All posts by z3u9t.icu

When it comes to legendary players, Arsenal aren’t short of names.

Now, most fans will understandably go back to the era of Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp, Patrick Vieira and Robert Pirès. After all, they were the stars of the Gunners’ iconic Invincibles.

However, if you were to go back just a little further, you’d end up talking about one of the most beloved players to ever pull on the famous red and white shirt: Ian Wright.

The sensational striker became the club’s all-time leading goalscorer when he netted his 179th goal in September 1997.

While it was a record later broken by Henry, it cemented the Englishman’s legacy, and if recent reports are to be believed, Andrea Berta and Mikel Arteta may soon sign someone who could be Arsenal’s new Wright.

Arsenal transfer news

So, before we get to the striker who could be the club’s new Wright, it’s worth looking at some of the other centre-forwards they are reportedly looking at, such as Benjamin Sesko.

The Slovenian has been on the Gunners’ radar since last summer, but could finally be available for around £58m this year, which might sound like a lot, but as he’s amassed 26 goal involvements in 41 games this season and is still just 21, it could be a fee that looks like a steal a few years from now.

However, it also appears as if the Gunners are after someone even more prolific than the RB Leipzig star, as they continue to be linked with the £60m Sporting CP monster, Viktor Gyokeres.

Transfer Focus

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

The Swedish international has been in utterly sublime form this season and has racked up an absurd tally of 47 goals and 11 assists in 46 appearances, although aside from his eye for goal, there isn’t much he shares with Wright, which isn’t the case for Ollie Watkins.

Yes, according to a recent report from Football Transfers, Arsenal have maintained their interest in the Aston Villa star ahead of the summer window.

In fact, the report has revealed that new Sporting Director Berta pushed for the club to chase the Englishman in January, and he is again the leading force for his inclusion on their shortlist now, as he wants an ‘oven-ready’ striker to join the team.

It’s not entirely clear how much the former Exeter City gem would cost, as the Villans demanded £60m in the winter window but may well ask for less in the summer; either way, his goal record speaks for itself and Arsenal should do what they can to bring him in, especially as he could be their new Wright.

How Watkins compares to Wright

So, some of you out there may be scratching your head trying to work out why Watkins could be Arsenal’s new Wright, but rest assured, should this transfer happen, then there would be some unmistakable similarities between the two strikers.

The first is that, like the former professional, who joined the North Londoners from Crystal Palace in 1991, the Torquay-born monster would be moving to N5 from a fellow Premier League side in Villa, already having amassed plenty of experience in English football, which cannot be said of the club’s other targets.

On top of that, he’d be securing his move to the team at the older age – for a footballer – of 29, which is both unusual and similar to the former Gunners star, who turned 28 just two months after moving to Highbury.

Finally, on top of both having played for England and putting in their best performances when playing on the shoulder, the “world-class” Villa ace, as dubbed by journalist Jack Grimse, has proven that he has what it takes to score bags and bags of goals.

For example, since joining the Claret and Blue in 2020, he’s amassed a brilliant haul of 86 goals and 41 assists in 217 appearances, totalling 17259 minutes, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.7 games, or every 135.89 minutes. On that evidence, it’s hardly a surprise to see him described as “one of the best centre-forwards in Europe” by Arsenal podcaster Rohan Jivan.

Appearances

217

Starts

196

Minutes

17259′

Goals

86

Assists

41

Goal Involvements per Match

0.58

Minutes per Goal Involvement

135.89′

Ultimately, while it might cost the club a pretty penny, and he may be on the older side of players normally targeted by Arteta and Co, Watkins has proven he can perform at the highest level consistently, so Arsenal should do all they can to sign him this summer, especially as he could become their new Wright.

Worth more than Trossard & Merino: Arsenal struck gold on the new Fabregas

The incredible talent looks destined for greatness with Arsenal.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Apr 21, 2025

With Mohamed Salah’s new deal confirmed last week and Virgil van Dijk’s now announced as well, Liverpool have also agreed a fresh contract with another player on improved terms.

