All posts by z3u9t.icu

Derby County are reportedly in an eight-club battle to complete the signing of a player who has enjoyed a productive start to the season.

Eustace "delighted" with Derby draw

The Rams picked up a 1-1 draw at home to Bristol City on Friday evening, earning their first Championship point of the season and now sitting outside the relegation zone.

Speaking over the weekend, Derby manager John Eustace had good things to say about the result, no doubt being buoyed by what he saw.

“It’s about the squad, it’s about 46 games, not three games, and we’re delighted to get a point. We would have liked all three. I don’t think Bristol caused us any problems at all, apart from the free-kick at the end and their goal, which could have been stopped.

“So the first half an hour is really positive. When you’ve lost two games in a row and you go a goal down, it’s always difficult from a confidence point of view, but this group we never give up, they’ll keep going, and it’s a really good thing to have.

“I thought first half an hour, I thought we were excellent. I think we have to remember that we’re off the back of two defeats, which isn’t easy, and then we you go a goal down, you know it’s always going to be very difficult.”

Derby could do with further signings before the end of the summer transfer window next Monday, however, and a new update has emerged in that respect.

Derby battling seven clubs to sign "special" ace

According to a fresh claim from Football Insider, Chesterfield Town attacker Armando Dobra is a transfer “target” for Derby this summer. The Rams are far from alone in showing an interest, however, with Portsmouth, Oxford United, Barnsley, Luton Town, Bolton Wanderers, Blackpool, and Reading also in the mix to snap him up.

Dobra could be a great addition for Derby, even though some may have doubts about his ability to make the step up from a lower league.

The 24-year-old has already scored three goals in all competitions this season, highlighting his attacking prowess, and Francis Jeffers lauded him as a youngster back in 2021.

“I thought he was special tonight. He’s got loads of ability. He has to get his numbers better with assists and goals, which I’ve spoken to him about and everyone gets on at him about, but if we can get him on the ball in those danger areas then he’s going to be some player.”

Derby County make 8-figure bid to sign international at the top of his game

This is their third bid for the player.

4 ByCallum Kemp Aug 21, 2025

Derby clearly need more attacking quality, even though five goals in three league games this season is a respectable return, and if they can beat the other seven clubs to Dobra’s signature, it could prove to be a coup over time.

Last season might not have ended in the glory many Arsenal fans hoped it would, but it wasn’t all doom and gloom.

After all, Mikel Arteta’s side made it to the semi-finals of the Champions League for the first time in 16 years and secured second in the Premier League despite the absurd number of injuries they had to contend with.

Moreover, when he was fit, Bukayo Saka reached an entirely new level, ending the season with an outrageously impressive haul of 12 goals and 14 assists in 37 appearances.

Appearances

37

Starts

30

Minutes

2619′

Goals

12

Assists

14

Goal Involvements per Match

0.70

Minutes per Goal Involvement

100.73

So, fans should be delighted about reports now linking Arsenal to a Premier League star who’d be a dream teammate for the Hale End icon.

Arsenal target Premier League stars

As Arsenal really need to make good on their resurgence over the last few years and finally get over the line next season, it makes sense that they have been linked with so many Premier League players this summer, such as Noni Madueke and Anothy Gordon.

Transfer Focus

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

The former looks likely to cost in the region of £50m, and while he might not be the most popular target among the North Londoners’ fans, he’s young, dynamic, and was able to amass a tally of seven goals and four assists in 32 league games last season.

Gordon, on the other hand, could cost as much as £80m, but again, he’s shown signs he could be something special, amassing 39 goal involvements in 85 league games since joining Newcastle United.

However, there is another, even more exciting Premier League star who now appears to be a serious and attainable target for the Gunners, someone who Saka would no doubt love playing with: Eberechi Eze.

At least that is according to insider Team news and ticks, who, on the latest episode of The Inside Foreward podcast, reaffirmed that Arsenal’s interest in the £100k-per-week Crystal Palace star is real and significant.

