All posts by z3u9t.icu

Arsenal have now opened talks over a deal for a “world-class” forward, who is pushing to leave his current club, according to a report.

Gunners' striker pursuit rumbles on

At one stage, it appeared as though the Gunners were very close to getting a deal for Viktor Gyokeres over the line, with Fabrizio Romano revealing a deal was close to being sealed over a week ago.

However, the deal has since stalled, with some reports even suggesting that Manchester United could hijack the move, although Romano has since quashed those rumours, insisting the Swedish striker has his heart set on signing for the Gunners.

As such, the north Londoners still appear to be in a strong position to get the deal done, but Gyokeres is not the only attacker they are eager to get through the door, having also set their sights on a winger, with Real Madrid’s Rodrygo of interest.

However, a deal for the Madrid star could be on the expensive side, with the Spanish side holding out for £87m, and Mikel Arteta’s side have now set their sights on a potential alternative option.

Berta set to launch mega-money bid to sign Arsenal's best LW since Sanchez

Arsenal are looking to strengthen their wide forward options this summer.

1 ByMatt Dawson Jul 20, 2025

According to a report from TEAMtalk, Arsenal have now made fresh contact over a deal for Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman, who is pushing to leave the Italian club, following a fallout with former manager Gian Piero Gasperini.

Andrea Berta is now weighing up whether to make a concrete approach for Lookman, who could be a far more affordable option than Rodrygo, given that Atalanta are demanding £43m.

However, the Gunners may have to fend off interest from elsewhere, with Inter Milan and Atletico Madrid retaining a strong interest in the forward.

"World-class" Lookman could be fantastic Rodrygo alternative

Not only is the Atalanta star much more affordable than Rodrygo, but he has performed remarkably well over the past year in terms of non-penalty goals per 90, ranking in the top 2% compared to his positional peers.

Statistic

Average per 90

Non-penalty goals

0.63 (98th percentile)

Progressive carries

5.71 (94th percentile)

Shot-creating actions

5.51 (92nd percentile)

The former Everton man has really kicked on since leaving the Toffees, with journalist John Bennett singling him out for very high praise after scooping up the African Footballer of the Year award at the end of 2024.

At 27-years-old, Lookman is likely to be in his prime years, and he could be a real difference-maker for Arsenal in their pursuit of the Premier League title next season.

Tottenham are preparing for a crucial first campaign under new manager Thomas Frank, but that doesn’t mean everyone will be along for the ride.

Player expected to join Tottenham "as soon as next week", medical scheduled

Spurs are closing in on a summer signing.

ByEmilio Galantini Jul 4, 2025

The Spurs squad responsible for clinching the club’s first major trophy in nearly two decades will go down in Lilywhites folklore, though reports suggest that a few members of that side could be facing their final few weeks at the club.

Chief among them is star defender Cristian Romero, who could be at the centre of a tug-of-war between Real and Atlético Madrid this summer as both Spanish capital sides eye an audacious move for the Argentina international.

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

Real are expected to make an approach for Romero, according to some media sources, while others claim that Atletico have already offered Spurs around £56 million for his signature.

There is also a belief that Romero is keen on a move to Atlético in particular and will soon discuss his future with chairman Daniel Levy, so the saga surrounding his potential exit is unlikely to go away any time soon.

Meanwhile, Spurs legend Son Heung-min may also be sold before deadline day (The Telegraph), having entered the final 12 months of his contract.

The Saudi Pro League is targeting Son to join their division’s host of illustrious stars, and Levy could use this as an opportunity to raise some revenue off a player who’s arguably been on the decline this past year.

“Son would be a very valuable asset for Saudi Arabia,” said former Everton CEO, Keith Wyness, to Football Insider last month.

“At 32, it’s probably the right time for him to go if Spurs are going to maximise his value. I think Tottenham won’t find a better deal if they leave it later than right now. I believe they could even get something like £40-50million for him.

“That would be incredible, and I suggest that deal could be done. It might be in everyone’s interest to get him down to Saudi Arabia this summer.”

According to journalist Jorge Nicola this week, Saudi are actually targeting another Spurs forward with Son as well.

