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Arsenal are a little bit good, aren’t they? Heading towards the final weekend of November, Mikel Arteta’s charges sit at the top of the Premier League.

Not just in cracking form domestically, defeating rivals Spurs 4-1 last Sunday, they are also more than up to the task in Europe.

Following five match weeks in the Champions League this season, they are top of the table there as well and they are the only team with a 100% record left in the competition.

Their recent win was perhaps one of their most special of the Arteta era. Arsenal dispatched Bayern Munich, unbeaten Bayern this season, winning 3-1 at the Emirates Stadium.

But, how did they do it?

Arsenal's squad depth reigns supreme against Bayern

What was made all the more impressive about Arsenal’s win against Vincent Kompany’s men was the fact that the Gunners were not at full strength.

No Gabriel? No problem. Jurrien Timber will score from a corner instead. No recognised number 9? Fear not, Mikel Merino will knit things together.

No Martin Odegaard? Well, Eberechi Eze will keep things ticking over. After scoring a stunning hat-trick against Spurs, he registered an assist on Wednesday evening.

No Bukayo Saka? Well, that doesn’t appear to be a problem now either. Saka did start the game but was not at his best against the German giants and while he was still dangerous with his actions, it was the winger’s substitution just after the hour mark that tipped things in Arsenal’s favour.

The first half had been pretty even but the second period was all in favour of the hosts and they really came to the fore once Saka was subbed. In previous seasons, Arteta would rarely dare to take the club’s talisman off but Andrea Berta’s work in the summer transfer window has ensured that we no longer need to worry about that.

Saka went off and before you knew it, Noni Madueke was firing home at the back stick to make it 2-1. The goal had been created by another sub, Riccardo Calafiori, who galloped down the left-hand side like a prize race horse and swung in an inch-perfect delivery.

The third and final goal was tucked home by another substitute in the form of Gabriel Martinelli. Eze clipped a ball over the top and the Brazilian was left with an easy finish after he knocked the ball past an onrushing Manuel Neuer, who did not cover himself in glory at all.

So, it was a win for Arsenal and a win for Berta who fought tooth and nail to spend a shedload on improving the club’s depth. That work could well be decisive as they aim to win both the Premier League and Champions League.

That said, it wasn’t a positive night for everyone in red and white.

Arsenal's biggest concern after Bayern

Seeing Leandro Trossard, a man in the form of his career right now, limp off with an injury in the first half wasn’t ideal but ultimately the quality of Arsenal’s depth shone through. Madueke and Martinelli came on to get Arsenal over the line.

Equally, Calafiori came on and gave Arsenal far more than a certain Myles Lewis-Skelly had given during his 68 minutes on the field.

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For supporters, there have been concerns about the form and minutes of the teenager this season. Last term, he burst onto the scene in incredible fashion.

With Calafiori out injured, Lewis-Skelly was the main man at left-back and as a consequence, he became a regular in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad. He even scored on his debut for the Three Lions.

There was that goal and that celebration against Manchester City too. He was nominated for PFA Young Player of the Season as well.

Yet, 2025/26 has been more difficult for Lewis-Skelly. The 18-year-old featured in the first couple of England camps but was told during the November break by Tuchel that he simply needed to be starting more games. Fair enough, right?

He was not dismissing the fact that Lewis-Skelly is a good player, but you simply aren’t going to make it in a World Cup squad if you aren’t playing football.

There have still been some positive performances from the Hale Ender this term. There was that stunning assist for Martinelli’s goal against Atletico Madrid in the earlier stages of the Champions League. It was a piece of play that showcased exactly what he’s all about.

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Yet, against Bayern, we saw a player lacking in first-team minutes and ultimately a player lacking in confidence.

Lewis-Skelly vs Bayern

Minutes played

68

Touches

25

Accurate passes

7/12 (58%)

Key passes

0

Accurate crosses

0/1

Dribbles

0

Shots

0

Duels won

3/11

Recoveries

2

Tackles

1

Stats via Sofascore.

Lewis-Skelly’s night wasn’t disastrous but he did endure a more challenging evening than his teammates. The England international was caught out by a brilliant ball in behind from Joshua Kimmich that led to Bayern’s equaliser.

