All posts by z3u9t.icu

Celtic have an abundance of talent that could attract interest from elsewhere this summer, but Brendan Rodgers won’t let his star players leave on the cheap if recent developments are to be taken as an indication.

Celtic set to field interest in star players this summer

The Bhoys enjoyed another successful season and came out the other side with a domestic double, enjoying plenty of highs along the way including progression in the Champions League.

In a tale as old as time, proving yourself in Glasgow under the pressure of playing for Celtic usually attracts watchful eyes from elsewhere, so it will come as no surprise to hear that Nicolas Kuhn is of interest to Premier League outfit Brentford.

Following a campaign where he registered 36 goal contributions, the former Germany Under-20 international has emerged as a candidate to replace Bryan Mbeumo at the Gtech Community Stadium should the latter complete a £60 million switch to Manchester United.

Greg Taylor is set to become a free agent and has a two-year deal on the table from PAOK. It is still unclear if he plans to stay at Parkhead or move on to new pastures at this point in time.

Either way, Brendan Rodgers could be set to ring the changes at Celtic this summer. The Bhoys endured a moderate level of inconsistency towards the end of the campaign, indicating that freshness is needed to prop up their quest for a fifth Scottish Premiership title on the trot.

Rodgers could sign Celtic their new Giakoumakis in 25-goal sensation

As Celtic continue their search for a new forward this summer, should the sign a “technically gifted” striker for free, reminiscent of Giakoumakis?

1 Jun 6, 2025

Retaining their star players will be a central part of that mission, though there have now been further developments regarding another high-level operator who is wanted by two of Europe’s giants.

The state of play on Daizen Maeda's Celtic future

According to Sozcu vis Sport Witness, Fenerbache could step up their pursuit of Celtic forward Daizen Maeda after their initial plan to bid £8.5 million for the Japan international was deemed ‘laughable’ by the Scottish champions.

Now, it is said that the Bhoys want to recoup at least £21 million if he is sold, while Tottenham Hotspur have also entered the race for his signature off the back of claiming the Europa League title and could hijack Fener with a higher number.

Daizen Maeda’s excellent season at Celtic – all competitions

Appearances

51

Goals

33

Assists

12

Maeda is contracted to Celtic for another two years and has a new agreement on the table in Glasgow. There has been no news regarding whether he plans to accept an extension, making transfer interest a natural consequence now the window is here.

Despite the Hoops’ penchant to sell for profit, Maeda is a unique case and is arguably their most important player at the moment.

Keeping the 27-year-old around for the immediate future is imperative, though if one of Fenerbache or Tottenham Hotspur meet Celtic’s demands, it may become difficult to retain his services.

Arsenal’s transfer plans continue to evolve with the first mini-transfer window now open for business, and sporting director Andrea Berta has a limited opportunity to register new players before deadline day on June 10.

Andrea Berta in "numerous talks" over signing new winger for Arsenal

The Italian’s arrival has been greeted with much anticipation, and it hasn’t taken long for Berta to commence laying the groundwork on key potential Arsenal signings.

"True" – Fabrizio Romano backs reports as Arsenal target £126m striker

The north Londoners are in fact interested.

ByEmilio Galantini May 29, 2025

One of his first acts as director was to make contact with Nico Williams’ representatives (The Guardian), and reports ever since claim that a new winger is high on Arsenal’s transfer to-do list after they missed out on this year’s Premier League title to Liverpool by 10 points.

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

Bukayo Saka’s hamstring injury midway through the season crippled Arsenal’s attacking output. Meanwhile, uncertainty surrounds the long-term futures of both Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard.

Arsenal will entertain suitable bids for Martinelli, according to The Athletic, and Trossard is about to enter the final 12 months of his contract at the Emirates. The north Londoners, as per Sky Germany correspondent Florian Plettenberg, are holding “numerous talks” about wide options.

Since that update from Plettenberg, Arsenal talks for Rodrygo have stalled due to wage demands, and Brighton star Kaoru Mitoma has found his way on to Berta’s shortlist.

