It was another semi-final defeat on Wednesday night for Arsenal and, as a result, another season that’ll end trophyless.

It was always going to be a tough challenge for Mikel Arteta’s side to overturn their first-leg defeat away to Paris Saint-Germain, but to lose 2-1 on the night just makes it all the more painful.

Moreover, while the visitors started the first half pretty well, they soon faded, and while they played with some real heart, a number of players just didn’t perform well enough.

One of those was Thomas Partey, who picked up a 3/10 match rating from Alex Turk of the Express, and while there was talk of a contract renewal, there have also been links to a certain international who could join this summer and send him packing.

Arsenal transfer news

Before getting to the player in question, it is worth taking a look at some of the other midfield stars Arsenal have been linked with in recent weeks, like Hugo Larsson and Eduardo Camavinga.

Transfer Focus

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

The former is still only 20 years old but has already become an established starter at Eintracht Frankfurt and could reportedly cost up to £51m, while the latter was sent off against the Gunners in the first leg of Real Madrid’s Champions League quarter-final with the club, but with a release clause of £1bn, who knows how much he’d cost.

Fortunately, another international midfielder heavily linked with the North Londoners has a far more reasonable release clause and could be the ideal Partey replacement: Martin Zubimendi.

Yes, according to a recent report from Spain, Arsenal are still incredibly keen on signing the Real Sociedad star this summer, with Arteta making him a ‘top reinforcement priority.’

While interest from Real is far from ideal, reports from elsewhere claiming the Spaniard has a release clause worth £51m could and should make signing him far more straightforward for the North Londoners.

It might still be a lot of money, but Zubimendi has proven his ability over several years now, and as he could be the perfect Partey replacement, Arsenal should do all they can to bring him to N5.

How Zubimendi compares to Partey

So then, if Arsenal are able to sign Zubimendi this summer, there is no doubt he’d come in and play the position Partey has this season, but how does he stack up to the veteran?

Is he good enough to send him packing in the summer without a new contract?

Well, given their position on the pitch and what their primary roles are, their raw output is not all that important.

Instead, the best way to better understand how they truly stack up against one another is to look under the hood at their relevant underlying numbers.

When doing this, it’s evident that while the former Atlético Madrid star does have the advantage in some areas, the bread and butter of a number six, the defensive work, is done far better by the San Sebastian-born star.

Progressive Carries

1.14

1.14

Progressive Passes

5.92

6.09

Passing Accuracy

83.2%

87.3%

Completed Long Passes

3.55

3.02

Blocked Shots

0.54

0.25

Blocked Passes

0.77

0.64

Interceptions

1.20

1.14

Clearances

2.47

1.64

Errors Leading to a Shot

0.10

0.14

Fouls

1.40

1.43

Ball Recoveries

4.38

4.38

Aerial Duels Won

1.67

0.93

Aerial Duel Win %

61.7%

54.2%

For example, the “world-class” defensive midfielder, as dubbed by former teammate Kieran Tierney, comes out on top in essential metrics like blocked shots and passes, interceptions, aerial duels won, clearances made, and he even makes fewer mistakes that lead to a shot, all per 90.

On top of this statistical advantage, the “elite” international, as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, is also five and a half years the Ghanaian’s junior and has a far healthier injury record.

For example, across his entire career, the Basque star has missed just ten games for club and country, whereas the Gunners’ number five has missed a staggering 88, so no matter how available he’s been this year, you can never truly rely on him in the long run.

Ultimately, from his defensive output to his availability and age, it’s clear that Zubimendi would be the perfect player to come in and replace Partey this summer, in turn making a new contract for the 31-year-old redundant.

Arsenal line up move for PSG star who'd be a big upgrade on Martinelli

The incredibly entertaining international is just what Arsenal need this summer.

ByJack Salveson Holmes May 8, 2025

After overseeing a third-consecutive promotion to make unforgettable history, Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have now reportedly put Wrexham in pole position to sign a clinical MLS talent.

