All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

Well, that wasn't in the script, was it?

Arsenal went into their Champions League Round of 16 first leg game against Portuguese side Porto as firm favourites following their genuinely impressive run of form in the Premier League. Still, you wouldn't have known that from the game itself.

Competition

Opponent

Result

Premier League

Crystal Palace

5-0 Win

Premier League

Nottingham Forest

2-1 Win

Premier League

Liverpool

3-1 Win

Premier League

West Ham United

6-0 Win

Premier League

Burnley

5-0 Win

It's not necessarily that Mikel Arteta's men were notably worse than their opposite numbers – neither side were great – they just couldn't create a single threatening attack.

The home side had less control of the game, as evidenced by their 35% possession, but they fashioned the clearer chances and should've gone 1-0 up through Wenderson Galeno in the first half, something he made up for with a 94th-minute wonder strike.

Ultimately, it's not terminal for the Gunners' European ambitions, but it's thrown a wrench in the works and while the entire team were subpar, two players were particularly ineffective.

Bukayo Saka's performance in numbers

The first player who was notably poor today was Bukayo Saka.

Now, Mr Arsenal himself has been in scintillating form of late, so his underwhelming showing against the Dragões was all the more noticeable and certainly won't help his case in the recent discussions on his 'world-class' status.

The Standard's Simon Collings gave the Hale End gem a 5/10 for his showing and described him as 'not really in the game very much' and that when he was, he 'lacked end product.'

It's a harsh appraisal of the usually brilliant 22-year-old, but it's not unfair, and his numbers from the game show that.

In his 94 minutes of football, he registered a paltry expected goals figure of just 0.02, had no shots on or off target, just one that was blocked, only three of his 11 crosses were accurate, and lost possession 13 times.

Minutes played

94

Goals

0

Assists

0

Expected Goals

0.02

Shots on Target

0

Shots off Target

0

Shots Blocked

1

Crosses (Accurate)

11 (3)

Possession Lost

13

Fouls

2

In all, it was a game to forget for the club's talisman, although there was a man on the opposite wing who probably had an even worse night in red and white.

Gabriel Martinelli's performance in numbers

While Saka struggled to have any sort of impact on the game from the right-hand side, Gabriel Martinelli was finding it just as challenging to exert an influence from the left.

Unlike his performance against Burnley last time out, the Brazilian was practically anonymous in Portugal, and when he did have the ball, he struggled to do anything with it.

The former Ituano man was also given a 5/10 for his showing by Collings, who simply described him as 'quiet for much of the game.'

However, while he received the same match rating from the Standard journalist, his numbers from the night are even more worrying than Saka's.

In 94 minutes of action, he registered just 0.01 expected assists, had zero shots of any kind, failed in five of his eight dribbles, averaged a passing accuracy of just 69%, was inaccurate with both of his crosses, lost 16 of his 18 ground duels, and most damning of all, he lost possession 27 times – once every 3.48 minutes.

Minutes played

94

Goals

0

Assists

0

Expected Assists

0.01

Shots

0

Dribbles (Successful)

8 (3)

Accurate Passes

18/26 (69%)

Key Passes

0

Crosses (Accurate)

2 (0)

Ground Duels (won)

18 (2)

Possession Lost

27

Fouls

3

In all, it was not a good day at the office for Arsenal's attackers, and they'll be looking to make amends for their poor performances when Porto travel to the Emirates on March 12th for the second leg.

Whilst there are few certainties for the future at Anfield, Fenway Sports Group and Liverpool are looking to make sure that one star player is a part of it.

Latest Liverpool transfer news

With the news of Jürgen Klopp's departure having finally sunk in for Liverpool fans, work has now started envisioning what the post-Klopp era may look like on Merseyside.

On top of the search for a new head coach, FSG will have to address the other vacancies left by the members of staff who have left the club alongside the German. Once the backroom staff posts have been filled, the top of the in-tray for a prospective manager will be to reshape the playing squad.

In line with the vast majority of Premier League sides, the January window saw no incomings at Anfield with the only high-profile outgoings being loan deals. With a number of young players departing Merseyside in search of minutes in the EFL, attention has quickly turned to the summer.