Liverpool confirm Van Dijk deal ahead of Premier League title triumph

No matter how much Arne Slot’s side pushed on towards the Premier League title this season, a contract cloud threatened to rain down on an otherwise excellent season. That cloud, with just two wins standing between the Reds and their English crown, is set to clear at long last, however – Salah’s new two-year deal has already been announced.

The Egyptian King was pictured atop his Anfield throne where he is set to stay. Now, Van Dijk is set to follow and signal a major sigh of relief around the red half of Merseyside.

After putting pen to paper on a new deal, Salah expressed his delight – telling reporters: “Of course I’m very excited – we have a great team now. Before we also had a great team.

“But I signed because I think we have a chance to win other trophies and enjoy my football. I have played eight years here, hopefully it’s going to be 10. I’m enjoying my life here, enjoying my football. I have had the best years of my career here.”

Liverpool strongly positioning themselves for £68m goalscoring midfielder

He would offer a goalscoring boost from midfield.

ByTom Cunningham Apr 16, 2025

Van Dijk only reciprocated that delight, saying on Thursday: “It was always Liverpool. That was the case. It was always in my head, it was always the plan and it was always Liverpool.”

That said, even after Van Dijk and Salah, the Liverpool contract news is seemingly not done there amid reports that another player has put pen to paper on new and improved Anfield terms.

Vitezslav Jaros agrees new Liverpool contract

According to InFotbal.cz, as relayed by Sports Witness, Vitezslav Jaros has now agreed a new Liverpool contract on improved terms, committing his future to the club alongside Van Dijk and Salah.

Whilst the goalkeeper remains behind Alisson Becker and Caoimhin Kelleher in the pecking order in what will likely remain the case when Giorgi Mamardashvili arrives, Jaros is set to stay put at Anfield before potentially heading out on loan this summer.

Still just 23 years old, the Czech Republic shot-stopper has enjoyed spells at Stockport and Sturm Graz in recent years and even made a shock Premier League debut earlier this season when he replaced the injured Alisson 11 minutes from time in Liverpool’s 1-0 victory against Crystal Palace in October. In the same week, Jaros then went on to start in a 3-2 victory against Brighton & Hove Albion in the Carabao Cup.

So, whilst his role may not be a prominent one, Jaros has still had his moments for Liverpool this season and he will be hoping to see similar opportunities fall his way in years to come.

Back in 2018, then-Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho singled out midfield star, Nemanja Matic, for praise following the FA Cup quarter-final victory over Brighton and Hove Albion, with the Serbian giant described as an “island of personality and desire and control”, while “surrounded by a lack of personality, class and desire”.

It would not be wrong for new boss Ruben Amorim to repeat such a statement with regard to his talismanic skipper, Bruno Fernandes, with the 30-year-old having no doubt been United’s ‘island’ in the drab Manchester derby on Sunday afternoon.

With Amad Diallo having been absent since early February, the onus has largely fallen on Fernandes to make things happen for his side, with the weekend stalemate again no different.

Lauded by MUTV pundit Phil Bardsley as the “best player on the pitch by a country mile”, the Portuguese playmaker is intent on trying to steer this sinking ship to a brighter destination.

Bruno Fernandes

75

Cole Palmer

73

Mo Salah

71

Enzo Fernandez

64

Dejan Kulusevski

63

Mikkel Damsgaard

55

Bryan Mbeumo

55

Leif Davis

53

Youri Tielemans

53

Eberechi Eze

51

Once there was the “Harry Kane team” – as Tottenham Hotspur were mockingly described by Pep Guardiola in 2017 – with United now in danger of becoming the ‘Bruno Fernandes team’, unless signings of a similar ilk can be found…

Latest on Man Utd's search for a forward

Having now failed to score in 12 Premier League games this season, the priority for Amorim and co this summer will surely be to bolster the misfiring forward line, with the 40-year-old perhaps keen to raid his former side, Sporting CP, to help revive his current ranks.

The Portuguese coach has already missed out on Chelsea-bound teenager, Geovany Quenda, however, while there have been reports that it is ‘unlikely’ that a reunion with Sporting goal machine, Viktor Gyokeres, will take place this summer.

