All posts by n8rngtd.top

Tottenham Hotspur are entering a new dawn under Thomas Frank and are in talks to bring one of Europe’s most talked about youngsters to North London, according to a report.

Tottenham's pursuit of attacking talent continues

In a freak turn of events, Tottenham were dealt the hand of having to deal with an injury crisis last term and subsequently had to field a line-up that sometimes lacked an effective balance between defence and attack.

Reacting on the market by looking to bolster their offensive depth, Brentford pair Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa are Spurs targets, even if the Bees may be difficult to deal with in light of already losing their manager to the lure of N17.

Despite interest from Manchester United, The Mirror’s John Cross believes Tottenham would be the best fit for Mbeumo to truly take his talent to the next level under Thomas Frank.

He stated: “Bryan Mbeumo should go to Tottenham. The Brentford forward is a serious player and moving to Tottenham, with his old boss Thomas Frank, would propel him to another level into the Champions League.”

Of course, it remains to be seen how much Spurs’ interest is determined by external parties egging on a transfer pursuit, but their admiration for the Cameroon international is certainly an indication that attacking talent will be prioritised this summer.

Tottenham preparing bid after Frank tells Levy & co to sign £20m midfielder

There could be a reunion on the cards in N17.

1

By
Sean Markus Clifford

Jun 16, 2025

Bournemouth’s Justin Kluivert has been lined up by the Lilywhites as an alternative to add flair out wide. However, it remains to be seen if a deal is viable to sign the Netherlands international.

Either way, Frank appears to have big plans on his mind, though he may steer away from the Premier League in his hunt for goals and creativity.

Tottenham hold talks to sign Roony Bardghji

According to TBR, Tottenham have held talks to sign Copenhagen sensation Roony Bardghji as the Sweden international enters the final six months of his deal in the Danish capital.

Newcastle United, Aston Villa, and Manchester United have also been involved in discussions surrounding the future of the youngster, who has been likened to Messi in the past for his agility and close control. However, he suffered an ACL injury in 2024, which has curtailed a move away from the Superliga side until now.

His burst onto the scene left many mesmerised by his abilities, including former coach Fredrik Akesson after the “extraordinary” development he has made since coming through in his homeland.

Spurs have been courting his services since 2023 and feel that despite his struggles with fitness, the opportunity to land Bardghji at a knockdown fee is simply too good to turn down.

Still only 19 years of age, time is on his side as he prepares for a life-changing move to one of the world’s elite, and Tottenham seem to have put themselves in with a great chance of being the ones to make that dream a reality for the Kuwait-born winger.

Goals, goals and more goals; if there was a thing Arsenal missed this season, it was goals.

Mikel Arteta’s side managed to secure a third successive second-placed finish in the Premier League this season, but unlike the last two campaigns, it was a truly distant second place.

Liverpool ended up finishing ten points ahead of the Gunners, and arguably worse than that, they scored a whopping 17 more goals than the North Londoners.

So, with this in mind, it’s hardly been a surprise to see Arsenal linked with a host of incredible strikers in recent weeks, including one who’s supposedly better than Erling Haaland and would be an upgrade on Benjamin Sesko.

Arsenal's striker search

Given their struggles in attack this season, Arsenal have been linked with a plethora of outstanding strikers in recent weeks and months, from Sporting CPs free-scoring Viktor Gyokeres to Aston Villa’s brilliant Ollie Watkins and even Newcastle United’s likely unattainable Alexander Isak.

However, over the last week or so, a frontrunner to come in and lead the line for the Gunners next season has emerged in Sesko.

The Slovenian forward has been a target for the club since last summer, but according to reports last week, talks between his representatives and the two teams seem to be progressing well.

Transfer Focus

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

Yet, another goalscorer has now entered the picture, someone who’d be an upgrade on the RB Leipzig star and who’d hold his own against Haaland: Victor Osimhen.

Yes, according to a recent report from Italian publication Tuttosport, Arsenal are one of several teams now interested in the on-loan Napoli ace.