Reynolds & McElhenney full of praise for Parkinson

Whilst it’s Reynolds and McElhenney who steal the headlines, Phil Parkinson is one of the main reasons why Wrexham find themselves in the Championship from National League frustration. The experienced manager will forever be a legend at the Welsh club and is now set to take charge of a side in England’s second tier for the first time since Bolton Wanderers in the 2018/2019 campaign.

Reynolds and McElhenney are well aware of their manager’s impact too. The former told reporters after promotion was sealed: “You can look at so many beating hearts at the club but it all goes back to Phil, I mean the leadership in that locker room and we thankfully don’t make football decisions but the faith that the club has in Phil and the community has in him speaks volumes.”

McElhenney then added onto that by saying: “In Phil we trust and Ryan and I always find it silly that at the end of the games it’s us standing here with microphones because we’re not the ones out here on the pitch doing the work.”

Alas, the Hollywood stars are far from finished even after securing a place in the Championship. They, alongside Parkinson, will have their sights set on causing their biggest upset yet in the Championship, and the summer transfer window is likely to play a large part in that.

Wrexham lead Sunusi Ibrahim race

According to GiveMeSport, Reynolds and McElhenney are now leading the race to sign Sunusi Ibrahim for Wrexham this summer. The Montreal talent is reportedly valued between $300,000 and $500,000 (£222,000-£370,000) this summer and could be on his way to English football after struggling for starts in the MLS.

Although there may be some concerns that Ibrahim, 22, has yet to earn his place in Montreal’s starting side, it must be said that it’s not for the want of trying. The Nigerian has scored seven goals in around 1,000 minutes this season – the same as just over 11 games – but has still been forced to settle for a bench role.

Related Reynolds and McElhenney plotting Wrexham move to sign "great" 7-goal star

He could be their first Championship signing…

Posts ByTom Cunningham Apr 29, 2025

Whether that starting place would come his way at Wrexham is the big question. Those in Wales can’t risk getting things wrong on the transfer front ahead of their return to England’s second tier and whether they take a risk on an MLS talent remains to be seen.

As ever, of course, Wrexham will be ones to watch when the transfer window swings open amid links to Ibrahim and Cardiff City’s Isaak Davies in recent weeks.

There has been a lot to be negative about for Arsenal fans this season.

From their never-ending slew of injuries to bizarre suspensions and the fact that they once again failed to win a trophy.

However, while we certainly wouldn’t disagree that this year has been a disappointment for Mikel Arteta’s side, there have also been a few genuine positives.

For example, a number of players have stepped up throughout the year and improved their standing in the team, including one who’s looked at entirely differently by the fans but shouldn’t be at the club at the start of next season.

The Arsenal stars who stepped up

So, before we get to the player in question, it’s worth going over a few of the other stars who did themselves proud in an otherwise underwhelming season, such as Bukayo Saka.

Yes, the Hale Ender was out of action for just over three months with a hamstring injury, but when he was on the pitch, he’s only further proven to people that he is well and truly world-class.

For example, in 37 appearances, totalling 2619 minutes, the 23-year-old scored 12 goals and provided 14 assists, which comes out to an unreal average of a goal involvement every 1.42 games or every 100.73 minutes.

Appearances

37

Minutes

2619

Goals

12

Assists

14

Goal Involvements per Match

0.70

Minutes per Goal Involvement

100.73′

The Englishman also stepped up against Real Madrid, just like another of the team’s leaders from this season, Declan Rice.

The former West Ham United captain started the season somewhat slowly, but after Christmas, he looked back to his very best, and if he wasn’t breaking up opposition attacks in the middle of the park, he was starting them himself.

Moreover, the fact that he scored not one but two utterly superb free-kicks against Real in the Champions League cannot be overlooked – not that it is, mind.

Someone who doesn’t receive quite as much attention but should is Jurrien Timber, who, off the back of his ACL injury in the 23/24 season, managed to cover for the injured Ben White brilliantly this season, making 48 appearances across all competitions, 42 of which were starts.

Interestingly, the former Ajax star wasn’t the only defender to seriously improve his standing in the team this season.

The Arsenal star who should never play for the team again

So, it’s probably not too difficult to work out that the defender we are talking about is, of course, Jakub Kiwior.

