Whilst Chelsea have progressed through to the semi-finals of the UEFA Conference League, the Blues lost 2-1 to Legia Warsaw at home, in a game that will have many fans worried about the fate of the team at the back end of this season.
Enzo Maresca’s men held 70% of the ball, generated 2.00 xG, created five “big chances” and took 16 shots in the match. But Legia, with just 30% of the ball, managed to fashion 13 shots of their own, creating four “big chances” and generating 2.22 xG.
There were no real good performances from the Blues, if anyone it would have been Chelsea’s youngster Tyrique George, who came from the bench. One of the worst performers was their star man, Cole Palmer, who is struggling for form and confidence at the moment.
Cole Palmer's woes continue
Palmer’s last goal came against Bournemouth back in January, with the 22-year-old looking cold in front of goal recently – and no, not his type of cold. The Chelsea star looks off the pace in attacking areas, taking too long to make decisions and becoming visibly frustrated.
Chalkboard
Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.
He managed two shots against Legia Warsaw, both of which could have resulted in goals, given his red-hot finishing last season and what many fans have come to expect. However, one shot was easily saved and the other missed the target.
Palmer also lost possession six times in his 58 minutes played, only managed 31 touches in the game and only won two of his five ground duels.
But Chelsea fans will be much more worried about another forward who started the game, whose time may just have run out.
Chelsea's 3/10 dud is now out of time
Christopher Nkunku has struggled all season for the Blues, often being used out of position, having to fill in as a striker or off the left, whilst Palmer starts in attacking midfield. And it was yet another poor display from the Frenchman, earning him a 3/10 match rating from GOAL.
Minutes
90
Touches
51
Accurate Passes
38/40
Key Passes
2
Shots
1
Ground Duels Won
4/6
Aerial Duels Won
0/2
Possession Lost
6
Tackles
2
The 27-year-old only managed one shot in the entire game, which was on target, but was also easily saved. He also lost possession six times, lost both of his aerial duels but did win four of his six ground duels and made two key passes.
Whilst Nkunku has had many more stand-out poor performances than this one, it’s more what this one represented. 3-0 up playing against Legia Warsaw at Stamford Bridge, space to attack in behind and chances to make things happen, but still looking off the pace and disinterested.
It seems like it could be the end of the road for Nkunku at Chelsea, with fans losing their patience with the Frenchman and clubs already registering interest in the forward ahead of the summer window.
It could be the best time for the Blues to cash in and cut their losses.
Best signing since Palmer: Chelsea now favourites to sign £85m "diamond"
Chelsea can seal their best signing since Palmer with this “English diamond”
Ipswich Town have signed a versatile teenager in an out-of-window move, according to a new update.
Ipswich Town looking to summer with Premier League relegation on the cards
The Tractor Boys are on course for an immediate return to the Championship after just one season in the Premier League.
Kieran McKenna’s side are currently 14 points away from safety with just six games to go and look destined to drop back to the second tier alongside fellow promoted sides Southampton and Leicester City despite spending big across the 2024/25 season.
Omari Hutchinson
Chelsea
€23.5m
Jacob Greaves
Hull City
€21.5m
Liam Delap
Man City
€17.85m
Jack Clarke
Sunderland
€17.7m
Dara O’Shea
Burnley
€14.2m
Sammie Szmodics
Blackburn Rovers
€10.6m
Arijanet Muric
Burnley
€9.55m
Chiedozie Ogbene
Luton Town
€9.5m
Jens Cajuste
Napoli
Loan
Conor Townsend
West Brom
€590,000
Ben Johnson
West Ham
Free
Kalvin Phillips
Man City
Loan
Jaden Philogene
Aston Villa
€23.7m
Alex Palmer
West Brom
€2.4m
Julio Enciso
Brighton
Loan
Ben Godfrey
Atalanta
Loan
Relegation looks set to result in a busy summer of departures from Portman Road, with Liam Delap attracting interest from the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United. Approaches have been made by both clubs for Delap, who will be available for £30m if Ipswich go down.