The report claims that the Nigerian international turned down the opportunity to move to the Saudi Pro League because teams like the Gunners and Manchester United are now keen to sign him.

However, on top of dealing with the competition, the North Londoners will also have to cough up around £63m to activate the release clause in his current contract open to teams outside of Serie A.

It could be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but given Osimhen’s immense ability, it is one worth fighting for, especially as he’d be a big upgrade on Sesko.

How Osimhen compares to Sesko and Haaland

So, if Osimhen is currently one of the options for Arsenal this summer, it’s worth seeing how he stacks up with Sesko, who might be his biggest competition at the moment.

Yet, with the Nigerian international being described as “even better than Haaland” by Italian agent Andrea D’Amico, it’s also worth including the Manchester City star in the comparisons, as should the Napoli star move to North London, the Norwegian will be leading the line for one of his biggest title rivals.

With that said, when it comes to their pure output this season, it looks like D’Amico is correct, as it’s the Lagos-born “superhuman,” as dubbed by journalist Paolo Esposito, who comes out on top.

In 41 appearances, totalling 3236 minutes, he was able to score 37 goals and provide eight assists for Galatasaray, which comes out to an average of 1.09 goal involvements every game, or one every 71.91 minutes.

For his efforts, the City star scored 31 goals and provided four assists in 44 appearances, totalling 3786 minutes, which comes out to a goal involvement every 1.25 games, or one every 108.17 minutes.

Finally, the Leipzig star was the worst of the three, scoring 21 goals and providing six assists in 45 appearances, totalling 3258 minutes, which translates to a goal involvement every 1.66 games or every 120.66 minutes.

Moreover, while the former Salzburg gem is the youngest and, therefore, might make the most sense in the long term, Arteta and Co are at a point in the project at which winning here and now has to take precedence over what might be best for a few years down the line.

Therefore, it makes sense to sign someone who massively outperformed both Sesko and Haaland this summer, which is why Arsenal should be going all in on Osimhen.

Arsenal set to submit bid for "incredible" star who's like Rodrygo & Yamal

The impressive winger would be a great addition to Arsenal’s squad.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Jun 9, 2025

Going in search of their next Tom Rogic, Celtic now reportedly have concrete interest in signing an attacking addition who’s valued at just £1.5m ahead of this summer’s transfer window.

Next Rogic could be key for Rodgers

During his time at the club, Rogic more than played his part to continue Celtic’s Scottish dominance and ensure that Brendan Rodgers’ first spell ended with a place in the history books. Now, in his second stint in charge, it’s clear just how much of an impact a player in a similar mould would have on the current Celtic side.

A player who made his mark going forward in key moments, Rogic’s best work came when working under Rodgers, who was full of praise for the Australian during his time in Scotland.

The Celtic boss told reporters when Rogic returned from a spell on the sidelines in 2017: “He’s back in the squad. The magic man is back – what a player. He’s an amazing player. I think he can grow into one of the top midfield players in Europe.

“You saw him grow in the Champions League. You saw him against Manchester City and just purr at his quality. There was a big disappointment when he got injured because the week building up to it he was amazing. Top players know where there is space and he’s as good as any I’ve seen at finding space.”

Fenerbahce readying move to sign Celtic star who Rodgers called "brilliant"

The Bhoys could suffer a frustrating blow.

By
Tom Cunningham

May 28, 2025

Eight years on, Rogic is now retired and Rodgers is searching for his next arrivals at Celtic amid reports that the Bhoys have now set their sights on signing a 23-year-old star who has already been compared to the Australian.

Celtic interested in "Rogic-esque" Fallenius

According to Fotboll Direkt in Sweden, Celtic now have a concrete interest in signing Oskar Fallenius from Djurgarden this summer afetr sending scouts to watch him in aciton.

The winger reportedly cost the Swedish club just £1.5m in 2023, but that price is only likely to increase if they decide to sell their emerging star in the coming months.

Celtic’s interest should come as no shock. As detailed by Celtic Down Under’s – a Celtic fan channel in Australia – and X account UnDiluted, Fallenius is a potential “Rogic-esque” fit on the Bhoys’ radar.

