Arsenal have gotten off to a slow start in the Premier League and await their first win of the campaign.
At the time of writing, the Gunners were preparing for a winnable home tie with West Ham United, and manager Unai Emery will be keen to get his reign underway with three points on the board against the Hammers.
The summer transfer window saw the club bring in a few fresh faces, but despite this, the Gunners still look relatively lightweight in terms of real quality in the middle of the park, and we at the Tavern think they need to act in January.
One man we think Arsenal should have signed over the summer before he committed his future is Wolves star Ruben Neves, who has got off to a superb start in the top flight.
The Portuguese midfielder was the top performer for the Championship winners last term, and he appears to have carried that form right through into the Premier League. However, there was talk he could have been on his way in the summer before he signed a new deal with the Midlanders, and Arsenal should be keeping a watchful eye on his situation.
While Wolves won’t want to sell, Arsenal have the spending power if needed, and Neves is a class act.
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The Portuguese midfielder is young enough to develop into one of the top central midfielders in the game, and a move to Arsenal can only aid his development further.
Arsenal fans, what do you think? Good signing? Let us know in the comments!
Everton are reportedly set to battle Wolves for the free signing of Miguel Veloso, and it could be another stroke of genius from Marcel Brands.
What’s the story?
According to Teamtalk, Everton and Wolves have both “shown interest” in the veteran midfielder, who is a free agent after opting not to renew his contract with Serie A side Genoa.
The Premier League window is of course closed, but Veloso could still sign for a Premier League side as he became a free agent before the window closed.
The 32 year-old can play as a midfielder or defender, and the report claims Marco Silva would like to add even more to his squad after an impressive late surge in the transfer market.
New director of football Brands has already worked his magic this summer, but getting an experienced, versatile and reliable international for free might just be his best move yet.
Veloso is not going to set the league alight aged 32, and he probably wouldn’t even be first choice for Everton, but the 56-cap Portuguese international could play an important role in Silva’s squad.
Silva’s fast-paced and free-flowing football has hit the ground running at Goodison, but it will start to take its toll on the squad as the season wears on. Midfield depth is essential, and Veloso’s calmness in possession would be a valuable trait to have coming off the bench.
The midfield maestro has never averaged below an 80 per cent pass success rate over a full season throughout his career, and his last two seasons with Genoa he averaged well over one key pass per game.
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He is just as solid without the ball as with it though, and his tough tackling will quickly endear him to the Goodison faithful. Averaging nearly two tackles and well over one interception per game throughout his career, his intelligence and game-reading ability means Silva could use him in defence as a last resort.
If Silva and Brands are seeking a reliable veteran to take pressure off the first eleven, control matches late on, and fly in with the occasional crunching tackle, then they really can’t go wrong with Veloso.
So, Everton fans, do you think the 32 year-old would be a good signing? Or would you rather stick with what you have? Let us know your thoughts by voting in the poll below…
Celtic announced the signing of new Manchester City winger and Australian international Daniel Arzani on a two-year loan deal on Friday, and Bhoys fans on Twitter were excited by his potential.
City completed the signing of the 19-year-old on August 9 (deadline day for English clubs this year) from their sister side Melbourne City FC and have immediately sent the talented youngster to Glasgow to further his development.
Iranian-born Arzani was the youngest player at this summer’s World Cup in Russia, at just 15 days younger than Kylian Mbappe. The Socceroos star made three substitute appearances as Australia were knocked out in the group stage.
The current Premier League champions have built somewhat of a relationship with Celtic in recent years following the successful loan spells of Patrick Roberts and Jason Denayer north of the border. Check out some of the best tweets from Celtic fans in reaction to the news about Arzani below.
[brid autoplay=”true” video=”279788″ player=”12034″ title=”Emirates Exit For Emery’s Egyptian”]
Celtic supporters have been drowning their sorrows in the Transfer Tavern in recent times after seeing their team bow out of the Champions League at the third qualifying round for the first time under manager Brendan Rodgers.
The ex-Liverpool chief had twice led the Bhoys to the group stages of Europe’s elite competition in his previous two seasons in charge, and they looked a good bet to do so again this time round after easing past Alashkert and Rosenborg in the first two qualifying rounds. Yet the Scottish giants went down 3-2 on aggregate to AEK Athens in the third round to bow out of the competition, and they will now instead seek to make the Europa League by entering the play-off round for Europe’s secondary competition.
As such, there have been many deflated Celtic fans up and down the country, yet with there still a few weeks left in the Scottish window, manager Rodgers must keep the faith by seeking to improve the squad he has, with a reunion with £6.3 million-rated Premier League striker Shane Long (as per Transfermarkt) something he must consider.
