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The atmosphere around West Ham United at the moment is starting to feel rather toxic.

Nuno Espírito Santo was able to earn a point and inspire an impressive fightback in his opening game away to Everton, but since then, things have gone from bad to worse.

A loss away to Arsenal is understandable, but the defeats to Brentford and Leeds United were diabolical, and some major changes are needed to inspire the side to Premier League survival this term.

Therefore, while it’s risky, Nuno should look to play a few of the club’s promising academy talents, including one who could develop into a future Mark Nobel-type figure for them.

The West Ham youngsters Nuno should give a chance

Now, it should be said that if West Ham were playing even remotely well this season, then bringing in a few youngsters would probably be a bad idea.

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However, as things stand, the East Londoners are the second-worst team in the league, so it’s probably worth throwing in some promising prospects, as at least they would give it everything and help address the side’s dire lack of athleticism.

One of those who should be given a go is 20-year-old Mohamadou Kanté, who just signed a new deal with the club.

The “colossal” French midfielder, as dubbed by one analyst, is a particularly promising talent and has even been compared to former Hammer “Mo Diame” for his “intelligent composed passing” and “long-ranging legs that eat up ground.”

On top of having that pace and power, which is severely lacking in Nuno’s squad, the youngster is also proving to be something of a goal threat for the junior sides.

For example, despite playing in central and defensive midfield, he has already scored and assisted two goals in nine appearances for the U21s this season.

Speaking of goalscoring prospects, with Niclas Füllkrug out and Callum Wilson simply not good enough, it might be time to give Josh Landers a go in the first team.

Landers’ 25/26

Appearances

6

Minutes

359′

Goals

5

Assists

0

Goal Involvements per Match

0.83

Minutes per Goal Involvement

71.8′

All Stats via Transfermarkt

So far this season, the 18-year-old Scotsman has scored five goals in six appearances for the U21s, totalling just 359 minutes.

Finally, it might be time to give Preston Fearon a proper runout with the senior side.

The 18-year-old gem made an appearance during pre-season and has been described as a “special player” by Jarrod Bowen, who added that he’s “never seen someone nutmeg so many people in training.”

With all that said, there is another, slightly older academy graduate who has played for the first team, but should now be getting even more minutes, someone who could be a future Noble.

West Ham's future Noble

Now, while someone like Fearon could go on to emulate some of the best qualities of a Noble, he’s still only 18, and so it’s difficult to predict what sort of player he’ll become.

The same is not necessarily true of Freddie Potts.

There is still a long way to go in the 22-year-old’s career, but even so, there are already some key similarities between him and the West Ham legend.

Firstly, he is very much one of the Hammers’ own, as he spent his entire youth career with the East Londoners and has only played for other teams while out on loan.

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Moreover, he is a fan of the club, and so when the supporters sang “Freddie Potts, he’s one of our own” away to Everton earlier this season, it was one of those rare occasions when that phrase is entirely true.

This is also why journalist Dan Woffenden said that, unlike some of the other players in the squad today, he “at least understands what it means to wear the shirt.”

On top of all this, the Barking-born ace is also positionally similar to the Irons legend, with his best position being in the middle of the park.

Furthermore, while he isn’t likely to go on any mazy runs or score wonder goals like some other midfielders, he looks to be a reliable, no-nonsense throwback of a footballer.

That’s not to say he cannot help out with attacking phases of play, though, as respected analyst Ben Mattinson has described the 22-year-old as someone blessed with an impressive “passing range and powerful carrying” ability.

Ultimately, Noble is a legend, and while West Ham aren’t going to find someone just like him, Potts looks like he could develop into the modern version of him for Nuno this season.

Related £40m West Ham flop is the biggest waste of money since Scamacca & Haller

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Posts ByJack Salveson Holmes

Nottingham Forest supporters will now be clamouring for the start of the Premier League season, safe in the knowledge that Morgan Gibbs-White will line up in the famous Garibaldi Red for the Tricky Trees’ opener against Brentford next month.