The podcaster reiterated that whilst the Swede is not a like-for-like clone of Rogic, he does share some similar traits. The Australian’s greatest strengths came in his close control, powerful striking ability and creative vision. In comparison, Fallenius is similarly physical – standing at 5’11 and reportedly has a reputation for his skill and movement.

With that said and Celtic’s interest reportedly concrete, Fallenius looks set to be one to watch in the coming months.

During Burnley’s heyday in the Premier League under Sean Dyche, the Clarets were well-known for being an attritional side defensively.

Indeed, come the end of the memorable 2017/18 campaign that saw Burnley finish in an unbelievable seventh spot, Dyche’s brave troops had only shipped a slim 39 goals in total. To add more context, Arsenal would amazingly ship 12 more strikes, despite finishing in fifth.

This could well mean Parker’s camp in the here and now stand a fighting chance at Premier League survival, having only just leaked a remarkably low 16 goals themselves on the way to sealing automatic promotion in the Championship.

But, all the publicity surrounding Burnley’s rock-solid defence has come back to bite them, with valiant Clarets centre-back CJ Egan-Riley now heading for the exit door.

Egan-Riley's situation at Burnley

Egan-Riley was a key component of the Clarets’ formidable defence in 2024/25, culminating in the former Manchester City defender picking up a bumper 26 clean sheets from 41 Championship ties.

Unfortunately, his contract situation at Turf Moor has become Burnley’s own undoing, with the 22-year-old’s current deal at the club expiring later this month, leading to him seeking out other employers in the form of RC Strasbourg and West Ham United.

This would be a disorienting loss for the Clarets to come to terms with, considering his crucial spot in the promotion-winning side under Parker, but they could win themselves a dream replacement by securing the services of an experienced Premier League centre-back.

Burnley's "outstanding" Egan-Riley replacement

Burnley will be well aware that adding in experience here and there could be vital in boosting their survival chances, with the Clarets of old relying on seasoned heads such as Ben Mee and James Tarkowski to get them out of sticky situations.

Joe Gomez could come in and offer that same level of protection, with a recent report from the Empire of the Kop revealing that amid interest from Leeds and the Clarets, Liverpool wouldn’t stand in the way of the 28-year-old if he did fancy leaving Anfield behind this summer, having now placed a £25m price-tag above his head.

Whilst the London-born centre-back has been troubled by recurring injury issues in recent seasons – as seen in him missing a combined 29 games across the last two campaigns – he has shown in the past for the Reds that he can be an imposing presence at an elite level.

This is evident in Gomez only leaking 106 goals from 149 Premier League contests and counting, with the Liverpool number two’s calm and composed presence potentially critical in easing Burnley’s nerves up a division with Egan-Riley no longer around.

When glancing at the table above, it’s even clearer that Gomez would be a welcome addition to Parker’s ranks to replace Egan-Riley.

Indeed, the “outstanding” defender, as he was once praised by Reds teammate Virgil Van Dijk, averages a 72% tackle success rate across his wealth of top-flight experience.

Moreover, he didn’t look out of place either last season when thrown into the deep-end by Arne Slot, with a high 89% pass rate averaged across his nine league contests. Egan-Riley, despite being front and centre of the Clarets’ defence all season long, only averaged an 86% pass rate on the contrary.

Of course, Gomez has been helped on Merseyside by the exceptional calibre of the teammates around him.

But, to try and immediately plug the hole left behind by Egan-Riley, Burnley could do far worse than snapping up the consistent Liverpool number two in their efforts to try and secure survival.

He could be Parker's next Cairney: Burnley looking at signing £12m star

Scott Parker could work his magic on this new potential Burnley star in the Premier League.

By
Kelan Sarson

Jun 3, 2025

Manchester United’s forward line has been massively underwhelming throughout 2024/25, undoubtedly contributing to their lowly Premier League standing.

The Red Devils have only registered 42 goals in their 37 league outings to date, an average of just 1.1 per 90, highlighting the need for investment in such a department over the summer.

