Category Uncategorized

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.

FootballFanCast General: Subscribe and never miss what matters Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

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"

Nottingham Forest are close to sealing a £35m deal for this exciting attacker.

Posts ByKelan Sarson

Arsenal legend Ian Wright says that a “quality” player who the club let go really should be in Mikel Arteta’s first team right now, with the pundit “surprised” by just how well he’s doing away from the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal short of forwards after key injuries

A story of Arsenal’s season has been their shortage of key forwards, after serious, long-term injuries to the likes of Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka.

Related "Now" – BBC journalist shares Bukayo Saka return twist out of Arsenal

The England star has been out since before Christmas.

Posts ByEmilio Galantini

Jesus could even be out of action until 2026, after the Brazilian ruptured his ACL against Man United in the FA Cup, while Havertz’s hamstring injury has ruled him out for the rest of this season.

Some good news for Arteta is that Saka has returned to training and could even feature against Fulham next week, subject to an evaluation by medics, but their shortage of attacking players has even forced midfielder Mikel Merino into an emergency forward role.

Arsenal’s next five Premier League games

Date

Fulham (home)

April 1st

Everton (away)

April 5th

Brentford (home)

April 12th

Ipswich Town (away)

April 20th

Crystal Palace (home)

April 26th

While rumours are surrounding the club’s pursuit of a new striker this summer, there are those who wonder whether they should’ve sold young centre-forward Mika Biereth.

The 22-year-old, who Arsenal let go for just £4 million, is enjoying the season of his life. Biereth is currently one of the most prolific strikers in Europe, boasting an excellent 25 goals from 37 appearances across spells at both Sturm Graz and Monaco.

Monaco signed Biereth from Sturm Graz in a £12.5 million deal midway through the campaign, with the Denmark international bagging three separate hat-tricks for them already.

Ian Wright says Mika Biereth should be a first teamer for Arsenal right now

Now, commenting on the “quality” in-form young striker, Wright has suggested that Arsenal made a mistake letting Biereth leave.

“His obsession with scoring goals. He doesn’t care how they go in, he just wants to score. That will always drive and motivate him,” said Wright, in an interview with Get French Football News.

FootballFanCast General: Subscribe and never miss what matters Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

“I have been surprised. Not that I doubt his ability, but normally you give players time to adapt to different structures and new opposition. He has that bit of surprise though, opposition won’t be too familiar with him either. The big test is if he can keep it up once the league is familiar with his game. I’m incredibly proud of him, it’s an amazing record so far and long may it continue. He’s also contributing to the team as a whole. He keeps friends from every club he plays for. That’s the type of character he is.

“If I’m honest it must’ve been something with the plans Arsenal had. Mika should’ve been in and around it at the moment. One of our chats early on was about him showing himself in the preseason for Arsenal and giving it his best go. But he had the bravery to go to Scotland, then Austria and now France and that is what shows he wants to be the best! He has to be playing to prove that. His record speaks for itself. It’s disappointing for Arsenal but on a human level, I’m delighted for him.”

If Biereth continues to build upon his electric form, Monaco will be able to demand far more than the £4 million authorised by Arsenal to let him leave. His value appears set to skyrocket, and given the plethora of shortages in attack, Arteta could really use a player of his ilk right now.

As Wolverhampton Wanderers look to turn what has been a disastrous campaign around, those in the Midlands could reportedly swoop in ahead of both Liverpool and Arsenal to sign an MLS talent in 2025.

Wolves transfer news

A 4-1 victory at Fulham looked destined to be a turning point in Wolves’ season. It felt as though Gary O’Neil’s side would simply kick on from there and eventually leave their poor start behind. One 4-2 defeat at the hands of Bournemouth – in which they conceded three penalties – and a 4-0 loss against Everton at Goodison Park later, however, and O’Neil’s job has never been in a more fragile state.

