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GOAL US writers discuss the Champions League, which featured high-profile matches and last-second heroics

So we have Champions League football again. It's year number two of a revamped Group Phase that features more teams, more big matchups, and more knockout games. Last season, that proved a little mixed.

We got some iconic clashes early on, but it also felt a bit cumbersome by the end of things (and the team that won the whole thing finished near the bottom of the league).

The good news is that the return for this season featured a slate of really high-octane games. Liverpool bested Atletico Madrid with a stoppage time header from Virgil Van Dijk. Real Madrid came from behind to pip Marseille – a game in which Tim Weah became the first American to score at the Bernabeu in the Champions League. Barcelona turned in a comprehensive performance to beat Newcastle on the road – a terrifying final five minutes notwithstanding. 

What can we make of it all? Are Real Madrid back? And there's no way Liverpool can keep relying on late goals, right…RIGHT? 

GOAL US writers break it all down in a Champions League edition of… The Rondo. 

Getty Images SportWhat the takeaway from Arsenal's performance?

Tom Hindle: Brutally efficient. The Gunners came to a hostile environment, set up supremely defensively, saw off the inevitable early pressure, and then turned it on in the second half. They didn't exactly blow Athletic away, but they didn't have to. Mikel Arteta has plenty of tools off the bench, and he brought them in at the right time to change the game. Nicely done, onto the next.  

Alex Labidou: It was a routine win. The Gunners’ defense was impressive, but its difficult to fully assess this group when Athletic were without their star, Nico Williams. On a positive for Arteta’s side, it was encouraging to see just how much depth this team has. Viktor Gyokeres still isn’t in-sync with Arsenal yet, and when he came out due to injury, they were able to instantly turn to Gabriel Martinelli – who delivered a strong performance. It’s easy to forget, but he was a star attacker for this team just two seasons ago. With Arsenal aiming to contend on multiple fronts this season, that strength in numbers could prove pivotal.

Advertisement(C)Getty ImagesHas Xabi Alonso figured out how to use Kylian Mbappe?

TH: Tough to say, because Mbappe will score loads of goals wherever he plays. What we can take, though, is that Madrid look far more balanced. Mbappe is in a more central role, seems to have bought in a little more to the tactical setup, and is reaping the rewards. Vinicius Jr's return might make things tricky, but for now, he looks much more effective – and the team do, too. 

AL: No disrespect to Weah and Marseille, but it’s too early to tell. Beating a Ligue 1 side not named PSG when you’re Real Madrid isn’t anything to write home about. Los Blancos are all about the big games. Remember even Cristiano Ronaldo wasn’t considered a Madridista until he started delivering in El Clasicos and winning La Liga. Until Mbappe does the same, let’s not get ahead of ourselves.

Getty Images SportHow big was Weah's goal at the Bernabeu?

TH: Well, any record is a good one, right? Weah played really well in defeat, and was thoroughly deserving of his goal. The question now becomes, can he do it again? Mathematically, given time, there will be other American dudes who walk into that place and find the net. But it's probably more about Weah getting into the groove at Marseille. would be far more important than any well-crafted finish in a 2-1 loss.

AL: It’s bigger for Weah than it is for American soccer. He made the move to OM to be a consistent fixture after being in and out of the lineup at Juventus. Up until the Madrid match, he hadn’t found a role in which he was effective for Roberto De Zerbi’s side. His goal showed something that Weah and De Zerbi can build upon. And the timing is great, with Le Classique this weekend.

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Getty Images SportAre Barcelona clear contenders again?

TH: Yes. They might even be favorites. Hansi Flick's side have been a little shaky at times in La Liga, but they were so, so good against Newcastle – full of grit en route to a fairly comfortable road win. Ironically, they looked better equipped for this thing Lamine Yamal – a bit steadier and willing to hit on the break. Then again, Yamal might win the Ballon d'Or. He does not make them worse. You wouldn't bet against the Blaugrana lifting the trophy come June. 

AL: No. Yamal might be the best player in world football right now, which is scary given his age. But Barca doesn’t have the balance that stronger teams in the Champions League have. Sure they’ll beat the Newcastles of the world, but when they get to the knockout stages, can they beat Liverpool, Bayern, Real Madrid or PSG? Unlikely.