Ipswich Town'sLiamDelapapplauds fans after the match
Talking about Delap’s future, McKenna said before the 2-2 draw at Chelsea: “It’s not something that’s been discussed loads internally at because everyone’s focus, honestly, has been on Bournemouth, on Wolves, now on Chelsea. But if you ask me, is that a possibility? I think it’s certainly a possibility. Liam’s a young striker. He’s developing really, really well at the football club.
“He’s happy and he’s improving every week and we’re enjoying working with him. I’m sure there’s lots of different possibilities. But Liam’s an Ipswich player. He enjoys being an Ipswich player and that’s where his full focus is.”
A replacement could soon be needed for the star striker, with both Hearts forward Lawrence Shankland and Sheffield United teenager Ryan One both mooted as transfer targets to come in for Delap.
Targeting youth with a move for One shows that Ipswich appear to be looking long-term at potential signings, and they have now agreed a deal to sign another teenage talent.
Ipswich Town sign versatile youngster Corbin Mthunzi
As reported by The East Anglian Daily Times, Ipswich Town have signed 17-year-old Corbin Mthunzi following a successful trial.
Previously of Brighton & Hove Albion, Mthunzi has penned a two-year professional contract at Portman Road after turning out twice for Ipswich’s U21s last month.
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Mthunzi played as a centre-back in the fixtures against QPR and Chelsea, however, the teenager can also turn out as a midfielder if required.
He’ll now be looking to break into McKenna’s first team plans over the coming years, so Mthunzi’s progress at Portman Road will be one to watch.
In what is a frustrating blow for those at the Stadium of Light, one Sunderland star could now miss the rest of the season – including the play-offs – after already missing the Norwich City game.
Le Bris provides Sunderland injury update
Whilst the play-offs are already well within their grasp, Sunderland would have still been left frustrated by their 0-0 draw against Norwich City in midweek. The Black Cats are in the type of form that many expected to continue against the inconsistent Canaries, having lost just once in their last five Championship games. Nonetheless Regis Le Bris’ side were forced to settle for a frustrating point.
The Sunderland boss delivered his verdict on the 0-0 draw in his post-match press conference, telling reporters: “It was a tough first half. We defended well and we expected a strong team in possession with many threats. We did well without pressure, which was probably the main problem.
“The first half was a little bit too reserved. The tactical set-up was clear, so now it was a case of taking risks. It’s easier when you are on the bench, but after 30 minutes, it was a little bit better.
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“At half time, we spoke about the boldness we needed to have against a strong team. Things were better in the second half – we had good possession and the four subs helped. These games against West Brom and Norwich are really interesting because they are strong in possession with many threats. The fact that we can manage these games and keep a clean sheet says a lot about our efficiency.”
Le Bris was also able to provide an update on Jobe Bellingham’s injury, revealing that the midfielder missed the draw through a minor recurring ankle injury in what should see him make a swift return. The same can’t be said for another Sunderland star, however, following a recurrence of his own injury.
Romaine Mundle suffers injury blow
After the winger missed the Norwich game through injury, Le Bris revealed that Mundle could now be out for the rest of the season. The Sunderland boss told reporters: “Romaine has a hamstring injury, but we don’t yet know the timeline. We need to seek some further advice from some specialists and so we will have to wait a little bit.
“It’s possible [that his season could be over], we’ll have to make a decision about the situation. It’s not up to us really, we need specific advice before we can make a specific decision.”
Sunderland manager RegisLeBris
The latest piece of bad news continues a frustrating campaign for Mundle, who already missed 16 Championship games through the same injury frustration earlier this season. Having scored five goals in all competitions despite the disruption, it’s clear that Sunderland will miss the winger if that is to be it for him this season.
Dubbed “brilliant” by captain Dan Neil in the past, Mundle will be desperate to put his struggles behind him as soon as possible and look forward towards a comeback which may have to wait until next season.