Former Gunner, Serge Gnabry, got in behind the youngster and then laid the ball on a plate for 17-year-old Lennart Karl to score. In a battle of the teenagers, it was the German who triumphed on this occasion.

Lewis-Skelly spent most of the night rather uncomfortable with The Standard handing the full-back a 5/10 match rating, having endured a ‘tough evening against Michael Olise’.

In fairness, few will enjoy a comfortable night against a player of Olise’s calibre but Calafiori’s influence off the bench only served to show why Arteta has preferred the Italian this season.

Lewis-Skelly’s night was made all the worse by his lack of impact in possession. Usually an area that’s so impressive in his game, he had fewer touches of the ball (25) than David Raya (45) while he only completed seven passes. Only 33% of his passes in the opposition half were accurate.

So, this was a rare off night for a kid usually so captivating and so full of energy. He struggled. So what? Yet, he will have to improve if he wants to earn more regular minutes. For now, expect Calafiori to come back into the starting lineup for Chelsea at the weekend.

Related Arteta now has an even better duo than Gabriel & Saliba at Arsenal

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Posts 1 ByJack Salveson Holmes

If there is one area of the squad Arsenal need to reinforce this summer, it’s the attack.

Despite finishing as runners-up in the Premier League for the third campaign on the bounce last season, Mikel Arteta’s side produced the best defence for the second successive year.

So, while the additions of Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard and Kepa Arrizabalaga are great, the Gunners really need to add more goals to the squad.

Fortunately, that seems to be the board’s intention, as reports now link the club to an exciting centre-forward who would be a dream teammate for fellow transfer target Eberechi Eze, and no, it’s not Viktor Gyokeres.

Arsenal target Eze's dream centre-forward

While Arsenal have been linked with a considerable number of talented internationals this summer, one of the most prominent has been Eze.

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

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In fact, if reports are to be believed, the Gunners have advanced from being interested in the Crystal Palace star to making an offer worth around £45m for him.

With an abundance of experience playing in the Premier League, the former QPR star will surely be a hit at the Emirates, especially as the club is still in the market for someone who’d be his perfect striker.

At least that’s according to a recent report from Germany, which claims that Arsenal are still very much interested in RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko.

In fact, the report has revealed that the Gunners are still in talks with the Bundesliga side over their tremendously exciting poacher, although it does concede that he’s no longer their number one target.

If the North Londoners are intent on signing the Slovenian international, it’ll cost them a pretty penny, with the story revealing that Leipzig want at least €80, which is about £69m.

However, given his ability, potential and attributes, he may just prove worth it, especially as he could be Eze’s dream striker.

Why Sesko would be perfect for Eze

As you’d expect with most strikers, one of the first positives to Sesko is his output, as while he’s not on a par with the absurd numbers Gyokeres is capable of producing, he’s still an effective attacker.

For example, in 45 appearances for Leipzig last season, totalling just 3258 minutes, the 22-year-old “monster,” as dubbed by journalist Eduardo Hagn, was able to score 21 goals and provide six assists.

In other words, the former RB Salzburg gem averaged a goal involvement every 1.66 games, or every 120.66 minutes.

Sesko’s 24/25

Appearances

45

Minutes

3258′

Goals

21

Assists

6

Goal Involvements per Match

0.60

Minutes per Goal Involvement

120.66′

All Stats via Transfermarkt

Moreover, you have to take into account the competitions in which forwards play in, as, according to Opta, the Bundesliga is the fourth-best league in the world, while the Portuguese league comes in as the eighth best – behind the Championship and Belgian Pro League.

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The second reason the Palace star would love playing alongside Sesko is that he looks ready to develop into a truly complete striker.

For example, he’s 6 foot 5, can hit speeds of 35.69 km/h and is incredibly effective with the ball at his feet. being great with the ball at his feet.

Don’t just take our word for it though, as FBref ranked him in the top 8% of forwards in the Bundesliga for percentage of successful take-ons and the top 11% for outright successful take-ons last season, all per 90.

Furthermore, by looking at his heat map from this season, we can also see how comfortable he is playing deeper or in the penalty area, suggesting he’d be able to help in build up as well as finish chances.