The Polish international, who joined the club for £20m in January 2023, played something of a bit part for most of the campaign, right up until Gabriel Magalhaes saw his campaign end with a hamstring injury against Fulham on April 1st.

Following on from that game, the former Spezia star started every Premier League and Champions League game, including both legs against Real, in which, aside from a small mistake in the first leg, he was near enough perfect.

It was a totally unexpected run of genuinely impressive form from the 25-year-old, who only in December was branded as “shocking,” as having “no outstanding physical qualities”, and simply not “good enough” by Arsenal podcaster Phil Costa.

So, you may be asking yourself, why are we saying the “exceptional” international, as dubbed by Arteta, should never play for the club again?

Well, simply put, now is the best time to sell him and earn a tidy profit, with reports from last week claiming that he now has a price tag of £60m on his head, which works out to a 200% increase on the fee paid by the Gunners.

Moreover, it would also be in his own best interest, as when Gabriel is back, his game time will dramatically decrease and then decrease some more if Riccardo Calafiori can sort out his fitness over the summer.

Ultimately, Arsenal should say their thanks to Kiwior and move him on this summer, while his valuation is justifiably high as it is.

Better than Sane: Arteta makes £50m winger Arsenal's new priority signing

The international star would be a great addition to Arsenal’s squad this summer.

ByJack Salveson Holmes May 29, 2025

Football pundit Micah Richards believes a Leeds United target who the 49ers have made an approach for will “light it up” should he leave Man City this summer, according to a new report.

James McAtee’s Man City career could be coming to an end amid Leeds links

James McAtee has been at the Etihad for his entire football career, but he has yet to nail down a regular starting spot. The 22-year-old has played just 34 times for City in total, 15 of which have come this season in the Premier League.

He'd be Farke's next Buendia: Leeds make enquiry to sign special £35m star

Leeds United have already wasted no time in making a move to land one Premier League star this summer.

1 ByEthan Lamb May 15, 2025

McAtee’s most successful time in recent seasons came on loan at Sheffield United, where he was a regular starter and thrived in the second tier.

After his latest spell with the Blades, City decided to keep hold of McAtee, but it is a move that has seen his career stall, as he’s struggled to win over Pep Guardiola, and it’s now been reported that he is ready to leave the Etihad.

The attacking midfielder is out of contract in 2026, and given his situation at the Etihad, Premier League-bound Leeds United have made an enquiry over the possibility of securing a transfer for McAtee this summer.

Premier League apps (starts)

15 (3)

FA Cup apps (starts)

4 (3)

Champions League apps (starts)

5 (0)

Carabao Cup apps (starts)

2 (2)

The Whites are not the only team chasing McAtee, as Nottingham Forest are also keen on landing the England under-21 international. It could be a costly deal for the Yorkshire side, as City are said to value the midfielder at around £35 million.

Micah Richards: McAtee will "light it up" should he leave Man City

The latest development in McAtee’s situation at Man City saw the midfielder left out of their FA Cup final squad on Saturday, and according to pundit Micah Richards, McAtee would “light it up” should he leave the Blues.

Former Newcastle United striker Alan Shearer believes McAtee needs to leave City if he wants to play regularly. Speaking on the latest episode of ‘The Rest Is Football’, via Leeds Live: “He [McAtee] is not getting in their team. He’s another one that is going to have to leave.”

Richards went on to agree with Shearer’s comments and added that “he’s got something special” and will “light it up” in a new team.

McAtee has played 48 times in the Premier League, scoring six goals in the process, and if Leeds do sign him, they will hope his experience of the division, even though it is limited, will help them next season, and he can be a creative force in their forward line.

Ange Postecoglou enjoyed the most glorious vindication as he lifted the Europa League after leading his Tottenham Hotspur side to victory against Manchester United, making good on a promise that was scoffed at by detractors when made.

However, there’s no detracting from the fact that Spurs have flattered to deceive this season, 17th in the Premier League with one match left to play, having been battered by injuries and consequent struggles for any measure of fluency.