Few Manchester United players in the modern era have been quite so polarising, quite so newsworthy as that of Paul Pogba, with the mercurial Frenchman enduring a turbulent six-year second spell at Old Trafford, to say the least.
Signed on an £89m deal back in the summer of 2016 – four years on from having left under Sir Alex Ferguson on a free transfer – the towering midfielder failed to truly justify that club record fee, despite scoring and assisting 87 goals in 233 games for the Red Devils in total.
Plagued by injuries in his final few seasons in Manchester, the World Cup winner was repeatedly touted for an exit by his then-agent, Mino Raiola, throughout his time at the club, while failing to build on the Carabao Cup and Europa League success from his first year back in English football.
The former Juventus man may not have been surrounded by the greatest United side of recent times, but neither has Bruno Fernandes, with the Portuguese playmaker epitomising everything that his ex-teammate could have been.
Deployed in a deep-lying role, as a number ten, or even on the flanks, Fernandes has repeatedly delivered the goods over the past five years, having now chalked up 95 goals and 82 assists in 277 games to date. There have been no excuses, no apparent desire to leave – the 30-year-old has relished the role of being United’s talisman.
Pogba, however, never took on that mantle, even despite his hefty price tag, with the Red Devils certainly needing to steer clear of any suggestion regarding a potential reunion.
The latest on Pogba's potential Man Utd return
Having been approaching the end of his contract in the climax of the 2021/22 campaign, Pogba’s United career petered out in a sorry manner as he was notably booed off by the Old Trafford faifthful during the 3-2 win over Norwich City, having then limped off just minutes into the 4-0 defeat to Liverpool away at Anfield.
That had looked like a fitting end to a disappointing chapter for the 91-cap France international, although there had been reports of late that an unwelcome homecoming was on the cards.
The 32-year-old has been out of action across the last 18 months or so due to a suspension for a doping breach, having endured a miserable return to Juve, following his United exit in 2022.
Now currently a free agent, Pogba was linked with a short-term switch back to Manchester in recent months, albeit with those claims subsequently quashed, amid the player’s own desire to join a club competing in the upcoming Club World Cup.
Forking out for the wages of a player who hasn’t played competitively since 2023 would make little sense too, with a final swansong in Saudi Arabia or MLS looking a more likely destination for the ageing star.
Paul Pogba
For all concerned, Pogba’s United story wisely looks to be resigned to the past, although Ruben Amorim and INEOS may be fearful of having found their next version of the 6 foot 3 hotshot among the current ranks.
Man Utd may have found Pogba 2.0
For all the criticism mentioned above – with club legend Gary Neville among those to admit that Pogba’s move “failed” – there were no doubt flashes of quality from the midfielder at times in a United shirt.
2021/22
20
1
9
2020/21
26
3
3
2019/20
16
1
3
2018/19
35
13
9
2017/18
27
6
10
2016/17
30
5
4
2011/12
3
0
0
Total
157
29
38
The elegant star notably dazzled in the 2018/19 campaign, amid Jose Mourinho’s dismissal, having scored 16 goals and registered a further 11 assists, after being pushed into a more advanced role by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Pogba also impressed down the left flank in the early knockings of 2021/22, having memorably chalked up four assists during the 5-1 thrashing of rivals Leeds United on the opening day.
Ultimately, however, a man signed to play in a midfield two never really looked comfortable in that role, with The Athletic’s Laurie Whitwell noting after his exit that ‘his physical stature suggested a defensive side to Pogba’s game that was not really there’.
Parallels between that signing from Serie A can certainly be made then with the relatively recent capture of Joshua Zirkzee, with the 6 foot 4 Dutchman arriving on a £36.5m deal from Bologna last summer.
Zirkzee
Like Pogba – who registered 23 goals and assists in 2015/16 at Juve – Zirkzee had dazzled in Italy’s top-flight, having ended last term as the division’s Young Player of the Year, while even being likened to Ronaldinho by then-boss, Thiago Motta.