Furthermore, he revealed that the deal for the player could be “wrapped up in the next hour if they wanted to” and that the Eagles ace is supposedly “desperate” to join the North Londoners.

However, to get their man, the Premier League runners-up will likely have to pay his release clause, which stands at around £68m.

It would be a costly transfer to get over the line, but Eze has more than proven he’d be worth the outlay in recent campaigns, and we have no doubt that he’d be an incredible teammate for Saka.

Why Saka will love Eze

The first and undoubtedly most important reason Saka will love playing alongside Eze is an incredibly straightforward one: his output.

Despite playing in a midtable side, the Greenwich-born game-changer was able to amass a brilliant tally of 14 goals and 11 assists in 43 appearances, totalling just 3303 minutes.

That means the 27-year-old dynamo maintained an average of a goal involvement every 1.72 games, or every 132.12 minutes.

Appearances

43

Minutes

3303′

Goals

14

Assists

11

Goal Involvements per Match

0.58

Minutes per Goal Involvement

132.12′

Just imagine how many goals and assists the Gunners’ mercurial number seven would have to his name after a season of playing with someone as productive as the former QPR gem.

Moreover, last season also showed that he is the archetypal ‘big game player’ as not only did he open the scoring in Palace’s FA Cup semi-final against Aston Villa, but he then went and scored the only goal in the final and led the club to their first major trophy in their entire existence.

So, when the North Londoners find themselves in a high-stakes must-win game next season, which will probably be a common occurrence, the Hale Ender can rely on his new teammate to be just as impactful as he is.

Finally, should the goalscoring “superstar,” as dubbed by respected analyst Ben Mattinson, move to the Emirates in the coming weeks, then not only will he be able to form a partnership with Saka at club level, but also on the international stage, as he’s becoming more and more involved with the England team now.

Ultimately, while it won’t be cheap, Arsenal should be doing all they can to sign Eze this summer, as not only would he help improve the entire team, but he could also form a game-changing partnership with Hale End’s favourite son.

Arsenal talks with "unique" target "advanced" after further moves this week

The Gunners closer to another deal.

ByEmilio Galantini Jul 3, 2025

Manchester United could now hijack Leeds United’s transfer and sign a “sensational” £21 million ace to replace Andre Onana in goal, according to a recent report.

Man Utd set to let Onana leave as they identify replacements

The Red Devils have plenty of decisions to make this summer as the transfer window begins to get into full swing, and it now appears as though a decision on the future of goalkeeper Onana has been made.

The Cameroon international really had an up-and-down campaign last season, costing important points and results with unforgivable errors while also producing some stunning moments. Ruben Amorim is of course assessing his squad and the areas he wants to strengthen, and now, according to The Sun, United are ready to loan Onana out for the 2025/26 season so they can bring in a new goalkeeper.

Man Utd table £30m bid to sign England "monster" who's better than Hojlund

Man Utd have now made an offer to sign a new striker for Ruben Amorim this summer.

1 ByBrett Worthington Jun 30, 2025

Onana has been linked with a move to the Saudi Arabia Pro League before now, but talk of any potential transfer involving a team from that league has gone quiet. AS Monaco are believed to be interested in a deal, but that talk has also gone stale.

Therefore, United may now have to settle for loaning him out, and the same report states they could move for Botafogo’s John Victor as his replacement. The shot-stopper would cost United as little as £6 million, but he is not their only option when it comes to replacing Onana.

Man Utd could hijack Leeds move for Bulka

According to Caught Offside, Man United are keeping a close eye on OGC Nice goalkeeper Macin Bulka ahead of a potential move.

The report states that the French side want between €20-25 million for their goalkeeper, which is roughly £17-21 million. But United are not the only team from the Premier League chasing Bulka, as Chelsea are also considering making a move.