Tottenham put Richarlison up for sale amid Galatasaray and Saudi interest

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Nicolas reports that the man in question is striker Richarlison.

The Brazil international, who cost £60 million to sign from Everton three years ago, has been called an “underrated” member of the squad during his time in London (Micah Richards), and enjoyed a real purple patch of form under Ange Postecoglou midway through the 2023/2024 season.

However, barring that flash in the pan, Richarlison has largely failed to justify his mammoth price tag, partly due to injuries.

Nicola states that Tottenham are actively looking to sell Richarlison, and have held recent exit discussions amid serious interest from Saudi, who’ve been in contact for the last month.

As well as this, Turkish Süper Lig champions Galatasaray are expected to make an offer for the 28-year-old in the next few days, so Richarlison isn’t exactly short of suitors.

With a place in Brazil’s 2026 World Cup squad potentially at the forefront of his mind, Richarlison’s next move will be absolutely crucial.

Manchester United’s transfer activity this summer could define Ruben Amorim’s tenure in charge at Old Trafford, subsequently needing to make a quick start to the 2025/26 campaign.

The 40-year-old is set to have a bumper budget to spend to improve his squad this window, with the hierarchy set to back him in his quest to take them back to their former glory.

It’s evident after the Red Devils’ 15th-placed Premier League finish this season that an overhaul is needed, with key work already commencing during the transfer window.

The departures of Jonny Evans, Christian Eriksen and Victor Lindelof have all been confirmed, freeing up needed money on the wage bill to allow for new investments.

It remains to be seen how much money Amorim will have at his disposal, but it appears as though he’s set to spend big in his hunt for success at the Theatre of Dreams.

The latest on United’s hunt for new signings this window

Work has rapidly been done within United’s attacking department, with PSG’s Gonçalo Ramos being a name mentioned over a move to join the Red Devils, with the French side open to his departure.

They’ve also made progress on a deal for Juventus star Dušan Vlahović, with talks being held with the Serie A outfit over a potential deal for the Serbian international.

However, despite the work being conducted elsewhere, the club appear to be extremely close to landing a deal for Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo, according to talkSPORT’s Alex Crook.

He’s reported that Amorim’s side are on the verge of signing the 25-year-old attacker after they made their latest bid in the region of £60m earlier this week.

Crook also confirms that talks are progressing nicely between the two clubs, with only minor details needing to be ironed out before a deal is agreed.

Why Mbeumo would be a better signing than Cunha for United

Earlier this summer, Matheus Cunha completed his move to join United after being firmly on their radar for many months after his success at Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The Brazilian joined in a £62.5m deal after registering 15 goals and six assists for Vitor Pereira’s side in the Premier League throughout the 2024/25 campaign.

His versatility, being able to operate in an attacking midfield role or centre forward role, makes him an excellent fit for Amorim’s system, hopefully being a player who can catapult them to future success.

Cunha’s experience in England could prove to be vital in their ambitions next campaign, but he will need added reinforcements within the final third if the Red Devils are to take a step in the right direction.

However, he could be about to land just that in a move for Mbeumo in the coming days, with the Cameroonian showcasing his talents in England’s top-flight this season.

When comparing the pair’s respective figures from this season, the Brentford star has massively outperformed Cunha in various key areas – highlighting why he would be a better addition.

Mbeumo, who’s been labelled “phenomenal” by one analyst, has registered more goals and achieved a better shot on target accuracy rate, demonstrating his clinical ability within the final third.

Games played

38

33

Goals & assists

27

21

Shot on target accuracy

43%

40%

Goal per shot on target

0.4

0.3

Take-on success

47%

44%

Carries into final third

2

1.4

Crosses completed

5.3

4.9

Aerials won

32%

31%

He’s also completed more of the take-ons he’s attempted, whilst posting more carries into the box per 90, showcasing the direct nature he possesses with the ball at his feet.

The Cameroonian’s dominance doesn’t end there, completing more crosses and winning more aerials per 90, handing Amorim an all-round dangerous option in attacking areas.