Much like the Frenchman, the former Bayern Munich was signed for one role but has largely been at his best elsewhere, having swiftly moved away from operating as a number nine and instead been deployed as one of Amorim’s two number tens.
That switch has proved fruitful, amid notable goals against the likes of Leicester City and Real Sociedad in recent months, although, like Pogba, the 23-year-old’s pace and physicality has been called into question, having been described as almost “admirably slow” by journalist Charlie Parrish.
As Italian football expert Mina Rzouki has also outlined, ‘it doesn’t help that Zirkzee’s physical stature suggests he ought to be a different type of striker’, again mirroring the towering Pogba, who was not, despite his appearance, a particularly dominant midfielder.
Man-Utd-Zirkzee-Europa-League
A player that seemingly “belongs to a different era”, in the words of Parrish, Zirkzee’s almost casual style also bears a resemblance to Pogba strutting his stuff in the centre of the park, with the pair both possessing that knack for gliding up the pitch with the ball at their feet. The silk is there, but is there the steel?
The Netherlands international, to his credit, has shaken off an early withdrawal against Newcastle United to earn almost cult hero status – something his midfield counterpart was never able to achieve – with there perhaps a sense that he can kick on under the Amorim regime in the coming years.
That nagging stylistic likeness to Pogba does persist, however, with the question remaining as to whether the £105k-per-week maestro can truly carve out a regular role for himself in this system, as well as whether he really is up to the task amid the rigours of the Premier League.
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When the transfer window opens for business in the summer, Arsenal fans will be screaming at Andrea Berta to sign a new striker.
The new sporting director is only just getting his feet under the table at the Emirates Stadium but the expectation is that the Gunners will spend big, regardless of how they finish their Champions League campaign.
Arsenal’s Premier League season has been a bitter disappointment and although they are a game away from a European semi-final, spending and spending right is of utmost importance.
Bringing in a shiny new centre forward must be the first priority. Alexander Isak is everybody’s dream.
The latest on Arsenal's hunt for a new striker
Last summer, Mikel Arteta wanted a striker and they set their sights on RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, only for the Slovenian to sign a new contract with the Bundesliga club.
The striker is a reported target again this summer but according to David Ornstein, there are two names that the recruitment team at the Emirates are more keen on; Sporting goal machine Viktor Gyokeres and Newcastle’s Isak.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
A number of the Premier League’s elite are interested in prising Isak away from the Toon, including Chelsea and Liverpool.
However, with a reported £150m asking price, a deal is likely to be incredibly difficult to complete unless the player demands an exit.
Newcastle United's AlexanderIsakcelebrates scoring their second goal
Newcastle look well set to qualify for next season’s Champions League and should they do so, getting Isak will become even harder.
So, will it by Gyokeres or Sesko instead? Time will tell.
Perhaps it could even be someone else, as Jeremie Aliadiere exclusively told Football FanCast this week.
Aliadiere is a big fan of £85m Isak alternative
FFC sat down with former Gunner Aliadiere this week to chat all things Arsenal.
The forward – who featured alongside the likes of Thierry Henry and Dennis Bergkamp at Highbury – certainly knows a thing or two about what Arsenal need in central areas, but the player-turned-pundit has recommended a potentially surprising Isak alternative they should sign.
When asked if there was one striker he could pick for the north Londoners to go out and buy, he said:
“I’m a big fan of Darwin Nunez. I really like Nunez, I’ve always been a fan of the guy. I love his work ethic, and I still think there’s a good goalscorer in him.”
Nunez signed for Liverpool in a whopping £85m deal during the Jurgen Klopp era but has been incredibly inconsistent at Anfield, something Aliadiere acknowledged:
“He hasn’t had the opportunity and the confidence of his coach and his club to play week-in, week-out for a long period of time. A goalscorer needs to play week-in, week-out to keep scoring goals. When you are in and out of the team all the time, confidence is hard to get. It’s so important – to score more goals, you need to be on the pitch.”
Indeed, the Uruguayan attacker has only scored seven times in 42 games this term, hardly form worthy of his transfer fee.