Ultimately, things don’t look particularly good for the 31-year-old at current club Southampton, what with the striker failing to make the matchday squad for their opening Premier League clash against Burnley on Sunday.
And the summer arrival of Danny Ings, alongside the other options at St Mary’s in Charlie Austin and Manolo Gabbiadini, leaves the Republic of Ireland international some way down Mark Hughes’ pecking order, and thus facing the prospect of another season with little first team football.
Yet with the Scottish window open until August 31, Rodgers must seek to reunite with the 31-year-old having spent time together at Reading back in 2009, a club where Long arguably produced his best football in netting 54 times in 199 games for the Royals.
Yes, the Irishman is by no means a hugely prolific striker, but what he gives a side instead of that in the forward ranks can be beneficial given he doesn’t give defenders any time on the ball at all, with his tenacity in chasing down lost causes and putting opposition backlines under pressure producing good results over the years.
The ex-Hull City striker is also deceptively good in the air for someone less than six foot tall, while he is also able to hold the ball up and bring others into play – he could prove to be an ideal asset for Rodgers’ side going forward.
And while the likes of Moussa Dembele and Odsonne Edouard would likely to be ahead of Long in the pecking order, the 31-year-old would offer something slightly different as both a starter and indeed a substitute – not many defenders would want to see the Irishman come on in the latter stages of matches.
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As such, after a hugely disappointing night in the Champions League, Celtic must pick themselves up by moving for out-of-favour Long before the August 31 deadline, in what could be an ideal addition for the Scottish giants.
Manchester United now have an even bigger task on their hands during the January transfer window after it was confirmed that Ruben Amorim had been sacked after 14 months in the role.
The 40-year-old’s outburst about the hierarchy following Sunday’s 1-1 draw against Leeds United spelt the end of his tenure, which lasted a total of 63 matches.
During such a period, the now former Red Devils boss was only able to achieve a measly 40% win percentage and led the club to a 15th-place finish in the Premier League during 2024/25.
As a result, the hierarchy’s focus for the coming weeks will no doubt be on recruiting a new manager to lead the club back to their former glory in the near future.
However, it has not stopped numerous players from being touted with a move to join the Red Devils, including one player whom Amorim sought after during his spell at the helm.
Man Utd could make £100m move for PL sensation
During Amorim’s tenure at United, he often struggled with the balance of the two-man midfield within his 3-4-2-1 system – something which no doubt contributed to his demise.
The likes of Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes often partnered one another at the heart of the side, but with both players being over 30, a long-term solution is no doubt needed.
Academy graduate Kobbie Mainoo could now prove a viable option after Amorim’s departure, with the 20-year-old able to get his career back on track after being continuously overlooked by the 40-year-old.
However, new additions could also be made in such a department, which has once again led to rumours over a move to land Brighton & Hove Albion star Carlos Baleba.
According to one Spanish outlet, the Red Devils are closely monitoring a deal to land the Cameroonian international this winter after previously wanting to sign him in the summer.
The report also states that he is seen as the perfect option for the immediate and long-term future to rebuild the midfield department, but any deal would likely be an expensive one.
They claim that the Seagulls are currently holding out for a reported £100m for his signature, with such a figure looking like it will be enough to get a deal over the line. Brighton have rejected any notion that they will accept a reduced price when it comes to letting the midfielder depart the Amex.
Why Baleba would end Ugarte’s Man Utd career
Manuel Ugarte was seen as United’s latest big-money midfield addition, after the hierarchy forked out a reported £50m for his signature from PSG back in the summer of 2024.
The Uruguayan international has since struggled to nail down his starting role over the last couple of months, which has led to questions over his future at the club.
The 24-year-old has featured in 14 league outings to date, with six of which coming from a starting position – resulting in just one solitary victory during such a period.
Whilst he’s seen as a ball-winning option, the former Sporting CP star has massively struggled in possession, which has no doubt led to discontent being directed his way from the fanbase.
However, despite the huge investment in his signature, Ugarte could find himself out the door at Old Trafford in the coming months, especially if a deal is completed for Baleba.
When comparing the pair’s respective stats from the Premier League, the Brighton star has dominated in key areas, showcasing why he’d be a better option for the Red Devils going forward.
Baleba, who’s been dubbed a “monster” by Eduardo Hagn, has completed more of the passes he’s attempted this season, with more of which being made into the final third.
How Baleba & Ugarte compare in the PL (2025/26)
Statistics (per 90)
Baleba
Ugarte
Games played
16
14
Minutes played
896
644
Pass accuracy
85%
80%
Short pass accuracy
94%
87%
Passes into final third
1.2
0.2
Take-ons completed
0.9
0.6
Progressive carries
1.1
0.9
Recoveries made
6.1
5.5
Aerials won
61%
47%
Stats via FBref
Such numbers showcase his ability to dominate with the ball at his feet, something which has been hugely lacking when the Uruguayan has started in recent weeks.