Liverpool willing to pay £51m for "great player" this summer

He has been compared to Xabi Alonso as a footballer.

ByHenry Jackson Feb 9, 2024

Star players Mohammed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold are all set to see their contracts expire in the summer of 2025. Whilst the departure of Klopp may have an influence on the player's eventual decisions, FSG are confident that they can get all the deals over the line and have already made significant progress in securing the future of one key player.

Alexander-Arnold set for new Liverpool deal

Whilst a knee issue saw Alexander-Arnold's game end at half-time on Saturday, the news of a new deal for the 25-year-old will offset any disappointment caused by the injury.

Sources have told Football Insider reporter Pete O'Rourke that the deal on the table will be the “biggest” and “longest-term deal” out of himself, van Dijk and Salah. With his current wage of £192,000 a week dwarfed by that of Salah and van Dijk, the new deal will represent a substantial pay increase for Alexander-Arnold and shows just how important he is to his side.

Unlikely to push for a move away from his boyhood club, the news of a fresh contract shows a massive vote of confidence in the fullback. Racking up a record-breaking 58th Premier League assist this weekend, Alexander-Arnold has pretty much revolutionised the fullback position, turning an unassuming defensive role into the focal point of attacks.

Shots

1.66

98

Assists

0.22

84

Shot creating actions

5.49

99

Progressive passes

8.49

98

Successful take-ons

1.39

95

Whilst defensive frailties have sometimes been the frequent criticism of Alexander-Arnold's game, his transition into midfield over the last couple of seasons has nullified this potential weakness. An elite crosser with a set-piece in his locker, the England international has mastered stepping into an advanced position to create space and cause chaos on the attack.

With Connor Bradley's breakthrough this season suggesting a potential competition at right back, it may actually be the catalyst for his teammates' transition to a full-blown midfielder. Regardless of where on the pitch his future lies, as long as that pitch is Anfield, he will look to continue to cement his legacy as one of the best to ever pull on the famous red shirt.

Manchester United caused something of a stir last weekend after announcing the shock capture of Omar Berrada from rivals Manchester City, with the highly-rated figure having been named as the new CEO at Old Trafford – taking the reins from the outgoing Richard Arnold.

Formerly the Chief Football Operations Officer for City Group, Berrada has been a key cog in the Etihad machine over the last decade or so, playing his part in forming a side that has dominated the Premier League in recent times – winning five of the past six league titles.

As much as it may pain United to admit, the club need to try and replicate the success of their city neighbours amid their own 11-year barren run without a league crown, with Berrada hopefully set to bring his obvious expertise to the table at the Theatre of Dreams.

One facet of the Red Devils' inner workings that this statement appointment can help to improve is recruitment, with Berrada having notably played a part in the signing of Erling Haaland from Borussia Dortmund back in 2022.

Having also been involved in the capture of another influential City figure – Rodri – the incoming chief could replicate that success by making a key signing in the near future at Old Trafford.

Man Utd eyeing the next Rodri

According to a report from TEAMtalk earlier this month, United are among the top European clubs who are showing an interest in Argentine youngster, Federico Redondo, with the 20-year-old having caught the eye amid his displays for Argentinos Juniors in his homeland of late.

Joined by Real Madrid and Liverpool in their admiration, Erik ten Hag's side could reportedly be able to snap up the 6 foot 2 gem for just £8m this month – a modest fee in the modern market.

If a deal is not done before the end of the window, Berrada – who is likely to take on his new role at the end of the season – could lead the charge for Redondo's signature this summer, with such a bargain move likely to set the tone for a move away from the club's costly and scattergun transfer approach of recent times.

3 dream signings Berrada could make at Man Utd including his next Haaland

Omar Berrada is to enter Manchester United as their new CEO.

ByMatt Dawson Jan 23, 2024 How Redondo compares to Rodri

It was Berrada who helped to broker the deal to sign Rodri from Atletico Madrid back in 2019, with the Spaniard joining for a fee of around £62.8m, amid reported interest from United at the time.