Should the deal be completed in the coming days, it would certainly improve the options currently at the manager’s disposal, something which he’s greatly craved as of late.

The prospect of Mbeumo and Cunha linking up together is certainly an exciting one, handing the club the platform to build on ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

He's perfect for Mbeumo: Wilcox opens talks to sign £35m star for Man Utd

Manchester United could be about to make a move for another young gem this summer.

ByEthan Lamb Jun 25, 2025

Southampton have “agreed a fee” with a club over the sale of an “incredible” Saints player, according to a fresh claim from journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Will Still outlines plans as Southampton manager

Will Still has begun life as Southampton’s new manager, with the Englishman looking to back up his reputation as an exciting young coach with a big future in the game.

The 32-year-old has already spoken well since taking charge at St Mary’s Stadium, outlining what he wants to see from his team in a tactical sense.

“I don’t like to sit in and wait and be passive in what we do. I’d like our teams to dominate, to go and press, to be as aggressive as we can be. I don’t do that just for the fact of running and to say, oh, we’re going to be really aggressive. We want to be high up the pitch and in the opposition’s third as much as possible.

“It’s been entertaining. I want the players to enjoy it. I want the fans, obviously, to get on board and support it. But it’s (about) creating that environment where we’re here to win and we want to win a lot. We want to win consistently.”

The pressure will be on Still to guide Southampton straight back into the Premier League from the Championship, and he will know that new signings are vital. There are also players who will leave after Saints’ relegation, however, and a key update has emerged regarding one such figure.

"Incredible" Southampton attacker set to leave

Writing on X, Romano reported that Southampton have “agreed a fee” with Trabzonspor over the £6.8m sale of striker Paul Onuachu from St Mary’s.

Seeing Onuachu depart is a shame, given his popularity among Southampton supporters, with his giant stature and unique style making him something of a cult hero.

The Nigerian is a good footballer in his own right, however, scoring four Premier League goals last season and being lauded by Ivan Juric: “He’s an incredible guy, always training hard. He has some good things and some bad things he can do better, but he’s one of those guys that is always working hard.”

The fact that Onuachu only has one year remaining on his current Southampton deal means that selling him now is the sensible decision, though, allowing the club to receive a healthy amount of money that can be used on new signings this summer.

Southampton and Still want to sign new £4m+ forward with 11 goals in 24/25

The Saints are looking for a swift return to the Premier League.

BySean Markus Clifford May 30, 2025

A new striker will be needed in his place, though, and Still has to nail his replacement, in order to give his side the best possible chance of a quickfire return to the top flight.

Tottenham Hotspur’s summer recruitment drive hasn’t quite got off the ground yet, mainly due to uncertainty surrounding Ange Postecoglou and his long-term future, but that hasn’t stopped some transfer plans being made.

Tottenham transfer plans after vital Europa League triumph

While Postecoglou is set to learn his fate as soon as this week, according to ESPN and other reliable media sources, technical director Johan Lange, chairman Daniel Levy and the incoming Fabio Paratici will be debating ways to improve the Spurs squad regardless of who is in charge next season.

Tottenham hold "multiple meetings" with £8m manager after Guardiola praise

Daniel Levy’s got a key decision to make on Ange Postecoglou’s future.

1 ByEmilio Galantini Jun 3, 2025

Their triumph in the Europa League final has opened many doors for Spurs, with the Lilywhites set to compete in next season’s Champions League as one major positive of their victory against Man United in Bilbao.

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

The greater transfer market pull and financial windfall that comes with competing in Europe’s most prestigious competition will undoubtedly assist Levy when it comes to bolstering the team this summer, with Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridge reporting that Spurs want to strengthen the entire squad in all areas bar goalkeeper.

“Spurs don’t have to sell to buy, with Champions League qualification huge for the club,” said Bridge.

“All areas, apart from the goalkeeping department, will be looked at. Midfield and forward would be the priority if Cristian Romero stays.”

Dejan Kulusevski’s lengthy injury lay-off, combined with uncertainty surrounding the long-term futures of Richarlison and even Mathys Tel, means a new attacking player or two could be highly likely at Spurs.

