Tottenham boss Thomas Frank has just overseen two pre-season friendlies in one day, but off the field, technical director Johan Lange is working to back his fellow Dane with more new signings.

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Posts ByEmilio Galantini Jul 23, 2025

Spurs battled against both Wycombe Wanderers and Luton Town today, with the senior squad split into multiple sides as Frank looked to hand as many minutes to his players as possible.

Tottenham’s best-performing regulars in the Premier League – 2024/2025

Average match rating

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

The Lilywhites are now set to travel to Asia for a pre-season tour of the Far East, where they face off against north London rivals Arsenal in Hong Kong before taking on Newcastle in the South Korean capital of Seoul.

Spurs have a final pre-season game against Bayern Munich in Germany before their highly-anticipated UEFA Super Cup clash against European champions PSG – a match that gifts Frank an opportunity to win silverware almost immediately after his predecessor, Ange Postecoglou.

A surprise win against the Ligue 1 heavyweights would be the perfect start to Frank’s tenure in charge, and he’d ideally have a few more summer recruits through the door before they battle Luis Enrique’s men at the Stadio Friuli.

Tottenham are still trying to sign Morgan Gibbs-White despite Nottingham Forest blocking his once-imminent move to N17 earlier this month.

Forest threatened both the north Londoners and Gibbs-White’s agent with legal action for what they deemed to be an ‘illegal approach’ for the playmaker (Sky Sports), but there remains an expectation that Frank could eventually welcome him to Hotspur Way (Fabrizio Romano).

Tottenham were set to welcome Gibbs-White and Mohammed Kudus in quick succession, with a medical scheduled over two weeks ago (BBC). However, Frank is now having to wait a lot longer for the 25-year-old’s arrival with the legalities involved.

According to reports, Spurs are targeting a new centre-back too and have shortlisted a variety of targets for the number six role, including Bayern Munich’s Joao Palhinha (Alasdair Gold).

This comes after they confirmed the signings of Kudus, Kota Takai, Kevin Danso and Mathys Tel on a permanent deal from Bayern Munich earlier this window.

Mathys Tel shares conversation with Harry Kane about joining Tottenham

Speaking of Tel, the Frenchman has now lifted the lid on a conversation he had with Spurs legend Harry Kane about joining the club.

After initially backing out of a transfer to N17 in January, Tel ultimately U-turned and agreed a move to England on an initial loan deal, which included an option to buy for around £45 million.

Chairman Daniel Levy, following a mixed start for the 20-year-old, then negotiated a cut-price £30 million deal for Tel, who’s now signed for them indefinitely ahead of his first full season at the club.

Speaking to Sky Germany, as transcribed by Sport Witness, Tel says that Kane played a role in convincing him to sign for Spurs – with the club’s all-time top scorer offering a helping hand through emotional support.

“Yes, I spoke to him [Kane] beforehand,” Tel said.

“He told me, if you need anything, send me a text, give me a call. I spoke to him; he’s a top guy. (Now it’s a) new challenge, I’m ready for my team, the clubs and also the fans.”

The versatile attacker was tipped for a 40-goal season one day by ex-Bayern Munich boss Julian Nagelsmann, with supporters hoping the still-raw Tel can deliver on that glowing prediction.

With pre-season preparations set to get underway, the start of the new Premier League campaign is now edging ever closer, ahead of the curtain raiser on 15 August.

For managers, the off-season is one of welcome respite, before the scrutiny ramps up when action gets underway again. For now, they are safe – but not for long.

Already, attention is turning to just which of those in the dugout will be facing the axe first, following in the footsteps of 2024/25’s first casualty, Erik ten Hag, at Manchester United.

On that front, the AI tool, ChatGPT, has provided the answers ahead of 2025/26…

AFC Bournemouth Andoni Iraola

Despite reportedly being in the running to replace Ange Postecoglou at Tottenham Hotspur, Andoni Iraola looks set to remain at Bournemouth – provided another suitor does not emerge over the next 12 months or so.