Ruben Amorim will want to make key changes to his squad during the off-season to try and right the wrongs of the current campaign and be a success at Old Trafford.

With the summer window right around the corner, work has already been done by the hierarchy to back the manager and hand him the tools he requires to change the fortunes at the club.

However, it’s crucial that the manager makes the right additions to the squad, with quality over quantity needed if they are to return to their former glory in the near future.

The latest on United’s hunt for new attackers this summer

Viktor Gyokeres has been a constant target for United over the last couple of months after Amorim’s arrival, understandably so given their time together at Sporting CP.

The Swede has registered 53 goals in 51 games throughout the current campaign, leading to rumours of a £60m switch to Old Trafford, with Arsenal also in the race for his signature.

However, the club have targeted alternatives over the last couple of weeks, leading to further links with Ipswich Town forward Liam Delap, according to journalist Laurie Whitwell.

His report states that the Red Devils are set to hold face-to-face talks with the striker over a move to the club after his impressive debut Premier League campaign, which has seen him net 12 times in 36 outings.

It also claims that Amorim’s side are leading the race for his signature and are willing to trigger the £30m release clause that has become active after the Tractor Boys’ relegation was confirmed.

Why United’s £30m target could be their next Rooney

Wayne Rooney will forever be a club icon at United, given their success he endured at the club over a sustained spell, breaking a whole host of impressive records.

The Englishman joined the Red Devils in a £30m deal from Everton back in 2004, with little to no fans expecting the forward to have the impact he did at Old Trafford.

He registered a staggering 253 goals in his 559 appearances, the most of any player in the club’s history, highlighting the impact he made during his spell in the North West.

Rooney also won 12 major honours during his spell at the club, including five league triumphs, something which now appears to be a distant memory given the recent slump at the Theatre of Dreams.

However, this summer, Amorim could land his own version of Rooney in a deal for Delap, following suit by joining for £30m from a smaller Premier League outfit.

The comparisons could also be made with their respective playstyles, with the Ipswich star having similar ball-striking abilities and a battering ram-like presence in forward areas.

His stats from this campaign are evidence of how much of an impressive addition he would be for the Red Devils, offering a cheaper alternative to a deal for Gyokeres.

Delap, who’s been labelled “phenomenal” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has completed 1.4 take-ons per 90, along with 1.6 carries into the final third – offering the side a needed all-round presence in attacking areas.

He’s also won 1.9 aerials per 90, along with a 45% shot-on-target accuracy, handing the side the added aerial and clinical threat they’ve been lacking throughout 2024/25.

His £30m clause could prove to be a potential bargain should Amorim sign him this summer, offering a cheaper but just as impressive option in attacking areas.

Should he get anywhere near the levels produced by Rooney at Old Trafford, it would be a sensational piece of business and one that could push the side back towards their former glory.

The new Van Nistelrooy: Man Utd make approach for £55m Delap alternative

Man Utd are desperate to sign a new centre-forward this summer, with Liam Delap just one target to have emerged.

By
Robbie Walls

May 20, 2025

Everton manager David Moyes has the opportunity to make his stamp on the first-team squad this summer, with investment expected from the Friedkin Group.

The Scotsman rejoined the club in January after Sean Dyche’s dismissal, returning to the role after previously managing the Toffees over an 11-year period.

He’s led the club clear of any relegation threat and will lead the side into their final ever at Goodison Park against Southampton this weekend – in what will be a memorable occasion for all involved.

The move to the Bramley-Moore Dock Stadium presents a new era for the Toffees, which could lead to added investment and changes in the first-team squad.

With the summer window rapidly approaching, work has already been done behind the scenes to ensure a quick start is made to hand Moyes with the ammunition he needs to make the changes he desires.

The latest on Everton’s hunt for new additions this summer

Various names have already been linked with a move to join Everton this summer, with it unclear how much funding the manager will have at his disposal in the coming months.

The likes of Liam Delap, Emanuel Emegha and Dan Neil have all been on their radar in recent weeks, but no progress has yet been made with any of the aforementioned stars.

However, the hierarchy has already registered interest in another Championship star in the form of Bristol City talent Jason Knight, according to TEAMtalk.