Ultimately, while he might cost a king’s ransom, Sesko looks like he could be something seriously special, and therefore, Arsenal should be doing what they can to sign him, especially as Eze would love him.

Related Saka's dream CAM: Arsenal submit bid for £45m superstar & it's not Madueke

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Posts 1 ByJack Salveson Holmes

Newcastle United have the chance to end 70 years of domestic hurt at Wembley this afternoon when they take on Liverpool in the League Cup final.

Not since victory over Manchester City in the 1955 FA Cup final have the Magpies claimed silverware in England, a drought that is too staggering to believe.

Eddie Howe led the Toon to the same stage of this competition two seasons ago, but lost the showpiece event to Manchester United.

Can he put these demons to bed today? Or will Liverpool look to get back to winning ways after being bundled out of the Champions League midweek to Paris Saint-Germain?

It promises to be an exciting match, that’s for sure.

Newcastle United team news vs Liverpool

Defenders Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles will miss the trip to Wembley, while Lewis Hall won’t be available for selection now until next season after suffering an injury against Liverpool a few weeks ago.

Thankfully for Howe, Alexander Isak is fit and ready to shine for the Magpies against the Anfield side. It looked as though he was struggling for fitness a few weeks ago, but he could be key if the club want to end their seven-decade hoodoo today.

One player who is missing for the final is Anthony Gordon. During the FA Cup defeat to Brighton and Hove Albion a couple of weeks ago, the Englishman was sent off after pushing Jan Paul van Hecke in the head during the match.

This suspension could hurt Howe, but he does have a few options regarding a replacement for the talented winger.

While Harvey Barnes – who started against West Ham on Monday night – might be the obvious solution, Joe Willock could drop back into the heart of the midfield, which would allow Joelinton the chance to replace Gordon on the left wing instead.

Why Howe must unleash Joelinton for Newcastle

The Brazilian has played 31 games for the club this season, scoring four goals and grabbing an assist.

All of his goals have come in the Premier League, where the midfielder has also created a big chance, averages 0.8 key passes per game and won 5.7 total duels per match.

Joelinton’s PL stats this season for Newcastle United

Goals

4

Assists

1

Total duels won per game

5.7

Possession lost per game

10.7

Key passes per game

0.8

Balls recoverd per game

5.4

Via Sofascore

Howe has praised the player heavily in the past, none more so than after Newcastle’s comeback against Nottingham Forest earlier this season, saying: “He’s like gold dust because you know wherever you put him he’ll do a good job.”

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When compared to his positional peers in Europe’s top five leagues, Joelinton ranks in the top 10% for touches in the opposition penalty area (3.1), progressive passes received (4.14), total shots (1.84) and for through balls (0.38) per 90.

These statistics indicate that he could be a more than worthy replacement for Gordon this afternoon, even ahead of the previously peripheral Barnes, as the club chase a long-awaited trophy.

If the club perform to their best, they have a chance of defeating Liverpool, but every member of the starting XI will need to be up to the task of stopping Arne Slot’s side.

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One of Sunderland’s Championship promotion rivals are believed to be interested in signing one of their key players in the January transfer window, according to a new report.

Sunderland stuttering after flying start

After a blistering start to the season by Regis Le Bris’ side, there is no question that their campaign has started to lose a little bit of momentum in recent weeks.

On Saturday afternoon, Sunderland blew a 2-0 lead at home to a Coventry City side who sacked manager Mark Robins last week, eventually drawing 2-2. It was their third draw in a row in the league, and having led the way at the top of the Championship table by five points, they are now only ahead of Sheffield United on goal difference, following their 1-0 win at home to Sheffield Wednesday.

There is certainly no reason to panic for the Black Cats, who still looked primed for a promotion push this season, but an improvement in form is needed after the international break, with the absence of the suspended Jobe Bellingham acting as a blow.

It is imperative that Sunderland keep hold of their most influential figures between now and the end of the season, however, and possibly even make new signings in January, but a concerning update has now emerged regarding one current Stadium of Light hero.