Tottenham are considering the sale of Richarlison after another season marred by injury for the Brazilian, while there are some reports that Tel could return to Bayern Munich if Spurs make significant progress on a deal for Leroy Sane.

Sane has been heavily linked with a move to N17 in the last week, with the Bayern winger out of contract at the end of this month. He recently employed super-agent Pini Zahavi to help negotiate a new deal with Vincent Kompany’s side, but no agreement has been reached, so the representative could assist in finding him a new club instead.

Leroy Sane "wants a move" to Tottenham from Bayern Munich

Spurs face competition from north London rivals Arsenal, who are also believed to be in talks with Zahavi, but Levy has been handed a fresh boost in their rumoured pursuit of the 29-year-old.

Once valued at £137 million by Man City, the winger could soon be available at zero transfer cost, with Tottenham News sharing an update on the Lilywhites’ chances of beating Arsenal to his signature.

The outlet reports that Sane “wants a move” to Tottenham after they qualified for the Champions League, and they’re current favourites to win the race in light of the forward’s fresh stance on joining.

This is also regardless of whether Postecoglou is at the club next term, so it appears Sane is pretty keen on a switch to Spurs.

That being said, the former Schalke star was thought to be after a £192,000-per-week base salary plus £2.5 million in bonuses to remain at Bayern, so Spurs may have to offer him a similar pay packet to join them instead, which would make him their highest earner above Son Heung-min.

Manchester United’s 2024/25 campaign was certainly one to forget for the club and their supporters, falling way below the levels the side have set for themselves over recent years.

The Red Devils finished 15th in the Premier League, with Ruben Amorim unable to turn the club’s fortunes after taking the reins at Old Trafford back in late November.

He did lead the side to the Europa League final, but lost 1-0 to fellow English side Tottenham Hotspur in Bilbao, restricting them to no European football for 2025/26.

It may prove to be a blessing in disguise for the manager as he attempts to build a squad capable of mounting a challenge for a spot in the top four next campaign.

The transfer window presents the 40-year-old with the perfect opportunity to improve his squad, adding needed quality and depth in numerous key areas of the side at the Theatre of Dreams.

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

After Matheus Cunha joined United last week, the club have continued to make moves in the transfer market, making an opening offer for Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo in the last few days.

The Red Devils placed a £55m bid that was swiftly rejected, with the Bees demanding a fee in the region of £70m, with the winger wanting a switch to Old Trafford this summer.

However, the 25-year-old could be joined at the club by Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres, with the Swede once again emerging on their radar, according to reports in Italy.

They claim that they’re set to enter talks with the talisman who’s registered 54 goals this campaign, potentially setting up a reunion with Amorim after plying his trade under him in Portugal.

It also states that he could be available for a fee in the region of £55m this summer, with fellow Premier League side Arsenal also firmly in the race for the 27-year-old’s signature.

Why United’s £55m target could be Amorim’s next Bruno

Bruno Fernandes has been the shining light in what’s been a dismal year for United, with it unthinkable to imagine where the club would be without his contributions.

The Portuguese international registered 37 combined goals and assists despite the team’s failures, by far and away the most of any player in the squad – highlighting his importance to the side.

Such form didn’t go unnoticed, with Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal willing to pay up to £100m for the 30-year-old star, which could prove to be the Red Devils’ last chance to cash in on his services.

However, he rejected the interest earlier this week, turning down a contract in the region of £700k-per-week, showcasing his loyalty to helping the side turn around their recent fortunes.

Fernandes joined the club from Sporting CP back in 2020, which Gyokeres having the opportunity to follow suit in the current window, potentially following in the midfielders’ footsteps.

The £55m fee touted for his signature appears to be a potential bargain, especially when delving into his underlying figures from 2024/25, having the tools to offer the club a leading talisman.

Gyokeres, who’s been labelled “world-class” by one analyst, has registered a staggering 2.6 shots on target per 90 – certainly aiding his goal tally, which saw him net a hat-trick against Manchester City in the Champions League.