Things need to change next season, and Daniel Levy will certainly be wrestling over the manager’s seat, with Postecoglou’s future uncertain in spite of his success in ending the club’s interminable trophy drought.

However, by doing so, the Aussie tactician has salvaged something special from this difficult year, placing Tottenham in next year’s Champions League group stage. By doing so, it’s opened the door for exciting signings to strengthen the squad.

Spurs favourites to seal statement signing

As per Spanish sources, Tottenham are the favourites to sign RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons this summer after unlocking the door to Europe’s elite stage.

Leipzig failed to qualify for Europe this term and have thus informed Simons he will be allowed to leave, though they will demand €80m (£68m) for his release.

Liverpool had been in the running for the Dutchman but have moved to sign Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz instead, with the German side looking for a €150m (£126m) payment. However, the Lilywhites will feel that they can secure a signing every bit as impactful and for almost half the cost.

Why Spurs must sign Xavi Simons

Described as a “superstar” in the making by analyst Ben Mattinson, Simons left Paris Saint-Germain to make his name at Leipzig back in the summer of 2023, playing the coming campaign as a loanee before signing permanently in a €50m (£42m) deal.

Alternating between central attacking midfield and wider berths, he’s been an invariably prolific presence, posting 44 goal contributions from 76 matches in all competitions.

Described as a “game-changer” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, Simons has the potency to make a stunning impression in Postecoglou’s Spurs squad, but he also has the strength and solidity to thrive in the wider lens of English football.

When looking at how he compares with Liverpool’s soon-to-be-signed superstar in the Bundesliga this year, you begin to see that Tottenham could bag themselves a winner here.

Bundesliga 24/25 – Xavi Simons vs Florian Wirtz
Stats (* per game)	Simons	Wirtz
Matches (starts)	25 (25)	31 (25)
Goals	10	10
Assists	7	12
Shots (on target)*	2.0 (0.9)	2.3 (1.3)
Touches*	68.0	73.4
Pass completion	83%	82%
Big chances created	12	17
Key passes	2.0	1.8
Dribbles*	1.3	2.6
Ball recoveries*	5.1	3.6
Tackles + interceptions*	1.6	1.3
Duels won*	5.4	5.2
Data via Sofascore

Honestly, there’s a case to be made that Simons has enjoyed the better Bundesliga campaign, marginally outperforming last year’s Player of the Season across many of the underlying metrics and proving he has what it takes to thrive in the Premier League, confident in the duel and precise with his passing.

This robust Netherlands star is exactly what Tottenham need, and though at £68m he’d prove their record signing, it would be money well spent for a team now with a unique opportunity to put the year’s issues in the past and turn toward a sustained period of success.

It would make quite the statement, retorting to Liverpool’s capture with their own version, one who could go punch-for-punch with the German in the Premier League.

Without question, Wirtz is one of the most exciting midfielders of his generation. Former Leverkusen striker Patrick Helmes has even said he’s “probably the best midfielder in the world.” However, his loyalties obviously lie with the Werkself.

If anything, Simons’ metrics simply highlight the calibre of player Postecoglou would be bringing into his ranks, ready to steer this Tottenham team toward an illustrious new era.

Spurs hit gold on "sensational" monster who's becoming their new Dembele

The impressive international could be a star for Spurs.

1

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

May 24, 2025

It is set to be a very busy summer at Chelsea, even by their own standards.

On Wednesday, the Blues confirmed the signing of Liam Delap, arriving from Ipswich Town for a reported £30m fee.

The forward is poised to make his Chelsea debut in little over a week’s time, with the Blues kicking off their Club World Cup campaign against Los Angeles FC at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on 16 June, before also taking on Flamengo and Espérance Sportive de Tunis in Philadelphia in Group D.

Before the designated Club World Cup transfer window closes on Tuesday 10 June, could Enzo Maresca have another highly-rated young centre-forward at his disposal?

Chelsea chasing attacking reinforcements

Not just content with the addition of Delap in their forward ranks, it would appear Todd Boehly and Co are lining up another exciting move.

According to a report by Florian Plettenberg of Sky Sports Deutschland, Chelsea are currently “working on” a deal to sign Eintracht Frankfurt forward Hugo Ekitiké.