Nottingham Forest have already received good news to start of the week and could now be set to close a deal for a talented Premier League star, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Nottingham Forest see Europa League place rubber-stamped

Despite a lengthy process, Crystal Palace’s CAS appeal has been rejected and Nottingham Forest will be a Europa League side this season, as journalist Martyn Ziegler communicated on X.

He stated: “EXCLUSIVE: Crystal Palace understood to have lost appeal to CAS against UEFA ruling that they must play in Europa Conference League instead of Europa League. It means Nottingham Forest will play in EL.”

At the end of the day, Nottingham Forest weren’t the club involved in misgivings, though Nuno Espirito Santo will be delighted to hear that his side will mix it in Europe’s second competition.

Of course, signings will be necessary to ready his squad for the campaign ahead, hence why the Tricky Trees are said to be preparing a bid for Ipswich Town left-back Leif Davis.

AC Milan midfielder Yunus Musah is on Nottingham Forest’s radar, again illustrating the level of ambition on show at the City Ground following an excellent campaign last year.

Evangelos Marinakis and company are no strangers to defying expectation, and his side could now be on the verge of sealing another impressive capture courtesy of recent developments.

Romano: Nottingham Forest on the verge of signing James McAtee

Taking to social media platform X, Fabrizio Romano has confirmed Nottingham Forest are close to signing Manchester City playmaker James McAtee for over £20 million and his ‘Here We Go’ tagline is set to follow soon.

The renowned reported stated: “EXCLUSIVE: Nottingham Forest are closing in on James McAtee deal with Manchester City! Agreement at the final stages for fee in excess of £20m, NFFC confident to get it done… here we go, expected soon.”

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A smilar profile to Brennan Johnson, per FBRef, McAtee scored seven times in 27 appearances last season and is capable of playing in attacking midfield or on the flank, offering versatility across the forward areas.

Later on, Romano confirmed that a full agreement has been reached on personal terms with Nottingham Forest and the England Under-21 international, detailing that he wants a move to the City Ground despite several requests from elsewhere.

With the Premier League season set to kick off, McAtee is the definition of a statement signing for the Tricky Trees and his arrival at a bargain price will be deemed as extremely smart business by supporters.

Nottingham Forest have appointed Ange Postecoglou as their new permanent manager after sacking Nuno Espirito Santo. A breakdown in relations with club owner Evangelos Marinakis led to Nuno's exit from the City Ground on Tuesday morning, and Forest have moved quickly to replace him. Ex-Tottenham boss Postecoglou's first game back in the Premier League will come when Forest face Arsenal this weekend.

Forest appoint PostecoglouSacked Nuno on Tuesday morningEx-Spurs boss returns to Premier LeagueFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Forest confirmed Postecoglou's arrival on Tuesday afternoon. The Australian head coach has signed a two-year contract and has reportedly brought several members of his old backroom team at Tottenham to assist him in his new role at the City Ground.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Forest were said to be looking at several managerial candidates, including United States Men's national team manager Mauricio Pochettino, who previously worked in the Premier League at Chelsea, Tottenham and Southampton. Andoni Iraola, Marco Silva and Oliver Glasner were also in the frame, but Forest have ultimately settled on Postecoglou as Nuno's successor.

WHAT FOREST SAID

Marinakis expressed his delight over Postecoglou's appointment in an official statement on Forest's website, which reads: “We are bringing a coach to the Club who has a proven and consistent record of winning trophies. His experience of coaching teams at the highest level, along with his desire to build something special with us at Forest, makes him a fantastic person to help us on our journey and achieve consistently all our ambitions.

“After gaining promotion to the Premier League, then building consistently season after season to secure European football, we now must take the right step to compete with the very best and challenge for trophies. Ange has the credentials and the track-record to do this, and we are excited he is joining us on our ambitious journey."

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DID YOU KNOW?

Postecoglou ended Spurs' 17-year-long wait for silverware after masterminding their 1-0 victory over Manchester United in the 2025 Europa League final and secured a Champions League slot for the new season. However, the Australian was dismissed as punishment for Tottenham's 17th-place finish in the Premier League, with Thomas Frank drafted in to take his place.

Manchester United look set to have a new-look attack for 2025/26, with Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo on course to feature in the two forward roles behind a striker under Ruben Amorim.