Three points adrift of safety and sat as low as 19th on just nine points, things couldn’t be much more bleak for Wolves, who desperately need to January transfer window to arrive. Whether it’s O’Neil in charge by that point or his successor remains unknown, but there’s no doubt that his side need reinforcements if they want to survive.

With that said, according to Caught Offside, Wolves could now swoop in ahead of Arsenal and Liverpool to sign Gabriel Pec from MLS side LA Galaxy when 2025 arrives. The talented winger has attracted plenty of potential after rising to stardom in America and is seemingly on the radar of Wolves alongside their Premier League rivals as well as Atletico Madrid, Napoli and Inter Milan.

Related Wolves plot to extend £60k-p/w star's contract as transfer interest grows

Wolves are looking to tie down one of their most important players to a new long-term deal.

Posts 1 ByBrett Worthington

It would be fairly ambitious to suggest that Wolves are favourites for his signature. In fact, in their current position, they should find themselves low down on the list of suitors, but what they can crucially guarantee the Brazilian over the chasing pack is consistent game time. With the chance to replace Pedro Neto once and for all, Wolves should go all out for Pec.

"Phenomenal" Pec can finally replace Neto

Whilst Carlos Forbs arrived in the summer transfer window, the Ajax loanee has yet to show the level needed to break into O’Neil’s side or go as far as replacing a player of Neto’s calibre. Without that firepower, Matheus Cunha has of course stepped up, but when it’s not him then it’s difficult to find another player who is capable of dragging Wolves to unlikely victory. Fellow Brazilian, Pec, could change that though.

FootballFanCast General: Subscribe and never miss what matters Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

The LA Galaxy star is enjoying a “phenomenal debut season” according to MLS insider Tom Bogert and has deservedly earned the attention of some of Europe’s top clubs as a result.

The 23-year-old has only continued his form since that praise too, scoring 21 goals and assisting a further 18 in all competitions for LA Galaxy in 2024. Involved in 39 goals in 40 games, Pec is clearly one to watch.

After failing to qualify for any form of European competition for the 2024/25 campaign, there’s no surprise that boss Eddie Howe wants to improve his Newcastle United squad this summer.

However, his side were halted with any attempts, having to sell key youngsters Elliot Anderson and Yankuba Minteh to Nottingham Forest and Brighton respectively to avoid a PSR punishment in the near future.

Their respective sales made the club £68m, giving them an added chunk of funds to splash on talents who can catapult the Magpies to a top-four Premier League finish this season.

A whole host of players have been linked with moves to Tyneside, but up to now, only goalkeepers Odysseas Vlachodimos, John Ruddy and centre-back Lloyd Kelly have arrived at St James’ Park.

However, the club are still desperately trying to bolster their attacking ranks, with Howe’s side still interested in signing one talent who hasn’t been short of attention during the off-season.

Newcastle interested in £40m star this summer

According to journalist Ben Jacobs via GIVEMESPORT, Newcastle remain in the race to sign Leeds United forward Crysencio Summerville this summer.

The 22-year-old was in exceptional form last season, becoming a crucial player for Leeds in the Championship, scoring 19 goals and registering nine assists in the competition, in which they fell just short of promotion after a 1-0 defeat to Southampton at Wembley.

After their failure to secure an immediate return to the Premier League, the Dutchman is expected to depart Elland Road this summer, with Jacobs claiming that Newcastle and Chelsea are among the front runners for his signature.

A fee in the region of £40m has been touted for his services, which could replicate a deal conducted for one current Newcastle player, with the pair potentially able to form a deadly partnership on Tyneside next season.

Why Summerville could thrive alongside Gordon at Newcastle

Anthony Gordon enjoyed his best campaign to date for Newcastle last season, registering a total of 21 goal contributions during the Premier League campaign.

His success at St James’ Park earned him a call-up to the England national side for the recent Euro 2024 tournament in Germany, but only featured for one minute over the seven matches, with Gareth Southgate opting against the 23-year-old in an attempt to end the country’s 58-year wait for a tournament victory.