Two years into an exciting project on the south coast, the highly-rated Spaniard is seemingly more likely to jump than be pushed by the Cherries’ hierarchy.

ChatGPT says: Very low risk of the sack – extension more likely

Arsenal Mikel Arteta

In the words of former Arsenal man, Paul Merson, current Gunners boss Mikel Arteta has ‘until Christmas’ to improve his fortunes at the Emirates, having overseen a third successive second-place finish last time out.

That said, having only signed a new deal – ending in 2027 – back in September, the Spaniard appears to be in a strong position heading into 2025/26, not least following last season’s thrilling Champions League run.

ChatGPT says: Very low risk – secure through 2026

Aston Villa Unai Emery

A final-day defeat to Man United denied Unai Emery and Aston Villa a Champions League qualification spot, although the 53-year-old remains a beloved figure at Villa Park for having revived the club’s fortunes since replacing Steven Gerrard in October 2022.

Quarter-finalists in Europe and semi-finalists in the FA Cup in 2024/25, the Villans remain on the right track. It appears unlikely that things will soon derail.

ChatGPT says: Very low risk – secure through 2026

Brentford Keith Andrews

After a long period of stability, it’s all change for Brentford. Christian Norgaard looks to be on his way to Arsenal. Man United remain in hot pursuit of Bryan Mbeumo. Oh, and Thomas Frank has been replaced by Keith Andrews.

The former Republic of Ireland international turned set-piece coach has been boldly appointed as the Bees’ main man, with intrigue mounting over whether this bold gamble will pay off. In the view of ChatGPT, Andrews could find himself under pressure sooner rather than later.

ChatGPT says: Possible chance of the sack – late October/November 2025 if Brentford aren’t in mid-table or better

Brighton Fabian Hurzeler

The Premier League’s youngest manager, Fabian Hurzeler enjoyed a relatively smooth start to life at Brighton, albeit with the Seagulls narrowly missing out on European football – despite boasting the largest net spend on the continent.

While the German doesn’t appear to be under any immediate pressure, failure to make the most of the club’s exciting squad could see him come under scrutiny in the new year.

ChatGPT says: Low risk – could be sacked in January or February 2026 if Brighton have a shaky start

Burnley Scott Parker

So often the bridesmaid, but never the bride, Burnley boss Scott Parker has now overseen three promotions from the Championship, albeit while enduring a miserable time of things at Premier League level.

Sacked by Fulham amid their impending relegation in 2021, prior to enduring an acrimonious exit from Bournemouth a year later, the Englishman could again find himself at risk if the top-flight proves to be a step too far again for the newly-promoted Clarets.

ChatGPT says: Moderate risk – position likely to be reviewed in February-April 2026, if risk of relegation arises

Chelsea Enzo Maresca

A fine first season at Chelsea ended in Conference League glory and Champions League qualification for former Leicester City boss, Enzo Maresca, with the Italian having enhanced his reputation at Stamford Bridge thus far.

Knowing the typically ruthless nature of the Blues’ hierarchy, however, it won’t be too long before questions will begin to be asked if the team’s form falters.

ChatGPT says: Lower risk – likely to be safe until mid-2026 at least, barring a catastrophic run of form

Crystal Palace Oliver Glasner

The man to lead Crystal Palace to their first ever FA Cup triumph, Oliver Glasner is an undoubted hero at Selhurst Park, having overseen a remarkable transformation after replacing Roy Hodgson in the dugout.

While seemingly safe from the sack, barring a disastrous start the campaign, the greater issue could be whether Glasner himself opts to depart, with just a year left on his current deal.

ChatGPT says: Low risk – potential exit in June 2026, if contract extension isn’t agreed

Everton David Moyes

The man to lead Everton into a new era at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, the returning David Moyes has more than enough credit in the bank, having built on a memorable first spell by steering the Toffees to safety in routine fashion last season.

For all that positivity, however, the mood could swiftly sour if the Merseysiders don’t get off to a good start in their new home.