It really looked as if Gibbs-White would leave Nuno Espirito Santo’s side behind for a switch to Tottenham Hotspur, in a move that would have banked Forest £60m.

However, this controversial move would never get off the ground in the end, culminating in the 25-year-old penning a new, unexpected deal at the City Ground instead.

Forest will be on the hunt for some exciting signings now to further boost spirits in the Midlands, as a £30m attacker appears on the Premier League side’s shopping list, away from Nuno’s men also being close on a deal for Bologna forward Dan Ndoye.

Forest explore move for £30m attacker

Indeed, it looks as if Ndoye will be lining up next to the much-talked-about Gibbs-White very shortly.

According to Fabrizio Romano via X, the deal is done, as a £35m agreement has been reached between Bologna and Forest, following on from Evangelos Marinakis’ desire to land a standout replacement for Anthony Elanga.

Ndoye isn’t the only addition Forest might be anticipating in the forward areas, however, with a report by the Telegraph now revealing that the top-flight side have ‘discussed’ a potential move for Liverpool hotshot Ben Doak.

The up-and-coming Scotsman would dent the Marinakis bank account even more, with the Reds winger allegedly available for around the £30m mark.

However, this could be a price worth paying if he develops into even more of a blistering performer at the City Ground, with the potential here for Doak to become the club’s next iteration of Gibbs-White in the process.

How Doak can become Forest's next Gibbs-White

Gibbs-White is now a household name in the Premier League, having even been speculated to be on the radar of Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City this summer, away from Thomas Franks’ Spurs sniffing about.

However, the 25-year-old hasn’t always been viewed in this glowing light, having struggled to ever get going at former side Wolverhampton Wanderers before embarking on a transformative adventure with Forest.

When plying his trade at Molineux, Gibbs-White would only collect a paltry one goal and one assist in Premier League action. At Forest, though, he is a beast that cannot be tamed, as seen in his ever-growing tally of 45 goals and assists at the difficult level.

Doak will hope, if he leaves Anfield behind shortly, that he can also go on to be as key as the four-time England international is at the City Ground, having been utilised sparingly at Liverpool to date, but he has still managed to show off flashes of his immense quality.

Doak’s career numbers

Club played for

Games played

Goals scored

Assists

Middlesbrough

24

3

7

Liverpool U21s

16

5

2

Liverpool

10

0

0

Liverpool Youth League

8

4

4

Liverpool U18s

5

2

2

Celtic

2

0

0

Sourced by Transfermarkt

Despite failing to break his goal or assist duck in the senior picture on Merseyside, Doak does have a healthy 11 goals and eight assists next to his name in the youth picture at Anfield. If given more minutes in Nottingham, he could go on to be a star in the first-team scene, away from settling for limited chances under Arne Slot’s wing.

After all, last season also saw the “special” forward – as he’s been glowingly labelled by Jurgen Klopp previously – set the EFL light on loan with Middlesbrough, as seen in his hefty ten goal contributions from 24 Boro clashes.

Coincidentally, before gaining more opportunities at Molineux, Gibbs-White was also viewed as a rising star out on loan with Sheffield United, with a mammoth ten goals and 12 assists coming his way at Bramall Lane.

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At the time, he was even hailed as having “the world at his feet” by Blades teammate David McGoldrick, with similarly glowing praise heading Doak’s way too last season from Boro-based commentator Mark Drury, who stated that the Scotsman “looks like a natural” under pressure.

Doak might well finally get his big break in the Premier League with Forest, as excitement levels continue to grow and grow at the City Ground about what next season has in store.

As noted by Football scout Antonio Mango, he truly is a “menace” of a player…

Related Gibbs-White will love him: Nottingham Forest set to finalise "top signing"

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Posts ByKelan Sarson

Middlesbrough have made a manager with “an impressive CV” a top target to replace Rob Edwards, and it would be a “significant coup” if they can get a deal done.

Edwards confirmed as Wolves boss as Middlesbrough receive £3m

Wolves confirmed the appointment of Rob Edwards as their new head coach on a three-and-a-half year deal on Wednesday.

