would be looking to receive.

"Excellent" Hermansen could be solid Fabianski replacement

It is clear that West Ham need to bring in a new option between the sticks, following the departure of long-serving goalkeeper Fabianski, and there are some signs the Leicester ace could be a solid signing, at least as a back-up for Alphonse Areola.

Despite Leicester enduring a dismal 2024-25 campaign, Ruud van Nistelrooy was left impressed by the Dane before the turn of the year, with the former Foxes boss saying: “He’s having a very good season overall. He makes a lot of saves, we’re trying to reduce that amount. Mads is all around. He’s a good shot-stopper, excellent footballer.”

Perhaps most notably, the 24-year-old also became the first goalkeeper to deny Chelsea star Cole Palmer from the penalty spot, producing a top save at Stamford Bridge back in March.

Given his age, Hermansen could be a solid long-term replacement for Fabianski, and some of the goalkeeper’s performances suggest he may be capable of pushing for a starting spot straight away, so it is promising news that West Ham have now entered the race for his signature,

Although their focus has been on finding a new manager, Rangers are now reportedly seriously interested in signing a European talent who they’ve already scouted ahead of the summer transfer window.

Rangers' manager shortlist

Before anything, the Gers must finally find a permanent replacement for Philippe Clement, having decided against handing Barry Ferguson the job following a brief interim spell at the end of the season. To that end, a number of candidates have unsurprisingly already emerged in the race to land the vaccant position at Ibrox.

Names such as Steven Gerrard and Davide Ancelotti have stolen the most headlines, but that hasn’t stopped the likes of Russell Martin from receiving links to the job in recent weeks. The former Southampton manager has been out of a job since being shown the door at St Mary’s and is now an outside candidate to arrive in Scotland as well as being linked with the Leicester City job.

Plenty have had their say on just who should arrive, including Rangers legend Ally McCoist. He told reporters when quizzed on Gerrard’s next move: “It’s absolutely vital that his next job is the right one, It didn’t quite work out at Villa or in Saudi Arabia. It’s similar to Frank Lampard—his move to Coventry has been crucial in getting his managerial career back on track. Steven’s in that same position. His next step needs to be spot on.”

Whether a return to Rangers is a move that would be “spot on” for Gerrard is a question that those in Scotland may just get an answer to in the coming weeks, as the 49ers ramp up their managerial hunt.

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Tom Cunningham

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As soon as they find their next manager, of course, Rangers must turn their attention towards the summer transfer market and that’s when they could make their move to sign an attacking addition who they’ve already scouted.

Rangers seriously interested in Djurgarden winger Fallenius

According to Fotboll Direkt in Sweden, the 49ers are now seriously interested in signing Oskar Fallenius after Rangers completed their scouting mission on the 23-year-old Djurgarden winger. The Swede could be part of a much-needed list of arrivals as those at Ibrox look to turn their side back into true title contenders and bridge the gap on Celtic in the process.

A player who has featured on the European stage and scored in the Europa Conference League, Fallenius has seemingly done enough to earn the attention of Rangers ahead of the summer transfer window.

If the 49ers are looking to improve the Gers whilst maintaining their budget, then the arrival of a player who could be on the verge of bursting into his best form should be the way forward. And Fallenius would fall into that category.

The Scottish giants arguably got it all wrong last summer, but with new owners on the way they have the chance to start fresh and close the gap on Celtic for the first time since 2021. Whether that results in Fallenius’ arrival will certainly be interesting to see.

Liverpool football club has been the home to countless attacking talents over the years, helping numerous managers claim various levels of success at Anfield.

Roberto Firmino will undoubtedly go down as one of the most underrated strikers in Premier League history, thriving beyond all imagination on Merseyside after joining from Hoffenheim back in 2015.

The Brazilian forward managed to notch a total of 111 goals in his 362 appearances for the club, helping the side win the Premier League back in 2020 under former boss Jürgen Klopp.

However, fast forward to the present day, current manager Arne Slot lacks that centre-forward presence, with current options Darwin Núñez and Diogo Jota likely to be moved on during the summer.

Such dealings would leave a huge hole at the top end of the pitch, which would see the Dutchman need to dip into the transfer market to bolster his forward line during the transfer window.

The latest on Liverpool’s hunt for a new striker this summer

Given the achievements Liverpool have claimed in 2024/25, it’s no surprise to see countless players linked with a switch to join the club to aid their ambitions of replicating the success next season.

Jonathan David, Viktor Gyokeres and Victor Osimhen have all been linked with a move to join the Reds over the last couple of weeks – with all three undoubtedly offering Slot a new dimension in the final third.

However, another name has been thrown into the mix, in the form of Brighton and Hove Albion talisman Joao Pedro, that’s if Ben Jacobs’ latest update is to be believed.

He states that the hierarchy has been monitoring the 23-year-old star, who’s netted ten goals for Fabian Hurzeler’s outfit across all competitions this campaign.

Jacobs also confirmed that the Brazilian star has constantly impressed behind the scenes, which could lead to a move being prepared ahead of the upcoming window.

Why Liverpool’s latest target would be Slot's own Firmino

Given Liverpool’s hunt for a new striker, Pedro isn’t the only name to be linked with a switch to Merseyside, with Eintracht Frankfurt star Hugo Ekitiké another name previously mentioned.

The 22-year-old has been an all-round threat in the Bundesliga this year, notching 33 combined goals and assists in his 46 appearances for the German side.

Such form has put multiple clubs on red alert, including the Reds, with the likes of Manchester United and Arsenal also previously in the race to land his signature.