However, his undeniable frustration could allow him to hit the ground running for Howe’s side next season, forming a formidable partnership with potential new signing Summerville.

The Leeds forward, who’s previously been described as a “1v1 monster” by analyst Ben Mattinson, backed up the acknowledgement, by achieving a success rate of 51% in attempted dribbles.

Crysencio Summerville's Championship stats in 2023/24

Statistics

Summerville

Games

43

Goals & assists

28

Shots per 90

3.2

Shot on target %

37%

Take-on success

51%

Progressive carries

196

Stats via FBref

He also managed 3.2 shots per 90, with 37% of his efforts finding the target – helping Howe boost his side's already impressive tally of 85 Premier League goals scored from last season.

FootballFanCast General: Subscribe and never miss what matters Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Summerville produced a staggering tally of 196 progressive carries, demonstrating his ability with the ball at his feet, potentially allowing fellow winger Gordon to add to his own impressive tally of goals in 2024/25.

It’s a frightening prospect having such clinical options on either flank for Howe, with Summerville having the ability to end the club’s hunt for a new wide attacker.

As previously mentioned, they would face tough competition from Chelsea for his services, but if the Magpies can get a deal over the line for him this summer, it would give Newcastle a huge boost in their attempts to return to being Champions League nights back to St James’

Park.

Related Outscored Isak: Newcastle line up £20m CF who'd make Gordon unplayable

He’d complete Eddie Howe’s frontline.

Posts ByAngus Sinclair

Over the seasons, every football club will have had one or two signings which they may feel haven't performed to the standards that they initially expected.

However, in the case of Manchester United, this has happened on more than one occasion in recent times. So, when a signing made by Erik ten Hag has actually worked out for the better, it comes as quite a shock.

Players such as £86m man Antony – for instance – have cost the Red Devils a small fortune without making a notable impact on the side – the Brazilian scoring just once in all competitions this season.

A signing made in the 2023/24 summer transfer window, however, has gone against the grain and proved his worth to Ten Hag's squad.

How much Rasmus Hojlund cost Man United

That player is, unsurprisingly, Rasmus Hojlund. Since arriving at Old Trafford, he has seen his stock rise considerably.

After joining the club for a fee in the region of £72m, there was a lot of pressure upon the shoulders of the then-20-year-old following his move from Atalanta.

Prior to joining the Red Devils, the striker had only played one season in Europe's top five leagues and that was whilst he was in Bergamo, having plied his trade for Sturm Graz and FC Copenhagen before that.

The Denmark international had a fairly prolific season in Italy and managed to score ten goals in 34 games. Despite this, the striker had something of a slow start to Premier League life and only managed to score his first top-flight goal on Boxing Day against Aston Villa.

Since getting over that first-goal hump, however, the 21-year-old has managed to bag a further six goals for United and has scored in six consecutive top-flight clashes, with two coming in his most recent game against Luton Town.

Thanks to this good run of form, the in-form striker has seen his value scale up and is proving to be a very smart piece of business by Ten Hag – even if he has now been struck down by a 'small injury' that will keep him sidelined for two to three weeks.

As aforementioned, this recent sharp increase in form – prior to the recent injury setback – has had a positive impact on his value as he now finds himself worth more than star-man, Bruno Fernandes.

The current market value of Rasmus Hojlund

As per the CIES Football Observatory, the striker is now worth €100m (£85m) whereas fan favourite, Fernandes, is only worth €80m (£68m).

This may come as a shock to most as, more often than not, Fernandes is among United's best players and is always one of the first names on the team sheet, having started 25 league games this term.

Additionally, as Hojlund is still a relative youngster, there is plenty of room for him to develop, and it feels as if Manchester United have found their striker for many years to come.

FootballFanCast General: Subscribe and never miss what matters Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Due to his recent performances, he has been lauded by many, with fellow teammate, Harry Maguire, deeming the youngster as "exceptional."