The 42-year-old left the Riverside and agreed a contract until 2029 with Wanderers after they sacked Vitor Pereira earlier this month. It is reported Boro will receive around £3million in compensation after Edwards only joined them in June on a three-year contract.

Edwards, who managed Luton in the Premier League, begins a fourth spell at Wolves after making 111 appearances as a player as well as enjoying time as a coach and interim boss. He will be joined by assistant head coach Harry Watling after the pair worked together at Middlesbrough, with the rest of his backroom staff to be confirmed in the near future.

Wolves chairman Jeff Shi said: “I know Rob very well and I have seen his growth in different jobs. He’s a very good person, he knows the club very well, he knows the city, the fans and he is very talented.

“When he was a youth coach here, he showed his tactical awareness, but after he took first-team jobs he started to grow his own identity, character and leadership.

“We need to refresh the whole club with a new coach’s philosophy, bringing his own identity and ideas, and we can build on that. We are at a new chapter for the club and Rob will be a key piece of that.”

For Boro, it is now about finding a swift replacement as they aim to continue their Championship promotion push without Edwards.

Middlesbrough make Steven Gerrard a top manager target

As reported by Rousing the Kop and journalist Graeme Bailey, Steven Gerrard is among the top targets for Middlesbrough to replace Edwards.

Steve Gibson is a long-term admirer of the former Rangers and Aston Villa boss, who is out of work after leaving Al-Ettifaq in January.

Gerrard almost returned to Ibrox last month and is open to a return to the dugout, with a move to the Riverside something that could appeal to him.

Gerrard has never managed in the Championship, with his most successful period as a manager coming in Scotland, winning the league title with Rangers.

Steven Gerrard’s managerial career

Club

Games

Points per game

Rangers

192

2.15

Aston Villa

40

1.18

Al-Ettifaq

55

1.33

The 45-year-old primarily plays an attacking 4-3-3 system and is closing in on 300 games as a manager. Could that benchmark come at the Riverside?

Sky Sports’ Laura Hunter slammed Alexander Isak as “anonymous” as Liverpool suffered defeat at Anfield against Nottingham Forest for the second consecutive campaign.

The international break handed Liverpool some much-needed reprieve and there was plenty of hope that the Reds would finally bounce back from recent woes upon their return. Nottingham Forest had other ideas, however, as the Premier League champions were dealt another blow.

Arne Slot’s side initially got off to a solid start, creating chances and largely looking rejuvenated. But the threat from Nottingham Forest was always lurking and once again Liverpool were found wanting from a set piece. After Ibrahima Konate needlessly conceded the corner, Liverpool watched on as Murillo headed home. It has been the story of their season.

The Tricky Trees then thought they had a second, only for Igor Jesus’ effort to be controversially ruled out for handball in a decision that will be at the centre of debate in the coming days.

VAR couldn’t hold the visitors back forever though, and second-half goals from Nicolo Savona and a shocking third from Morgan Gibbs-White soon put Forest out of sight in the worst performance of Liverpool’s season.

It’s become worse before it’s got better for the Reds and there will be serious question marks surrounding several performances. The Premier League champions have not only seen their crown slip, they’ve seen it torn apart this season and record signing Isak has been a shadow of the player that so often caused Virgil van Dijk trouble.

Sky Sports reporter slams "anonymous" Alexander Isak

When Isak’s name appeared in the starting line-up, there would have been a growing excitement amongst Liverpool fans. Their £280,000-a-week star signing was finally set to have lift off, so they thoughtr. That was their dream, but the reality is that Slot’s side once again struggled to connect with the Swede, who took fewer touches than goalkeeper Alisson Becker.

Where Liverpool go from here is the big question. They didn’t just lose against Nottingham Forest, they were shoved aside for the umpteenth time this season. Despite all the money that they finally spent in the summer, it is not clicking at Anfield.