ChatGPT says: Risk zone of October/November 2025, if Everton have a poor opening

Fulham Marco Silva

Speaking of Everton, one-time Toffees boss Marco Silva continues to quietly go about his business at Craven Cottage, with Fulham again comfortably finishing in mid-table in 2024/25.

Previously tipped to move to Saudi Arabia, the Portuguese coach appears content to stay put in west London, with owner Tony Khan suggesting back in April that the club want Silva to stay “forever”. A sacking seemingly feels unlikely any time soon.

ChatGPT says: Very low risk – secure through 2026

Opener suffered injury while taking catch off final ball of Pakistsn’s first innings in Multan

Matt Roller08-Oct-2024

England are sweating on Ben Duckett’s availability to bat in their first Test against Pakistan in Multan, after he was unable to open their innings due to a suspected dislocation of his left thumb.Duckett was fielding at slip when Abrar Ahmed, Pakistan’s No. 11, steered a short ball from Joe Root straight into the tip of his thumb. He held onto the catch at the second attempt but immediately winced in pain, and received treatment from England’s doctor Glen Rae as he walked off the field.Ollie Pope opened alongside Zak Crawley in Duckett’s place, and fell second-ball to a flying catch at midwicket from Aamer Jamal, but England did not lose another wicket in the remainder of the 20-over batting stint, reaching 96 for 1 at the close.An England spokesperson said that the team are hoping Duckett’s injury will settle down overnight and that he is not due to go for a scan, but it was not clear on Tuesday evening whether he will be available to bat on the third day.Related

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Olly Stone to leave Pakistan tour to get married this weekend

It would be a significant blow for England to lose Duckett, not least after opting to continue with their six-batter, five-bowler formation in the absence of Ben Stokes. He was England’s second-highest run-scorer in their 3-0 series whitewash in Pakistan two years ago and, with an average of 44.05 in 23 Tests since his recall for that tour, has emerged as one of their most important players.Stokes is targeting the second Test for his comeback from a torn hamstring and stepped up his recovery on Tuesday. He took slip catches and did some high-intensity running before play started, batted in the nets behind the Waqar Younis Stand for around 45 minutes at lunch, and bowled three overs at tea with James Anderson – back with the squad after competing in a pro-am golf tournament last week – watching on.England’s resources for the second Test are already depleted, with Olly Stone unlikely to feature after flying home for his wedding in the UK on Saturday. If Duckett is unavailable, he could either be replaced in England’s XI by the spare batter Jordan Cox – who has opened for Kent early in his first-class career – or by Stokes, with a reshuffled batting line-up.

The camp was organised as Pakistan stutter through one of the bleakest periods in their history

ESPNcricinfo staff23-Sep-2024The PCB’s much-trailed ‘connection camp’ ended on Monday with what officials said was a roadmap to bring the game out of the doldrums it finds itself in at the moment.Officials and the team management, including both head coaches Jason Gillespie and Gary Kirsten, described a day of open and robust conversations, including about the lack of unity within the national side, with the two national captains, Shan Masood and Babar Azam, and a group of other players.The camp was organised as Pakistan stutter through one of the bleakest periods in their history, with administrative tumult begetting a succession of disastrous on-field results. Over the last year, Pakistan have lost to Afghanistan in the ODI World Cup, to USA at the T20 World Cup and most recently 2-0 to Bangladesh in a home Test series.Related

PCB is even more disastrous than usual. Here're the numbers to prove it

Dysfunctional system leaves Pakistan stuck in Test-match mire

Gillespie: 'I want people to be able to say, yes, this is the style of cricket Pakistan are playing'