"Fantastic" Sunderland ace wanted by rivals

According to a fresh claim from The Sunday Mirror [via Football League World], Leeds United are eyeing a move for Sunderland ace Dennis Cirkin in January, in what would be a shock exit from the Stadium of Light. The Whites are keeping tabs on the Black Cats hero, who has been an ever-present for his side in the Championship this season, starting all 15 of their matches in the competition.

The idea of Sunderland allowing Cirkin to join Leeds midway through the season is nonsensical, considering they would be both weakening themselves and strengthening one of their biggest Championship rivals this season.

The 22-year-old has excelled for the Black Cats in 2024/25 to date, scoring twice and assisting once from left-back, as well as averaging 3.4 tackles and 2.7 clearances per game.

Praise from his former manager, Lee Johnson, speaks volumes about what Sunderland would lose out on: “Fantastic player, he’ll have a top career. No question of a doubt but we need to accelerate that leadership and obviously we’re looking to do that. Communicating in his best way and if that’s having a lot of individual chats with players around him, to canvas, to make sure that connection is there, then so be it.”

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The £10,000-a-week Cirkin is a player Sunderland simply must keep hold of, at least for the remainder of the season, or risk seeing their promotion hopes damaged.

Related Championship Table: Latest standings for the 2024/25 season

Latest English Football League Championship standings 2024/25.

Posts ByStephan Georgiou

At 22, there is still so much more to come from him too, so he should be viewed as an important long-term figure at the club by Le Bris.

With the PSR deadline now passed, Newcastle United have reportedly made contact to sign a Brazil international who wants a shot at Premier League redemption this summer.

Newcastle transfer news

It's been a busy couple of weeks for the Magpies, who showed the door to Yankuba Minteh and Elliot Anderson, before announcing the arrival of new sporting director Paul Mitchell. Mitchell arrrives following the departure of Dan Ashworth, who finally saw a deal agreed to sanction his departure to Manchester United this summer.

Mitchell's main task this summer will be to transform Newcastle back into a side capable of finishing inside the Premier League's top four and to hand Eddie Howe the squad depth needed in pursuit of that.

On that front, those at St James' Park have already been linked with a number of names, from versatile defender Malick Thiaw all the way to Mainz winger Brajan Gruda, but neither of those targets could be the first through the door under Mitchell, who could instead hand a Brazilian midfielder a shot at Premier League redemption.

According to MARCA, Newcastle have made contact with Juventus over a deal to sign Arthur Melo this summer. The midfielder is reportedly available for €20m (£17m) and wants to return to the Premier League in an attempt to redeem himself following a loan spell to forget at Liverpool in the 2022/23 season.

Related Newcastle now set to announce "outstanding" new versatile signing for Howe

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With Everton also interested, Newcastle will need to act fast if they want to secure Arthur's signature in the coming months. The midfielder enjoyed a resurgent loan spell at Fiorentina last season and could now finally be ready to prove himself in the Premier League.

Signing "exciting" Arthur wouldn't be without its risks

Arthur may have shown signs that he's far closer to his best these days at Fiorentina than in previous failed spells elsewhere, but this is still ultimately a player who flopped in the Premier League.

Granted, the Brazilian had his injury issues, but the fact that he quickly became a forgotten man at Liverpool highlights the risk that Newcastle must consider, especially if he's worth £17m. Questions would need to be asked whether he could displace their current midfield.

League stats 23/24 (via FBref)

Arthur Melo

Bruno Guimaraes

Sean Longstaff

Minutes

1,986

3,263

2,747

Goals

2

7

6

Assists

3

8

2

Ball Recoveries

141

237

120

The numbers suggest that Arthur could certainly push Longstaff for a place in Howe's side, but it remains to be seen whether he'd be a big enough upgrade to warrant spending £17m this summer.

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The former Barcelona star is unsurprisingly hoping for Premier League redemption after failing at Liverpool despite Jurgen Klopp's initial praise. The German told the club's official website when Arthur arrived: "What does he bring? He's a really good footballer – I think we all agree on that. He had a very exciting career already and still pretty young, so in the best age for a footballer or coming into the best age for a footballer."

Some interesting detail has surfaced on goings-on behind-the-scenes at West Ham, with manager David Moyes not the only one facing scrutiny.