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Without the ball, the Cameroonian has been just as impressive, as seen by his tally of 6.1 ball recoveries per 90 – a figure which is higher than that of the current Red Devils star.
Other numbers, such as 0.9 take-ons per 90 and 61% aerials won, showcase his quality in and out of possession, something which could catch the attention of the United board.
£100m would no doubt be a huge investment given the recent antics at Old Trafford, but the club simply let the opportunity of landing Baleba pass them by this winter.
At 22, he has all of the attributes needed to star at the Theatre of Dreams, not to mention having the chance to improve further in the years ahead, given his tender age.
As for Ugarte, his time at the club now looks in serve threat, with a deal for the Premier League sensation all but ending his career in Manchester despite his own big-money 18 months ago.
Forget Cunha: Man Utd star is looking like their new Marcus Rashford
This Man Utd star was excellent in their 1-1 draw away to Leeds
Chelsea continued their poor form in December, suffering a 2-1 defeat at home to Aston Villa in the Premier League.
It was very much a game of two halves, with Enzo Maresca’s side dominating the first 45 minutes but struggling in the second, as the Blues slipped to defeat at Stamford Bridge.
A first-half goal from Joao Pedro gave the West Londoners a lead at halftime. He deflected Reece James’ corner in from close range to put the Blues ahead.
Yet, second-half substitute Ollie Watkins, afforded plenty of space in an open game, scored twice to secure the three points for Villa.
Maresca’s men were certainly the better side in the first half, as the stats suggest. Villa sat off the Blues, allowing them the lion’s share of possession, with 71%, and ten shots. On reflection, Chelsea might be kicking themselves that they didn’t capitalise.
That is because, in the second 45 minutes, they could only manage four shots at Emi Martinez’s goal. The visitors took their chances better than Chelsea, which cost the London outfit three points.
It was a tough day at the office for the Blues, with Alejandro Garnacho among those struggling in attack.
Chelsea's misfiring forwards vs Villa
Summer signing Garnacho has certainly been hit and miss for the Blues since moving from Manchester United. On Saturday evening at the Bridge, it was tough going up against Matty Cash, one of the Premier League’s most experienced right-backs.
As is often the case with the Argentine, he constantly looked to be a nuisance, driving at the Poland international.
However, it didn’t come off for him on this occasion, and too often, the winger made the wrong decision at crucial moments in the final third.
One person who noticed the Chelsea number 49’s struggles was Richie Mills, journalist for Goal. He gave Garnacho a 5/10 rating at the end of the game and noted the fact that he ‘needs to offer more end product’.
This was certainly reflected in his stats at the end of the game. The winger, who played 69 minutes, had 38 touches but lost the ball nine times, failed to complete any of his four crosses, and didn’t attempt a dribble.
As bad as Garnacho was against Villa, there was another attacker who was arguably worse.
Chelsea’s new Conor Gallagher
If it was a poor night for Garnacho, then it was an even more disappointing one for Pedro Neto. The Portugal international was largely anonymous against Unai Emery’s side, struggling to get into the game on the right wing.
Indeed, his numbers at full-time show just how tough of an evening it was for Neto.
He lost the ball a whopping 24 times, having had 67 touches, and failed to complete a single dribble or a single tackle.
Neto key stats vs. Villa
Stat
Number
Touches
67
Number of times ball lost
24
Pass accuracy
83%
Crosses completed
1/9
Duels won
1/4
Tackles won
0/1
Dribbles completed
0/1
Stats from Sofascore
It was arguably a surprise that he played the whole game, with Cole Palmer the man Maresca took off.
His efforts were rated 4/10 by Mills, who was critical of the winger, explaining that he was largely ‘ineffectual’ against the Villans.
Whilst Neto has done well this term, it does feel like there are moments in big games, such as this clash with Villa, where he is lacking that quality.
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As far back as last season, Tony Cascarino said Chelsea fans only see “glimpses of how great he can be” for the club,
He could certainly be viewed as Maresca’s version of Conor Gallagher. The former Cobham graduate was a star man under Mauricio Pochettino, but was quickly deemed a sellable asset by the club when the Argentine was sacked at the end of the 2023/24 season.
That is similar to Neto in many ways. The winger is loved by Maresca, as shown by the fact that he was kept on the pitch when Palmer was taken off.
Yet, as Cascarino noted, there have only been flashes of brilliance, with all the ex-Wolves man’s hard work and endeavour not always being rewarded with an end product.
Chalkboard
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After another poor performance, it will be fascinating to see if the Italian keeps his first-choice winger in the starting lineup, or turns to the likes of Estevao to add a new dimension to the side.
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