Transfer Focus

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

He adds that die Adler will only sell if his €100m (around £84m) release clause is met, not wanting to allow another star striker to depart, after Omar Marmoush was sold to Manchester City for a reported £65m as recently as January.

Ekitiké, who is only 22 years old, joined Frankfurt from Paris Saint-Germain for around £30m in January 2024, scoring 22 times for the German outfit this season, bagging 15 Bundesliga goals, as well as four in the Europa League.

This makes the young Frenchman one of the most in-demand strikers in world football, notably described as the “next Mbappe” by journalist Graeme Bailey, so could he be on his way to Stamford Bridge?

Why Ekitiké could be the next Anelka

Few elite-level players quite enjoyed a transfer as much as Nicolas Anelka.

During his 19-year senior career, the France international played for 12 different clubs in six different countries, ranging from European heavyweights Real Madrid, Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain, six different Premier League teams, as well as both Shanghai Shenhua and then Mumbai City in Asia.

Almost inarguably, however, Anelka’s best years were spent at Chelsea, making more appearances, 184, and scoring more goals, 59, for the Blues than anyone else.

He was an integral part of their double-winning side under Carlo Ancelotti in 2009/10, scoring 15 times across all competitions, having won the Premier League golden boot the previous season, doing so in his debut campaign in West London, bagging 19 goals, one more than a certain Cristiano Ronaldo.

Thus, he will always be remembered fondly by the Stamford Bridge faithful, but could another French forward make a similar impact?

Well, Ekitiké and Anelka, in his prime, share many of the same characteristics, far beyond merely their nationality.

Alex Barker of the Athletic praises the Frankfurt forward’s “explosiveness and agility”, adding that he is able to “exploit space” in-behind a defence, allowing him to get into “dangerous positions” and score goals.

Well, as outlined by Nick Wright of Sky Sports, Anelka at his best was the “complete striker” who was “electrifyingly fast and devastatingly direct”. There are certainly comparisons to be had here.

Back to Ekitiké and Fintan O’Reilly of Total Football Analysis believes he is a ‘very efficient’ finisher, boasting ‘stellar off-the-ball movement’ which allows him to ‘consistently get high-quality shots off’, so let’s assess the data to see if they support these assertions.

Minutes

2,563

52nd

Goals

15

6th

Assists

8

10th

Expected goals

21.6

2nd

Non-penalty xG per 90

0.68

1st

Shots

114

1st

Shots on target

44

2nd

As the table outlines, despite only playing around 84% of the available minutes in the Bundesliga this season, Ekitiké ranked very highly for all the statistics included, ending up first for shots and second for shots on target, just one below Torjägerkanone winner Harry Kane.

The Frenchman actually massively underperformed his xG, but the fact he still managed to score 15 goals suggests he gets in the right positions, and has the potential to score many more.

Thus, if Chelsea are able to secure his signature, they absolutely should, because Ekitiké could come in and make an immediate impact, just as Anelka did all those years ago.

The dream XI Chelsea could build: Delap arrives alongside £175m duo

Chelsea could spend a bucket load again this summer.

ByJoe Nuttall Jun 5, 2025

Arsenal continue to be busy planning their next moves, with five days remaining to register new players early doors before the first mini-window shuts on June 10.

Arsenal striker search ongoing with Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko targeted

The consensus among reliable media outlets is that Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko are Arsenal’s two priority striker targets – amid some whispers the club are still debating Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins as well (The Athletic).

Related Arsenal discuss signing £80m Sesko and Gyokeres alternative who'd love to join

The Gunners’ striker search is an ongoing fascination.

Posts 1 ByEmilio Galantini Jun 5, 2025

As per the BBC and journalist Sami Mokbel, Arsenal are discussing the frameworks of deals for both Gyokeres and Sesko, before sporting Andrea Berta, Mikel Arteta and the Gunners’ recruitment team formally decide which number nine to go for.

What is absolutely non-negotiable, though, is the club’s glaring for a prolific striker.