Manager reports emerge as pressure piles on Moyes

The Hammers head coach was already under growing pressure before their 6-0 home defeat to Arsenal last weekend, but the historic loss has now put Moyes in a far more precarious position.

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West Ham are yet to win a game in 2024, and with Moyes' contract expiring at the end of this season as things stand, it is believed that their turbulent recent form has put new deal talks on hold for the time being (Jason Burt).

Reports suggest that West Ham are exploring managerial alternatives to Moyes, in case the London Stadium hierarchy opt against extending the Scotsman's stay after what has been a memorable few years.

The east Londoners have qualified for Europe in all three of their last three full seasons under Moyes, and the 60-year-old also guided them to their first major trophy since the 1980s with an historic Conference League triumph in Prague.

West Ham league finishes under Moyes

Season

14th

22/23

6th

21/22

7th

20/21

16th

19/20

However, their league form has also left a lot to be desired in parts, with West Ham narrowly avoiding a drop to The Championship last season amid some complaints over Moyes' dogged style of play.

“Let’s be fair, over the last three years it’s been the best time West Ham have ever had," said Moyes after West Ham's defeat to Arsenal.

Sixth and seventh in the league, semi-final of the Europa League, a final of a European cup competition and I still think this club has grown. Undoubtedly, we’ve had a terrible day today and I understand them [the fans] leaving but sometimes at football clubs you are going to have bad days. Today we had a bad day and I certainly won’t forget the good ones.

“The disappointing thing for me is I don’t think since I’ve come back to the club … I don’t think my team has defended in that way. Ever. We were weak, we didn’t do our jobs well enough. We didn’t fight to contain it harder and make sure that we didn’t concede and we could have conceded other goals as well."

Moyes certainly wasn't helped by West Ham's lacklustre January transfer window, either, as the club failed to replace both Said Benrahma and Pablo Fornals who departed West Ham in dramatic fashion on deadline day.

The Irons have been criticised for their failure to bring in a new forward, and according to journalist Graeme Bailey, co-chairman David Sullivan isn't exactly pleased with technical director Tim Steidten as a result.

Sullivan annoyed with Steidten after January failures at West Ham

Writing for HITC, Bailey claims Sullivan is growing "increasingly frustrated" with Steidten, as well as Moyes, with the German seeing more than "half a dozen deals" set up only to fall through.

Indeed, West Ham missed out on agreements for Ismaila Sarr, Stephen Bergwijn, Marcos Leonardo, Ibrahim Osman, Jota, Hugo Ekitike and Armando Broja, according to this report, which has apparently been down to ongoing issues between Moyes and Steidten.

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Their only signing of the window came in the form of Man City midfielder Kalvin Phillips on loan, and he hasn't exactly got off to the best start.

Whilst Arsenal have returned to Europe's elite on the pitch, with Mikel Arteta guiding his side back into the Champions League and in the discussion for the Premier League title, the work that the Gunners have done off the pitch also deserves high praise, with the recruitment team getting things fairly spot on these days, welcoming the likes of Gabriel Jesus, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Declan Rice in recent years.

Their form off the pitch doesn't look set to come to an end anytime soon, either, with reports suggesting that they are interested in rivalling Liverpool for one particular target.

What's the latest Arsenal transfer news?

The Gunners have been rewarded ever since they started getting things right in the transfer window, going from top-four failures to title challengers in an astonishing transition last season. They have not slowed down under Arteta, either, remaining unbeaten after eight games in the current campaign, and even laying down a marker by defeating champions Manchester City.

If Arsenal are to compete for silverware once more, then January could be a crucial turning point, especially if they beat Liverpool to the signature of their midfield target. The latest Andre Trindade transfer news, relayed by This is Anfield, has claimed that the Gunners are interested in signing the midfielder. According to reports, Arsenal sporting director Edu Gaspar has even visited the Fluminense training ground, which has only added fuel to the fire.

The official reason for the visit was to learn about the Fluminense youth development process and to continue the strong partnership between the clubs. The fact that Andre is a Fluminese player makes Edu's visit all the more interesting, however, especially given the recent rumours. The Serie A season in Brazil ends in December, potentially allowing Andre to make a January departure from his current side.

How has Andre performed this season?