Games played

33

Goals & assists

46

Shots on target per 90

2.6

Successful dribbles

1.9

Touches in opposition box

10.5

Aerials won

51%

Chances created

2.1

He’s also completed 1.9 successful dribbles per 90, along with 10.5 touches in the opposition box per 90, handing the club that fox-in-the-box type forward they’ve craved over recent months.

The Swede’s talents don’t end there, winning 51% of the aerials he’s entered, offering the club a focal point that can score and tee up other forwards within the final third.

It’s safe to say the attacking department is high up on Amorim’s demands this summer, looking to add key depth as seen by the moves for Gyokeres, Mbeumo and Cunha already this summer.

Should he complete a move to Old Trafford and get anywhere near the levels achieved by Fernandes in Manchester, it would be a superb addition and one that could play a huge role in their ambitions of rising up the table in 2025/26.

He's "better than Haaland": Man Utd in talks for £67m Gyokeres alternative

Manchester United can forget about Viktor Gyokeres with a move for another attacking star.

ByEthan Lamb Jun 6, 2025

Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta has now personally spoken to a £145m star about a summer move to the Emirates Stadium, according to a report.

Gunners eyeing new winger amid Martinelli criticism

There have recently been suggestions that Gabriel Martinelli may not be at the level required to take the Gunners to the next level, with journalist Kyle Bonn implying that Mikel Arteta should look to bring in a new winger in the summer transfer window.

Those thoughts may also be echoed by club legend Thierry Henry, with the Frenchman suggesting the winger still has plenty of areas in which he needs to improve after the 2-0 victory against Manchester United earlier this season.

As we approach the summer transfer window, the north Londoners have been stepping up their pursuit of a new winger, with the likes of Nico Williams and Rodrygo believed to be of interest, while they have now made contact over a deal for a different forward.

Indeed, according to a report from Foot Mercato, Arsenal have now shortlisted AC Milan’s Rafael Leao as a summer target, with Berta speaking to the Portugal international on the phone around ten days ago.

The Gunners hold a real interest in Leao, who is considering an exit this summer after a mixed campaign at the San Siro, but he is not their priority target, and they are yet to make a final decision about whether to make a move.

£359k-per-week striker would join Arsenal "immediately", Berta wants him

He’s apparently very keen.

ByEmilio Galantini May 24, 2025 "Incredible" Leao could be expensive signing for Arsenal

According to reports from Italy, Milan could hold out for as much as £145m for the Portuguese winger, so a deal is likely to be on the expensive side, but there are clear signs he could be an upgrade on Martinelli.

The 25-year-old has averaged more non-penalty goals, assists and successful take-ons than the Arsenal winger over the past year, during which time he has also been lauded as “incredible” by CBS’ Matteo Bonetti.

Statistic

Gabriel Martinelli

Rafael Leao

Non-penalty goals

0.29

0.34

Assists

0.14

0.26

Successful take-ons

1.48

2.84

While Milan have underperformed throughout the 2024-25 campaign, currently sitting in seventh place, the Almada-born winger has remained consistent in front of goal, picking up 12 goals and 13 assists in all competitions.

As such, should Arsenal decide to bring in a new winger this summer, Leao should be right near the top of the list of targets, but signing a new centre-forward is arguably more important, with Arteta being left very short on options at striker throughout the campaign.

Plans for Tottenham Hotspur’s summer rebuild are already underway.

Having won just one of their last nine, Spurs are languishing 16th in the Premier League, thereby on course for their lowest finish since being relegated in 1977.

However, Ange Postecoglou’s team could, of course, salvage the campaign in a big way, preparing for the Europa League Final against Manchester United later this month, with both silverware and a place in next season’s Champions League on the line.

Of course, Champions League qualification would massively help their summer transfer plans, both financially and in terms of prestige, although, regardless of the outcome in Bilbao, this squad requires serious surgery, but do Tottenham already boast a more valuable attacker than their potential new signing?

Tottenham's search for attacking reinforcements

As previously reported by Danny Rust and Dean Jones of Give Me Sport, Tottenham are ‘planning to make an offer’ to sign Liam Delap from Ipswich Town this summer.