However, Ekitike could cost a small fortune during the summer, with Frankfurt demanding a fee in the region of £80m to part ways with the French international.

When comparing his stats to those of Pedro throughout 2024/25, the Brighton gem has managed to match or better him in numerous key areas – potentially being Slot’s own Firmino, given the Brazilian connection, but also their similar playstyle.

The Seagulls star, who’s been labelled “sensational” by talent scout Antonio Mango, may have registered fewer combined goals and assists, but has notched a higher shot-on-target rate, thus able to follow his compatriot given his clinical edge in attacking areas.

He’s also completed more passes into the final third, whilst winning more aerial duels – handing Slot a superb option like Firmino given Pedro’s ability to drop into pockets whilst still offering a threat in the 18-yard box.

Games played

27

31

Goals & assists

16

22

Progressive passes

3.6

1.9

Shot-on-target accuracy

38%

37%

Passes into final third

1.9

0.8

Aerials won

48%

47%

Fouls won

2.1

0.5

Pedro has also completed more through balls per 90, allowing the likes of Mohamed Salah and Luis Diaz to further improve their own tallies, which will certainly bolster the chances of retaining the Premier League.

Whilst both options would be stellar signings for the Reds this summer, it’s clear that the Brighton star would be the better out of the two names – already having the experience of featuring in England’s top-division.

It’s unclear how much a deal would set the hierarchy back, but it would be worth every penny, having all the tools to emulate Firmino’s success on Merseyside and take the side to new heights.

He's just like Alvarez: Liverpool make contact to sign the 'world's best'

Liverpool could be about to land a star who could make them forget about Julian Alvarez.

ByEthan Lamb May 9, 2025

This season has been an undeniably strange one for Arsenal.

Mikel Arteta’s side are a game away from potentially making it to only their second Champions League final ever, but they have also completely fallen away in the Premier League.

One of the Gunners’ obvious weaknesses this year has been a lack of clinical finishing up top, but arguably, a lack of creativity has been just as much of a problem; Liverpool, Manchester City, and Chelsea all creating more big chances in the league.

Fortunately, the club seem to be well aware of this problem as well, and, based on recent reports, could be set to sign an incredibly creative attacker from the continent, who could be their own Bruno Fernandes.

Arsenal's transfer targets

With it clear that Arsenal want to add more creativity to the team this summer, it’s worth looking at a couple of their other targets, such as Rayan Cherki and Nico Williams.

The former could be available for around £30m, which would be a bargain, as in just 41 appearances, totalling 2894 minutes, the 21-year-old has scored 12 goals and provided 19 assists.

Williams, on the other hand, would cost significantly more, at £50m, but he too has enjoyed a great campaign, scoring 11 goals and providing seven assists in 44 games.

Transfer Focus

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

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However, recent reports have now touted another creative attacker for a move to the Emirates: Francisco Trincão.

According to a recent report from the Portuguese newspaper Record, as relayed by the Metro, Arsenal are one of three Premier League sides to have begun talks with Sporting CP for the dynamo.

Manchester United are reportedly one of the other teams incredibly interested in the Portuguese international, who has a release clause in his current deal worth around £66.5m.

It would be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but given Trincão’s immense ability, it’s one worth fighting for, especially as he could be Arsenal’s own Fernandes.

Why Trincão could be Arsenal's own Fernandes

So, if Arsenal can beat the Red Devils to Trincão’s signature this summer, what is it that could make him like their Fernandes?

Well, to start with, there are several more surface-level similarities between the pair, such as them both being Portuguese, both coming from Sporting CP, moving to one of the Premier League’s ‘big six’ and doing so at 25 years old.

However, there is another far more significant similarity between the two players, one that transcends their positional differences: their creativity.

For all the criticism that has been levelled at Fernandes in recent years, one thing that hasn’t been questioned is his technique and ability to either produce assist after assist or score goals himself.

For example, in 285 appearances for United, he has scored 98 goals and provided 85 assists, which comes out to a brilliant average of a goal involvement every 1.55 games.

Trincão & Bruno’s final Sporting campaigns

Player

Trincão

Fernandnes

Appearances

50

28

Goals

9

15

Assists

18

14

Goal Involvements per Match

0.54

1.03

All Stats via Transfermarkt

Moreover, in his final half-campaign with Sporting, the 30-year-old scored 15 goals and provided 14 assists in 28 appearances, which was an average of 1.03 goal involvements every game.

Now, while the incredibly “exciting” Trincão, as dubbed by former Wolverhampton Wanderers technical director Scott Sellars, hasn’t quite hit those heights this term, he’s still seriously impressed, scoring nine goals and, more importantly, providing 18 assists in 50 appearances, which comes out to a goal involvement every 1.85 games.

Just imagine if Arsenal had a player that creative in the team this season; there is a real chance that they’d have at least been in the Premier League title fight for a little while longer.

Ultimately, while it would cost a lot, Arsenal should do what they can to sign Trincão this summer, as he would add some much-needed creativity to the team, and could even become their own Fernandes.

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The major stats trends that emerged over the 48 matches in the 2023 ODI World Cup

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A tournament of big wins

A total of 22 out of 48 games in the 2023 ODI World Cup were decided by a margin of 100-plus runs, or four-plus wickets and 60-plus balls to spare. Eighteen of the 22 matches were between the Full-Member teams.The percentage of matches (45.83) with one-sided results in 2023 is the joint second-highest for the men’s ODI World Cup, behind the inaugural 1975 edition (53.33). The 2015 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand also had 22 one-sided results in 48 games – the same as in 2023.