PCB chairman questions depth of Pakistan's talent pool

Speculation has been rife throughout of growing differences in the dressing room, building from last year but propelled this year by the appointment and swift removal of Shaheen Shah Afridi as Pakistan’s T20I captain, and the return of Babar Azam as the T20I captain. Kirsten, the white-ball coach, is said to have been surprised by the degree of it when he first took up the job.Salman Naseer, the PCB’s chief operating officer, acknowledged that a lack of unity had been part of the discussions, not just within the team but between the board and players.”The session was about this, that we openly and candidly accept and identify [issues] and ask for a commitment from each other, demand it, on how we can improve our performances and how we work together as a team,” Naseer said at a press conference in Lahore after the camp ended. “Our unanimous view was that we need to resolve this going forward and need to identify how we do it.”Naseer did not go into the details of the discussions, saying that providing a “safe space” was essential in allowing people to open up. But tension between players and the board has also been building, especially after a number of top stars were denied NOCs to participate in leagues over the summer. Afridi, Babar, Mohammad Rizwan and Naseem Shah were all prevented from playing in leagues before the start of Pakistan’s home season, with workload management the primary reason cited by the board.

“Our job is to listen and learn and look to implement ways where we can be more effective as players, as a team, and as coaches. What was really clear today was the pride the Pakistan players have in playing for Pakistan”Jason Gillespie

“Where the talk is of unity, it wasn’t only about the team,” Naseer acknowledged. “It was between the team and management and how we can work together to do things more successfully. These were definitely part of the discussions. We talked about planning, we talked about workload management.”Everyone is feeling that the performances of players, and management, can be better. The idea was to sit together, identify issues and what can be better. What our vision is and how do we get there?”The camp is not believed to have brought up the more immediate questions facing the Pakistan side, in the immediate aftermath of the loss to Bangladesh and with England’s imminent arrival for a three-Test series in October. But Kirsten, who has been in Pakistan for the last 12 days watching the Champions Cup, struck a note of optimism in praising the depth of talent in Pakistan – in contrast to the chairman Mohsin Naqvi’s recent observations on the same.”I’ve been here the last 12 days or so watching the Champions Cup and have been really encouraged at the depth of quality of players in this tournament,” Kirsten said. “It’s been fantastic to see. I’ve really enjoyed the tournament. The quality of the competition has been high. Been great to see a lot of young players showcasing what they are capable of.”The discussions will continue, according to Gillespie. “Because we’re new to the job, our job is to listen and learn and look to implement ways where we can be more effective as players, as a team, and as coaches. What was really clear today was the pride the Pakistan players have in playing for Pakistan and how they want to inspire the country. That was really exciting to hear. The players care and are desperate to do well. We’re on this journey together and we’ll do everything we can to help.”

Fabrizio Romano has shared an encouraging Tottenham transfer update after the club unfortunately missed out on a deal for Nottingham Forest playmaker Morgan Gibbs-White.

Related Tottenham set to make offer for "sensational" £45m star after holding talks

Spurs have been in contact over a deal for a midfielder, with an opening bid now in the works.

Posts 2 ByDominic Lund Jul 28, 2025

Spurs head coach Thomas Frank was dealt his first blow as Lilywhites manager with the surprise Saturday announcement that Gibbs-White signed a new deal at the City Ground.

Just over two weeks ago, the England international was on the verge of joining Frank’s side. Chairman Daniel Levy was ready to trigger his £60 million release clause in another quick-fire, statement deal right after they signed Mohammmed Kudus for £55 million from West Ham (ESPN).

The move was so advanced, in fact, that Spurs scheduled a medical for the attacking midfielder on July 11 – but Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis somehow managed to block his transfer in unprecedented fashion.

Tottenham’s best-performing regulars in the Premier League – 2024/2025

Average match rating

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

Marinakis threatened legal action against Tottenham for an alleged ‘illegal’ approach for Gibbs-White, accusing them of both tapping up the player and breaching confidentiality rules surrounding his release clause (Sky Sports).

Since then, Marinakis did what he hasn’t been able to do for the last 12 months – convince the 25-year-old to agree a contract extension.

With Gibbs-White now committing his future, Frank, Levy and technical director Johan Lange are now forced to enter the market for an alternative number 10 – which they’re in serious need of.

Tottenham really struggled for creativity against League One side Luton Town last weekend, and while it’s important not to read too much into pre-season preparations, Frank will be hoping it isn’t a sign of things to come.