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For Isak, patience is also wearing out. Whilst he could be excused for a slow start after missing pre-season and striking at Newcastle United, he’s now had plenty of time to get back to full fitness, yet remains without a credible performance.

Related Liverpool now eyeing Mateta deal amid fresh Crystal Palace contract concern

The Reds know all about his quality.

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With Hugo Ekitike waiting in the wings, the former Newcastle man may struggle to keep hold of his place as Slot looks to solve his side’s problems and turn to the few bright sparks in his squad.

Slot's own Luis Suarez is now "offering Liverpool less than Darwin Nunez did"

Manchester United are rivalling Premier League rivals Liverpool and Arsenal for the signing of Bayern Munich and France winger Michael Olise.

The 23-year-old has arguably matured into one of the best wingers in world football, excelling in a Bayern shirt since joining from Crystal Palace in the summer of 2024.

Olise has six assists already in the Bundesliga this season, which is more than Bruno Fernandes (three) and Bryan Mbuemo (one) combined in the Premier League, with a half-dozen league goals also coming his way, outlining his end product.

The Frenchman is a hugely sought-after player, which is no great surprise, given his age and talent – Liverpool have been linked with a move – and Bayern will be desperate to fend off any interest in him.

United may have spent big on attackers in the summer transfer window, bringing in Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko, but they are likely to be on the lookout for further additions in 2026, in order to make competition for places as fierce as possible.

Man Utd in the mix to sign £123m-rated Michael Olise

According to Caught Offside‘s Mark Brus, Manchester United are showing “serious interest” in £123m-rated Bayern star Olise, but Liverpool and Arsenal are also in the race to snap him up.

Olise would be a spectacular addition for United, with Bayern centre-back and teammate Dayot Upamecano heaping praise on his brilliance in the past, saying: “He’s a magician. His technical level is very high. He can do everything. He can score, set up, and even defend.”

That said, the one confusing aspect of United potentially signing him is the fact that he plays a similar role to Mbeumo, in terms of being a left-footed right winger who cuts inside to wreak havoc.

It could be argued that the Red Devils don’t need both, especially with Amad Diallo continuing to grow as player in that role, with those funds being focused on other key positions, such as central midfield.

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That’s not to say that United should pass up the chance to bring in Olise, though, and beating Liverpool and Arsenal to him would be a massive statement, and he has the talent to light up Old Trafford for years to come.

Man Utd have advantage over Chelsea in race for "midfield sensation"

AC Milan have made contact with Nottingham Forest over a deal for a £26m Nuno signing who now wants to leave.

Forest on the up under the helm of Dyche

Ange Postecoglou didn’t last long after replacing Nuno earlier this season, but Sean Dyche has really managed to turn things around, with his side now four points clear of the Premier League relegation zone, after defeating Wolverhampton Wanderers last time out.

The Tricky Trees edged out a 1-0 victory against the bottom-placed side, courtesy of an Igor Jesus goal with just under 20 minutes left to play, meaning they finally have some breathing room, and survival is looking increasingly likely.

Dyche praised his side’s mindset in the narrow victory, saying: “They kept going and throwing things at us. I’m pleased with our mentality. You saw the way we dug it out, they threw a lot at us second half and we dealt with it well.”

In fairness, given that Forest qualified for the Europa League last season and spent heavily in the summer, relegation shouldn’t be on the cards, but it would be fair to say some of their recent additions haven’t hit the ground running at the City Ground.

Arnaud Kalimuendo, who arrived from Rennes for £26m, has particularly struggled to make an impact, having failed to score in his opening seven Premier League games, predominantly being utilised as a substitute.

According to a report from Corriere dello Sport (via Sport Witness), the striker could be offered an exit route soon, with it being revealed that AC Milan have made contact with Nottingham Forest CEO Lina Souloukou over a potential deal.

Kalimuendo now wants to leave Forest, amid a lack of game time, featuring for just 81 mintues across his seven Premier League appearances this season, and clubs from Italy are lining up to sign him, with AS Roma also being named as potential suitors.