Should United make a move for Bulka, who has been capped five times by Poland, they would also have to get past both Sunderland and rivals Leeds United, who have opened talks with Nice, in view of agreeing a deal to sign the 25-year-old. Bulka is also attracting interest from teams such as Monaco, AC Milan and Galatasaray, but United will hope their worldwide pull can give them an advantage.

Apps

34

Goals conceded

41

Goals conceded per game

1.2

Saves

121

Saves per game

3.6 (75%)

Penalties saved

1/3

Clean sheets

8

Errors leading to goal

3

Bulka, who has been described as “sensational” by Jacek Kulig in the past, joined Nice on a permanent basis back in 2022 after spending a few seasons at Paris Saint-Germain, and has since wowed current PSG boss Luis Enrique after stifling the Champions League winners back in April.

Arsenal find themselves in the midst of their most important transfer windows for years and could now beat Manchester United to a statement addition, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Arsenal pushing to sign an elite striker

Make no mistake, Mikel Arteta faces the biggest transfer window of his reign in charge of the Gunners as his side bid to become Premier League champions after pushing their rivals all the way in recent times.

Without doubt, bringing a striker in at the Emirates that is capable of producing defining moments is the Spaniard’s central priority. However, Jack Wilshere doesn’t believe signing a number nine alone will solve all the Gunners’ problems.

Arsenal approach £170k-per-week forward with Berta ready to pay £53m

The Gunners are making “real moves” for him.

3 ByEmilio Galantini Jun 14, 2025

Of course, injuries to Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus hampered Arsenal’s title charge last term. Nevertheless, Arteta is crying out for an old-school centre-forward to take his side to the next level.

Real Madrid forward Rodrygo has emerged as a central target for the Gunners. Arteta is personally keen to sign him, but finances may hinder the signing of the Brazil international, who could form a statement pursuit for the club alongside their efforts to land RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko.

Why Arsenal need a new striker this summer

Kai Havertz

Appearances – 36 Goals – 15

Gabriel Jesus

Appearances – 27 Goals – 7

Bolstering other areas will also be in the pipeline for Arsenal, though it can’t be emphasised enough how important a striker is to their tilt at claiming the Premier League title.

Now, reports have emerged suggesting they could have an advantage in the race for one of Europe’s most prolific marksmen.

Romano: Arsenal hold advantage in race to sign Viktor Gyokeres

Taking to social media platform X, Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Sporting Clube de Portugal star Viktor Gyokeres would favour a move to Arsenal over Manchester United this summer.

The Sweden international is still firmly on the radar despite the Gunners’ advances to sign Sesko, and the Red Devils now feel it is ‘unlikely’ they will bring the former Coventry City star to Old Trafford.

Commended for his “fantastic” development by Niko Kovac, the Stockholm-born man registered an incredible 54 goals and 13 assists in 52 appearances across all competitions in 2024/25.

Giving his ‘priority’ to the Gunners, Gyokeres, valued at £67 million, is now in clear sight for Arsenal as they desperately search for an elite striker to become the missing piece of the jigsaw under Arteta. Moving forward, it appears they have a good chance of pushing a deal over the line.

Sunderland are in the mix to complete the signing of one of Europe’s most sought-after young players, according to a fresh transfer claim.

Sunderland to use Bellingham money for new signings

The Black Cats have been dealt the rather predictable blow of losing Jobe Bellingham this summer, with the teenager off to Borussia Dortmund, copying the career path of his brother, Jude Bellingham.

While not having the midfielder in their ranks in the Premier League next season is a big blow, Sunderland will at least receive around £30m+ for him, which can be spent on new signings who can aid Regis Le Bris’ side’s battling to avoid a speedy return to the Championship.

Manchester City youngster Charlie Gray has been mentioned as a potential replacement for Bellingham ahead of the 2025/26 season, with the 19-year-old struggling with opportunities at the Etihad. He is predominantly a defensive midfielder, but he can take up more attacking roles, too.

Meanwhile, Bournemouth defender Chris Mepham has been linked with a return to the Stadium of Light this summer, with the 27-year-old now an experienced head who should still remain at his peak for the foreseeable future.