Having scored 12 Premier League goals for the Tractor Boys this season, the 22-year-old is certainly a man in demand, with Wayne Veysey of Football Insider noting that Chelsea, Manchester United and Nottingham Forest are amongst his potential suitors.

This is surely partly due to the fact that, as reported by Jacob Steinberg and Nick Ames of the Guardian, Delap has a £30m release clause, following Ipswich’s relegation, which looks a major bargain for a player Jacek Kulig of Football Talent Scout labels an “absolute beast”.

Thus, Delap appears as though he would be an excellent addition for Spurs, but do they already boast a better attacker?

Tottenham's most valuable attacker

When Brennan Johnson joined Tottenham from Nottingham Forest for a reported fee of £47m in September 2023, a few eyebrows were raised, but he has certainly proved his worth, as the table below outlines.

Brennan Johnson

17

7

24

Dominic Solanke

15

8

23

Son Heung-min

11

12

23

James Maddison

12

11

23

Dejan Kuluševski

10

11

21

Pedro Porro

4

9

13

Pape Matar Sarr

6

3

9

Richarlison

5

2

7

As the table shows, no Spurs player has been directly involved in more goals than Johnson, 11 of which have come in the Premier League, also contributing four en route to Bilbao in the Europa League.

Paul Taylor of The Athletic labels Johnson “electric”, while Ali Tweedale of Opta’s the Analyst, outlines how the Wales international quickly went from Tottenham’s ‘lightning rod’ to their most important, most prolific attacker.

Meantime, Liam Tharme of The Athletic documents how ghosting in at the back post to score with a first-time finish has become Johnson’s trademark goal, making him a pivotal figure in Postecoglou’s team.

These performances mean Johnson is now Tottenham’s most valuable attacker, as the table below outlines.

Brennan Johnson

£60m

Dominic Solanke

£44m

Son Heung-min

£26m

Mathys Tel

£48m

Richarlison

£22.5m

Wilson Odobert

£21m

Liam Delap

£31m

Based on these market values, Delap’s aforementioned £30m release clause actually offers pretty fair market value, but the £47m fee paid to secure Johnson’s services was, in retrospect, actually a bargain, considering his current value of £60m.

So, while Delap may be a great signing for Spurs, whatever they’re planning for the summer, they need to ensure this gets the best out of their already excelling attacker.

Paratici tells Spurs to hire £105k-per-week manager with Ange "set to leave"

The incoming ex-managing director has preference.

ByEmilio Galantini May 9, 2025

When Liverpool beat West Ham United, responding after losing against Fulham one week earlier, it felt like a corner had been turned. Perhaps that defeat at Craven Cottage was the final twist in the overtures of a certain Premier League triumph.

The ribbons will turn red this season. Later this afternoon, Liverpool have the chance to win the top-flight title against Leicester City at the King Power Stadium, should they return to winning ways on the road and second-placed Arsenal fall at Ipswich Town earlier in the day.

Though Mikel Arteta’s attention is almost solely focused on the continental stage, this feels improbable, if not out of the question. In any case, it’s a matter of when, not if, Arne Slot will join an exclusive list of managers to lift the Premier League trophy on their first attempt.

2004/05

Jose Mourinho

Chelsea

2009/10

Carlo Ancelotti

Chelsea

2013/14

Manuel Pellegrini

Man City

2016/17

Antonio Conte

Chelsea

Leicester might be doomed but they still have quality in attack and will look to capitalise on any Liverpool complacency.

Liverpool team news

Trent Alexander-Arnold is back in first-team training after his ankle injury suffered against Paris Saint-Germain at Anfield last month.

However, Conor Bradley looks set to reprise his role at right-back, with the under-fire Andy Robertson pushing for a recall after his cameo last week, skewing into his own net off the bench following a mix-up with the skipper.

Joe Gomez remains absent due to an ankle injury, but Darwin Nunez could feature after missing out on Merseyside one week ago.

Nunez might be destined for departure this summer, but his return does boost a Liverpool frontline looking to return to its best.