Arsenal transfer spending under Arteta (via Sky Sports)

Money on new signings

19/20 – winter

£0

20/21 – summer

£81.5m

20/21 – winter

£900k

21/22 – summer

£156.8m

21/22 – winter

£1.8m

22/23 – summer

£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

23/24 – summer

£208m

23/24 – winter

£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

24/25 – winter

£0

Arsenal scored just 69 goals in the Premier League last season – a far cry from the 91 and 88 they’d scored in the previous two campaigns – and their struggle to break sides down resulted in them drawing more games than any other side in the top half.

The stats never lie, and these numbers tell a story that Arteta is in dire need of a vocal point up front.

One of Arsenal’s options, Sesko, is fresh off the back of 21 goals in all competitions, and “concrete talks” have been held. According to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, they’re the “only” side to go this far, despite Man United’s interest.

Arsenal could advance Benjamin Sesko deal in "next few days"

Speaking on The Football Terrace this week, reliable journalist Ben Jacobs has shared an update on the north Londoners’ complex pursuit.

Arsenal could advance on a deal for Sesko in the next few days, but it would require Leipzig to be flexible on his asking price. The Gunners ideally want to strike an agreement for around £59 million, whereas his release clause is currently nearer the £70m mark.

“They’ve made contact with Leipzig in the last three days,” said Jacobs.

“They have discussed whether or not there is flexibility beneath the variable release clause, set at the moment around €80 million. That’s why that one’s taking time, because Arsenal want to do Sesko for €70 million, or within that ballpark.

“I think, if Leipzig show flexibility, there is a concrete possibility that one advances in the next few days. The earlier contact with Leipzig in January is very key to this, because they were respectful of the player wanting to see out the season, and of Leipzig not wanting to sell mid-season.

“That strengthens Arsenal’s position in Sesko negotiations, because now Leipzig have a good relationship with Arsenal.”

The Slovenia international is gaining a reputation as a very “underrated” option in the market, and while his goal record is modest, Sesko’s speed, power and height arguably make him tailor-made for Premier League football.

The 2001 FA Cup final was one of the main reasons Michael Owen won the Ballon d’Or, but one Arsenal player was so good in that game he left Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard stunned.

Liverpool beat Arsenal 2-1 in 2001 FA Cup final

Liverpool won an iconic treble in the 2000-01 season, as they were crowned League Cup champions, won the UEFA Cup (renamed UEFA Europa League) and overcame Arsenal in the FA Cup at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.

The victory over the Gunners is mainly remembered for the performance of Owen, who was crowned the best player in the world later that year at the Ballon d’Or ceremony.

Michael Owen’s Ballon d’Or winning season	Liverpool and England
Appearances	55
Goals	31
Assists	8
Trophies	FA Cup, UEFA Cup, League Cup

The Gunners largely dominated the match however, mainly thanks to their midfield of Robert Pires, Patrick Vieira, Gilles Grimandi and Freddie Ljungberg. Ljungberg eventually broke the deadlock about 20 minutes from full time, and the legendary Thierry Henry even missed a chance to make it 2-0 shortly after, which he would soon come to regret.

With less than ten minutes to go, Owen pounced on a poor clearance to equalise. Five minutes later the comeback was complete, as the striker raced past Tony Adams and Lee Dixon before firing a brilliant finish beyond David Seaman.

Owen was unsurprisingly named Man of the Match, but Jamie Carragher has since revealed that such was Arsenal’s dominance, the performance of Vieira left a young Gerrard shocked, so much so he still talked about it for years afterwards.

Vieira was "as good as anything we have seen"

Speaking in 2014, Carragher namede Vieira in his XI of best foreign players in Premier League history, and revealed the Liverpool squad were stunned by how good he was at the Millennium Stadium.

Vieira made 405 appearances for Arsenal, scoring 32 goals and winning seven major trophies, including three Premier League titles.

Gerrard later confirmed his admiration for Gunners legend, saying ahead of their meeting as the managers of Aston Villa and Crystal Palace respectively: “He’s a man I have a lot of admiration and respect for, first and foremost as a player.