Despite Fluminense sitting frustratingly sixth in Serie A, Andre has still left many impressed with his performances, doing enough to earn his first two caps for the Brazil national team. Based on Andre's stats, it's clear that the Brazilian is one of the best in his position in his league, too, and has even outperformed some current Arsenal midfielders.

Player

Interceptions Per 90

Progressive Passes

Take-ons Completed

Andre

1.31

6.57

1.41

Kai Havertz

0.51

4.12

0.20

Fabio Vieira

0.95

4.76

0.95

It's no surprise, then, given the numbers, that Arsenal and Liverpool are reportedly battling it out to sign Andre, with a keen eye on the January transfer window. The 22-year-old has earned plenty of praise during his time in Brazil, too, including from journalist Fernando Campos, who said:

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"Pressure and playing with the confidence of someone who knows they are different. Get out of the way and make the team work. André Trindade is the best midfielder in the country and is a monster of a player."

With that said, it looks as if Andre is one to keep an eye on in the coming months, with Liverpool and Arsenal reportedly set to do battle for his signature in January.

Newcastle United are reportedly edging closer to signing Monaco centre-back Axel Disasi.

Eddie Howe will focus on getting his squad to a level ready to compete in the Champions League, after confirming the Magpies’ first involvement in the competition since the 2002/03 campaign.

News relayed earlier this week claimed that the northeast side are closing in on the 25-year-old, who could add firepower to the backline.

Could Newcastle United sign Axel Disasi?

As reported by FootballTransfers, Disasi has ‘confirmed personal terms’ with Newcastle over a possible summer move.

The report notes that the Ligue 1 outfit would expect an offer in the region of €40m-€50m (£34m-£43m) for the defender, who has become an integral figure in their back line.

Manchester United were also named as a Premier League side interested in the Frenchman.

How good is Axel Disasi?

After discovering his favoured duo in central defence in Sven Botman and Fabian Schar, Howe must add depth to his back line, with Jamal Lascelles’ future in doubt.

In recruiting Disasi, the Englishman could gain more than just numbers in the squad, but one of the most recognised defenders in Ligue 1 who could compete to raise the level of performance between the favoured pair.

In 38 Ligue 1 appearances for Monaco, the 25-year-old contributed to nine clean sheets, as well as showing some form in the final third by scoring three and assisting three, via Sofascore.

One lauded as being a “complete and dominant” player by talent scout Jacek Kulig, the Gonesse-born gem could be the figure to transform the Magpies from top-four newcomers to cementing their authority among Europe’s elite.

Having been likened by Kulig to Liverpool defender Virgil Van Dijk, the 25-year-old titan could have a similar effect as the Dutchman did on Liverpool to Howe’s side.

Signed by the Merseyside club in the winter of 2018, not many would have anticipated the influence he would have on Jurgen Klopp’s squad.

During his first full season, the centre-back assisted his side in winning their sixth Champions League, in a year that saw him voted as the UEFA Player of the Year.

In the following campaign, the Reds claimed their first Premier League title, asserting their dominance as a rejuvenated side in the country after a spell away from the spotlight.

Van Dijk’s influence on the side was monumental – a signing that unified the defence and took the club to new heights, something that could be replicated by Howe at St James’ Park next term.

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Winning 59% of his total duels in Ligue 1 last season, Disasi ranks in the top 4% of centre-backs in Europe's top five leagues over the past year in terms of his progressive distribution.

As per FBref, the Frenchman averaged 5.80 progressive passes and 1.70 progressive carries per 90, highlighting his power in transitioning play from the back.

The 25-year-old also averaged an impressive 1.51 interceptions per 90 for Monaco in Ligue 1 last campaign, a higher average than what was recorded by Van Dijk in his league-winning season with Liverpool, who averaged 1.1 per game.

Howe could land a gem in Disasi, who has shown that he is capable of leading a backline with composure and strength at such a young age, in a player that could progress as a top defender, following in similar footsteps to Van Dijk but this time at St James’ Park.

Barcelona are reportedly considering a Bosman move for Spanish midfielder Aleix Garcia in the summer window to bolster their squad options.

What's the latest on Barcelona's transfers?