Since winning the race for the former Villarreal man's signature, City have certainly reaped the rewards, with Rodri arguably developing into the "best" in his position in world football, according to his manager Pep Guardiola, having even scored the winning goal in last season's Champions League final.

To then find the heir apparent to the 27-year-old in the form of Redondo could allow the Red Devils to find their own midfield monster, with the Argentine U20 international having been likened to the City star by talent scout, Jacek Kulig.

Described as "something special" by journalist Roy Nemer, the £8m playmaker can be the beating heart of Ten Hag's midfield, having notably averaged 7.07 progressive passes per 90 across the last 365 days as a marker of his ball-playing quality – not far off what Rodri has achieved in Manchester (9.63 per 90).

Also a towering presence like the 6 foot 3 Rodri, the defensive-minded asset is a true "midfield controller" – as described by Kulig – who can dictate the tempo of a game, with that again much like the former Atleti man, who Kulig lauded as a "deep-lying orchestrator".

With Rodri having been a central figure in Man City's treble success last season – making 56 appearances in all competitions – he is certainly the type of talent that United should be chasing, hence the wisdom in acquiring a perfect successor such as Redondo.

Glasgow Rangers return to Premiership action tonight, three weeks following their last game in the top flight due to the winter break.

They travel to Easter Road to face Hibernian, and they were the opposition for Philippe Clement’s first game in charge of the Ibrox side back in October, which they went on to win 4-0.

A repeat of that scoreline tonight would be a perfect way for the club to resume their domestic campaign and really push Celtic over the coming months.

While the fixtures will be coming thick and fast, Clement still has eight days left to bring in another player or two to bolster his squad and this will be at the forefront of his mind.

Rangers are close to signing Mohamed Diomande

The Ibrox side secured a loan deal for Fabio Silva at the end of December and this move filled the supporters with plenty of anticipation that several more players would arrive in Glasgow.

The previous few weeks have been barren with regard to signings, yet the Gers made a breakthrough at the beginning of this week, and it now looks as though midfielder Mohamed Diomande is close to joining.

Rangers reach agreement to sign "aggressive" partner for Raskin

Rangers have reached an agreement to sign a talented young midfielder

ByRoss Kilvington Jan 22, 2024

According to Rangers Review journalist Chris Jack, the FC Nordsjaelland gem is expected to arrive in Scotland today in order to finalise his £4.5m move from the Danish club and this is a big statement of intent by Clement, especially in January.

The manager has stated that he would not be “content or confident” for the second half of the campaign if he does not add to his squad before next Thursday. Could this suggest more signings are close?

Rangers’ search for a new left-back

One area that desperately needs to be addressed is the left side of defence, especially with Ridvan Yilmaz being linked with a move away and Borna Barisic’s contract expiring in the summer.

This suggests Clement will be looking to bring in another left-back before the window slams shut next week, and it looks as though he may have made a breakthrough.

According to Dutch outlet Voetbal International, the Gers have made an approach to sign FC Twente defender Gijs Smal this month.

2021

131

2017

205

2020

93

2018

225

2023 (second spell)

12 (second spell)

2020

46

The Dutchman, like Barisic, has entered into the final few months of his current deal and, according to the report from the Netherlands, it does not look like he is about to sign an extension to stay at the club.

This may tempt Clement into luring Smal to Glasgow for a knockdown fee this month as he continues to build his squad for the challenges ahead, and it could turn out to be a solid signing, especially with his impressive performances for the Eredivisie clubs.

Not only that, but he could link up well with Rabbi Matondo down the left flank during the second half of the season and this could benefit Clement greatly.

Gijs Smal could link up with Rabbi Matondo

Normally, Abdallah Sima would be the first-choice left-winger, yet the on-loan Brighton and Hove Albion gem returned from the Africa Cup of Nations with an injury and is expected to be out for the foreseeable future.

This means Matondo will be called upon more often by Clement, and he has finally settled into life at Rangers following a difficult debut season.

Across 17 matches in all competitions, the Welsh winger has scored twice and registered three assists. Considering he has started just seven matches, this is a more than decent return and if given regular game time now due to Sima’s injury, he could thrive.