"We've seen the talent he has, and now it is really clicking for him in front of goal," the former Leicester City defender said. "We always knew that was going to come because he's an exceptional talent

"He's going to be a big player for this club. I'm sure he'll keep scoring goals and there are many more to come."

Wage Burners

Football FanCast's Wage Burners series explores the salaries of the modern-day game.

Expand Collapse

Receiving this level of praise from a player as experienced as Maguire is a testament to how well Hojlund is playing and shows that not all of Ten Hag's transfer decisions have been below par during his time at Old Trafford.

Sunderland are back in Championship action this weekend, but they have been dealt some bad injury news before the game, courtesy of reliable journalist James Hunter.

Stoke vs Sunderland team news

The Black Cats endured a terrible result before the international break, losing 4-0 at home to local rivals Middlesbrough at the Stadium of Light, in a scoreline that few saw coming.

While this was undoubtedly a big setback, Sunderland are still in a strong position in the grander scheme of things, sitting fourth in the Championship table and looking like strong contenders to at least seal a place in the playoffs.

The key now is for Tony Mowbray's side to produce a big response to the Middlesbrough defeat on Saturday afternoon, as they make the trip to Stoke City, who are currently in 21st position, languishing just above the relegation zone.

Sunderland aren't without injury problems heading into the game, with Aji Alese, Timothee Pembele, Dennis Cirkin and Eliezer Mayenda missing of late, and doubts surrounding the involvement of Pierre Ekwah, Alex Pritchard and Bradley Dack this weekend.

Sunderland injury updates

Taking to X on Thursday, Hunter dropped a new injury update, saying the Alese and Pembele Sunderland injuries mean they have been ruled out of the Stoke game: "Injury setbacks for Alese and Pembele. Better news on Cirkin and Mayenda."

Providing more information regarding the Sunderland injuries for The Chronicle, Hunter said: "Aji Alese and Timothee Pembele have suffered injury setbacks which will further delay their integration into Sunderland's Championship campaign.

"Centre-back Alese was back in training and nearing full fitness but has now aggravated the thigh injury that has sidelined him since his involvement in the Black Cats' play-off semi-final defeat at Luton Town in May and will need an extra couple of weeks to recover, with boss Tony Mowbray determined to avoid bringing him back too soon given how things panned out at the end of last season.

"And deadline day signing from Paris St-Germain Pembele was making good progress as he built his fitness following a long-term knee injury, but the full-back has also run into problems which will keep him out for at least another month."

Not having both Alese and Dembele available for the trip to Stoke to an undoubted blow for Sunderland, with the duo both seen as important figures who are key to their side's promotion push this season.

FootballFanCast General: Subscribe and never miss what matters Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

The former has made 24 appearances for the Black Cats since signing for them last year, but Alese's statistics make for grim reading so far this season, with injuries meaning he hasn't played a single minute of action.

Meanwhile, the latter joined from Paris Saint-Germain during the summer transfer window, being seen as an exciting addition, but he is another whose absence has been a big blow, resulting in no minutes played to date (Pembele's stats).

The hope is that they are back sooner rather than later, but on the plus side, Mowbray's men have still shown that they can pick up positive results without them in the team. As the season goes on, though, as much depth as possible will be vital, as legs begin to tire and fixtures come thick and fast.

West Ham United are now ready to test Harry Maguire's resolve to stay and fight for his place at Manchester United, with the centre-back high up on David Moyes' list of centre-back targets, according to a report from The Telegraph.

Is Harry Maguire leaving Manchester United?

Journalist Ben Jacobs believes that Maguire may seek pastures new this summer, despite the fact Erik ten Hag may want to keep hold of him as a back-up option, recently saying:

"Obviously, ten Hag's perspective is that Maguire is going to get diminished game-time, but he is valued as a leader at the football club. Maguire may look to go elsewhere because he has to start thinking about the Euros and, ultimately, the long-term England game-time."