James Maddison is still coming back from a knee injury which has kept him out of pre-season so far, but the Englishman has been included in Tottenham’s squad list for their imminent tour of Asia.

Tottenham working on signing Morgan Gibbs-White alternative

According to Fabrizio Romano, writing in GiveMeSport’s newsletter, Spurs are very much still on the look-out for another creative midfielder after missing out on Gibbs-White.

While no names have come up just yet, Romano states that Tottenham are actively “working” on signing a Gibbs-White alternative right now – coming as some much-needed good news after what was a waste of two weeks.

“They’re working on it [alternative targets for Gibbs-White],” said Romano. “As soon as I know, I will tell you.”

In terms of quality candidates, we believe that Spurs should look no further than Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze.

Arsenal are believed to be pursuing a deal for Eze, but nothing is done yet, and Spurs have been credibly linked with the 27-year-old this window (talkSPORT).

The England international, who commands a £60 million release clause which could rise to £68 million through bonuses (Sky Sports), would come at a similar price to what Levy was willing to pay for Gibbs-White.

Eze also bagged 14 goals and 11 assists in all competitions last term, including the FA Cup final-winning goal against Man City, would undoubtedly upgrade Frank’s options, and he’s almost a no-brainer to at least consider.

Allrounder Aaron Hardie was in action with the ball amid selection debates around the India series

Tristan Lavalette20-Oct-2024

Allrounder Aaron Hardie bowled a lively opening spell in his first Sheffield Shield appearance of the season before Western Australia’s frontline attack restricted Tasmania on a rare rain-interrupted day’s play at the WACA.Only 53 overs were bowled on the opening day with Tasmania finishing at 158 for 5 in a rematch of last season’s Shield final. No.5 Jake Doran held firm with an attractive 59 not out before play was called off after rain lashed the ground early in the final session.Related

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In the wake of Cameron Green being ruled out of the summer, there has been considerable spotlight on Hardie who represents a like-for-like replacement. He impressed on Australia’s recent white-ball tour of the UK, but missed WA’s season opener against Queensland due to a quad injury.There had been speculation that Hardie would play as a specialist batter, but he entered the attack in the ninth over after openers Jake Weatherald and Caleb Jewell comfortably saw off the new ball.Hardie immediately produced sharp bounce and bowled a short of a length line to cause problems for Jewell, who on 11 survived a loud appeal for caught behind.Hardie bowled two three-over bursts but struggled to find the same bite in his spell in the second session. He finished with 0 for 32 from six overs.Allrounder Mitchell Marsh is available to bowl, having played as a specialist batter against Queensland, but has yet to enter the attack and spent most of his time fielding at first slip.Perth is usually known for its oppressive conditions during cricket season, but amid overcast skies and rain in the air, WA skipper Sam Whiteman had no hesitation to bowl first on a green wicket.The WA quicks relished the prospect but offspinner Corey Rocchiccioli, who recently earned Australia A selection, stole the show with the wickets of Weatherald and captain Jordan Silk before lunch.After being well collared by Queensland, with Marnus Labuschagne and Usman Khawaja counterattacking him in good batting conditions, Rocchiccioli conjured sharp turn and trademark bounce to put WA on top.He outfoxed Silk, normally very proficient against spin, with a looping delivery that had him dancing down the track but hitting straight to midwicket.Quick Brody Couch, who had a mixed WA debut against Queensland, was fiery and clocked speeds reaching 143kph. He was rewarded for the breakthrough of Jewell, who edged a good length delivery to second slip.WA had a stranglehold but rain cascaded on the ground shortly after lunch causing a brief interruption. The weather change seemed to change the state of the game on resumption with Rocchiccioli unable to have the same impact in very windy conditions and with a damp ball that was suddenly impotent.Doran capitalised and hit several gorgeous strokes straight down the ground as he combined in a half-century partnership with Charlie Wakim. WA were left frustrated and seemingly going through motions until quick Cameron Gannon, who bowled too full with the new ball, had Wakim edging to second slip.Much like Hardie, allrounder Beau Webster might be in Test calculations to replace Green but he made just 3 after nicking off to seamer Matt Kelly as play soon ended prematurely in a rarity at the WACA.