Cunha was the first addition through the door at Old Trafford after INEOS triggered the Brazilian’s £62.5m release clause at Wolves. Speaking after signing, Cunha said:

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Taking the No. 10 shirt from Marcus Rashford, Cunha will be looking to have a big impact in his first season as a Red Devils player after hitting double figures for goals in the last two Premier League seasons at Molineux.

AI predicts how many goals and assists Cunha will record for Man Utd in 2025/26

In 24/25, Cunha bagged 15 goals in 33 league games, while also registering six assists in a Wolves side that finished on the same points as Man Utd.

ChatGPT has predicted Cunha to bag 18 Premier League goals, ‘matching or slightly beating his Wolves output, underpinned by strong support from midfield’.

That figure, with cup competitions, could rise to 22, assuming he is regularly involved in the EFL Cup and FA Cup under Amorim.

In regards to assists, Cunha could register nine assists in the Premier League and 12 in all competitions as he is ‘likely to flourish as a secondary creator’ under Amorim.

AI predicts Cunha’s 25/26 Man Utd stats

Goals

Assists

Premier League

18

9

All competitions

22

12

AI predicts how many goals and assists Mbeumo will record for Man Utd in 2025/26

Meanwhile, with Mbeumo also moving to Manchester from Brentford, Amorim will have another attacking star with an excellent Premier League record.

The Cameroon international had his best ever season in front of goal during 24/25, scoring 20 goals and providing eight assists in 38 top flight games.

ChatGPT has predicted Mbeumo to find the back of the net 17 times in the Premier League, while matching his 24/25 tally of eight assists. ‘Designed for high creativity and goal-chances’, it is claimed that Mbeumo may alternate at times under Amorim, adjusting to life at a bigger club.

AI predicts Mbeumo’s 25/26 Man Utd stats

Goals

Assists

Premier League

17

8

All competitions

21

10

In all competitions, Mbeumo has been backed to score 21 times and provide 10 assists, meaning in total, the two Man Utd signings could contribute to 65 goals over the 25/26 campaign, something which Amorim and the Red Devils would be delighted with.

Aston Villa have now made contact with the agents of an “unbelievable” £60m star, in order to assess whether he would be keen on a move to Villa Park this summer, according to a report.

Villa eyeing new striker amid Watkins uncertainty

It is no surprise that Ollie Watkins continues to be linked with a move away from Villa, given that the striker has performed very well for Villa in each of his last five Premier League campaigns.

Season

PL appearances

Goals

Assists

2020-21

37

14

5

2021-22

35

11

2

2022-23

37

15

6

2023-24

37

19

15

2024-25

38

16

8

Arsenal are well-known to be admirers of the England international, but the Gunners are now closing in on the signing of Viktor Gyokeres, which could open the door for the centre-forward to join a different club, and he has now been identified as Manchester United’s top target.

Although United were once again way below par in the 2024-25 campaign, moving to Old Trafford clearly remains an attractive proposition, with Matheus Cunha joining the Red Devils this summer, so there is a possibility that Watkins could be tempted by a move.

Should the 29-year-old depart, it would exacerbate the need for Unai Emery to bring in a new striker this summer, and Aston Villa are now stepping up their pursuit of Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson, according to a report from Football Insider.

Having recently opened talks with the Blues, the Villans have now made contact with Jackson’s entourage to assess whether he would be keen on making a move to Villa Park this summer, after an up-and-down year in west London.

Emery is known to be a big admirer of the Chelsea ace, and the Villa boss believes he has the potential to develop into one of the Premier League’s leading forwards.

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Emery knows the ex-Villarreal man very well, having spent time working with him at the La Liga club, and the manager clearly holds his former player in high regard, given his eagerness to bring him to Villa Park.

Trusting Emery has helped transform Aston Villa from a struggling side into European regulars, and there are signs the manager may also be correct about the Chelsea forward, given that he’s averaged over one goal contribution every other game in the Premier League.

Peter Crouch has also been left impressed by the Senegal international, lauding him as “unbelievable”, despite admitting the striker has been a little wasteful at times, having become well-known for missing a lot of chances.

That said, Emery clearly believes he can help turn Jackson into a top striker, so he could be a solid long-term signing for Villa, but a deal is unlikely to be cheap, with Chelsea thought to be holding out for a fee of around £60m.