Bayern Munich’s Leroy Sane has also been offered to Arsenal as his contract in Bavaria ticks down towards expiry, according to Sky Sports in England, so there are many names in Berta’s orbit, and it is highly likely the 53-year-old will bring at least one winger to N5.

Juventus sensation Kenan Yildiz emerging as prime Arsenal target

Now, according to website Turkish-Football, another player is now under serious consideration from Berta and co – Juventus sensation Kenan Yildiz.

The 20-year-old can play on either flank and even as a second striker, with his versatility appealing to Arteta’s “tactical vision”. Juve view the 19-cap Turkey international as a key star for the future, off the back of a solid campaign for the youngster personally.

Yildiz weighed in with 16 goal contributions (nine goals and seven assists) in 48 total appearances across 2024/2025, and he even finished the season as Juve’s highest-performing regular by average match rating per 90, according to WhoScored.

His star player status has prompted the Old Lady to value him at up to £86 million, as per this report, but that hasn’t stopped Yildiz emerging as a “prime” transfer target for Arsenal as Berta continues his search for forwards.

The former Bayern Munich academy gem appears set to have a bright future, and if Arsenal are willing to invest significantly, it could be in the Premier League.

Everton have now played their final match at Goodison Park and now have an exciting pursuit underway in their efforts to bring in a new era at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, according to a report.

Everton look forward to new beginnings under David Moyes

Decisions are beginning to be made thick and fast by David Moyes as his reign at Everton takes a sharp turn towards focusing on their new era next season.

Despite reports to the contrary, Ashley Young will leave Everton as a free agent and is the first major domino to fall alongside Asmir Begovic and Joao Virginia’s recently announced departures.

Losing an experienced figure in the camp is undoubtedly something that will be addressed in the summer window, but it may be seen as a necessary evil to streamline a younger squad capable of long-term progression.

There are plenty of other matters to sort out in relation to player retention, though the Friedkin Group will relish the challenge of equipping Moyes with a side capable of navigating the Premier League next term.

Former Everton pair Richarlison and John Stones could join their new dawn at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Bramley-Moore. Nevertheless, that is likely to depend on whether PSR regulations allow enough room for manoeuvre.

Football is a global game and Everton are in a brilliant position to target markets worldwide to strengthen. However, there is nothing wrong with familiar faces offering proven quality to take the club forward.

Not every signing will be eye-catching, but the Toffees have now received a shot in the arm regarding one of the Premier League’s most underrated performers that has become a target.

£12m Sean Longstaff now open to Everton move

According to reports, Newcastle United midfielder Sean Longstaff is open to joining Everton and both clubs are keen to find agreement on a deal that would see him head to Merseyside.

Available for only £12 million, the 27-year-old is coming into the final year of his contract at St James’ Park and appears likely to be sold on by Eddie Howe to ease PSR concerns.

Now worth even less than Harrison: TFG must sell struggling Everton flop

Everton are readying themselves for a summer of change.

1 ByAngus Sinclair May 17, 2025

Labelled “outstanding” by the Magpies boss, Longstaff has made 32 appearances across all competitions for his boyhood club this term, even if only eight of them have been Premier League starts.

Seen as a no-brainer sale at Newcastle, Everton could land a competent operator in the middle of the park who has proven his worth over the years.

Manchester United and Leeds United are among his admirers and there has also been interest from Scotland in offering the North Shields-born man a new beginning.

Now, it remains to be seen if Everton can push a deal over the line. If current indications are anything to go by, he seems to be edging closer to a move.

In pursuit of a future star, Crystal Palace are now reportedly plotting a summer hijack to sign a defensive reinforcement ahead of their Premier League rivals in the coming months.

Crystal Palace still have European hope

One defeat too many may mean that their hopes of securing European qualification through the Premier League is almost over, but Crystal Palace still have all the hope in the world in the FA Cup final. With Wembley awaiting, the Eagles have the chance to end a 29-year wait for silverware and shock Manchester City in the process.

Crystal Palace chiefs tell Parish there's a £25m midfielder he must sign

Crystal Palace recruitment staff are big fans of a Premier League midfielder.