Forest should sanction Kalimuendo departure this January

In truth, it is probably best for all parties if the centre-forward moves on this summer, given that he clearly hasn’t managed to impress all three of Forest’s managers this season, given the lack of game time in the Premier League.

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The 23-year-old has impressed at times in the Europa League, most recently scoring in the 3-0 victory over Malmo FF, but he was unable to make an impact as a substitute against Brighton in the following match, failing to register a single shot.

Related Nottingham Forest now eyeing £15m Europa League midfielder after Anderson update

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In fairness, it is difficult to have a major impact coming on late in the game, and Kalimuendo may need to be given a Premier League start if he is to prove himself.

However, with Jesus recently scoring his first Premier League goal, and Chris Wood still to return from injury, opportunities are likely to be even more limited going forward, and it may be worth Forest cutting their losses in the January transfer window.

The Arsenal today is practically unrecognisable from the one that hired Mikel Arteta six years ago.

The North Londoners have transformed themselves from a fallen giant stuck in mid-table to a team genuinely capable of winning the Premier League and the Champions League.

Arteta has helped create one of the very best teams in the country, and the board has been working to ensure the future is even brighter.

It’s this goal that led new Sporting Director Andrea Berta to secure a deal for one of the most exciting talents in the game, someone who could become Arsenal’s answer to Michael Olise.

How Arsenal are getting ready for the future

While fans and Arteta, for that matter, are focused on the here and now, Arsenal as a club have to be preparing for the next iteration of the team and the one after that, if they want to keep up with their rivals.

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Fortunately, the powers that be at the club seem well aware of this and have been taking steps to do just that, from signing some seriously exciting youngsters from around the world to nurturing the best at Hale End.

For example, while they’ve already become a part of the first team, the likes of Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly most certainly fall into the second category.

Nwaneri in 25/26

Appearances

10

Minutes

427′

Goals

1

Assists

0

Goal Involvements per Match

0.1

Minutes per Goal Involvement

427′

All Stats via Transfermarkt

After all, they are still just 18 and 19 years old, so while they’re already making an impact, they won’t hit their peak for quite some time.

After them, it looks like Andre Harriman-Annous could be the next one to be integrated into the first team.

Finally, at least for now, perhaps the two most exciting prospects from the academy for quite some time are Max Dowman and Marli Salmon.

The former has already made five games for the first team, becoming the youngest to start for the club and the youngest player in Champions League history.

Salmon, on the other hand, has only made one competitive appearance this season, but has been described as “the best CB Hale End has produced” by respected analyst Ben Mattinson.

Now, when it comes to signing some of the most exciting youngsters from around the world, the Gunners have also improved.

For example, just a couple of months ago, they secured the services of 16-year-old Victor Ozhianvuna from Shamrock Rovers, who has been described as blessed “with explosive acceleration” by Mattinson.

A year before that, the North Londoners signed the then-17-year-old goalkeeper Tommy Setford from Ajax, whom Mattinson once again gave the seal of approval, describing him as “England’s most talented ball-playing GK’s.”

Finally, and undoubtedly most exciting of all, Arsenal have secured the services of two incredible Ecuadorian talents earlier this month in Holger and Edwin Quintero, the latter of which could be the club’s answer to Olise.

Arsenal's answer to Olise

Earlier this month, seemingly out of nowhere, it was announced that Arsenal had signed both Holger and Edwin Quintero, and that, once they turn 18 in 2027, they will join the first team.

Now, both youngsters have been talked about as having massive ceilings, but when it comes to which one could emulate and become the Gunners’ answer to Olise, it can only be Edwin.

There are a few reasons for this, with one of the most important being the fact that, unlike his brother, his primary position is right-wing.

Moreover, like the former Crystal Palace star, the 16-year-old gem is not simply a goal threat, but also someone more than capable of creating chances.

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In fact, Mattinson described him as someone with “the ability to run games and create something out of nothing.”

What makes his ability to create even more impressive is the fact that he can do so in multiple ways.