That is a view that has been echoed by a recent report from GIVEMESPORT, with the piece outling that the ‘most likely big-name’ to arrive from the Lisbon outfit is actually Francisco Trincao, rather than Gyokeres.

Transfer Focus

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

Indeed, the former Barcelona and Wolverhampton Wanderers winger is noted as a ‘leading’ alternative to current Molineux star, Matheus Cunha, amid Amorim’s search for a new forward, with the United boss having ‘pinpointed’ Trincao as a viable option.

The 25-year-old – who has a reported £67m release clause in his existing contract – is said to be ‘firmly in Amorim’s sights’ ahead of the start of the window, with the Portuguese ace having already proven himself to be a real weapon in his compatriot’s 3-4-3 set-up.

Why Man Utd could be targeting the next Bruno Fernandes

It almost doesn’t need repeating what Fernandes has achieved in a United shirt thus far, with the experienced midfielder chalking up 95 goals and 83 assists in 279 games in all competitions to date, while winning the Carabao Cup and FA Cup to boot.

Signed from Sporting for a fee of around £46m in January 2020, the playmaking genius had proven his quality during his stint with the Liga Portugal side, racking up 113 goals and assists in just 137 games across all fronts.

While operating in a more advanced role than his international colleague, Trincao – who has ten caps for his country – could well follow in Fernandes’ footsteps, having also dazzled in Lisbon in recent times.

The tricky left-footer boasts 61 goals and assists in 146 games for his current side, with that including a remarkable total of nine goals and 15 assists in 2024/25 thus far. Back at Old Trafford, only Fernandes has chalked up more goal involvements (33) this season.

It was actually Amorim who “launched Trincao’s professional career at Braga” in 2019, as per writer Zach Lowy, before reuniting with him at Sporting, with the in-demand forward having registered 56 goal involvements in 131 games under the current United boss in total.

While he did find life difficult in the Premier League previously at Wolves – after scoring and assisting just four times in 30 games for the Old Gold – he could well be deserving of another crack at it, not least under a familiar face like Amorim.

Once hailed as a “really exciting player” at Molineux by technical director Scott Sellars, Trincao evidently mirrors Fernandes in his creative prowess, having created 14 ‘big chances’ and averaged 2.2 key passes per game in the league this season. Fernandes, for reference, has created 12 ‘big chances’, albeit while averaging 2.5 key passes per game in England’s top flight.

With the Red Devils skipper having dropped into a deep-lying berth of late, his creative influence could then be replicated by the one-time Barca man in one of the two number ten roles, thus helping to try and spark some life into the club’s floundering forward line.

Having seen the magic that Fernandes can conjure up in English football, if Trincao could make a fraction of that impact, then United – and Amorim – will be on to a winner.

Man Utd have struck gold on "shining light" who's worth more than Gyokeres

Man Utd have their own superstar brewing, amid links with Sporting’s Viktor Gyokeres

2 ByRobbie Walls Apr 9, 2025

It was another miserable game for Tottenham Hotspur last night.

Ange Postecoglou’s side travelled to Stamford Bridge hoping to turn things around with what would have been an unlikely win, but instead of doing that, they practically handed Chelsea all three points.

It was an entirely lifeless performance from the North Londoners and one that could well seal the manager’s fate.

One of the worst displays came from James Maddison, who continues to frustrate in the middle of the park, which is something he might not be able to do for too much longer, as Hotspur Way is currently brewing the perfect replacement.

Maddison's frustrating Spurs career

When Tottenham completed the £40m signing of Maddison in the summer of 2023, there was plenty of understandable excitement from fans as he had just produced 19 goal involvements for a relegated Leicester City.

His initial form for the North Londoners justified this excitement as well as he produced eight goal involvements in his first ten league games for the club, but then he picked up an ankle injury against Chelsea, and when he returned in late January, the problems began.

Instead of being a game-changing midfielder, capable of controlling matches and tearing opposition defences to shreds, he became far more passive, lacklustre and simply ineffective, picking up just five goal involvements across his final 17 league appearances.