Smal has displayed his attacking qualities throughout his professional career, registering 47 goal contributions – 13 goals and 34 assists – in just 177 senior matches.

This works out as a goal involvement once every 3.7 matches, which is a wonderful ratio for a left-back.

During the 2022/23 campaign, Smal excelled from an attacking perspective, averaging 1.6 key passes per game while creating 16 big chances, and it certainly indicates that he is a major threat on the left flank.

His bursting runs into the attacking third could benefit Matondo and the duo would create a formidable partnership that would surely cause chaos to defences all over the country.

The stats that show why Gijs Smal would be a good signing for Rangers

These performances last season proved that he is an attack-minded full-back who is no stranger to bombing up and down the left flank and this could fit in well with Clement’s philosophy.

The 6 foot gem has missed 12 games due to a calf injury this term, but when he has played, the 26-year-old has been impressive.

Indeed, he currently ranks fifth among the squad for successful dribbles per game (0.7) along with ranking seventh for key passes per game (1.2), and while these stats are not as impressive as those from the 2022/23 season, it is clear his injury has disrupted any momentum.

Having started the previous nine league matches for Twente, it looks as though he is back fit and healthy and this will be good news for Clement.

Rangers Journal founder Kai Watson has praised the defender amid his recent links to the Glasgow side, paying particular attention to his qualities going forward.

He said: “Smal would provide quality deliveries from the left hand side while also being willing to actually run to the by line. He’s 5 years younger than Barisic and offers a bit more pace and aggression on that side.”

It looks as though the Dutchman is capable of replacing Barisic from an attacking perspective and this is certainly what Clement is after in his fullbacks.

A move for Smal makes perfect sense, especially being able to potentially bring him to the club for a minimal fee this month, giving him plenty of time to adapt.

Adding another signing or two alongside that of Diomande could give the Light Blues a big boost in their chances of securing another trophy or two during the second half of the season.

Will it be enough to see them reel in Celtic and be crowned champions? Only time will tell.

West Ham are looking at signing a 28-year-old who has an admirer in former Irons captain Declan Rice, according to broadcast giant Sky Sports.

Moyes after new January additions

Manager David Moyes watched on as his West Ham side crashed out of the FA Cup on Tuesday evening, with Bristol City sealing a 1-0 win over the east Londoners at Ashton Gate.

"Very interesting" – Sky reporter surprised as West Ham eye "unique" target

Michael Bridge says they’re looking at him.

ByEmilio Galantini Jan 16, 2024

West Ham fielded a pretty weakened eleven and were forced to pay for their considerable lack of depth. The hardly-seen Maxwel Cornet partly made up a front three of the Ivorian, exit-linked Said Benrahma and out-of-favour striker Danny Ings – with the trio failing to find a way past the home side's defence.

It is believed Moyes is keen to make January signings in key areas to bolster the squad before January 31. Michail Antonio will be absent for an extended period after his injury setback alongside Lucas Paqueta, while Mohammed Kudus is currently at the Africa Cup of Nations with Ghana.

The Hammers are targeting a new forward in particular, with technical director Tim Steidten thought to be eyeing up Sunderland winger Jack Clarke among other options. It will be interesting to see if they can add more quality and strengthen yet another charge for European qualification under Moyes, with Sky now claiming Steidten and co are interested in Man City outcast Kalvin Phillips as well.

West Ham looking at signing Phillips

As per the broadcaster, West Ham are looking at signing Phillips in January alongside a few other English top-flight sides.

The 28-year-old is surplus to requirement at Eastlands with City willing to let him go before the deadline. Alongside West Ham, it is thought Crystal Palace, Everton, Newcastle and Serie A giants Juventus are targeting Phillips.

The England international will prove a costly deal, which is West Ham's main obstacle in their pursuit, but he's been heavily endorsed in past seasons by former star Declan Rice. Rice, commenting on Phillips to talkSPORT, called him "one of the best" for his sheer professionalism – which could be an attractive trait for Moyes.