Liverpool'sDarwinNunezreacts
Still, Aliadiere hasn’t been deterred by a player who missed 27 big chances in the Premier League last term, the second-worst tally in the division behind Erling Haaland.
“I’m a massive fan of him, and if he became available, I’d love to see him at Arsenal. I love that type of player. Arsenal have been crying out for a player like him, who keeps making runs in behind, who can press with energy.”
Well, there’s no denying that Nunez brings chaos to whichever front line he’s a part of but whether Arteta could find a way to extract the potential the forward has remains to be seen.
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West Ham and Tottenham have held discussions over signing former Brentford striker Ivan Toney ahead of the looming January transfer window, and he’s now given a response to both sides.
Ivan Toney attracts Premier League interest after Saudi displays
Toney’s excellent since moving to Al-Ahli has reportedly prompted several Premier League clubs to consider bringing him back to English football, with his exceptional goalscoring record defying initial skepticism about his £40 million transfer.
The 29-year-old has silenced doubters emphatically, scoring 42 goals across just 62 appearances in all competitions since arriving in the Gulf state.
His output has spearheaded Al-Ahli to success, including their maiden AFC Champions League triumph and victory in the Saudi Super Cup after a penalty shootout victory over Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr.
Toney’s memorable hat-trick against 2024 champions Al-Hilal marked Al-Ahli’s first victory over their rivals in eight league games, with the striker going on to net 12 goals across just seven matches during one extraordinary purple patch.
Sunderland 3-0 West Ham
West Ham 1-5 Chelsea
Nottingham Forest 0-3 West Ham
West Ham 0-3 Tottenham
West Ham 1-2 Crystal Palace
Everton 1-1 West Ham
Arsenal 2-0 West Ham
West Ham 0-2 Brentford
Leeds 2-1 West Ham
West Ham 3-1 Newcastle
West Ham 3-2 Burnley
Bournemouth 2-2 West Ham
His performances even briefly earned the Englishman a spot back in Thomas Tuchel’s England setup earlier this year, but Toney has struggled to fire his way back into contention since then.
With the 2026 World Cup looming, reports have suggested that Toney could return to the Premier League in a bid to battle his way into Tuchel’s thinking ahead of the tournament next year.
West Ham now in pole position to sign "monster" striker after already making contact
The Hammers are after a new centre-forward.
ByEmilio Galantini Nov 27, 2025
Of all the teams linked with a move for Toney, West Ham and Spurs stand chief among them as the two London clubs allegedly scour for striking options.
Tottenham are said to have held preliminary talks over a deal for Toney already, while West Ham have allegedly sounded out the striker as they look to replace the exit-bound Niclas Füllkrug.
Now, a report by talkSPORT has shed light on the situation, with Nuno Espirito Santo handed a key update.
West Ham and Tottenham get Ivan Toney response after discussions
West Ham and Tottenham have discussed January moves for Toney, but the England striker has made clear his intention to remain in Saudi Arabia, effectively ending hopes of an immediate Premier League return.
Sources close to the situation confirm Toney’s camp has communicated directly to interested Premier League clubs that the striker remains settled, content and unwilling to push for a transfer.
Al-Ahli sporting director Rui Pedro Braz reinforced this stance publicly, insisting speculation surrounding January departures holds no basis in reality and declaring the club counts on Toney moving forward.
Additionally, Toney must remain abroad until April 2026 to maintain his non-UK tax residency status. Returning prematurely would trigger significant tax liabilities estimated at around £14 million.
Al-Ahli would also demand more than the £40 million they paid for a permanent transfer.
The SPL club would only consider sanctioning Toney’s departure if they secured an elite-level replacement, something which could be very difficult to do in January’s limited window.
Right now, the odds are stacked against an exit for the ‘remarkable’ striker, so West Ham and Spurs may need to look elsewhere.
According to other reports, West Ham have already made contact over a deal for USG striker Promise David, who could be available for a generous £17.5 million.
Tottenham have been given some encouragement over the prospect of signing a Brazil international as his agents work to find him a new club.