During Ange Postecoglou’s troubled tenure at Tottenham Hotspur, it would be fair to say he got a lot right but plenty of things wrong as well.

On the pitch, for example, he led the team to their worst Premier League finish of all time, but then also won them their first trophy in 17 years.

It was the same in the transfer market, with the likes of Micky van de Ven, Brennan Johnson, and Lucas Bergvall all proving to be great buys, while the likes of Radu Dragusin and most certainly Timo Werner being quite the opposite.

Therefore, fans should be worried about reports linking the team to a player who could be Thomas Frank’s own version of the German next season.

Tottenham transfer news

Before we get to the bad news, it’s worth looking at some of the more exciting links to the likes of Bryan Mbeumo and Hayden Hackney.

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 reportedly available for a fee of around £60m, and while that is undoubtedly a lot of money, his incredible tally of 20 goals and nine assists in 42 games this season suggests he’d be more than worth it.

Likewise, while £20m might sound like a lot for a Championship midfielder, it could just end up being a bargain, as plenty of top-flight teams are also after Hackney’s signature this summer.

However, as we said, it’s not all positive, as the North Londoners have now found themselves linked with someone who has flopped for two teams in the Premier League: Jadon Sancho.

Yes, according to a recent report from The Sun, Spurs are, in fact, keen on signing the Manchester United dud.

Alongside his former side Borussia Dortmund, the report claims that the North Londoners, Aston Villa and Newcastle United are ‘battling to sign’ the Englishman this summer for a fee of around £25m.

While the 25-year-old was able to show glimpses of quality this season, that is still a battle Tottenham should endeavour to lose, as there is a significant chance he could just be another Werner.

Why Sancho would be another Werner

So, it might sound harsh, but if Spurs were to sign Sancho this summer, then it would be very easy to describe his move as Werner-esque, and there are a few reasons why.

Firstly, not only would the North Londoners be signing a previously highly-rated player turned flop, but they would be doing so after he failed to reach a good enough level at London rivals Chelsea.

In fact, it’s worse than that, as in his final underwhelming campaign with the West Londoners, the German scored 11 goals and provided six assists in 37 appearances before returning to RB Leipzig.

Appearances

37

41

Minutes

2217′

2419′

Goals

11

5

Assists

6

10

Goal Involvements per Match

0.45

0.36

Minutes per Goal Involvement

130.41′

161.26′

In comparison, the former Dortmund gem was only able to manage five goals and ten assists in 45 games for the Blues, which should be setting off alarm bells in the heads of Levy and Co.

Moreover, when you take into account minutes played, the United dud was only slightly more productive at Stamford Bridge than the Stuttgart-born ace was in N17.

For example, the 29-year-old averaged a goal involvement every 185.1 minutes while in North London and the 23-capped “special” Englishman, as dubbed by Enzo Maresca, averaged one every 161.26 minutes during his stint in the capital.

Ultimately, while there is likely a talented player in Sancho, we have not seen it on a consistent basis since his time in Germany, and with Frank coming in to improve the first team, handing him a player who could just be the new Werner feels like a massive mistake.

Therefore, Spurs should go nowhere near the inconsistent winger this summer, and instead focus their energy on signing more promising options.

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This summer will be vital in Thomas Frank’s tenure at Tottenham Hotspur, needing to land the right players in key positions if he is to be a success at the club.

The Dane took the reins earlier this month on a three-year contract, taking the next step in his managerial career after spending the last seven years at Brentford.

He will be looking to take the Lilywhites up the Premier League throughout 2025/26, taking them back up the table after their dismal 17th-placed finish this campaign.

However, if he is to achieve his goal and be a success in North London, he will certainly need to be backed throughout the transfer window, with Daniel Levy needing to get his chequebook out.

Numerous names have already been mentioned over the last couple of days, but multiple deals appear to be heading in the right direction for the Lilywhites.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new additions

Kyle Walker-Peters has been touted with a shock return to Spurs this summer, after the club made contact with his representatives following his departure from Southampton at the end of his contract.

Antoine Semenyo is another player in their sights, reportedly willing to match his £65m asking price this summer after scoring 11 times for Bournemouth this season.

However, another winger has been thrown into the mix over recent days, with Real Madrid star Rodrygo firmly within their sights, according to Spanish outlet Cadena SER.