For example, U23 scout Antonio Mango has highlighted that, on the one hand, he “likes to play with short pass-and-move principles,” while Mattinson has dubbed him an “explosive” dribbler who uses flair to fool defenders.

Finally, respected scout Jacek Kulig has also weighed in on the teenager, describing him as “an absolute joy to watch” and more crucially, a “10/10 talent.”

Ultimately, Arsenal have an exceptional squad today, and thanks to smart planning and youth development, look set to have one in the future, in which Edwin Quintero could be their own Olise.

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Liverpool are their own worst enemies in the Premier League this season.

Arne Slot’s side’s revival continues, with Wolverhampton Wanderers beaten at Anfield. But once again, the Reds supporters have been treated some gut-wrenching viewing in the closing stages, under the cosh after conceding another set-piece.

Liverpool are back into the top four, with Ryan Gravenberch opening the scoring before Florian Wirtz connected with the in-form Hugo Ekitike before the break.

How Wirtz needed that one. The German playmaker is beginning to grow into his skin on Merseyside, and he has finally broken his duck.

How Florian Wirtz has come alive at Liverpool

Liverpool paid Bayer Leverkusen £116m for Wirtz’s signature this summer. It was the all-time British record before Alexander Isak moved to the club on deadline day.

Wirtz, 22, has been one of the most criticised Premier League players this season. The spotlight has been blinding at times. But now he has scored, rubber-stamping what has quietly been an impressive run of form for the German international.

Having assisted Ekitike last week, the striker returned the favour against Wolves, who remain at the foot of the table on just two points. He won 11 duels and completed eight dribbles, as per Sofascore, head and shoulders above his peers and opponents.

Wirtz is coming alive, and it’s important to remember Liverpool have been abject and imbalanced this year, far below the expected standard.

He has a future at Liverpool, alright, but the same sadly can’t be said for all of the Reds, with one of Wirtz’s attacking teammates heading in the other direction against doomed Wolves.

FSG must now sell Liverpool flop

Liverpool have a talented crop of forwards, and Federico Chiesa has found regular minutes hard to come by since joining from Juventus for a cut-price £12.5m fee in 2024.

His fortunes have improved since the summer, but he has equally been kept on the fringes, albeit playing more of a part than in last year’s title-winning team.

Injuries and absences opened the door for a rare Premier League start against Wolves, but the £150k-per-week Italian failed to grasp it.

The Liverpool Echo summed it up: while Chiesa played a part in Gravenberch’s opening goal, he was largely ineffective down the right wing, minimally involved and lacking the vim and vigour that was required to catch Slot’s eye. He was branded with a match-low 5/10 score.

Chiesa’s Game in Numbers

Match Stats

#

Minutes played

61′

Goals

0

Assists

0

Touches

23

Shots (on target)

0 (0)

Accurate passes

10/16 (63%)

Chances created

0

Crosses

0/2

Dribbles

0/1

Recoveries

2

Tackles

0/0

Ground duels

0/3

Data via Sofascore

Chiesa has found opportunities few and far between at Liverpool, with this his first Premier League start at Anfield. He lost all three of his ground duels, and he didn’t complete a dribble.

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Perhaps that was a chance he could not allow to pass him by, and yet it has, carrying off into the bracing wind the prospect of regular starting berths over the next several weeks. It is worth remembering Dominik Szoboszlai missed out on Saturday due to suspension.

With rumours of interest surfacing from his homeland in recent months, FSG might conclude that Chiesa should be sold after his season-and-a-half in Liverpool. When Mohamed Salah returns from AFCON, his playing time will be further reduced, especially as Slot has shown a willingness to field Jeremie Frimpong in an advanced berth.

‘Fede’ has shown himself to have a Midas touch in front of goal this season, scoring twice off the bench in the Premier League. But he’s perhaps better off as an impact substitute.

Maybe Slot knows a thing about management after all. If Liverpool act on their interest in a new winger, it could prompt Chiesa’s sale. That might be the best move for all parties, should the Italian want to play regular football throughout the rest of his prime years.