Tottenham targeting new attacker in January amid creativity issue
Thomas Frank faces mounting pressure at Tottenham just six months into his tenure, with serious questions surrounding the Dane’s future.
Spurs sit 11th in the table with just 19 points from 13 games, and their home record tells a catastrophic story.
With only one Premier League win at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium all season, not to mention 10 home defeats this calendar year, they currently boast the joint-worst record in that regard in the club’s history.
Winless in five matches across all competitions, including losses to Arsenal, PSG and Fulham, their controversial 2-2 draw at Newcastle on Monday evening prevented a fourth straight defeat.
16. Burnley
2
1
4
7
-2
17. Nottingham Forest
2
1
4
7
-5
18. West Ham
2
0
5
6
-9
19. Tottenham
1
2
4
5
-1
20. Wolves
0
1
6
1
-11
Cristian Romero rescued Frank with a dramatic stoppage-time overhead kick. The Argentine scored twice at St James’ Park, his header and acrobatic finish earning a vital point, and his heroics seriously spared Frank’s blushes.
Dressing room unrest is reportedly growing, with reports suggesting players are confused by Frank’s constant tactical tinkering.
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The reliable journalist has some information.
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Summer signing Xavi Simons symbolises Frank’s struggles. The £55 million playmaker has started just six league games, relegated to the bench for crucial fixtures despite Spurs’ creative drought, and former defender Ramon Vega has accused Frank of “changing his mind every two seconds.”
Frank apparently retains board backing until at least new year, but improvement must arrive quickly.
January reinforcements remain crucial, with FC Porto striker Samu Aghehowa heavily linked alongside Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo, who has a tantalising £65 million release clause in his contract which will be active next month.
If Spurs cannot win the race for Semenyo amid interest from Man City, then RB Leizpig’s Yan Diomande is believed to be an alternative, with Sky Switzerland’s Sacha Tavolieri reporting they’ve already held advanced discussions on the player’s side.
Tottenham given Rodrygo boost as agents work on Real Madrid exit
Now, according to TEAMtalk and journalist Graeme Bailey, the north Londoners have been given a boost in their pursuit of Real Madrid star Rodrygo.
It is believed that Tottenham have emerged among the Premier League clubs that Rodrygo would consider joining, with his representatives actively working to secure a January departure from the Bernabeu.
The Brazilian has seen his situation deteriorate dramatically since Xabi Alonso replaced Carlo Ancelotti over the summer, becoming the most high-profile casualty.
Only four of his 15 appearances this season have exceeded 45 minutes, with Rodrygo regularly deployed as an impact substitute and falling behind Arda Güler in the pecking order.
Intermediaries representing the 24-year-old are working diligently to identify potential destinations, with Arsenal and Liverpool already engaged in discussions.
Rodrygo himself has made clear he would welcome moves to Man City, Man United, Chelsea or Tottenham too, though currently only Arsenal, Liverpool, City and Spurs are actively monitoring his availability.
Real value him between £70-79 million, and the Spanish giants ideally want to retain Rodrygo until the summer, when Nico Paz’s expected return will likely accelerate his departure.
It isn’t an easy deal to do by any means, with Spurs potentially needing to break their transfer record whilst fending off elite competition from their rivals.
However, there is little doubt this would be a statement move by the Lewis family as they look to usher in a new era post-Daniel Levy.
Tottenham’s first transfer window with their new-look, reshuffled boardroom will be a very intriguing one, and a striker is believed to be at the very top of their priority list.
Ever since replacing Ange Postecoglou in the summer, new manager Thomas Frank has been starved of a reliable focal point up front.
Dominic Solanke, who Spurs signed for a club-record £65 million fee last year, has struggled with injury problems that have limited his involvement to just 49 minutes so far this campaign. The Englishman suffered a ‘minor’ ankle problem at the beginning of 25/26, which eventually required surgery, and he’s still on the comeback trail.