That’s not to say the Reds have been poor in attack lately, but Mohamed Salah hasn’t scored in five games, Diogo Jota and Nunez are out of sorts and Cody Gakpo hasn’t got going again since recovering from injury.

How Slot can respark Liverpool's frontline

Liverpool looked somewhat back to normal last weekend as they secured victory over West Ham, all but sealing the already overwhelming odds in the title race following Arsenal’s draw at Brentford.

Salah, after renewing his contract, produced a stunning trivela assist for Luis Diaz, the one man in Slot’s attack who is very much on form right now.

However, the Egyptian, 32, will be desperate to return his name to the scoresheet as he looks to build on his haul of 32 goals across all competitions

For whatever reason, it’s not quite clicking for Salah in front of goal. But it will again. With Trent not fit enough to start from the outset, Slot might be inclined to unleash Harvey Elliott in midfield, perhaps replacing Dominik Szoboszlai.

Liverpool enjoy the Hungarian’s tireless running but a more fixed creative point could be the perfect solvent of unfluent play in and around the final third.

Having featured prominently under Jurgen Klopp last year during Liverpool’s injury-hit spell, Elliott has played a reduced part since the spinning of the managerial wheel, yet to even start in the Premier League this year. Still he’s got six goal involvements across the different competitions.

And it’s not as if he hasn’t demonstrated his capacities when given a shot. As per FBref, Elliott ranks among the top 1% of midfielders across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for all of goals, assists and shot-creating actions, the top 3% for progressive passes and the top 5% for progressive carries per 90.

This perfectly illustrates his ball-playing game and skill in driving into dangerous positions, but most importantly, it underlines his ability to maximise his output when reaching such junctures, something Salah will be eyeing hungrily.

24/25

12 (0)

0

1

23/24

34 (11)

3

6

22/23

32 (18)

1

2

21/22

6 (4)

0

0

20/21*

0 (0)

0

0

19/20

2 (0)

0

0

As you can see, Elliott’s playing a bit part for the first time since his debut campaign, having only featured six times in 2021/22 but starting on four of those occasions before suffering a season-ending injury at Elland Road.

Elliott, described as a “special talent” by Sky Sports’ Neil Mellor, hasn’t played all that much this season, but he has showcased his vast playmaking skills on numerous occasions. For example, Liverpool might have been abject in their Carabao Cup final defeat against Newcastle United, but subs combined to score a late consolation, the young midfielder expertly playing Federico Chiesa through.

Ultimately, claiming that Liverpool are out of sorts simply isn’t true, having won five of their past six Premier League matches, but fans have been frustrated by the lack of spark in the centre at times this term and Elliott surely deserves a starting berth having been limited to full appearances in the cup competitions.

He’s come up trumps on several occasions, notably scoring the winner in the first leg against PSG, but now the £40k-per-week talent needs a chance to show he can pull strings in the Premier League and bring Salah back into goalscoring form.

Salah doesn’t dribble as much as he used to but he’s hardly averse to an electric burst, and with Elliott’s crisp timing, it could be the perfect tonic for his recent struggles to break the net.

Elliott has acknowledged Salah for “teaching him” over the past several years at Liverpool, and now he has the chance to repay his tutor on what could be a momentous day for the Merseysiders.

Leicester won’t want to repeat some of their dismal displays of late, but if Elliott gets into a creative flow and connects with Salah, the Foxes simply won’t have a say in the matter.

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Declan Rice’s magical free-kick double reignited Arsenal’s season as they thumped European champions Real Madrid on a historic Champions League night at the Emirates Stadium.

The England midfielder’s superb brace was even more incredible considering he had never scored a direct free-kick in his senior career.

Now a hero in N5, he joins a list of great free-kick goalscorers for the Gunners. Here, we rank some of the best free-kicks scored by those in red and white down the years.

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ByLewis Thompson Jun 15, 2024 9 Mesut Ozil v Liverpool 2014/15 Premier League

Arsenal were flying when they took on Liverpool at the Emirates in April 2015, with Arsene Wenger’s side coming into the game on a six-game winning streak.

Backed to see off the Reds as they looked to overtake Manchester City in second place, the Gunners went ahead just before the break through Hector Bellerin.