Sunderland battling Newcastle for young star

According to On The Minute, Sunderland have joined the race to sign Djurgarden defender Keita Kosugi in the summer window, with rivals Newcastle also among those in the mix to snap him up for around £8m.

The report says that the 19-year-old is considered “one of the most sought-after young talents in Europe”, highlighting his potential, and the Black Cats are trying to snap him up, along with Nottingham Forest, Celtic, Paris Saint-Germain and Atalanta.

Kosugi may not yet be known to British football fans, but his long-term potential makes him such an exciting option for Sunderland, who need to find the right blend of youth and experience when the new Premier League campaign gets underway in August.

The teenage left-back won 10 caps for Japan’s Under-17s during his younger days, and he has already made 45 appearances for Djurgarden, scoring five goals and registering two assists in that time. Meanwhile, video scout Elijah Michiels has described him as “excellent”.

Kosugi can come in and provide competition for Dennis Cirkin at left-back straight away, starting off as a squad player who hopefully matures into a key man as time passes.

He is already more experienced than his age arguably suggests, coming up against Chelsea in the semi-finals of UEFA Europa Conference League, and if he reaches his possible ceiling, Sunderland could have an absolute gem of a signing on their hands.

Sunderland plot swoop to sign Man City gem who may replace Bellingham

The Black Cats are planning for the worst.

ByTom Cunningham Jun 9, 2025

Le Bris has shown faith in youth already, from Bellingham to Chris Rigg, and if he believes Kosugi is good enough to feature regularly from the off, he should be trusted.

Arsenal are widely believed to have all but signed Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi, amid credible reports that they’ve scheduled a medical for the Spain international, but the move appears to be a bit more complex.

Arsenal reportedly set to sign Martin Zubimendi after months of talks

The Mail first shared news of Arsenal’s talks for Zubimendi all the way back in January, following efforts from ex-directors Edu Gaspar and Jason Ayto to strike a pre-summer deal.

"True" – Fabrizio Romano backs reports as Arsenal target £126m striker

The north Londoners are in fact interested.

ByEmilio Galantini May 29, 2025

Negotiations have been ongoing ever since, and trusted transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano actually gave his famous ‘here we go’ to the deal way back on May 10.

Now, the BBC and other reliable media outlets share that Zubimendi is set for an imminent medical at Arsenal – strongly suggesting that the player will become Andrea Berta’s first signing as sporting director, bar a complete disaster.

However, Spanish media are beginning to state that his potential transfer isn’t quite so cut and dry.

News outlet Diario Vasco started by saying Zubimendi’s arrival could be delayed until July, mainly so Arsenal and Sociedad can register the transfer on their books as part of the next financial year, and not for 2024/2025.

COPE, meanwhile, claim to have contacted the midfielder’s entourage for clarity over his medical, and they apparently insist that one hasn’t been scheduled.

Zubimendi himself uploaded a photo of himself at Zurriola beach earlier this week too, which is in Spain’s Basque Country, suggesting he isn’t on a plane to London – at least for now.

Real Sociedad speaks out on Martin Zubimendi exit amid Arsenal claims

Speaking to El Desmarque, Sociedad president Jokin Aperribay has now spoken out in regards to reports that Zubimendi is on the verge of joining Arsenal.

The La Liga chief heavily implied Zubimendi’s exit is by no means a done deal, and he sent a subtle message to the Spain star about remaining at his boyhood club.

“We’ve told Martin to go to the national team calmly, to think about it, and we’d like him to stay,” said Aperribay.

“We know there are several options. Something may come to fruition or not. I don’t see it happening in the short term. We don’t see it that way, so we have to wait and see.”

Given the sheer number of reliable media sources who’ve reiterated that Zubimendi appears set to become an Arsenal player, this statement from the Sociedad chief hints that Mikel Arteta’s side could still have work to do.

Zubimendi agreed to join Liverpool last summer before changing his mind at the last minute, so Gunners supporters will certainly be keeping this in mind before celebrating his capture.