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Posts 1 ByKelan Sarson

Manchester City stormed to victory in the FA Cup at home to a hopeless Exeter City side, as Pep Guardiola’s men ran out as conclusive 10-1 winners.

Antoine Semenyo had an easy debut up top for City, partnering Erling Haaland in attack, with the former AFC Bournemouth forward starting his new career at the Etihad with a blistering goal and an assist.

£64m was dropped on landing the Premier League’s man of the moment, but the lavish spending doesn’t look like stopping there, as Guardiola and Co plan more statement moves, before the frenzied window slams shut.

Man City in talks to hijack £100m move

It’s no great secret at this point that City can splash the cash when required, with the £152m spent on new recruits in the summer, rather modest, by their standards.

Amazingly, they could trump that amount in January, with a move for Marc Guehi looking to still be in the works, as Arsenal and Liverpool continue to chase after the Crystal Palace centre-back’s services, alongside the Citizens.

Alongside Guehi potentially joining, TEAMtalk has now reported that City could pull off an incredible hijack of Elliot Anderson, who is seen as Manchester United’s prime midfield target, as the Red Devils go about re-energising their options in the middle of the park.

They could be beaten to this signature by their fiercest rivals, though, with the report further elaborating that the ten-time Premier League title winners have already held talks about landing the £100m star, at the expense of their foes down the road.

City’s recruitment team, including Hugo Viana, are said to have kept a close eye on Anderson while Guardiola has also been noted as a big admirer of the English midfielder.

City might well end up winning this tussle, even if it costs them an eye-watering £100m, as a new Rodri potentially enters the Etihad ranks.

How Anderson could be Rodri 2.0

Rodri instantly fitted into Guardiola’s set-up when making a £62.6m move a reality from Atletico Madrid in 2019.

This might well have been viewed as a high amount to fork out for a holding midfielder at the time, but he has displayed season after season in Manchester why he is considered a “world-class” star, as he was once labelled by Sky Sports’ Paul Merson.

So impressive has the Spaniard been that he’s won a whole host of team honours and individual honours, most famously picking up the Ballon d’Or in 2024.

As his own manager has labelled him, the Spaniard is a “complete holding midfielder”, with 27 goals and 32 assists coming his way across 277 games under Guardiola’s wing, being constantly backed up by a hunger to fight and battle from the middle of the park.

Indeed, while he did collect a stunning eight goals and nine assists during the 2023/24 season in the Premier League, he also averaged a tenacious 6.9 ball recoveries per match, alongside winning 5.9 duels per game, with Rodri equal parts gritty and skilful, to be seen as a remarkable one-of-a-kind figure.

Anderson will hope to follow in his footsteps in being taken to that next level under Guardiola, with another midfield maestro in Arsenal’s Declan Rice already stating that the Nottingham Forest ace “can play at a higher level” when starring for England.

Unfortunately, it will cost City a substantial amount to land the Tricky Trees’ much-talked-about talent, but with Anderson already being talked up as a “world-class” star for a team loitering near the foot of the Premier League by Statman Dave, it’s frightening to contemplate how much more the 23-year-old could have in his locker, surrounded by better quality teammates.

Anderson’s PL numbers for Forest

Stat (* = per 90 mins)

24/25

25/26

Games played

37

21

Goals scored

2

1

Assists

6

2

Touches*

54.2

92.4

Accurate passes*

28.7 (82%)

58.6 (86%)

Big chances created

7

1

Ball recoveries*

5.6

8.4

Total duels won*

6.5

7.8

Stats by Sofascore

Across two Premier League seasons for Forest, Anderson has stuck out as a forceful, yet skilful presence, much like Rodri when he’s fit, with his lively ball recovery numbers and duels won per 90 minutes immediately sticking out.

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He also can change games with his output, with the standout number eight collecting an assist last time out as Forest won a pivotal clash at the bottom of the division versus West Ham United, with Anderson surely itching for a big move now to test himself higher up the league.