Barcelona's financial situation means that they will have to reduce their wage bill massively before making any signings, with midfielder Gavi recently deregistered from their La Liga squad.

Should they make room to bring players in, Xavi is reportedly eyeing up a midfielder who can compete with Pedri and provide depth in attacking midfield.

They have now been linked with Girona midfielder Aleix Garcia, who is out of contract at the end of the season. The 25-year-old has even been described as the best midfielder in the division amid some impressive displays this campaign.

The former Manchester City youngster was once referred to as "special" by Pep Guardiola, and it seems that the Spaniard is living up to his promise.

Reports from media in Spain have indicated that Barcelona, as well as Atletico Madrid and Valencia, are all eyeing up Garcia for a free transfer in what could be one of the bargain deals of the summer.

A move for Garcia has been described as a "great opportunity," and it could prove to be shrewd business for the Blaugrana, although given that Girona have an option to extend his contract for another year, they may be forced to wait.

What would Garcia bring to Barcelona?

The midfielder ranks in the top 2% for shot-creating actions amongst his peers as per FBref, which highlights the level of attacking creativity he could bring to Xavi's side.

He would be able to start in place of Pedri should the 20-year-old be absent. Pedri has already made 104 appearances for the club despite his young age, and having a strong rotational option could help Barcelona compete on all fronts next season.

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Given that he is on a contract of just £2.5k-per-week, Garcia would likely not add an extraordinary amount to an already inflated wage bill, and if Sergio Busquets departs, he could even step into his role as a deeper midfielder.

Garcia has provided six assists this season, and he would join as a player with a lot of pedigree in Spanish football under his belt, as he has made over 130 appearances for Girona, Eibar and Villarreal over the years.

He could prove to be a solid long-term option who is also capable of making an immediate impact on the team, at a low cost. If Barcelona can manage to complete a deal, it could be a smart one.

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has shown a particular desire to raid the Dutch market during his time at Old Trafford thus far, with the 52-year-old having notably snapped up Lisandro Martinez, Antony and Tyrell Malacia from the Eredivisie during the summer.

The former Utrecht coach only recently snapped up compatriot Wout Weghorst on a temporary deal, having also shown an interest in another Netherlands international – Cody Gakpo – prior to the forward’s surprise move to Liverpool, with the former Ajax boss clearly looking to his homeland for possible new recruits.

According to The Sun, Ten Hag is seemingly eyeing further additions from Holland in the near future, having reportedly handed club scouts a list of prospective targets to keep tabs on, with the aim of lowering the age of the squad with a string of more youthful additions.

One figure who was named among that list was PSV Eindhoven playmaker Joey Veerman, with the 24-year-old having caught the eye as a result of his impressive form under Ruud van Nistelrooy of late, having scored seven goals and provided five assists in 26 games across all competitions from his central midfield berth this season.

The former Heerenveen man – who joined his current side back in January 2022 – had also ended the previous campaign with ten goals and 14 assists in 44 games across all fronts, while also offering the flexibility to feature on the flanks or in a more advanced, creative midfield berth.

Such a quality asset could well prove a notable upgrade on current United man, Scott McTominay, with the Scotland international – who has been linked with an exit in recent times – having only scored 18 goals and laid on five assists in 191 games in his whole Red Devils career.

Equally, unlike Veerman – who has created seven big chances in the league this season and averages 2.0 key passes per game – the Lancaster-born dud is far from impactful in the final third, as he has created just one big chance and averages just 0.2 key passes per game this term.

Furthermore, while the PSV sensation has been described as “perfect” on the ball by pundit Michael Mols as he averages 6.97 progressive passes per game, McTominay is anything but ‘perfect’ in possession, as he averages just 2.7 progressive passes per game as a sign of his shortcomings.

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The latter man has hardly made up for that fact defensively as he has only averaged 1.2 tackles and 0.7 interceptions per game this season, while Veerman is able to combine his forward-thinking approach with a relentless work ethic, as he averages 1.6 tackles and 0.9 interceptions per 90.

Should Ten Hag opt to bring in his compatriot in the near future, it could well allow him to move on McTominay, with the towering asset having notably been described as “not good enough” by club legend Roy Keane.