Arteta will be praying that his signing does come to fruition, given Zubimendi’s glowing reputation and Arsenal’s need to replace the exit-bound Jorginho.

Tottenham Hotspur chiefs have been informed that they could sign a high-earning star for below £30 million this summer, with chairman Daniel Levy expected to seek out good-value deals amid the looming threat of a ‘sell to buy’ summer.

Ange Postecoglou preparing for crunch Europa League final

While Spurs face off against Aston Villa in the Premier League this afternoon, all eyes are instead on their looming Europa League final against Man United next week.

Levy personally wants '40 goals a season' striker at Tottenham next season

The Spurs chairman is a particular fan.

ByEmilio Galantini May 15, 2025

The less said about Spurs’ dismal domestic campaign, the better – following a season of record-breaking lows where Ange Postecoglou’s side surpassed the club’s record for most Premier League losses in a single season (20).

Instead, the Europa League represents a major potential saving grace at the end of what could be Postecoglou’s final term in charge.

Son Heung-min

7.05

Pedro Porro

6.98

James Maddison

6.98

Dominic Solanke

6.88

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

David Ornstein is among the media sources to report that Postecoglou is highly likely to leave Tottenham, even if they win the European final in Bilbao on May 21, but sealing the Lilywhites’ first piece of major silverware in 17 years would be a more-than-ideal send-off.

Victory against Man United would also work wonders in terms of attracting Spurs’ top transfer targets, as a place in the Champions League group draw for next season would undoubtedly come as a major pull, even after their struggles domestically.

One of the key items of their agenda, in terms of recruitment, is signing a new striker. Richarlison is expected to be up for sale at Tottenham this summer, and in the event Brazil’s number nine departs N17, Spurs or any new manager would need a replacement for him.

Tottenham are believed to be among the contenders for Ipswich striker Liam Delap, who could leave for just £30 million, thanks to a release clause tied in with their relegation from the Premier League.

Levy is also keen on re-negotiating cheaper terms for Mathys Tel’s permanent deal, according to reports in Germany this week, but it is unclear what the 20-year-old’s long-term role would be in the squad right now.

Tottenham informed they could sign Dusan Vlahovic for under £30 million

Now, as per GiveMeSport, Juventus star Dusan Vlahovic is another centre-forward who could be made available for an affordable transfer fee.

The Serbia international, rumoured to be on around £320,000-per-week in Turin, hasn’t exactly lived up to his “superstar” reputation during the second half of 2024/2025 – scoring just two Serie A goals this calendar year.

With his contract expiring next summer, and no extension in sight, GMS now report Tottenham have been made aware that Vlahovic could be sold this summer.

It is also claimed that, while Juve ideally want around £35 million, the Old Lady may even green-light his sale for just £20 million – largely due to his sub-par form lately and the fact he’s about to enter the final 12 months of his deal.

This could be a major opportunity for Levy, who’s been linked with a move for Vlahovic in past seasons.

The 25-year-old scored 21 Serie A goals during his best season at Fiorentina, and 16 top-flight goals for Juve just last season, so Vlahovic can be a devastating player when at his very best. The trick for Spurs’ potential new manager next season is getting it out of him.

Ahead of a summer full of potential sales, Aston Villa could now lose one of Unai Emery’s most important players to Barcelona amid reports that he’s now ready to leave the club.

Why Aston Villa may need to sell

After the Premier League received a glimpse of their potential troubles when they sold Jhon Duran to Al-Nassr in the January transfer window, Aston Villa could be in for a long summer. Failure to qualify for the Champions League would particularly exacerbate their PSR problems to the stage that they may be left with no choice but to sell once again.

Many have had their say on the potential problems that Aston Villa face this summer and former Villans chief Keith Wyness, who now runs a football consultancy which advises top clubs, has been among those.

Aston Villa open talks with £39m "leader" over joining Emery next season

The Villans have every intention of backing their manager.