Patrick Vieira in pictures

“I had many battles against Patrick, some highs, some lows. He was certainly a player you could really go and compete against. You could kick him, fight him, compete against him and he’d shake your hand after the game.

“He was a top, top footballer and one of the toughest battles I ever faced in terms of being a player, and I expect the same to be the case from the side. I know he’s a winner.”

20 Best Midfielders in Premier League History Ranked

Where does Man City icon Kevin De Bruyne rank?

By
Charlie Smith

May 8, 2025

And the Liverpool star obviously learned a thing or two from their encounter in the final, as he actually boasts a positive head to head record in matches against Vieira, winning seven, drawing three and losing five.

There is no doubt that the pair were the heartbeat of their clubs and two of the greatest midfielders in Premier League history.

Rangers are expected to be extremely busy during this summer’s transfer market.

New Ibrox manager Russell Martin has a big job on his hands, needing to rebuild an underperforming and, in parts, dysfunctional Rangers squad, so plenty of ins and outs are forecast.

On Wednesday, the Gers will learn the identity of their first opponents of the Martin era, preparing to for their Champions League second qualifying round, coming up as soon as 22/23 July.

Before then, could the Gers secure the services of a “magnificent” new goalkeeper?

Rangers' goalkeeping dilemma

After joining the club two years ago, Jack Butland was Rangers’ undisputed number one, starting 102 of his first 111 matches at the club, described by then-manager Philippe Clement as a “top goalkeeper”, even touted with a potential England recall.

However, Butland made a string of high-profile errors throughout the season, most notably at Old Trafford against Manchester United in January, indicating that the Gers can no longer rely on their shot-stopper.

Thus, following the appointment of Barry Ferguson as interim manager, Butland was eventually dropped, with Liam Kelly given the nod for the Europa League quarter-final against Athletic Club, memorably saving Álex Berenguer’s penalty during the first leg goalless draw at Ibrox.

Nevertheless, the table below underlines that perhaps neither are equipped to be Rangers’ first choice going forward.

Rangers’ GK statistics Premiership 2024/25

Stat

Butland

SPFL rank

Kelly

SPFL rank

Goals against per 90

1.11

3rd

1

2nd

Save %

65.5%

17th

67.9%

11th

Clean sheet %

35.7%

5th

40%

4th

All stats courtesy of FBref

Butland and Kelly’s respective lowly save percentages in the Scottish Premiership this season are the most alarming statistics included in the table above, underlining that Martin should be in the market for a new goalkeeper, so could they land a statement new number one?

Rangers targeting a new goalkeeper

As previously reported by Sports Boom earlier this month, Rangers ‘have entered the race’ to sign Aaron Ramsdale this summer, with Martin hoping to be reunited with the goalkeeper he managed at Southampton just last season.

Ramsdale joined the Saints from Arsenal last summer, having fallen below David Raya in Mikel Arteta’s pecking order, for a reported fee of £25m, but is likely to be on the move again, after Southampton’s catastrophic relegation back to the EFL Championship.

A report in the Times claims that West Ham are targeting a move for Ramsdale this summer, valued at around £20m by the Saints, although his £100,000-per-week salary could see him only move on loan, which is where Rangers could enter the conversation.

So, would Ramsdale be a significant upgrade on Butland? Let’s find out.

Butland vs Ramsdale 24/25 comparison

Statistics

Butland

Ramsdale

Appearances

44

32

Clean sheets

14

4

Goals conceded

51

68

Saves

84

120

Save %

65.3%

66.8%

Post-shot xG – goals conceded

-0.4

-2.5

% of crosses stopped

4.2

5.5

Accurate passes

600

646

Average Sofascore rating

6.98

7.13

Statss via Transfermarkt, FBref & SofaScore

Worth noting that Ramsdale’s statistics are particularly impressive considering he was playing for a historically terrible Southampton side, hence why only Mark Flekken made more saves in this season’s Premier League than he did.

Importantly, his save % is better and he also stops a higher % of crosses, showing he’s more confident in the air.

Journalist Charles Watts labelled Ramsdale’s performances for Arsenal as “magnificent”, with Arteta describing him as “exceptional”, following a man of the match performance at Anfield two seasons ago, words that simply highlight his pedigree.