In The Pipeline

Football FanCast’s In the Pipeline series aims to uncover the very best youth players in world football.

This season has been just as frustrating, as while he has managed to score 11 goals and provide seven assists in just 39 games, he continues to put in incredibly inconsistent performances.

One week, he’s like the player we saw at the start of last season, and then in the next, he’s a total passenger.

We saw the latter in the game last night, as even though it was a derby between two teams and fanbases who do not like one another, he was practically anonymous in the middle of the park, coming off in the 81st minute with no goals or assists, having lost five out of five duels and with a combined expected goal and assists figure of just 0.11, which is nowhere good enough for the team’s creative hub.

It’s hard to see where Maddison goes from here, as nobody doubts his talent, but he is seemingly unable to produce consistently enough for a top side, and if he’s not careful, he could see himself replaced by one of the most exciting players currently in the academy.

The Spurs academy star who could replace Maddison

While Mikey Moore, Lucas Bergvall and Archie Gray have all made a mark on the first team this season, we could see an even more exciting youngster do the same next year: Lucá Williams-Barnett.

The 17-year-old phenom is undoubtedly the most promising prospect in the academy at the moment and could be battling Maddison for a place as the midfield’s chief creator sooner rather than later.

Now, that might sound like hyperbole, but we really don’t think it is, as in just 17 appearances this season, totalling 1375 minutes, the young maestro has already amassed a frankly absurd haul of 18 goals and nine assists.

Appearances

17

Starts

16

Minutes

1375′

Goals

18

Assists

9

Goal Involvements per Match

1.58

Minutes per Goal Involvement

50.92′

That means he is currently averaging 1.58 goal involvements every game, or one every 50.92 minutes, which is the sort of incredible output that could and really should see him introduced into the first team next season.

Moreover, the Luton-born gem is also incredibly versatile and has made appearances in left midfield, on both wings and even up top, leading to academy expert and pundit John Wenham to describe him as a “cheat-code.”

Ultimately, Maddison might still have one more season of being the team’s recognised ten purely down to the age of Williams-Barnett, but if he doesn’t massively improve soon, then the teenage sensation could take his spot in the coming years, and, based on his output in the academy, we wouldn’t be surprised to see that happen.

Walker repeat: Spurs in real danger of losing incredible £67m "monster"

The brilliant defender would be a massive loss for Spurs.

1 ByJack Salveson Holmes Apr 2, 2025

It might not have been vintage Bruno Fernandes this season, yet, even so, the Manchester United skipper is still the heartbeat of Ruben Amorim’s side, as was evident again on Monday night.

Up against an undoubtedly poor Wolverhampton Wanderers side, the 31-year-old was arguably the deciding factor, netting twice himself, while providing a delicious assist for Mason Mount to convert for United’s third.

Two missed penalties earlier in the campaign may have highlighted a drop in standards, although Fernandes still ranks third in the Premier League for goals and assists in 2025/26, while leading the way again for chances created (45).

The hope will be that the Portugal star can replicate last season’s heroics, which saw him overcome a slow start – having failed to score until Ruud van Nistelrooy’s interim appointment – before going on to rack up 38 goals and assists in all competitions.

Suitable for a midfield two or not, the ex-Sporting CP playmaker remains so influential to United’s fortunes – but what will happen if the club are left to make do without him?

Latest on Man Utd's search for a midfielder

It’s worth noting that Fernandes, speaking ahead of his 300th United appearance earlier this season, gave no suggestion that he was angling for a move away from Old Trafford, having openly discussed the decision to turn down a move to Saudi side Al Hilal over the summer.

Nor, however, did the £300k-per-week sensation completely shut down the topic of his long-term future, having relayed that he won’t discuss any potential plans until after the World Cup, with just 18 months left to run on his existing deal.

There have been suggestions that INEOS could even look to cash in on their talisman in order to help fund a midfield overhaul in 2026, with potential replacements seemingly being eyed up.

With that in mind, reports in Spain have claimed that the Red Devils are among the clubs pursuing a move for Real Madrid sensation, Arda Guler, with both Arsenal and Liverpool also in the frame.