1 ByBrett Worthington May 9, 2025

Oliver Glasner’s side have the chance to create club history all whilst qualifying for the Europa League by picking up the FA Cup next weekend. The Austrian is already proud of his side for their place in the final, but will be desperate to see them go all the way in England’s oldest cup competition.

Glasner told reporters after Crystal Palace eased past Aston Villa in the semi-final: “No. It’s better not to (dance). “And with all the happiness and pride, it was not the last step. It was one more step, but an important step. When you play the final, you want to win it.

“I’m really proud. I’m enjoying walking in front of the stands seeing how happy people are. In the dressing room, it’s a great mood. I think (if) I started dancing, I (would have) destroyed this moment.”

There’s no overstating what European football would do for this Palace side, either, on both the incomings and departures front. All of a sudden, players who have been linked with moves away such as Eberechi Eze could decide to stay put. Meanwhile, signing instant upgrades in the summer transfer window would become that much easier.

Crystal Palace eyeing Nathan Zeze hijack

According to Foot Mercato, as relayed by Sport Witness, Crystal Palace are now eyeing a summer hijack to sign Nathan Zeze ahead of Bournemouth. As things stand, it is the Cherries who lead the race having reportedly submitted a verbal offer worth €15m (£13m) the Nantes defender, but those at the Vitality Stadium are yet to match the French side’s €20m (£17m) valuation.

Mentioned alongside the likes of Leny Yoro and Jarrad Branthwait in a group of “elite young players” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig last season, the only way is up for Zeze, who is still just 19 years old.

Whether that means a move to Bournemouth or, indeed, Selhurst Park is awaiting remains to be seen, however. What is for sure is that both sides should be desperate to win the battle for his signature.

Leeds United are now keen on signing a new goalkeeper this summer, and they could bring in a “1-on-1 king” to replace Illan Meslier, according to a report.

Leeds' summer transfer plans taking shape

Leeds have fought hard to secure Championship promotion this season, but they still have a job to do, with the title effectively sealed if they defeat Plymouth Argyle on Saturday afternoon.

Of course, the 49ers will be delighted to have sealed a place back in the Premier League, but the even more difficult task of avoiding relegation is still to come, which means they will need to strengthen the squad in the summer transfer window.

There is a clear emphasis on bringing in players with Premier League experience, having recently joined the race for West Ham United’s Tomas Soucek, while Everton’s Abdoulaye Doucoure could also be in line to join on a free transfer.

Leeds star who was "really positive" may never play at Elland Road again

Junior Firpo might not be the only Leeds United face who has potentially played their last ever game at Elland Road.

ByKelan Sarson Apr 29, 2025

Not only are the Whites keen to strengthen in midfield, but a new goalkeeper may also be required, given that Meslier has been widely criticised for a catalogue of errors this season.

According to reports from Germany (via Sport Witness), Leeds have now joined the race for a new target between the sticks, namely Finn Dahmen, who has caught the eye with his impressive performances for FC Augsburg this season.

Daniel Farke’s side are keen on Dahmen, who has an English mother, making him a potential consideration for Thomas Tuchel, and a move to Elland Road could line him up for a Three Lions call-up.

It is currently unclear what sort of fee Augsburg would be looking to receive for the goalkeeper, but they could seemingly hold out for a high amount, given just how impressive he has been in the Bundesliga as of late…

"1-on-1 king" Dahmen could be top signing for Leeds

ESPN reporter Archie Rhind-Tutt was full of praise for the 27-year-old after picking up a clean sheet in Augsburg’s 0-0 draw against Eintracht Frankfurt last month, lauding him as a “1-on-1 king”.

The German picked up six clean sheets on the spin in the Bundesliga earlier this year, which is no mean feat, considering he plays for a mid-table side, and he made a number of fantastic saves along the way.

The Augsburg star has put in some top performances over an extended period of time, ranking in the top 1% across a number of key goalkeeping metrics over the past year.

Statistic

Average per 90

Clean sheet percentage

56.3% (99th percentile)

Goals against

0.63 (99th percentile)

Save percentage

85.9% (99th percentile)

There is every sign that Dahmen could be a real upgrade on Meslier, and given the level of his performances this season, it wouldn’t be a surprise if Tuchel tries to bring him into the England set-up.