The report claims that the board have been scouting the 24-year-old over the last few weeks and are considering a move for his signature ahead of the summer window.

It also states that the club are targeting younger options at the heart of the side, potentially being a replacement for either of Idrissa Gana Gueye and Abdoulaye Doucoure, with both of their contracts set to expire this summer.

Why Everton’s latest target could be Moyes’ next Cahill

Australian forward Tim Cahill is one of many legends who have previously plied their trade for Everton, starring during his eight-year spell on Merseyside.

He joined the Toffees from Millwall back in 2004 and made over 250 appearances and registered 68 goals – an average of a goal every four games, a solid record over such a timeframe.

His iconic corner flag celebration became a staple during their success under the Scotsman’s reign, with the striker producing countless moments of magic.

Arguably, one of his best goals for the club came against Chelsea, scoring an incredible bicycle kick against the Blues at Stamford Bridge way back in 2007.

However, 13 years on from his departure, Moyes has the chance to land his next version of the Australian in the form of Knight this summer, in a move that would certainly bolster their ranks.

The Republic of Ireland international could replicate Cahill by joining the club from a Championship side, but that shouldn’t take away from the levels produced by the 24-year-old in 2024/25.

He’s played a key role in the Robins’ ability to finish within the play-off places, featuring in every minute of their league campaign – registering three goals and six assists.

His underlying stats are just as impressive, completing 56% of the dribbles he’s attempted and creating 1.3 chances per 90 – having the tools to hand the players in front of him.

Knight, who’s been labelled “incredible” by one analyst, has also won 58% of the tackles he’s entered, whilst winning 5.6 duels per 90 – handing Moyes an added defensive presence in the middle of the park.

It’s unclear how much a deal for the Bristol City ace would cost this summer, but it’s clear that he has the potential to make the jump to England’s top-flight and be a success on Merseyside.

If he were to get anywhere near the levels produced by Cahill at the club, it would be a sensational piece of business, allowing the Toffees to have a key player at the heart of the side for many years to come.

As well as Harrison: Moyes' "animal" must now never play for Everton again

Everton are set to part with a host of stragglers this summer.

By
Angus Sinclair

May 14, 2025

Fulham are now set to open talks over a deal for a “beautiful footballer” this summer, who is set to be available on a free transfer, according to Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth.

Cottagers stepping up summer transfer plans

The Cottagers have been showing signs of year-on-year development under the helm of Marco Silva, and they are in a good position to record a top-half finish in the Premier League, which should put them in a good position to attract some quality players this summer.

Silva’s side have managed to progress despite losing some key figures in recent windows, with Joao Palhinha among them, but the midfielder’s move to Bayern Munich hasn’t gone exactly to plan, which means a return to Craven Cottage could now be on the cards.

The west Londoners are keen on strengthening in the middle of the park, and they are also looking to upgrade their defence, with contact being made to discuss a deal for versatile Juventus defender Nicolo Savona, who has impressed in the Serie A this season.

Fulham star's agent meets with rival club who desperately want new forward

He could be about to cross the divide.

By
Barney Lane

Apr 21, 2025

Savona’s main position is right-back, but the Italian is not the only target in that area of the pitch, with Sky Sports reporter Sheth recently taking to X to reveal Fulham are now interested in signing Southampton defender Kyle Walker-Peters.

Walker-Peters’ contract is set to expire at the end of the season, which means he will be available on a free transfer this summer, and the Cottagers are expected to open talks with his representatives when the campaign comes to a close.

Sheth states there will be “competition” for the defender, with London rivals West Ham United being named as potential suitors last month.

"Beautiful footballer" Walker-Peters could thrive in better side

It has been a season to forget for Southampton, who have recorded just two victories in the Premier League all season, which indicates it could be a gamble for Fulham to sign a player who has been a key part of such a poor side.

However, the 28-year-old has impressed in the Premier League in the past, chalking up 147 appearances in the competition, while also earning two caps for his national side.