The report suggests that United have already ‘accelerated initial contacts’ regarding a possible swoop, with the 20-year-old’s ‘versatility’ noted as a selling point for Amorim and co.

Transfer Focus

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

Whether the LaLiga giants would be willing to sell the Turkish starlet remains to be seen, although prior reports indicate he could command a fee of around £88m.

Why Guler could be the perfect successor to Fernandes

It was a moment that epitomised the genius of Bruno Fernandes.

Picking the ball up just outside the Wolves box, the midfielder – who had been sent off at Molineux just over a year ago – had the vision and the quality to pick out Mount with a stunning dinked pass, building on the two inventive assists he produced at Selhurst Park late last month.

Even when not at his free-flowing best, the majestic talent can still unlock a defence in an instant, possessing the type of creative quality that few can match across the global game.

Finding a successor to such a figure thus appears almost impossible, if not improbable, yet Guler would be a more than worthy option, having been hailed as the “best CM/AM prospect in world football right now” by writer Neal Gardner.

That praise is not without merit, with Como’s Nico Paz the only attacking midfielder under the age of 21 to have registered more goals and assists (ten) than Guler in Europe’s top five leagues this season, as per Transfermarkt.

A key beneficiary of Xabi Alonso’s arrival at the Bernabeu, the rising star has already chalked up ten goals and assists in 22 games in all competitions this term, the same number of goal involvements that Fernandes has achieved back in Manchester.

Like Fernandes, the former Fenerbahce man has the flexibility to flourish in a more advanced role, or on the flanks, although he has blossomed in a slightly deeper role of late, averaging 2.3 key passes per game and creating eight ‘big chances’ in LaLiga this season, as per Sofascore.

For context, back at United, Fernandes has created seven ‘big chances’, albeit while averaging three key passes per game, with the pair both representing the creative hubs for their respective sides.

Interestingly, too, the Red Devils skipper is noted as the fifth most similar midfielder to Guler across Europe’s top five leagues, with regard to their stylistic and statistical likeness, as per FBref, further reinforcing why the Madrid man could fill that possible void in Amorim’s future side.

Non-penalty goals

0.18

0.20

Assists

0.31

0.41

Shot-creating actions

6.40

6.08

Pass completion

76.3%

85.4%

Progressive passes

9.67

7.91

Progressive carries

2.18

2.00

Successful take-ons

0.71

1.06

Touches in opposition box

2.65

2.94

Prog passes received

3.45

5.43

As indicated above, the pair – across the last 365 days – have enjoyed a particularly similar record with regard to assists, shot-creating actions, progressive passes and progressive carries per 90, all key attributes for a playmaking midfielder in their pomp.

In truth, United have rarely seen a side without Fernandes in it, such is his remarkable reliability and availability, although if the day comes where he opts to move on to pastures new, Guler must surely be at the top of the list with regard to replacements.

Prising him from the Spanish capital might not be easy, although with Alonso’s place at Los Blancos seemingly under threat, now could be the time to pounce.

He's like Caicedo: Man Utd ready bid to sign England's "best CM since Scholes"

Manchester United look set to make a huge January move for one English sensation.

ByEthan Lamb 1 day ago

Cristiano Ronaldo’s three-match ban for sustaining a red card in Portugal’s World Cup qualifier against Ireland has been suspended for a year, and the reason why has now been revealed.

Why Ronaldo will be allowed to play at 2026 World Cup

Ronaldo was shown a straight red card for violent conduct in his side’s 2-0 defeat against Ireland this month, having elbowed Dara O’Shea, but he is set to be involved from the start of the World Cup next summer.

FIFA have taken the decision to suspend the final two games of the ban, and with the forward sitting out of his side’s 9-1 drubbing of Armenia, he will be able to take part in all of Portugal’s group games.

The decision has caused plenty of controversy, with talkSPORT’s Andy Goldstein calling it “disgusting”, given that the same rules haven’t been applied to Nicolas Otamendi and Moises Caicedo, who both have one-match bans, meaning they are set to miss the first World Cup game.