Liverpool have won the Premier League less than one year after Jurgen Klopp bowed out, almost nine years of leadership, leading the larger-than-life German to intimate his decision to call it a day.

He built Anfield back up from the disrepair it had slumped into. Klopp’s Liverpool wasn’t built in a day but it will stand strong for many years to come, with Arne Slot proving that by taking the blueprint and winning the Premier League in his first season at the helm.

The Dutch tactician is a genius, but he’s dovetailed into Klopp’s hothouse and has taken this special team to another level, Liverpool now crowned top-flight champions for a record-equalling 20th time, perching alongside Manchester United.

One of Klopp’s final and most significant hurrahs was the success in repackaging a flagging midfield and turning it back into a robust machine.

They’ve all played important roles, but who can say that Alexis Mac Allister hasn’t been the pick of the bunch? He was the centrepiece as Tottenham Hotspur were defeated on Sunday evening, for sure.

Alexis Mac Allister's performance vs Spurs

Dominic Solanke powered a header past Alisson after just 12 minutes, silencing Anfield’s raucous atmosphere and threatening to spoil the party.

But Liverpool returned like a tidal wave, scoring three goals before the break and two more after the hour mark. Mac Allister’s was the pick of the bunch, thundering home to restore his team’s lead after Luis Diaz had restored parity eight minutes earlier.

The Argentine put in a performance for the ages, underscored his trophy-winning credentials and status as one of the finest midfielders in the world.

Player ratings courtesy of Sofascore

Blending combativeness with a cultured foot, Spurs simply didn’t have the answer and were overwhelmed in the centre, something which proved fatal as Mohamed Salah and co were then able to swarm and pick at the shaky backline.

Minutes played

83′

Goals

1

Assists

0

Shots (on target)

3 (2)

Accurate passes

35/40 (88%)

Key passes

2

Tackles + interceptions

7

Clearances

1

Duels won

7/11

The former Brighton man has earned his flowers, no doubt about that. However, he wasn’t the only one to produce the goods when Liverpool needed it, with Cody Gakpo’s display confirming, were it not known already, that he is undroppable over on the left flank.

Cody Gakpo is now undroppable after title win

Gakpo has been frustrated by injury over the past few months, but he’s come on leaps and bounds under the wing of Slot this season and effectively sealed the title-winning victory over Tottenham when making it 3-1 before half-time.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

BBC Sport’s Pat Nevin hailed Gakpo for his “twinkle toes,” collecting from the corner and moving into a pocket with fleet feet, capitalising on some shoddy defending before unleashing a pinpoint finish to Guglielmo Vicario’s right.

The 25-year-old’s cool finish was emblematic of his campaign, an icy figure down the left flank whose goalscoring knack and industrious approach to his football suggests he has nailed down the berth and should not be moved.

There’s a case to be made that Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez should both be sold this summer, with Diaz working so seamlessly as a roving focal frontman.

It allows Salah to maximise his output and it has paid dividends for Gakpo, whose positional readjustment this season, almost exclusively playing off the left, having been dotted all about last year, has seen him clinch 17 goals and six assists in all competitions this season.

The Dutchman isn’t just a poacher either. His goals come in various forms, and he gets stuck in defensively too, having won six of his eight duels against Tottenham while chipping in with two tackles and two interceptions apiece, as per Sofascore. As a result, he was awarded with an 8/10 match rating by the Liverpool Echo.

Plenty has been made of Liverpool’s projected transfer plans, and while fans would like a new wideman to enrich these formidable ranks, Gakpo, a Premier League champion, has proved that he’s a fixed feature in Slot’s starting line-up.

Klopp sold Liverpool ace for just £9.5m, now he's outperforming Isak

He was once a clutch presence in Jurgen Klopp’s title-winning Liverpool outfit.

1 ByAngus Sinclair Apr 24, 2025

Leeds United secured their return to the Premier League on Monday and Daniel Farke and 49ers Enterprises are already looking at the summer transfer window.