Solanke is set to miss this weekend’s pivotal North London derby against Arsenal and won’t be available for their crunch Champions League tie against PSG either, with Frank forced to rely on the out-of-form Richarlison, who’s attracted criticism for his inconsistency.
The Brazilian is a shoo-in to start against PSG next week given Mathys Tel wasn’t named in Frank’s 22-man Champions League squad. Tel, according to some reports, is said to be ‘unhappy’ in London and keen to leave Spurs in January, with Roma taking a serious interest in the Frenchman (La Gazzetta dello Sport).
Solanke’s fitness woes, Tel’s dissatisfaction and Richarlison’s form have fueled speculation that a new striker could arrive at the turn of the year, and Spurs are being linked with a few interesting names.
Chief among them is Al-Ahli striker Ivan Toney, who scored 20 Premier League goals in his best campaign at Brentford whilst working under Frank.
The tactician has apparently held ‘direct’ talks with Toney about a January move to Spurs, according to some reports, while others believe that the Lilywhites are in pole position to sign him at the turn of the year after ‘preliminary’ negotiations (TEAMtalk).
While links to the 29-year-old are rife given his obvious connection to Tottenham’s manager, co-sporting directors Fabio Paratici and Johan Lange are considering other options.
Tottenham eye 'dream' move for FC Porto striker Samu Aghehowa
As per TEAMtalk, FC Porto talisman Samu Aghehowa is a ‘dream’ target for the club.
Sources believe the 21-year-old, who’s bagged nine goals in 14 appearances already this season, fits perfectly into Frank’s long-term vision. Spurs’ boss is also said to have ‘repeatedly’ emphasised his desire for a physically imposing, mobile striker capable of pressing aggressively and connecting play.
Insiders within Tottenham’s recruitment structure apparently think of Aghehowa as the “younger, longer-term” striker successor they genuinely desire, despite ongoing interest in Toney as a potential 2026 alternative.
Standing at a lofty 6 foot 4 with surprising pace for his height, the Spaniard has even been compared to former Chelsea star Diego Costa during his prime years, thankfully not the version we saw at Wolves.
However, this all being said, a January move appears very unlikely.
Portuguese sources state that Porto are refusing to entertain winter offers, especially as they pursue a first Primeira Liga title in six years. President Andre Villas-Boas has reportedly informed intermediaries that Samu is not for sale “at any price in the winter”, casting major doubt on Spurs’ ability to prise him away mid-season.
Porto have also set an £71 million asking price for Aghehowa, meaning the north Londoners may have to fork out a new club-record fee. With that in mind, Frank and Lange will apparently continue to monitor Aghehowa’s development whilst maintaining Toney as a backup option.
According to journalist Pete O’Rourke, Chelsea once came ‘very close’ to signing the forward, and he’s a player with ‘huge potential’.
Leeds United have been linked with making an out of work manager their next boss and a new update has dropped regarding the situation, amid doubts over Daniel Farke’s future.
The Whites sit 16th in the Premier League table currently, with four defeats in their last five matches in the competition seeing the pressure increase on Farke and Marco Rose linked with replacing him.
That said, Sky Sports‘ Zinny Boswell has recently played down rumours of Farke being relieved of his duties any time soon, although there is a tough run of fixtures on the horizon.
“Leeds have no plans to change their head coach as things stand amid growing discontent among supporters and, after taking 11 points from 11 Premier League games, the club and Farke feel the team are currently on course to achieve their goal of survival.
“Sitting one point above the relegation zone, Leeds have the hardest schedule in the Premier League over the next five matches, according to Opta, with Aston Villa, Chelsea and Liverpool visiting Elland Road as well as trips to Manchester City and Brentford. The fact Farke’s scheduled in for broadcast interviews next week is as strong an indication as any that he will be in the hot seat for at least some of those games and, although it is a daunting run, there is a belief internally that the Elland Road factor is a reason for optimism.”
"Available" Rodgers linked with replacing Farke at Leeds
Now, speaking to Leeds United News, journalist Graeme Bailey has discussed Brendan Rodgers being Leeds’ next boss, saying he could be a strong option something which “piles the pressure” on Farke.