Not only that, but the London-born defender has also received very high praise from former manager Russell Martin in the past, with the ex-Saints boss lauding him as a “beautiful footballer” after scoring in a 1-0 victory against Bristol City, before adding: “He can score more and assist more. It’s a brilliant, brilliant goal.”

As such, there are signs that Walker-Peters could thrive in a better side, and his availability on a free transfer is an added bonus for Fulham, making him a low-risk addition to Silva’s squad.

Leeds United are looking to sign a new dominant in the air player who is being compared to former Whites midfielder Marc Roca.

Leeds transfer rumours following promotion to the Premier League

The 49ers Enterprises haven’t been wasting any time since Leeds secured their promotion back to the Premier League from the Championship on Easter Monday following a 6-0 win over Stoke City and Burnley’s 2-1 win over Sheffield United.

In fact, Daniel Farke’s future as Leeds manager has been thrown into doubt, with the club concerned about his previous record in the top flight with Norwich City.

Talking after sealing promotion, chairman Paraag Marathe said that the club have been “quietly preparing the club” for the Premier League.

“The Premier League is where Leeds belongs, and our goal is to establish a long-term presence there. With that in mind, we have been quietly preparing the club for this moment. The road ahead won’t be easy but we are ready to step confidently into this next chapter. Above all, this is your club and your promotion. I want to thank each and every one of you, along with the players and every member of staff at Elland Road and Thorp Arch, for your tireless commitment in pursuit of this unforgettable moment.”

A number of new signings look likely to be made to give Leeds the best chance of Premier League survival, including former midfielder Kalvin Phillips.

Leeds and Farke race to sign "amazing" new 21 y/o defender for bargain fee

The Whites have set their sights on a new target, who could be available for a cut-price fee this summer.

By
Dominic Lund

Apr 23, 2025

Currently on loan at Ipswich Town from Manchester City, Phillips is thought to be ready to return to Elland Road this summer. Elsewhere, loanee Manor Solomon is expected to make his move to Leeds permanent from Tottenham Hotspur, with Spurs valuing the winger at £15m-£20m.

Now, an update has emerged on another target with Premier League experience, something the 49ers are after when it comes to summer signings.

Leeds want to sign £18m Premier League "machine"

According to reports in the Czech Republic, relayed by TBR Football, Leeds could now sign Tomas Soucek from West Ham United ahead of the 2025/26 season.

The Whites have been named as a potential destination for the 30-year-old, who was signed by the Hammers for £18m from Slavia Prague back in 2020.

Since then, the central midfielder has made 240 appearances for West Ham, with almost 200 of those coming in the top flight. Everton are also thought to be keen on Soucek, who was dubbed a “machine” amid links to the Toffees.

Talking earlier this year, Soucek hinted at a potential move away if he wasn’t getting regular game time: “I know a few guys who are happy with the money coming into their account every month, they enjoy the life of a footballer and don’t care about the bench. I can’t do that. I need to play. I suffer on the bench.”

Graham Potter has placed Soucek on the bench in West Ham’s last four games, and as can be seen, Football Transfers have likened the midfielder to Roca, who left Leeds for Real Betis.

As per FBref, Soucek has also been ranked in the top 1% over the past 12 months for aerial duels won (3.49 per 90), so he’d certainly bring a physical presence to Yorkshire, should a move go through.

It’s been a very frustrating season for Arsenal supporters, but it could still end with the ultimate glory.

On Wednesday night, goals from Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli saw the Gunners win 2-1 at the Bernabéu, actually smashing Real Madrid 5-1 on aggregate in the end, despite all the talk of a remontada.

The Gunners will now take on Paris Saint-Germain in the semi-finals, just the third time the club have ever reached the Champions League’s last four, with Gooners worldwide dreaming of making the pilgrimage to Munich for the final on 31 May.

Before PSG visit North London on Tuesday week, Mikel Arteta’s team do have two Premier League fixtures to fulfil, which started with a trip to Ipswich on Sunday and then Crystal Palace in midweek with this huge European tie in mind.