There have been several Premier League clubs linked with moves for the England international, with Wolverhampton Wanderers, Fulham and Sheffield United recently being named as potential suitors by transfer insider Dean Jones.

Jones also details that £35m could be enough to seal a deal for the centre-back, although some of his sources believe that Man United will ot be able to receive that figure, so they may have to consider selling him for a lower fee.

According to a report from The Telegraph, West Ham are now ready to test the defender's resolve to stay and fight for his place at Old Trafford, with Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez now above him in the pecking order.

The Englishman believes he can force his way back into the Man United starting XI, and he is currently happy at the club, but he is now emerging as one of Moyes' top targets to bolster the centre-back area.

The offer of first-team football would give the 30-year-old a huge decision to make ahead of the European Championships next summer, with the Hammers looking to bring him in on loan at this stage, rather than on a permanent basis.

How good is Harry Maguire?

The Man United defender, hailed as "fantastic" by former teammate David de Gea earlier this year, has received heavy criticism over the past few years, and he has admitted he has found it difficult to ignore the critics at times, but a lot of it has been unwarranted, given the level of some of his performances.

FootballFanCast General: Subscribe and never miss what matters Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

At the 2022 World Cup with England, the former Leicester City man averaged a 7.34 SofaScore match rating, the second-highest figure in the squad, showcasing that he is still very capable of competing at the top level.

The Sheffield-born centre-back only received limited game time for the Red Devils last season, making a total of 16 Premier League appearances, but he did impress at times, ranking in the 88th percentile for aerials won per 90, and the 89th percentile for blocks in the past year.

A move to the London Stadium could be exactly what Maguire needs to reignite his career, particularly if he wants to keep his place in the England team for next summer's Euros, and West Ham should undoubtedly pursue a deal. However, a loan move is probably wise, as it may be difficult to match the defender's £200k-per-week wages if he is signed on a permanent basis.

Sky Sports' Pete Gill has slammed Newcastle United midfielder Joe Willock for missing a huge opportunity in the club's most recent game.

What's the latest on Joe Willock and Newcastle?

As the race for the final Champions League spots heat up, two key top four contenders met at St James' Park on Sunday afternoon.

Indeed, the Magpies played host to Manchester United in the Premier League, coming into the game two places and three points behind the Red Devils on the table.

The first half flew by as both teams pushed for the break-through in a fiercely-contested opening 45 minutes, but they score remained 0-0 at the break despite Newcastle having the best of the opportunities.

The Athletic's George Caulkin best summed it up: "The only thing missing from an #NUFC perspective has been a bit of finesse in the final third. Otherwise, a really good performance so far and a feisty, aggressive match, played in a great atmosphere."

And perhaps the man who was mostly guilty of being wasteful was Willock who missed a brilliant opportunity in the 40th minute when set up by Allan Saint-Maximin – as seen in this footage.

Reacting to the wasted chance, Pete Gill said on Sky Sports: "That is a dreadful finish. Two Newcastle players threw themselves to the floor in despair at Willock's miss."

How bad was Willock's miss against Man Utd?

Having helped create the opportunity Saint-Maximin was one of the players to also hit the deck after the miss, alongside a visibly exasperated Alexander Isak.

Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville had some advice for the £80k-p/w man, echoing Gill's words: "Do not lean back! There are a couple of Newcastle bodies on the floor, they cannot believe he has put it over."

While Alan Shearer perhaps summed it up most aptly with his Tweet: "How many f…… chances man!!"

FootballFanCast General: Subscribe and never miss what matters Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Thankfully, it seemed as though Willock got the message at half time. Indeed, having missed two big chances in that first 45, he made no mistake when the next opportunity came his way.

Indeed, when Saint-Maximin arrived at the far post to meet a cross, he nodded the ball across the face of goal and Willock couldn't miss as the Englishman headed home from just a couple yards out.