Shoulder injury – 2022/2023

18

Hamstring injury – 2021/2022

16

Calf injury – 2020/2021

6

Shoulder injury – 2020/2021

7

“He’s one of the best professionals I’ve ever seen, if I’m honest with you," said Rice.

“I’ve seen players who don’t play and throw their toys out of the pram completely and with Kal, every time he comes back here he pops on a shirt and puts in 110 per cent."

However, a sticking point may be Phillips' injury record and his wages – which Sky claim are at around £135,000-per-week.

Wolverhampton Wanderers are one of “many clubs” who are “in the frame” to sign Sporting CP defensive midfielder Joao Palhinha.

What’s the word?

According to the latest report from O Jogo, as per Molineux news, Wolves have identified Palhinha as a possible replacement for Ruben Neves, who looks almost certain to depart this summer after spending five seasons at the club.

The 26-year-old has seen his minutes fluctuate across the second-half of the season, amidst his on-going links with Wolves.

Neves’ successor at Wolves

Palhinha’s game is all about breaking up opposition attacks in and around the middle and defensive third of the game.

As such, the £23.4 million rated Portuguese midfielder who’s name translates to “butcher” as discovered by Robert Lusetich, boasts some outstanding numbers with his average of 32 pressures, with 20 of these occurring in the middle third – enough to humble Neves’ total of 20.

Palhinha operates much deeper than Neves, who in an attacking sense is much more well-rounded, with the “butcher’s” specified total of 0.17 shot-creating actions all the evidence needed in regards to his lack of threat to the opposition’s goal.

Although he is tried and tested in a 3-4-3 system under Ruben Amorim, his stats suggest that he would shine in a system, like a 4-3-3, that makes use of a single pivot in midfield.

His defensive game is by far his best service and he would have no problem filling the boots of Ruben Neves if he was to depart.

The biggest worry from a Wolves perspective would be his lack of attacking threat.

Wolves have struggled to score goals this season, boasting the fourth worst record when it comes to finding the back of the net, with an average of just one goal per game.

The lack of central threat would suggest that the Old Gold would require at least one creative threat out of the two central midfield options in Bruno Lage’s team, though with on-going links of Leander Dendoncker’s departure amidst Lazio links, the Molineux side may well be out to sign a couple of midfielders this summer.

If that is the case, Palhinha is a sure-fire pick to replace Ruben Neves.

In other news: Better than Dendoncker: Wolves must finally unleash “enormous” 22 y/o who’s “filth…”

Crystal Palace will be without club captain Luka Milivojevic against Newcastle United this evening, Matt Woosnam reports.

The Lowdown: Milivojevic under Vieira

Milivojevic has struggled for regular game time under Patrick Vieira this season, starting just eight Premier League games.

The central midfielder, who Roy Hodgson labelled as ‘outstanding’, has been an unused substitute in 12 top-flight fixtures and has been limited to just 18 appearances in all competitions.

The 31-year-old, who will be entering the final 12 months of his Selhurst Park contract in the summer, did feature at Wembley on Sunday as a substitute, but he won’t be turning out this evening.

The Latest: Woosnam’s update

Woosnam took to Twitter on Tuesday to relay an update from Vieira regarding Milivojevic.

He shared details of a hamstring issue for the central midfielder, who will not travel with the squad as a result.

The Verdict: Options…

Milivojevic hasn’t been a regular this season, so Vieira shouldn’t be too worried about his absence this evening.

James McArthur and Cheikhou Kouyate got the nod from the off against Chelsea on Sunday, so that could once again be an option at St. James’ Park.

Jeffrey Schlupp has also featured as a central midfielder on a regular basis this season, so if Vieira wants to change things up, he could move into a central role which could allow Michael Olise to make a first start since his injury out wide.

In other news: Source: Freedman now stepping up Palace move for ‘phenomenal’ left-footed star as news emerges. 

Former Arsenal man Jermaine Pennant has told Football FanCast that the Gunners should be targeting their next big move in the coming weeks, having already wrapped up a deal for Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres in recent days.

Latest on Arsenal's remaining transfer business

It’s over. It’s finally over.