Anderson will be aiming to be as decorated as Rodri has become, if a daring £100m move does get over the line, as United’s immense disappointment could be their rivals’ unbelievable joy.

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Liam Rosenior will have his work cut out for him to turn around Chelsea’s middling season.

Slumping all the way down to an unsatisfactory eighth spot in the Premier League standings, after losing 2-1 at near neighbors Fulham, it’s fair to say the Blues’ campaign has unravelled, leading to Enzo Maresca being dismissed.

It remains to be seen whether Rosenior is the man to reinvigorate Chelsea out of their slouched state, with the January transfer window no doubt a helpful boost to his chances, as he attempts to stamp his authority on his fresh ranks.

Chelsea handed edge in race for £38m star

Rosenior will surely aim to strengthen the backline at Stamford Bridge this month, with Chelsea’s last clean sheet in all competitions falling all the way back in mid-December, when winning 2-0 versus Everton.

Antonio Rudiger could spectacularly return to West London to fix these defensive concerns, while a Strasbourg reunion with Valentin Barco could also be on the cards for the newly appointed Englishman, as the inconsistent Blues look for more competition with Marc Cucurella.

Rosenior could also be gifted a very promising starlet for the future, a mere month into his new job post, as talkSPORT now reports that the Blues have an edge over Arsenal in the race for Genk gem Konstantinos Karetsas.

The report revealed that Mikel Arteta’s men very nearly sealed a £38m deal for the Greek playmaker in the summer, only for a move to fail to get over the line.

Now, with Rosenior installed in the Chelsea hot-seat, European football expert Andy Brassell has tipped the West Londoners to make a January swoop for the 18-year-old, who would surely jump at the chance of working under the ex-Derby County boss, owing to his ability to develop players at Strasbourg.

It remains to be seen whether Chelsea will push for a move for the teenage sensation, but if a deal were to whir into motion, Rosenior could be about to win his very own Estevao, as another exciting midfield talent prepares to take the Premier League by storm.

Why Karetsas can be Rosenior's own Estevao

While the wheels came off the Maresca reign quickly, the Italian should be commended for how much he managed to get out of Estevao, as he hung onto his Chelsea employment.

Indeed, the worry with signing such a highly-regarded youngster is that they could flop on the big stage. But, the Brazilian has managed to live up to his “world-class” billing – as was once handed to him by scout Jacek Kulig – consistently at Stamford Bridge, with his stunning strike against Barcelona the pick of the bunch from his six goal contributions donning Chelsea blue.

It would be deemed rather far-fetched for Karetsas to make similar strides immediately if he were to relocate to England over staying put in Belgium, but in time, he could become Chelsea’s next version of Estevao, under the new spell of Rosenior.

After all, the 18-year-old has already surpassed expectations so early into his fledgling career, with Karetsas capped nine times at a senior level by Greece.

He has been deserving of all these international opportunities, at such a tender young age, too, with the teenage attacker already up to 71 senior appearances for Genk, with a stunning five goals and 15 assists heading his way.

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Subsequently, off the back of such inspired form in the senior ranks, Karetsas has been noted as being “so incredibly special” to watch by the aforementioned Kulig, alongside also being tipped to be a “future legend” of Greek football, as Estevao-levels of hysteria begin to build.

Karetsas vs Estevao (25/26)

Stat

Karetsas

Estevao

Games played

28

24

Minutes played

1821 mins

1005 mins

Goals scored

2

5

Assists

10

1

Sourced by Transfermarkt

Chelsea fans will be hoping they can cheer on another electrifying youngster who can instantly settle in the Premier League, much like Estevao, therefore, with Karetsas’ spellbinding form in the Jupiler Pro League and beyond this season, even seeing him trump the South American’s promising moments at Stamford Bridge.

If a move was to spark into life, Rosenior could soon win his very own Estevao, with the 41-year-old stating – after his reveal – that “I am good at what I do” as a new promising dawn spearheaded by Maresca’s bold successor is hopefully on the horizon.

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