They claim the Brazilian is set to leave his window after featuring for just 93 minutes at the Club World Cup, naming Spurs as one side keen on a move for the 24-year-old.

It also states that the player himself wants a move to the Premier League, but any deal would cost a fee in the region of €90m (£76m) during the off-season.

Why Spurs’ £76m target would be a better signing than Mbeumo

After Frank’s appointment, it’s hardly a surprise that Spurs have been touted as a potential destination for winger Bryan Mbeumo, after he starred under the Dane last season at Brentford.

The 25-year-old found the back of the net 20 times in the league, producing the best season of his professional career, making himself one of the most threatening talents in the division.

However, despite the Lilywhites’ keen interest in his signature, it appears as though they are set to miss out on a deal to take him across the capital, with Mbeumo set for a medical at Manchester United.

Missing out on such a talented player will undoubtedly be disappointing for the supporters, but also the manager, especially considering his form under his guidance in 2024/25.

They needn’t worry, though, especially given the latest update around a potential move for Rodrygo, with the Brazilian providing a better option for Frank in 2025/26.

When comparing the pair’s respective figures from the recent campaign, the Madrid star has massively outperformed him in key areas, offering a new dimension to the club’s attack should he move this summer.

Rodrygo, who’s been labelled “world-class” by analyst Ben Mattinson, has notched more progressive passes and a higher tally of key passes per 90, reflecting the creative ability he possesses in attacking areas.

How Rodrygo compares to Mbeumo in 2024/25

Statistics (per 90)

Rodrygo

Mbeumo

Games played

30

38

Goals & assists

11

27

Progressive carries

5.3

3.4

Progressive passes

5.1

3.7

Pass accuracy

86%

66%

Key passes

2.3

1.8

Take-ons completed

2.3

1.3

Carries into final third

4.1

1.8

Stats via FBref

He’s also registered way more progressive carries and a higher take-on success rate, demonstrating his desire to take the ball forward into the opposition’s box and cause carnage – further increasing their goalscoring output in North London.

His experience at the top level of European football is vital for the club too, handing Frank that key option he will need if the club is to be competitive in the Champions League next campaign.

£76m may be a hefty sum, one that would be a club record, but as seen by the figures he’s produced recently, it’s one that could set the side up for future success.

Mbeumo reuniting with the Dane would’ve certainly aided their chances of immediate success, but missing out may prove to be a blessing if it leads them to a deal to land Rodrygo this window.

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Jobe Bellingham’s Sunderland future has been a talking point throughout this season, and now a new update has emerged ahead of the Championship playoff final.

Sunderland 90 minutes away from the Premier League

The Black Cats are preparing for one of the biggest games in their recent history on Saturday afternoon, as they battle Sheffield United at Wembley for a place back in the Premier League.

It is a mammoth occasion for both sides, in what is considered the most valuable game in the English football calendar, and Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris has said that his players have matched his pre-season expectations of them.

“We are exactly where we wanted to be. In our first meeting in this room, I asked them what is the purpose of the season and they told me they wanted to get promoted. Here we are. We’ll have this opportunity.”

The difference between victory and defeat on Saturday cannot be downplayed, with Sunderland knowing that a return to the Premier League will not only allow them to sign better players this summer, but also give them a better chance of retaining the services of current Stadium of Light heroes, from Bellingham to Chris Rigg.

The former has been linked with a move to follow in his brother’s footsteps by joining Borussia Dortmund, and there has been a development in that story ahead of the final.

Dortmund confident after talks with Bellingham

According to Bild [via Sport Witness], Bellingham has held “fruitful” talks with Borussia Dortmund over a summer move to the European giants, who now believe they are well placed to sign him.

It is stated that several Premier League clubs are also in the race to sign the youngster, however, with champions Liverpool mentioned as potential suitors. Much will hinge on the playoff final result, with defeat for the Black Cats almost certainly meaning he will leave.

If Saturday’s game isn’t big enough already, Sunderland will know that beating the Blades will give them a far greater chance of keeping Bellingham, which is a major incentive. The 19-year-old has been such an influential performer throughout the season, starting 41 Championship matches and being lauded by captain Dan Neil, who said of him back in 2023.