There is plenty to admire about Rodgers as a manager, should he become a genuine option for Leeds, with the 52-year-old winning the FA Cup with Leicester City in 2021 and guiding Celtic to four Scottish Premiership titles, among other trophies.
He is an attack-minded manager famed for playing good football in a 4-3-3 formation, and he has huge experience in the Premier League, even coming close to winning the title with Liverpool back in 2013/14, entertaining the masses and getting the best out of the likes of Luis Suarez and Steven Gerrard.
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That said, it doesn’t appear as though 49ers Enterprises are going to rush into a decision with Farke for the time being, but the situation could change if they struggle in these tough upcoming games.
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Aside from the continuous number of injuries they’ve had to deal with, it’s starting to feel like everything is falling into place for Arsenal this season.
Mikel Arteta’s side have pretty much perfected the art of set-pieces, have become near enough impossible to score against, and as a result, are sitting atop the Premier League table.
Moreover, while there is still a level to go for many of the attacking players, many of those who underwhelmed last year are starting to look back to their best.
This includes one of Arteta’s signings, who has even been compared to the iconic Santi Cazorla – and no, it’s not Martin Zubimendi.
Santi Cazorla's Arsenal career
Cazorla joined Arsenal for a fee of just £16m from Spanish outfit Malaga in the summer of 2012, and it did not take him long at all to make an impact at the club.
The mercurial midfielder put in a man-of-the-match performance against Sunderland in what was his debut for the North Londoners, and ended up finishing that first campaign with a tally of 12 goals and 14 assists in 49 games.
By the time he left the Gunners in August 2018, he did so with an impressive haul of 29 goals and 45 assists in just 180 appearances, but it wasn’t the output that made him such a firm fan favourite, but the way in which he played the game.
When fit, the 40-year-old magician was seemingly able to do it all, from playing outrageous balls from one side of the pitch to the other, to driving with the ball and beating opposition defenders with ease.
At times, the two-footed wizard was the embodiment of what Wenger wanted his teams to do on the pitch, someone who was capable of winning games with some incredible skill, but doing so while also entertaining the paying fans.
There are really countless examples of the Spaniard doing something remarkable in the famous red and white, but perhaps the most iconic and impactful was his free-kick in the 2014 FA Cup final, which kick-started the club’s comeback.
Had he managed to keep fit, there is no telling what Cazorla could have accomplished at Arsenal, and while the club have not quite had a player like him since, there is someone in the current squad who has been compared to the Emirates icon.
The Arsenal star compared to Cazorla
Now, the first player many of you might think of here is Zubimendi. After all, he is a Spanish midfielder with a great range of passing and the ability to use both feet when needed.
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However, in this instance, the comparison to the former Arsenal star comes from another former Gunners’ great, Kevin Campbell, and concerns Leandro Trossard.
Yes, when speaking back in 2023, Campbell was full of praise for the Belgian, saying that while “they don’t play in the same spot”, he could “see the comparison because he has such quick feet like Santi did.”
He went on to compare the way in which the former Brighton & Hove Albion gem is also able to “see things quickly and Santi saw things quickly.”
Another similarity the 30-year-old shares with the Spaniard, aside from wearing the number 19, is his impressive ability to use both feet without much trouble at all.
You can see this during games, and then on top of that, his former coach at Genk once told Sky Sports that the dynamic left-winger is indeed “right-footed and left-footed.”
Finally, while there are still plenty of other differences between the pair, one more key point of overlap is the Maasmechelen-born gem’s ability to make something happen, generally by finishing a chance most would consider too difficult.
After all, that is why Arteta has referred to him as a “little magician” and Ian Wright made the bold claim that he’s the Gunners’ “best finisher.”
Ultimately, Trossard is not the same player Cazorla was at Arsenal, but from his two-footedness to his technical class and ability to make things happen, he certainly shares a great deal in common with the Spaniard.
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