Punjab Kings are likely to retain only two uncapped players – batters Shashank Singh and Prabhsimran Singh – from their IPL 2024 squad. They will go into the upcoming mega auction with the largest purse, likely in excess of INR 100 crore, and also have four right-to-match options which can be used to buy back their players.ESPNcricinfo has learned PBKS were also keen to retain India fast bowler Arshdeep Singh, who was their second-highest wicket-taker last season with 19 wickets. Some of the high profile players not retained by PBKS ahead of the auction include Harshal Patel, Sam Curran, Jitesh Sharma, Kagiso Rabada, Jonny Bairstow and Liam Livingstone.Related

• Russell, Shreyas Iyer, Starc unlikely to be retained by KKR

• IPL 2025 retentions: List of all the retained players ahead of the mega auction

• Pant to go into mega auction after not being retained by Delhi Capitals

• IPL retention: How many players can a team keep? And at what cost?

PBKS will lose at least INR 8 crore from their purse of INR 120 crore for retaining two uncapped players. Shashank and Prabhsimran were their two top-scorers (354 and 334 runs respectively) in IPL 2024, where they finished ninth out of ten. Both batters played starring roles in their high-point of the season though, pulling off a record chase of 262 against Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens.PBKS have not qualified for the IPL playoffs since 2014 and have made changes to their coaching set-up as well in an attempt to turn their performances around in 2025, bringing in Ricky Ponting as head coach.October 31 is the deadline by which the ten franchises have to submit their lists of retained players to the IPL. The teams have been allowed to retain up to six players ahead of the mega auction before the 2025 season, of which a maximum of five can be capped internationals and two can be uncapped players. While the IPL has set minimum deductions from the auction purse for each player retained – INR 18 crore for the first player, INR 14 crore for the second, INR 11 crore for the third, INR 18 crore for the fourth, INR 14 crore for the fifth, and INR 4 crore for an uncapped player – the franchises are free to pay more or less than those amounts to their retained players.

Alejandro Garnacho sent an emotional message to Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes on his 31st birthday. Garnacho left United for Chelsea in the summer transfer window after falling out of favour under manager Ruben Amorim, but has now thanked Fernandes for all his support at Old Trafford.

• Garnacho sends message to Fernandes
• United captain celebrated his 31st birthday
• Garnacho joined Chelsea this summer

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Garnacho had a public fallout with Amorim after United's Europa League final defeat against Tottenham last season, which led to his exile from the squad and his eventual departure to Chelsea. The Argentine signed a seven-year contract with the Blues in a deal worth a fixed £40 million fee ($54m) with a 10 per cent sell-on clause. Just days after joining Chelsea, Garnacho shared an emotional note while wishing Fernandes a happy 31st birthday.

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• WHAT GARNACHO SAID

  Taking to Instagram on September 8, Garnacho wrote: "Thanks for everything you did for me I love u." Fernandes later shared the message on his Instagram story.

  IG:@garnacho7

• Getty
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Emerging through United’s youth academy, Garnacho made his senior debut for the Red Devils in a 1-1 draw with Chelsea in the Premier League in April 2022. He went on to score 26 goals in 144 appearances, helping the club win the Carabao Cup in 2022-23 and the FA Cup in 2023-24 under Erik ten Hag’s tutelage.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR GARNACHO?

  The Argentina star will hope to make his Chelsea debut once Premier League action resumes after the international break, although it's unclear just how fit he is. Enzo Maresca's side are scheduled to face Brentford on September 13.

While finally getting over the hill and winning the Premier League is going to require a Herculean effort from the team, it would be fair to say spirits are high around Arsenal at the moment.

Mikel Arteta’s side beat AC Milan in Singapore and then got one over Newcastle United in Hong Kong, and now have a North London derby to look forward to tomorrow.