Leeds back in Premier League after 6-0 win over Stoke City

The Whites enjoyed a dream Easter weekend, beating Oxford United on Good Friday and Stoke City 6-0 on Easter Monday to set up a promotion party at Elland Road.

Farke’s side raced into a 5-0 lead at half time after a record-breaking 20 minute hat-trick from Joel Piroe – the fastest in Leeds United’s history.

Burney’s win at Sheffield United later in the day ensured that Leeds and the Clarets would both be promoted, resulting in wild scenes at Elland Road.

Talking after winning promotion, Farke said: “Don’t scare me with the Premier League right now. All the clubs who were promoted are already relegated before we were promoted. It’s important to enjoy it. This club has had tough times in the last years, it’s important that our supporters celebrate it and embrace it.

“We’re back where we belong. The next step is to make this club an established Premier League club. You can be sure I will work with all my skills to make sure we do this. But this is something for in a few weeks. Right now we celebrate the first step, the most important one, to take this club where it belongs. Let’s see what we can do.”

Points

94

Wins

27

Goals scored

89

Clean sheets

24

Goals conceded

29

Players used

28

Farke and Leeds still have two Championship fixtures remaining as they now look to beat Burnley to the title, but with the summer transfer window just around the corner, the club are already looking at transfer targets.

Leeds looking at transfer targets with Premier League experience

Football Insider journalist Pete O’Rourke shared an exciting Leeds transfer update just hours after the Whites officially won promotion, sharing the club’s plans ahead of the summer market.

He revealed that Leeds ‘are targeting Premier League experience’ ahead of the 2025/26 season, with the Whites specifically looking at a new goalkeeper and striker.

A number of names who tick those boxes have been linked with moves to Yorkshire, including Wolves ‘keeper Sam Johnstone and Brighton & Hove Albion forward Evan Ferguson, who is currently on loan at West Ham.

Shades of Ian Harte: 10/10 Leeds star was just as breathtaking as Piroe

Leeds United put in a promotion-worthy performance as Daniel Farke’s rampant Whites hammered Stoke City 6-0.

ByKelan Sarson Apr 21, 2025

Ferguson in particular would excite Leeds fans and already has top-flight experience at just 20 years of age. By the looks of things, it could be a busy summer at Elland Road in regards to new signings, and securing the services of players who know the Premier League will only help the club as they look to remain in the division long term.

Eight more points. That is the maximum number of points that Leeds United need from their last four matches to guarantee their place in the Premier League next season, although seven would likely be enough due to their superior goal difference.

The Whites are five points clear of Sheffield United, who still have Burnley to play, in the Championship and are closing in on an automatic promotion place.

Daniel Farke’s side took another step towards promotion with their 2-1 win over Preston North End at Elland Road on Saturday, thanks to goals from Manor Solomon and Jayden Bogle.

With promotion on the horizon, the powers that be will be assessing the squad and preparing to build a team that can compete in the Premier League, and one player who must be kept is Ao Tanaka.

Why Leeds must keep Ao Tanaka

The Japan international, who joined from Fortuna Dusseldorf last summer, has been an exceptional performer in the Championship this season and should remain a key player next term.

Tanaka has shown his quality on the ball, with four goals and a pass completion rate of 90%, in midfield to control and dictate matches for the Whites.

He has also provided defensive strength, with 3.6 tackles and interceptions per game and a duel success rate of 56%, to protect his own goal.

Wage Burners

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

Per Capology, Tanaka currently earns £25k-per-week and has offered fantastic value for money in midfield when you consider that Illan Meslier is on £30k-per-week, and the French dud must never play for the club again.

Why Illan Meslier must never play for Leeds again

The 25-year-old flop was finally dropped by Farke after his third error that directly led to a goal this season against Swansea in a 2-2 draw last month, after pundit Jeff Stelling claimed that the player’s “confidence is shot” as a result of his mistakes.

Meslier played the first 39 matches of the Championship campaign and made three errors that directly led to goals and conceded 2.73 more than expected based on the xG of the shots against him.