Having toyed with the idea of plumping for RB Leipzig starlet, Benjamin Sesko, Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta has steered the club in a different direction, having wrapped up a belated deal for Swedish supertstar, Gyokeres.

The £55m striker – who scored 97 goals in just 102 games in Lisbon – is the latest addition amid a hectic summer of activity for those at the Emirates, with the 27-year-old joining Noni Madueke, Christian Norgaard, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Cristhian Mosquera and Martin Zubimendi in bolstering Mikel Arteta’s ranks.

Six signings in the can, although there appears to be room for a little more, with the north Londoners also said to be in the mix for Real Madrid sensation, Rodrygo, amid his uncertain future at the Bernabeu.

That search for a left-winger also seen Newcastle United’s Anthony Gordon emerge as a potential option, while elsewhere, the Dutch duo of Xavi Simons and Jorrel Hato have also both been linked – albeit with the young pairing looking set to join Chelsea.

Perhaps the most concrete target remains that of Eberechi Eze, however, with that potential acquisition one that is already sparking notable excitement…

Pennant thinks Arsenal could make a "great signing"

With Gyokeres now signed, sealed and delivered, the Gunners are moving on to new targets, with the aforementioned Pennant – speaking exclusively to Football FanCast on behalf of Adventure Gamers – tipping his former side to tie up a deal for Crystal Palace talisman, Eze.

The England international – who scored at Wembley to help steer Palace to FA Cup glory last season – has been earmarked as a leading target for Arteta and co throughout the summer window, having spent the past five years at Selhurst Park.

Latest reports have indicated that the north Londoners have even agreed an initial fee for the £100k-per-week playmaker, with Eze fresh off the back of having chipped in with 25 goals and assists in all competitions in 2024/25.

Arsenal

7

1

0

Chelsea

9

1

1

Liverpool

7

1

1

Manchester City

9

2

1

Manchester United

11

0

0

Spurs

7

3

1

Total

50

8

4

Reportedly available for around £68m, as Pennant suggested, the 27-year-old could well prove to be a “great signing” for the Emirates side.

Jermaine Pennant tells Arsenal to sign "big-name" £85m Gyokeres alternative

Former Arsenal man Jermaine Pennant has tipped the Gunners to make another “big-name signing” this summer

ByRobbie Walls Jul 24, 2025

West Ham United haven’t yet made much headway in the transfer window this summer. So far, Graham Potter has only made two signings, with Jean-Clair Todibo joining permanently after his loan spell.

With less than three weeks until the club’s first Premier League match of the season, Potter must act swiftly to bring in a few bodies to bolster his squad.

The attacking department is a primary concern. Niclas Fullkrug is the only senior centre-forward at the club, meaning West Ham have work to do still.

West Ham's search for a forward

One player who looks like he is close to signing is Callum Wilson. The former Newcastle United striker is available on a free transfer after departing the Magpies and could be a solid option.

Reports suggest he has already agreed terms with West Ham, although he is 33, and it likely won’t be a long contract. A younger option could be just what the Hammers require.

According to Football Insider, the Irons have also made an enquiry about Idrissa Gueye regarding a potential summer swoop.

The Metz starlet is only 18, but has plenty of clubs such as Liverpool, Brighton, Sunderland and Crystal Palace swarming around him.

French news outlet L’Equipe claim that a fee of £17m will be enough to secure his signature this summer.

This should be a move Potter is all over, especially as Gueye could be an instant upgrade on Wilson.

Why West Ham United want to sign Idrissa Gueye

There is no doubt that Wilson is a proven Premier League goalscorer, having netted 88 goals in the competition across 239 games for Newcastle and Bournemouth.

The caveat, however, is that his injury record is notoriously poor. During his five-season spell with Newcastle, he made 130 appearances in all competitions.

He missed 114 matches due to various injury setbacks, hampering any chance of consistency during his time on Tyneside.

Gueye, meanwhile, has already racked up 22 senior appearances during the early stages of his career thus far, while securing his first cap for Senegal.

Recording five goals and an assist in Ligue 2 last season proved that he can shine at that level, no doubt about that.