Thus, it is clear that the England international would be a massive coup for Rangers, if they can bring this deal to life.

Related £6m star returns to Ibrox: AI predicts who Rangers will sign this summer

It could be a busy few months for the 49ers.

Posts ByCharlie Smith Jun 14, 2025

While this season ended up being an undeniable failure, Arsenal fans shouldn’t forget how brilliant some of their players are.

For example, David Raya, William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães helped to create the best defence in the Premier League.

Moreover, Declan Rice has gone from strength to strength, and now looks more than at home as the left eight.

And then, despite missing over three months of action, the club’s best player, Bukayo Saka, was able to rack up an incredible haul of 12 goals and 14 assists in just 37 games.

The Hale Ender is undoubtedly the team’s talisman and most dangerous attacker, so fans should be delighted about reports linking Arsenal to another international star who has won comparisons to the Englishman.

Arsenal's winger search

Given Arsenal’s significant reliance on Saka to produce from the right this season, it’s not been much of a surprise to seem linked with several talented left-wingers in recent weeks, such as Nico Williams and Leroy Sané.

Transfer Focus

The former has a well-known release clause worth around £50m in his current contract with Athletic Bilbao, and while that is a lot of money, he did perform reasonably well this season, chalking up a tally of 11 goals and seven assists in 45 games.

Sané, on the other hand, would be a free signing thanks to his contract with Bayern Munich running out this month, although even with his impressive haul of 19 goal involvements this term, the fact he’ll be 30 midway next season makes signing him a less appealing prospect.

Moreover, it’s difficult to imagine him matching Saka’s output from the left next year, which isn’t the case for Rodrygo.

Yes, according to a recent report from The Athletic’s Real Madrid correspondent, Mario Cortegana, Arsenal are one of a few clubs intensely interested in the Brazilian international.

In fact, he claims that Arteta is “convinced he would have a big role” in the team, although on top of convincing the player, reports from earlier this month claim that the Gunners would have to stump up around £84m to get their man.

It could be a costly and complicated transfer to get over the line, but given Rodrygo’s immense ability, it is one worth fighting for, especially as he’s won comparisons to Saka.

How Rodrygo compares to Saka

So then, before we take a look at some of the other reasons why Arsenal should be doing all they can to sign Rodrygo this summer, it’s important to examine this comparison to Saka and where it has come from.

Well, in this case, it stems from FBref, which looked at players in similar positions in the Champions League this season and then created a list of the ten most comparable players.

By doing this, it concluded that the Real Madrid star was the tenth most similar attacking midfielder or winger and the third most similar midfielder to the Arsenal star in the competition this season.

Assists

0.21

0.24

Progressive Passes Received

10.3

10.2

Shots

2.57

2.61

Crosses into the Penalty Area

0.10

0.12

Shot-Creating Actions

3.70

3.67

Successful Take-Ons

1.86

1.67

The best way to see how this is worked out is by taking a look at the underlying metrics in which the pair rank closely, including but not limited to assists, progressive passes received, shots, crosses into the penalty area, shot-creating actions and more, all per 90.

However, while a comparison to someone incredibly talented as Saka is undoubtedly encouraging, there are other reasons Arteta and Co should sign Real’s “world-class superstar,” as dubbed by former teammate Luka Modrić.

The most important is that he’d be a reliable source of goals, as, since the start of the 23/24 campaign, the former Santos gem has managed to score 32 goals and provide 19 assists in 103 appearances, totalling 7,137 minutes – even though he has spent much of that time out on the right when he’d rather be off the left.

In other words, he’s maintained an average of a goal involvement every 2.01 games, or every 139.94, for two years.

Ultimately, he will cost a lot of money, and it might be a difficult transfer to pull off, but due to his brilliant record and the fact he shares some key statistical similarities with Saka, Arsenal should do all they can to sign Rodrygo this summer.

Arsenal targeting £80m "nightmare" who'd be more exciting than Zubimendi

Arsenal are closing in on the signing of Martin Zubimendi.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jun 10, 2025