Appearances

44

39

Penalties saved

0/1

1/4

Goals prevented

-4.49

-2.73

Error led to shot

1

0

Error led to goal

1

3

Aerial battles won per game

0.3

0.5

As you can see in the table above, the French dud has consistently let Leeds down at Championship level by underperforming as a shot-stopper and making too many errors.

Karl Darlow, meanwhile, has prevented 0.56 goals and not made a single direct error in his three appearances since coming into the team against Luton, providing an assured pair of hands between the sticks.

Meslier’s current contract at Elland Road is due to expire in the summer of 2026 and that makes this summer a big one for Leeds, because they either have to commit to him with a new deal or cash in on him before they lose the goalkeeper for nothing next year.

Scout Mick Brown recently told Football Insider that Leeds will “listen to offers” for the former Lorient gem, which suggests that he could be on his way out of Yorkshire ahead of next season.

With this in mind, Meslier should never play for Leeds again because Darlow has proven that he has the quality needed to help push them over the line in the final four matches of the current campaign.

Therefore, the English stopper should remain in goal for the rest of this season before Meslier is sold, and replaced, in the summer transfer window which would mean that the French dud’s last game for the club will end up being the 2-2 draw with Swansea last month.

Not Caprile: Leeds had "incredible" Meslier upgrade & let him leave for £0

Leeds had an incredible replacement for Illan Meslier and let him leave for nothing.

ByDan Emery Apr 4, 2025

Whilst it would be a sad way for him to end his Leeds career, the 25-year-old liability’s performances this season suggest that it would be the right decision, as he has not provided value for money with his £30k-per-week wages – earning more than the impressive Tanaka despite struggling throughout the campaign.

Winter is here, and Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank knows he is staring down the barrel of a gun as he looks to find form and consistency after a tough start to his tenure.

That may be an understatement. Spurs have lost three on the trot, and Saturday’s home defeat against Fulham in the Premier League means the 3-0 victory over Burnley in August remains an outlier in regard to three points down N17 this season.

The fans are frustrated, no doubt about that. And they have a right to be. Tottenham have lacked sparkle in their attacking play this season, though Frank will feel that injuries to Dominic Solanke, James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski have put him on the back foot.

Much has been made of the Londoners’ creativity (or lack thereof), but it’s also clear that the Lewis Family need to authorise the signing of a centre-forward.

Why Spurs need a striker

Harry Kane and Heung-min Son have both left the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in recent years, and the superstars have not really been replaced with elite options.

Mathys Tel is young and talented, but he is also raw. Solanke is a proven Premier League star, but his entire stint in north London has been blighted by setbacks. Richarlison is in fine form, but probably not the long-term solution at number nine.

What Frank and the fanbase need is an up-and-coming superstar to spearhead this next era at the club.

That’s why Samu Agwehowa has been earmarked. According to TEAMtalk, Tottenham have joined the race for the 21-year-old Porto striker after his convincing performances in Portugal.

The Spanish international has a €100m (about £88m) release clause in his contract, though Fabio Paratici and Johan Lange would be certain to lodge an offer far south of that daunting figure.

What Samu would bring to north London

Richarlison is a curious striker. He is capable of so much, and yet he performs to his full capacity with consistent inconsistency.

25/26

13

5 + 2

24/25

14

4 + 1

23/24

28

11 + 4

22/23

27

1 + 4

Injuries have not helped the Brazil international, but it’s clear that he is not Kane. That said, Richarlison has been in moderately good form this season, essential in providing an outlet as Solanke founders in the infirmary.

But in Samu, Frank would land a goalscorer who has the potential to be “one of the best strikers in Europe”, according to journalist Zach Lowy, so powerful and potent in the final third.

Joining Porto from Atletico Madrid in 2024, Samu has chalked up 37 goals and four assists across just 62 appearances, including ten from 17 outings in all competitions this season.

He ranks among the top 8% of forwards in the Primeira Liga for progressive carries and the top 3% for successful take-ons, emphasising not only his pace but his control and force when on the ball and driving forward.

His athleticism and natural poaching instinct earn him a certain likeness to Richarlison, but given his age and the consistency of goalscoring, Samu might actually prove an upgrade on the South American.