Darren Bent also weighed in, saying the only reason FIFA have decided to make an exception is because the Portugal star sells tickets, but the BBC have now revealed that another factor is at play.

According to their sources, FIFA have taken into account that it was the 40-year-old’s first red card in 226 international appearances when making their decision.

The statement put out by the governing body is also relayed, which states: “If Cristiano Ronaldo commits another infringement of a similar nature and gravity during the probationary period, the suspension set out in the disciplinary decision shall be deemed automatically revoked and the remaining two matches must be served immediately.”

How far ahead Ronaldo is of Messi in race to 1,000 goals

The Al-Nassr star has made it clear he wants to reach 1,000 goals before he hangs up his boots.

ByDominic Lund Nov 4, 2025 Ronaldo has one last chance at World Cup glory

In truth, the decision is definitely questionable, given that similar exceptions haven’t been made for Otamendi and Caicedo, and journalist Colin Millar has drawn comparisons to Inter Miami being allowed to play at the Club World Cup.

However, Ronaldo will undoubtedly be relieved, given that he has already confirmed the 2026 World Cup will be his last, saying: “Definitely, yes. I will be 41 years old and I think [this] will be the moment in the big competition.”

Should the Al-Nassr star win the competition with Portugal, there is a case to be made for him winning the ‘GOAT’ debate, but it will be a tall order, with the likes of Spain, England, France and Argentina all looking strong.

Arsenal have now reportedly joined Liverpool in the race to sign Jean-Philippe Mateta from Crystal Palace, as contract talks continue to drag on between the striker and the South London club.

The Gunners return from the international break looking to get back to winning ways after entering it off the back of a dramatic 2-2 draw against Sunderland and it doesn’t get much bigger than the North London derby. Up against rivals Tottenham Hotspur, Mikel Arteta’s side will be aiming to prove their title credentials once again and at least maintain their four-point lead at the top.

Speaking to reporters ahead of the derby, Arteta reiterated just how big a rivalry it is, saying: “It’s just different. it’s a big city, but it’s a big rivalry; it’s a part of London that we want to conquer, and they want to do the same.

“There’s been a lot of shifts as well over the years, we’ve been more dominant and it’s just beautiful, especially when we play at home in front of our people, we know what it means to them.

“The energy that they’re going to bring, the energy that the team is going to bring in every single action, it’s just a privilege to play those kind of games. We cannot wait to get to Sunday.”

Arteta must axe Eze & unleash Arsenal star who's "very similar" to Bergkamp

With Eberechi Eze failing to catch fire at Arsenal, Mikel Arteta could seek a replacement against Spurs.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Nov 22, 2025

It marks the beginning of a crucial week for Arsenal, who have the small task of playing host to Bayern Munich just days after the Tottenham clash before then travelling to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea. Three points from three in such a run would highlight just how serious the Gunners are about winning major honours.

In their current run, it would also be difficult for many players to turn Arsenal down and that may even be the case for Palace star Mateta.

Arsenal join race to sign Mateta

According to Caught Offside, Arsenal have now joined the race to sign Mateta from Crystal Palace in what could be their second major signing from the Eagles following their recent move for Eberechi Eze.

The Frenchman is set to become a free agent in 2027 and with contract talks yet to reach a resolution, the South London club may be forced to cash in sooner or later – allowing the Gunners to make their move.

A player who’s already been on the scoresheet at the Emirates in the past, Mateta could yet get the chance to wheel away in celebration every week in North London. Such a move would certainly be well-earned, too. From initial struggles, the 28-year-old has become one of the best strikers in the Premier League.

Minutes

959

800

Goals

6

4

Assists

0

0

Expected Goals

8.1

4.6

There’s a reason why Palace boss Oliver Glasner has dubbed his star striker “excellent” in the past and the comparison with Gyokeres shows the level that he’s operating at. If Arsenal want to ensure that their goalscoring problems are ended for good, then they should sign the Palace star.