Unsurprisingly, one of the stars of pre-season so far has been Bukayo Saka, who scored the only goal in the first game and was more than lively in the second.

So, fans should be thrilled about reports linking them with another international superstar who could be Arteta’s new Saka.

Arsenal target their new Saka

While the football in pre-season has been great, it’s been an even better summer for Arsenal off the pitch.

Transfer Focus

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

After years of fans crying out for one, the club have finally signed a new top-quality number nine in Viktor Gyokeres, and that’s not all, as Martin Zubimendi looks like he could be even more consequential at the base of midfield.

Moreover, Arteta won’t have to worry about squad depth quite as much anymore, with Noni Madueke, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Christian Norgaard and Cristhian Mosquera all coming in to bolster the squad.

Yet, even with six new faces through the door, the North Londoners want to do more business, business which could see them land their new Saka.

At least that is according to a recent report from Spain, which has claimed Arsenal have a ‘clear name’ in mind when it comes to further improving the squad this summer: Rodrygo.

While the report reveals that the Gunners will likely have to sell a player or two before signing the Brazilian, it does not mention how much he might eventually cost them.

However, multiple stories from earlier this summer indicate that a fee of around £86m could be enough to seal the deal, and while that’s a lot of money, it would be worth it for a player of Rodrygo’s quality, especially as he could be the club’s new Saka.

Why Rodrygo could be Arsenal's new Saka

So, before the pitchforks and torches come out, we aren’t necessarily saying Rodrygo will come in and be just as good as Saka right away, as the Englishman has practically made this team his own over the last few years and is unquestionably now world-class.

However, we are saying that there is every chance the Real Madrid star could come in and end up having a similar impact on the left-hand side, albeit without the homegrown academy product side of things.

Why do we think this? Well, for starters, despite playing out of position for much of the last two seasons, the Brazilian has remained a seriously dangerous attacker.

For example, the “incredible” talent, as dubbed by former manager Carlo Ancelotti, has found the back of the net on 31 occasions and provided 20 assists in 105 appearances, totalling 7159 minutes.

That translates to a brilliant average of a goal involvement every 2.05 games, or every 140.37 minutes across the last two years, which is a level of output the Gunners’ left side could do with.

Appearances

51

54

Minutes

3707′

3452′

Goals

17

14

Assists

9

11

Goal Involvements per Match

0.50

0.46

Minutes per Goal Involvement

142.57′

138.08′

Second, much in the same way the Hale End icon has taken the club on his back in the past, the former Santos gem has often been the difference maker in big European games for his side.

In 64 Champions League games, the 24-year-old has scored 25 goals and provided 14 assists, but crucially, eight of his goals have come in the knockout rounds and eight have been game-winning.

Finally, despite neither one of them being particularly tall, they’ve proven themselves to be tough to dispossess in recent seasons, be that through sheer strength or an underappreciated ability with the ball at their feet.

Moreover, when given space, both wingers can be quite explosive and an absolute nightmare for backtracking defenders, with FBref placing the Brazilian in the top 2% of attacking midfielders and wingers in Europe’s top five leagues for carries into the penalty area and the Englishman in the top 11%.

Ultimately, while Saka will likely always be the most popular player at Arsenal thanks to his deep ties with the fans and club, Rodrygo could be almost as effective as him off the left, and therefore, Arteta and Co should be doing all they can to sign him this summer.

Arsenal eye "fascinating" Eze alternative with £22.5m release clause

The Gunners are after another number 10.

1 ByEmilio Galantini Jul 30, 2025

When a player goes from being described as the heartbeat of one team to a forgotten figure in another, it’s rarely down to a simple drop in talent.

Often, as Chris Wood demonstrated, a change of scenery can make all the difference.

Wood left Newcastle as an apparent misfit, having struggled to make an impact after his move from Burnley, but found a fresh start at Nottingham Forest.

There, he reminded everyone of his qualities, scoring 20 Premier League goals last season and helping Forest to their first European campaign since 1996.