Minutes later, Arsenal were awarded a free-kick on the right-hand side, with Mesut Ozil standing over it.

And despite placing it on the ‘keeper’s side, the German doubled Arsenal’s lead with a superb effort, which set the Gunners up for a 4-1 victory.

8 Cesc Fabregas v Aston Villa 2009/10 Premier League

With their title bid threatening to falter, Arsenal were struggling to break down a stubborn Aston Villa team that had been a thorn in the Gunners side.

Level on points with their opponents at the time, it was a must-win game. But with Arsenal toiling, a less-than-fit Cesc Fabregas was summoned to give the home side the advantage they craved.

Around 25 yards out, the captain stepped up to put his team in front with a superb curling effort that Brad Friedel could do nothing about.

7 Robin van Persie v Sunderland 2007/08 Premier League

Robin van Persie’s strike against Sunderland would probably still be travelling had it not nearly shattered the Emirates crossbar back in 2007.

His thumping early free-kick against the Black Cats was past Craig Gordon like a bullet, and was one of those you could watch over and over again.

The Dutchman then popped up late on after the Gunners had dropped a two-goal lead to take them to the top of the table.

6 Thierry Henry v Roma 2002/03 Champions League

Thierry Henry had such a knack for scoring great free-kicks, he could have his own ‘best of’ compilation.

But one of his finest has to be his clincher in the Stadio Olimpico against Roma in the Champions League, which not only secured a superb away win in the second group phase for Arsenal, but a magical European hat-trick.

Goalkeeper Francesco Antonioli had absolutely no chance.

5 Mikel Arteta v Aston Villa 2011/12 Premier League

Some free-kicks just stay hit, and Mikel Arteta certainly proved this against Aston Villa in the 2011/12 season.

During a routine victory for the Gunners, Arteta put the icing on the cake with a screamer into the net from miles out.

Shay Given appeared to have been expecting a shot into the opposite corner, but once he’d made the wrong decision, the ball was already past him.

4 Declan Rice v Real Madrid 2024/25 Champions League

This may be fresh in the memory, but Declan Rice’s first strike against Real Madrid was befitting of the occasion, not to mention a thing of beauty.

Having spotted the potential to curl one around the outside of the wall, Rice’s strike lit up the Emirates, handing Arsenal the lead over the European champions.

It was also Arsenal’s first direct free-kick goal since Martin Odegaard scored against Burnley in September 2021. The relief and ecstasy was tangible.

For the moment alone, it will likely be a special memory for years to come.

3 Thierry Henry v Wigan 2005/06 Premier League

Thierry Henry was up to his old tricks against Wigan in 2005, producing a superb free-kick – with a cold celebration to go with it.

Having built a reputation for taking free-kicks quickly, referee Graham Poll made it very clear he had to wait for the official’s whistle.

Clearly disturbed by this, Henry responded by placing an inch-perfect free-kick in off the post, leading him to ask the referee, “is that enough?”.

2 Santi Cazorla v Hull 2013/14 FA Cup

Arsenal had often been accused of lacking leaders, and when the Gunners were 2-0 down to Hull City in the 2014 FA Cup final, it looked like those concerns would re-emerge as their trophy drought threatened to extend further.

But after being handed a free-kick, Santi Cazorla scored perhaps his greatest Arsenal goal under the Wembley arch by torpedoing a strike past Allan McGregor in the Tigers net.

It set Arsenal up for the dramatic comeback that won them the trophy, and gave the supporters a moment to treasure forever.

1 Declan Rice v Real Madrid 2024/25 Champions League

The term ‘top bins’ has been around for a while now, but this may well be the ultimate epitome.

Having just scored a screamer past Thibaut Courtois in the Real Madrid goal, Declan Rice lined up what he hoped would be another screamer.

Buoyed by his earlier effort, Rice smashed home an all-timer to double the Gunners’ lead on the night and score what is surely the best free-kick the club has ever seen, with the ball arrowing into the top corner.

When you consider the importance, the opposition and the perfect execution, it is going to be hard for anyone to top this.

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