Take, for example, his Europa League performances this year, winning 57% of his duels and averaging a tackle per game, as per Sofascore.

Combativeness forms a key part of Richarlison’s toolbox, and if Spurs are to upgrade on the 28-year-old, who has actually been linked with a move away from the club of late, they will want to sign someone who can emulate him while building up a skillset that transcends what Spurs have hosted in recent years.

Samu is all that and more, and he would be a fantastic signing for a Tottenham team in need of a new talisman.

Spurs star who was one of "the best" in the country is now as bad as Porro

Some of Tottenham’s star players have let Thomas Frank down this season.

ByAngus Sinclair Dec 2, 2025

Jamie Carragher has delivered his verdict on Arsenal and their Premier League title challenge after their dramatic 2-1 loss at Aston Villa.

Arsenal suffer first defeat in 18 games as five-point lead slips

Arsenal’s agonising defeat at Villa has ended the Gunners’ 18-game unbeaten streak whilst threatening their title aspirations, with Man City’s subsequent 3-0 dismantling of Sunderland now reducing the gap to just two points.

Emiliano Buendia’s 95th minute winner highlighted familiar weaknesses that have plagued previous title challenges.

Mikel Arteta’s makeshift defence, deprived of William Saliba and Gabriel through injury, conceded soft goals that championship-winning teams simply cannot afford.

Matty Cash’s thunderous opener exploited Eberechi Eze’s defensive negligence, whilst Buendia’s late intervention punished Arsenal’s inability to clear.

Leandro Trossard’s second-half equaliser briefly sparked hope of a hard-fought victory in the Midlands, yet Arsenal ultimately succumbed to Villa’s relentless pressure.

Arteta a big fan: Arsenal "could make a move" for "world-class" £65m forward

The Gunners are looking to bolster their attacking options.

ByDominic Lund 4 days ago

While Arsenal have only lost twice this campaign, Arteta will be hoping Saturday’s defeat doesn’t sap his squad’s confidence given the manner of their slip up.

Cristhian Mosquera’s ankle injury compounds their current defensive crisis, forcing 16-year-old Marli Salmon onto the bench against Villa.

Man City ruthlessly capitalised on Arsenal’s hiccup, delivering their arguable most complete performance this season against an in-form Sunderland side.

Rúben Dias opened the scoring with a spectacular 25-yard thunderbolt before Josko Gvardiol doubled the advantage through a towering header from Phil Foden’s corner.

Foden completed the scoring after 65 minutes, converting Rayan Cherki’s outrageous rabona cross for a serious highlight reel moment.

Pep Guardiola praised it as potentially City’s finest 95-minute display this season, emphasising how it is consistency rather than individual results that determines success.

The title race has dramatically intensified, with Aston Villa themselves now genuine contenders sitting third, merely three points behind Arsenal following seven consecutive wins in all competitions.

Make no mistake, it is all to play for, and Carragher is convinced that Arsenal have a ‘huge problem’ in the form of Foden.

Jamie Carragher says Phil Foden is a 'huge problem' for Arsenal

Speaking on Monday Night Football, Carragher insists that the England international, alongside Erling Haaland, poses a massive threat to Arsenal’s quest to win a first Premier League title in 22 years.

After a difficult 2024/2025, Arsenal have every right to be concerned, as Foden is now back to his imperious best.

Foden has emerged as City’s most potent attacking threat bar Haaland during their resurgent title challenge, scoring nine goals across all competitions so far this term.

The 25-year-old has also notched six Premier League goals in thirteen appearances, averaging 0.51 goals per ninety minutes whilst contributing two assists.

His recent purple patch has been particularly devastating, with five goals scored in his last three league games. His goal involvement rate of 0.69 per ninety minutes highlights his constant influence in the final third, with Guardiola praising his exceptional qualities following Saturday’s performance.

Foden already surpassed his career milestone of 100 City goals during the summer’s Club World Cup, cementing his status amongst the club’s elite scorers.

His personal renaissance couldn’t have come at a worse time for Arsenal, but luckily for Arteta, the title is still theirs to lose.