ByEmilio Galantini May 17, 2025

Wyness recently told Football Insider: “The issue with PSR is not surprising. They’ve been sailing close to the wind. It’s only been the cleverness of Monchi and the recruitment team which have got them out of trouble so far.

“They’re going to have to do it again. It may be a player sold that the Villa fans are not happy about. That’s where the value will be. When you look at what Emery has done with squad strengthening, the fans will forgive him and allow him to get the resources to go ahead in the market – and meet PSR.”

Just who heads for the exit door with that said is now the big question. Emery’s squad is one filled with talent, there’s no doubt about that, but whether the Spaniard will help open the door for the likes of Ollie Watkins or Morgan Rogers to leave remains to be seen this summer. Instead, it could be another Aston Villa who heads for a summer exit.

Barcelona plotting move to sign Aston Villa star Emiliano Martinez

According to reports in Spain, Barcelona are now targeting a move to sign Emiliano Martinez, who is ready to leave Aston Villa for a ‘bigger club’ when the summer transfer window arrives.

The Argentine shot-stopper has rebuilt his career at Villa Park over the years and become one of the best in the world in his position – winning the Yashin Trophy twice. Now, however, with Barcelona calling, the 32-year-old could be set to depart.

What certainly shouldn’t be seen as a positive sign over his future for those at Villa Park is just how emotional Martinez looked following his final home game of the season. The former Arsenal man even looked to be waving a tearful goodbye to the fans.

A player who was praised for an “incredible” save by legend Alessandro del Piero in Aston Villa’s 0-0 draw against Juventus earlier this season, Martinez would be an undeniable loss for those in the Midlands.

Liverpool are now preparing an offer for an “outstanding” £77m striker, who is being targeted by a whole host of Europe’s top clubs, according to a report.

Reds stepping up pursuit of new striker

Darwin Nunez hasn’t been at the races this season, with the Uruguayan picking up just seven goals in all competitions, which is way below the number expected of a £85m player, so it is little wonder that the Reds are now stepping up their pursuit of a striker.

Atalanta’s Mateo Retegui is one option the Merseysiders have in mind, given the Italian’s stellar goal return this season, while they have started work on the signing of West Ham United’s Jarrod Bowen, who could be an alternative to Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak.

Last week, it was revealed that RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko is also on the shortlist, with Arne Slot’s side said to be keen on a move for the forward, with Nunez looking increasingly likely to exit Anfield at the end of the season.

Liverpool could sign dream Trent successor who's 'one of the best in the PL'

Alexander-Arnold’s decision has left Liverpool in search of a new right-back.

ByAngus Sinclair May 6, 2025

There has since been a new update on Liverpool’s pursuit of Sesko, with a report from Caught Offside revealing they are now preparing a bid for the forward, but there could be fierce competition for his signature.

Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United are also planning to make offers for the Slovenian, while Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain headline the interest from abroad, and a deal is now expected to be on the expensive side.

Leipzig are said to have set an asking price of €80m – €90m (£68m – £77m), in light of the widespread interest in the 21-year-old’s signature, although the interested parties have reservations about shelling out a fee in that ballpark.

"Outstanding" Sesko could be "better than Haaland"

Scout/writer Jacek Kulig has praised the starlet in the past, describing him as “outstanding”, while his teammates also hold him in very high regard, having stated he is a better player than Manchester City’s Erling Haaland.

Speaking in May last year, Sesko told the Gegenpress podcast: “My teammates at the club tell me that Haaland and I are very similar, especially in terms of speed. Most of them even tell me that I’m better than him.”

Much like the Man City star, the Slovenia international is an imposing figure, standing at 6 foot 5, and he has been very impressive in front of goal for Leipzig this season, picking up 13 goals and five assists in 31 Bundesliga outings.

With Nunez falling way short of expectations this season, Slot definitely needs to bring in a replacement this summer, and Sesko produced a stunning goal last weekend that even the most optimistic of Reds fans could envision Nunez toe-poking straight into the fans behind the goal.