Thomas Partey's importance

With only five minutes remaining on the clock in Madrid, Thomas Partey, needlessly and stupidly, got himself booked by referee François Letexier, which was his third caution in as many Champions League appearances, meaning he will be suspended for the first leg against PSG.

Alex Howell of BBC Sport describes this as a ‘big blow’ considering how ‘important’ he has been this season, with James Olley of ESPN adding that, arguably, the Ghanaian has enjoyed his best campaign for the club, managing to stay injury-free.

The table below underlines how important Partey has been since arriving from Atlético Madrid for £45m on deadline day in the summer of 2020.

Meantime, Toby Rathborne of Breaking the Lines believes Partey is amongst the best in the world when it comes to ‘technical skill and physical dominance’ as well as his ability to operate in tight spaces.

Thus, he will be a major miss as Arsenal seek to combat les Rouge-et-Bleu’s midfield trio of João Neves, Vitinha and Fabián Ruiz, which Graham Ruthven of Total Soccer Show believes to be the ‘best in the world’.

So, how will Arteta fill the Partey void against PSG? He faces quite the conundrum.

Arsenal's alternative midfield options

The most obvious Partey deputy would be the vastly-experienced Jorginho however, he suffered a suspected broken rib against Brentford last weekend, therefore the Italian did not travel to Madrid in mid-week, with his participation against PSG currently in serious doubt.

Thus, alternatively, Arteta could move Mikel Merino back into midfield, with Leandro Trossard therefore coming into the side as the false nine but, speaking on the Arsecast, Andrew Mangan and Ryan Hunn both agreed they would not want to tinker with the Spaniard’s position, given his excellent form as the makeshift centre-forward.

So, if Jorginho is injured and moving Merino is off the table, what options is Arteta left with?

This may feel like a rogue suggestion, although it really shouldn’t be, but should Arteta consider using Oleksandr Zinchenko in midfield something, as noted by Andrew Mangan and Phil Costa on the Arsecast, we have ‘almost never seen’?

The Ukrainian international’s importance at Arsenal has significantly diminished this season, starting only six matches across all competitions, although he did get the nod to deputise for Martin Ødegaard as an attacking midfielder during recent home draws with PSV Eindhoven and Brentford.

Teammate Saka has previously praised Zinchenko’s “quality”, adding that “he’s an outstanding player” who “controls the game”. He was also previously described as “absolutely unbelievable” by Armand Traore upon his arrival at the Emirates.

Furthermore, Sam Dean of the Telegraph exclaims that he is a “playmaking warrior”, while James Lloyd of Breaking the Lines believes there are few better in world football when it comes to ‘ball circulation and line-breaking passes’.

Thus, despite his lack of match action, Zinchenko has to be under serious consideration to start against PSG so, given this, Arteta should certainly trial him in midfield.

He's like Isak & Mbappe: Arsenal chasing Europe's "most inform player"

The incredible international would make Arsenal far more dangerous.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Apr 18, 2025

Being a football manager is brutal, and at the top level, the level of scrutiny and pressure to perform is even greater.

Southampton’s record-breaking relegation from the Premier League recently highlighted this, with the Saints hierarchy overseeing two of the worst top-flight managerial tenures in history this season.

Ivan Juric’s departure brings an ill-fated stint at St Mary’s to an abrupt end, but how do his shortcomings stack up against the worst the Premier League has ever seen?

The 10 longest-serving Premier League managers

The Premier League has seen some dynasties, and these are the longest.

By
Ben Browning

Nov 21, 2024

Here are the worst Premier League managers based on points earned per game. Some of these managers proved or even redeemed themselves at other top-flight clubs, but there’s no escaping these horror appointments.

For this list, only permanent managers who were in charge for at least four games are included.

13

Daniel Farke (Norwich City)

0.53 points per game

Daniel Farke has yet to excel in the Premier League, despite getting Norwich City promoted twice from the Championship.

Across his 49 top-flight games in charge – spanning three seasons as a result of relegation in 2019/20 – the German only oversaw six victories, which include a shock result against then-champions Manchester City in September 2019.

He left the club in November 2021, bizarrely not long after securing a first win of the campaign.