Arsenal are interested in a Premier League winger as Mikel Arteta aims to complete another signing during the January transfer window…

What’s the news?

According to the Daily Mail, Arsenal are interested in signing AFC Bournemouth winger Jaidon Anthony as Arteta looks to add some more depth to his attacking options.

He could face competition for the 23-year-old however, with Leicester City, Borussia Monchengladbach, and Bayer Leverkusen also keen on Anthony.

His contract expires at the end of the season and Arsenal could be looking to secure a bargain move for him this month and with the club close to completing a move for Leandro Trossard, it could be a strong end to the window for Arteta.

He’s a dream signing

Anthony knows Arsenal well, having spent ten years at the Hale End academy during his formative years, playing alongside Reiss Nelson and Emile Smith Rowe, so settling in shouldn’t be a problem for the player.

At just 23 years old, he also fits Arteta’s vision for the future, with the Spaniard looking at bringing the average age of the side down significantly while signing young players who can develop and improve over time.

In the Championship last season, Anthony was excellent, featuring in all but one of Bournemouth’s matches as they gained promotion back to the Premier League. The winger averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.16/10 which ranked him as the club’s best performer during the campaign.

He underlined his attacking qualities by registering 15 goal contributions – eight goals and seven assists – while creating an astonishing 18 big chances across his 45 matches, demonstrating just how effective he was from a wide position.

Anthony didn’t shy away from the nitty-gritty work either, chipping in with 1.3 tackles and 0.5 clearances per game while winning 3.6 duels per match, proving that he can also provide solid defensive support when required.

FootballFanCast General: Subscribe and never miss what matters Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

His former manager Scott Parker lauded his performances last season, saying: “What he does for this team is nothing short of incredible at times really.” And although he has struggled for game time this season, the Englishman has still scored three times in 18 appearances for the Cherries.

Following the disappointment of missing out on Mykhailo Mudryk, Arteta will be working twice as hard to secure attacking reinforcements and a move for Anthony could be a very shrewd investment indeed.

Journalist Pete O’Rourke has said that Kevin Thelwell’s connections with Wolves ‘can only help’ in Everton’s pursuit of Daniel Podence in the January transfer window.

The Lowdown: Everton interested in Podence

It was reported in October that the Toffees’ sporting director is looking to bring the 27-year-old to Goodison Park from his former club in January.

Everton want to sign versatile attackers who are proven in the Premier League, and the Portuguese wide man fits that profile.

The Latest: Thelwell could be key

Speaking to GiveMeSport, O’Rourke claimed that Thelwell’s connections at Molineux will give the Merseyside club a ‘boost’ in their pursuit of Podence.

The journalist said: “I think Thelwell’s close relationship with Wolves can only help in their pursuit of Podence.

“We’ve already seen how well he’s worked that relationship in the summer to help Everton sign Conor Coady on loan from Wolves and that looks like a real masterstroke right now.

“He’s been a key man for Frank Lampard’s side, so I think Thelwell’s connections with Wolves will only boost their chances of a potential deal for Podence.”

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/everton-news-8/” title=”Everton news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Verdict: Worked with Coady…

Thelwell likely had a big say in bringing Wolves captain Conor Coady to Everton on loan, and he could do the same with Podence.

FootballFanCast General: Subscribe and never miss what matters Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

The £60,000-per-week winger has not been the most prolific in the English top flight but has plenty of experience in the division (Transfermarkt), so he should need little time to adapt to playing in Frank Lampard’s side if he comes to Goodison Park.

Hailed by pundit Noel Whelan as a player who is ‘direct’ and has ‘pace’, Podence ranks in the 81st percentile for progressive passes out of all wingers in Europe’s top five leagues over the past year, and he would certainly add another dimension to the Blues’ attack.

Indeed, with his current deal expiring in 2024, they could potentially sign the 27-year-old for a cut-price amount in January.