It’s no secret what Arsenal’s biggest weakness has been this season: their attack.

Injuries and poor form have seen Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool all score more goals than Mikel Arteta’s side in the Premier League.

Yet, for everything that’s gone wrong this year, the Gunners have still got the best defensive record in the competition, largely thanks to the incredible centre-back partnership of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes.

Unfortunately, the pairing could soon be broken apart, with Real Madrid now upping the ante in their pursuit of the Frenchman.

However, it’s not necessarily all doom and gloom, as recent reports have linked Arsenal with another sensational centre-back who could prove to be a perfect replacement.

Transfer Focus

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

Arsenal's search for Saliba's successor

Because he has been performing at such a high level for a considerable period now, Saliba has long been linked with Real Madrid.

However, a recent report from French outlet L’Equipe has claimed that the Arsenal ace is now one of Los Blancos’ primary targets and someone they want to come in and lead the defence next season.

Losing the Bondy-born monster would undoubtedly be a massive setback for the North Londoners, but if they can secure the previously reported £86m for his services, then they can at least go out and look for a replacement.

In fact, that appears to be what they are doing already, as, according to a recent report from transfers expert Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal have maintained their strong interest in Bournemouth star Dean Huijsen, who is “the most in-demand centre-back in the world” in the words of data analyst Ben Mattinson.

Alongside the Gunners, Romano has revealed that Liverpool and Chelsea are also in the “race to sign” the Spanish international, who has a £50m release clause in his current contract.

It might be a lot to spend on a youngster, but given his ability and immense potential, it would be worth it, especially as he could be the ideal Saliba replacement.

Why Huijsen would be a great Saliba replacement

If Arsenal can get ahead of the chasing pack and sign Huijsen in the coming weeks and months, what makes him a potentially great replacement for Saliba?

First and foremost, even though he has only recently turned 20, he already has plenty of top-level experience.

For example, in addition to the two senior caps he’s won for Spain, the potentially “world-class” gem, as dubbed by one analyst, has made 33 appearances for Bournemouth this term, 27 of which have been starts, scored three goals and provided one assist.

On top of that, Arsenal fans will already be annoyingly aware of his immense ability, as not only did he start in the Cherries home win over the North Londoners in late October, he started in their win over the weekend, where he won his fourth Man of the Match Award this season and scored his third goal.

Finally, when we directly compare him to the Gunners’ supremely talented number two, the “perfect” Spaniard, as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, actually comes out on top.

Non-Penalty Expected G+As

0.15

0.10

Non-Penalty G+As

0.16

0.06

Progressive Passes

4.68

4.15

Progressive Carries

1.45

0.50

Passing Accuracy

83.4%

94.2%

Key Passes

0.56

0.22

Passes into the Final 1/3

5.89

5.42

Passes into the Penalty Area

0.28

0.19

Shot-Creating Actions

1.61

0.81

Goal-Creating Actions

0.12

0.03

Tackles Won

0.93

1.11

Blocks

1.45

0.74

Interceptions

1.98

0.65

Clearances

7.06

3.44

Errors Leading to a Shot

0.16

0.19

Ball Recoveries

3.87

4.52

Aerial Duels Won

2.58

1.80

For example, he does better in practically every relevant metric, including but not limited to, expected and actual non-penalty goals plus assists, progressive and key passes, passes into the final third and penalty area, shot and goal-creating actions, blocks, interceptions, clearances, aerial duals won and more, all per 90.

Ultimately, while keeping hold of Saliba should be Arsenal’s primary objective, Huijsen looks like he’d be the perfect replacement.

If anything, he’s someone they should look to sign regardless of what happens to the Frenchman.

He'd revive Odegaard: Arsenal aiming to sign "the new Mbappe" in £85m deal

Arsenal need to sign a player who could revive the fortunes of Martin Odegaard.

1 ByJack Salveson Holmes May 5, 2025