Goals

5

Assists

1

Big chances created

1

Total duels won per game

4.6

Shots per game

1.9

Successful dribbles per game

0.3

Via Sofascore

Hailed alongside several other Senegal starlets as “an exciting crop of talents” by analyst Ben Mattinson, Gueye has the potential to reach the very top of the game.

The striker scored every 188 minutes for Metz in the second tier, while finishing the season with an impressive 19% goal conversion percentage.

He also missed five big chances, suggesting his final total would have been higher if the youngster were more clinical in the final third.

This will come with experience, however, and a move to West Ham will allow him to secure game time in the Premier League.

Wilson, should he stay fit, will score goals for the Irons. But his wages will be high, and there is no guarantee he will be 100% fit for every game.

Gueye, on the other hand, has a raw unpredictability about him. If given chances, he could explode onto the scene for West Ham this season.

West Ham now preparing official offer to sign "very prolific" £26m striker

The Hammers are set to make a move for a centre-forward, with an opening offer now in the works.

1 ByDominic Lund Jul 28, 2025

Arsenal intend to remain active in the summer transfer window, even after their statement signing of Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres.

He was stunning: Arsenal found their very own Eberechi Eze vs Newcastle

Do Arsenal already have their answer to Eberechi Eze?

ByMatt Dawson Jul 27, 2025

After a near-two-month-long saga, sporting director Andrea Berta and manager Mikel Arteta welcomed the prolific centre-forward, with Arsenal finally agreeing an initial £55m deal which could be worth up to £64 million if add-ons are met.

19/20 – winter

£0

20/21 – summer

£81.5m

20/21 – winter

£900k

21/22 – summer

£156.8m

21/22 – winter

£1.8m

22/23 – summer

£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

23/24 – summer

£208m

23/24 – winter

£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

24/25 – winter

£0

25/26 – summer

£208m

Gyokeres was unveiled as a new Gunners player to a delighted Singapore crowd just before Arsenal’s 3-2 friendly win over Newcastle, and there is a possibility of him debuting against Tottenham on Thursday.

“We are so pleased with the excellent deal we have completed to bring Viktor Gyökeres to the club,” said Berta in an official statement.

“Viktor is an exceptional talent and has consistently demonstrated he has the qualities and winning mentality required of a top-level centre-forward. His physicality, intelligence and work ethic make him a perfect fit for our vision.

“We are confident Viktor will have a major impact on the pitch and become an important figure in our dressing room. Welcome, Viktor!”

Gyokeres’ arrival perhaps comes as Arsenal’s most significant bit of transfer business in the last few years, with a proven goalscorer long viewed as the missing piece of Arteta’s potential title-winning jigsaw.

The 27-year-old scored an incredible 97 goals in 102 appearances for Sporting, and their president Frederico Varandas seriously dug his heels in over letting Gyokeres leave the Portuguese champions.

Gyokeres’ agent, Hasan Cetinkaya, was even forced to waive his commission fee to help facilitate the transfer, and following weeks of talks, Arsenal at long last reached a full agreement last week (Fabrizio Romano).

After Gyokeres, Arsenal are believed to be targeting a number 10 to complement club captain Martin Odegaard, with Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze firmly on Berta’s radar as a key option.

Arsenal offered Arda Güler and Raul Asencio in Real Madrid part-exchange deal

Now, according to reports from Spain, Arteta and co have been offered a different playmaker in Turkey international Arda Güler.

Indeed, it is now believed Real Madrid are proposing Guler and defender Raul Asencio, plus £78 million, in exchange for star Arsenal centre-back William Saliba.

In what is an audacious claim from Europe, Berta is said to be “seriously considering” this part-exchange bid from Real, even if Arsenal and Saliba are currently locked in talks over a contract extension.

Guler has struggled for consistent game time at the Bernabeu overall, but did manage six goals and 11 assists by the end of 2024/2025 whilst playing every game of Real’s Club World Cup campaign under Xabi Alonso.

However, while Guler has displayed flashes of real brilliance since bursting on to the scene at Fenerbahçe, even being dubbed the ‘Turkish Messi’, losing Saliba would be far too big of a price to pay, even if Asencio would also immediately come in his stead.