Arsenal hold talks with £71m ex-Man Utd star after post-Old Trafford transformation

Closing in on his arrival, Kim Hellberg has already reportedly made the decision to overhaul Middlesbrough’s backroom staff and hand interim manager Adi Viveash a new role at the club.

The Swedish manager has already caused plenty of controversy around the Championship after he rejected Swansea City in favour of Boro in a late twist, and is now set to arrive in Teesside with the task of picking up where Rob Edwards left off.

Having reportedly paid £250k to secure his services, Boro will be hoping to see Hellberg get off to the perfect start, but to say he doesn’t have an easy start would be an understatement.

With Viveash set to remain in charge against Oxford United this Saturday, Hellberg’s first game in charge is likely to come against Championship leaders Coventry City. If nothing changes between now and that game, then Middlesbrough will be able to go within a point of the league leaders with victory on their manager’s debut.

It will be interesting to see how the 37-year-old sets his side up for that game. His preferred formation is a 4-2-3-1, which Boro played so often under Edwards and will now look to use to their advantage under a new manager. This should at least help ease any period of adjustment for all involved.

The Swede isn’t wasting any time before implementing other changes, however. Reports are now claiming that he’s already made an immediate staff overhaul involving interim boss Viveash.

Hellberg makes instant Viveash decision at Middlesbrough

According to Sky Sports’ Keith Downie, Hellberg has already appointed David Selini as his assistant manager and made the decision to keep Viveash on as a technical coach as part of a staff overhaul. The young coach has instantly got to work to make changes in an attempt to hit the ground running in Riverside.

It’s a new role that Viveash has more than earned. The Boro coach stepped up for the club when Edwards departed, leading them to a 2-1 victory over Birmingham City and there’s no doubt his presence will help to welcome Hellberg to the job.

Meanwhile, Selini is also an interesting appointment. The Hammarby assistant has only worked with Hellberg for over a year, but is now set to join him in the Championship at just 31 years old.

In Hellberg and his assistant, Selini, Boro have placed their trust in a young management team and must now hope that their gamble ends in the pay out of promotion.

Tottenham Hotspur are now willing to pay £70m to sign AFC Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo, as they believe he would be perfect for Thomas Frank.

It is little wonder Tottenham are looking to bring in a new forward, given that some of their current attacking options have been far from impressive so far this season, with Jamie O’Hara left fuming by Xavi Simons and Randal Kolo Muani after the Chelsea defeat.

Mathys Tel has also found it difficult to adapt to life in the Premier League, with the 20-year-old being dropped to the bench in recent weeks, having now scored just one goal in his opening 10 matches in all competitions.

Spurs’ attacking woes were particularly apparent in the 1-0 defeat against their London rivals on Saturday, failing to craft a single big chance, while also having just three shots in the entire match.

Tottenham willing to make offer for Antoine Semenyo

Having struggled in front of goal, Tottenham are now willing to make their club-record signing in one of the stars of the Premier League this season, with a report from Spain revealing they are prepared to make a bid of around €80m (£70m) for Semenyo.

There is a belief the Bournemouth forward would be ideal for Frank, given that he is fast, powerful and clinical, but there could be competition for the Ghanaian’s signature, as several unnamed European clubs are also keen.

The Cherries value the 25-year-old highly, but they may be willing to cash-in for the right price this winter, with a £80m fee being touted.

The Bournemouth star has shown signs of year-on-year development since first emerging as a regular starter in the Premier League during the 2023/24 season, and he is already over half-way to matching his goal and assist tally from the previous campaign.

Season

Premier League appearances

Goal contributions

2023-24

33

11

2024-25

37

17

2025-26

10

9

Scout Ben Mattinson has also been left impressed by the Ghana international in the past, urging Arsenal to sign him back in February.

Semenyo has earned a move to a top club, with his performances this season indicating he is ready to make the step-up, and it would be a real statement of intent from ENIC if they were able to get a deal done.

Tottenham now leading race for Samu Aghehowa Tottenham leading race for Samu Aghehowa with FC Porto now willing to sell

Spurs have set out to sign a new striker.

ByDominic Lund Nov 2, 2025