Football is filled with such stories: players who are able to flourish once more under the right conditions. One midfielder currently making headlines fits that mould almost perfectly.

Once a key performer in the Premier League, he has endured a frustrating year abroad, hampered by injury and an unstable tactical environment.

But with several English clubs circling for his signature this summer, there’s every chance he could engineer a comeback in the same spirit as Wood.

Latest on Nottingham Forest's transfer search

The midfielder in question is Douglas Luiz, who swapped Aston Villa for Juventus in a €50m (£43m) deal only to see his first season in Italy collapse into disappointment.

He failed to register a single goal or assist in 27 appearances, missed 20 games through injury, and never looked settled under either Igor Tudor or Thiago Motta.

Transfer Focus

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

He played just 45 minutes at the Club World Cup, and Juventus are now reportedly ready to let him go after he missed the opening day of pre-season training – a disciplinary issue that looks set to force his exit.

The Old Lady are now hoping to recoup around €40m (£34m), accepting things haven’t worked out as planned.

According to Corriere dello Sport in Italy, Nottingham Forest have been in direct contact with his camp, sensing an opportunity to acquire a player with proven English top-flight pedigree. The report suggests that ‘a five-year offer with an increased salary is on the table’.

Luiz’s numbers at Juventus paint a stark picture of how things fell apart. He ranked 19th in minutes played with only 841, starting just six matches.

His 0.69 key passes per game put him 9th among Juventus midfielders, while a meagre 0.77 tackles per game ranked him 21st.

For a player described by Statman Dave as an “engine in midfield,” these struggles were uncharacteristic.

Instead, he is on the periphery in Turin, his World Cup 2026 ambitions in danger of being derailed. Could he follow Wood in being revived in Nottingham?

Another Forest revival could be on the cards

There is plenty of evidence to suggest that Luiz could thrive again with the right manager, system, and consistent game time.

At Aston Villa, Luiz was the definition of a modern, dynamic midfielder.

According to FBref, stats from his final Premier League campaign in 2023/24 underlined that: an 85.7% pass completion rate while attempting over 71 passes per 90, and nearly four shot-creating actions per match.

He consistently progressed play, averaging 5.49 progressive passes and 2.15 progressive carries per 90.

Defensively, he contributed too, with 1.74 tackles per 90 and almost one block per match, using positional discipline and work rate to cover ground effectively.

The numbers made clear why Villa fans valued him so highly – a player who could link defence to attack seamlessly while breaking up opposition transitions.

His last season at Villa saw him start nearly every game, a sharp contrast to the chaos of Juventus, where managerial turnover and persistent injuries destroyed any rhythm.

His 89.5% pass accuracy at Juve, still ranking him fifth-best at the club, suggests his technical quality remains intact. But without a consistent role, he looked lost.

The interest from Forest – as well as from Everton – makes perfect sense therefore.

Both clubs would welcome a midfield presence with ball-winning skills, tempo-setting passes, and Premier League experience.

Forest in particular could look to repeat their Chris Wood rescue mission by offering Luiz a stable platform and a clear tactical purpose. Wood had netted just five times in 39 games at St James’ Park, although has since showcased his prior form at Burnley, where the New Zealander scored 53 goals in 165 games.

As for Luiz also suits the style of English football far more naturally than the slower, more congested patterns he faced in Serie A.

His progressive passing, intensity out of possession, and capacity to make third-man runs all align with how many Premier League teams want their midfielders to operate.

What Luiz needs, just like Wood before him, is a manager willing to make him central to the team’s structure.

Wood rediscovered his confidence and instinct for goals at Forest, showing that a so-called failed signing can become an effective weapon when valued.

It is easy to forget how highly he was rated not long ago.

Leonardo Bertozzi’s prediction that Luiz could be a “leading name” for Brazil at the 2026 World Cup still has every chance of coming true, provided he finds a stable environment to rebuild his confidence.

With a Premier League return looking increasingly likely, fans might yet witness a redemption story worthy of Wood’s – proof once more that the right club, at the right moment, can revive even the most stalled careers.