12

Roy Hodgson (Watford)

0.50 points per game

Roy Hodgson has had a glittering managerial career, but after making an unexpected comeback to football with Watford, his bid to save them from relegation couldn’t have gone much worse.

He only managed two wins in 18 games at Vicarage Road, and the Hornets were ironically relegated following a defeat to Hodgson’s former – and future – club, Crystal Palace.

It won’t diminish his stature as one of the managerial greats, but not many have done worse than the ex-England boss during this unforgiving spell.

11

Alan Pardew (West Brom)

0.44 points per game

Alan Pardew was a highly experienced Premier League manager, so coming into West Brom, he must have backed himself to turn the club’s ailing fortunes around.

In the end, one win and eight consecutive defeats in the Premier League was his undoing, with just eight points taken from a possible 54.

West Brom were eventually relegated without Pardew in the dugout, and the manager’s career has been low-key ever since.

10

Billy Davies (Derby)

0.43 points per game

Taking Derby County into the Premier League for the first time in five years via the play-offs will have made Billy Davies a hero at Pride Park, but the beginning to their fateful 2007/08 campaign was a disaster.

The Rams’ sole win on matchday 6 was the only highlight post-promotion, and failure to repeat the trick in the eight games that followed saw Derby and Davies part ways.

The Scot’s only solace is perhaps that even his successor – who features below – couldn’t get a tune out of the team, either.

9

Nathan Jones (Southampton)

0.38 points per game

After impressing at Luton Town, Nathan Jones got his big break when Southampton came calling following the sacking of Ralph Hasenhuttl in November 2022.

But Jones and his unpredictable methods saw his tenure last just eight Premier League games, with the Saints only managing one win over Everton in that time.

With 0.38 points per game, he comfortably has one of the worst records in Premier League history.

8

Jan Siewert (Huddersfield)

0.33 points per game

When Jan Siewert was drafted in to save Huddersfield Town’s Premier League status, even he must have been daunted at the size of the mountain he will have had to climb.

Arriving with the Terriers 10 points adrift at the bottom of the table, it would have taken a miracle to salvage anything positive from the campaign.

Siewert earned one win and lost eight on the spin before being relegated, lasting just three (winless) Championship games before he was dismissed.

7

Terry Connor (Wolves)

0.31 points per game

Terry Connor was handed a somewhat poisoned chalice after Mick McCarthy’s spell at Molineux turned sour, and he was unable to get a tune out of Wolves as they battled relegation in 2011/12.

Promoted from assistant to head coach with the Old Gold staring down the barrel of demotion, Connor oversaw a hapless, winless run that consigned his side to Championship football.

Connor didn’t take another full-time managerial role until joining the Grenadian national team in 2023, and is now assistant manager at National League side Dagenham & Redbridge.

6

Russell Martin (Southampton)

0.31 points per game

Russell Martin set out his stall following Southampton’s promotion last season, vowing to play his way towards Premier League survival.

That turned out to be a horrendous call, with the Saints losing game after game, earning just five points before his eventual sacking in December 2024.

But if Southampton thought Martin’s average of 0.31 points per match was bad, they were in for a nasty surprise with his successor.

5

Ivan Juric (Southampton)

0.29 points per game

Ivan Juric had left Roma before joining Southampton to save their Premier League skin.

But after starting his tenure with six straight defeats, it was clear that Southampton were never going to turn the corner under the Croatian.

Losing by four goals or more on three occasions in his 14-match spell, the Southampton hierarchy have to take some of the blame, with their run of appointments in the top flight being almost completely useless.

4

Mick McCarthy (Sunderland)

0.27 points per game

Throughout his Sunderland tenure, Mick McCarthy recorded one relegation and two disastrous Premier League campaigns.

In 2002/03, McCarthy replaced Howard Wilkinson in the Sunderland hot seat, but endured nine straight defeats as the Wearsiders recorded what was a record low Premier League points total.

He did get the Black Cats up at the second time of asking, but McCarthy’s second attempt at top-flight success in the north-east ended having lost all but six of his games in charge.