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In truth, Sunderland can’t necessarily expect Bellingham to stay if they remain in the Championship next season, with the Englishman no doubt having big ambitions.

The lure of testing himself in the Premier League for the Black Cats isn’t out of the question, though, so it’s a case of them getting the job done this weekend.

Glasgow Rangers went into Sunday’s clash already at Ibrox knowing that the result was more or less immaterial as their second-placed finish has already been confirmed.

Since their city rivals won the Scottish Premiership title at the end of last month, Rangers have known that they cannot finish as low as third and they cannot win the division, leaving the Light Blues stuck in second place with little to play for in the remaining games of the season.

The Light Blues should already be focused on what they need to do in the upcoming summer transfer window in order to turn the tide and compete for the title in the 2025/26 campaign.

A new first-team head coach will be a big part of their plans because Barry Ferguson is currently in interim charge until the end of the season, having come in to steady the ship after Philippe Clement was dismissed earlier this year.

However, the Scottish giants will also know that they will have some difficulties on their hands when it comes to dealing with interest in their stars from elsewhere.

For example, Premier League sides Aston Villa and Leeds United are reportedly lining up moves for Nicolas Raskin, who is valued at £20m by the Gers, ahead of the summer window.

Why losing Nicolas Raskin would be a big blow for Rangers

If Leeds or Villa are able to complete a deal for the former Standard Liege star, losing the Belgium international would be a big blow for Rangers and the next manager to walk through the doors at Ibrox.

Raskin recently won the Player of the Year and the Players’ Player of the Year at the club’s awards night, which speaks to how highly the supporters and his own teammates value his performances this season.

The central midfielder has combined impressive play on the ball, scoring two goals and providing nine assists, with dominant defensive work out of possession, making 3.6 tackles and interceptions per game and winning 58% of his duels, across 31 appearances in the Premiership.

Raskin also caught the eye with his fantastic performances for the Light Blues in the Europa League before the club were knocked out by Athletic Club in the quarter-finals.

24/25 Europa League	Nicolas Raskin
Appearances	12
Tackles per game	3.7
Interceptions per game	1.3
Ball recoveries per game	7.4
Ground duel success rate	50%
Aerial duel success rate	55%
Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, the 24-year-old dynamo excelled at winning the ball back for his side, with a whopping five tackles and interceptions per game on average, and more than held his own in physical battles.

These statistics reinforce how much of a blow it would be to lose the midfielder to Villa or Leeds this summer because of how impactful he can be in both the Premiership and the Europa League.

However, a fresh report has emerged on the club’s interest in a new central midfielder who could come in as a dream replacement for Raskin.

Rangers lining up move for £4m star

According to The Scottish Sun, the 49ers have Basel loanee Metinho at the top of their list of targets ahead of the summer transfer window, once their takeover is finalised.

The report claims that the Light Blues are lining up a move for the central midfielder ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, and that he is valued at £4m at this moment in time.

Metinho is currently on loan at Basel from Troyes, having spent the first half of the year at Sparta Rotterdam, and the Gers are hoping to reach an agreement with the French side in the coming weeks.

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The Scottish Sun adds that there is also interest from several teams in the English Championship and that the 49ers want to fast-track a deal for the young star, which could mean that they bring him in before they even appoint a new manager.

Why Rangers should sign Metinho

Rangers must push to sign Metinho ahead of those teams in England because he could come in as the dream replacement for Raskin in the upcoming summer transfer window.

Signing the 22-year-old star from Troyes could soften the blow of losing the Belgium international, should he move on from Ibrox in the coming months.

The Brazilian midfielder struggled for game time with Sparta Rotterdam in the first half of the season, starting two of his 12 appearances in the Eredivisie, before a loan move to Basel sparked his campaign into life.

Since joining the Swiss giants, the £4m-rated star has been a key figure in the middle of the park, starting eight of his ten appearances in the Super League, and has caught the eye with his defensive work.

24/25 Super League	Metinho
Appearances	10
Pass accuracy	86%
Tackles per game	3.1
Interceptions per game	1.1
Ball recoveries per game	4.7
Ground duel success rate	69%
Aerial duel success rate	45%
Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, Metinho has averaged 4.2 tackles and interceptions per game, which is more than the 3.6 that Raskin has averaged in the Premiership for Rangers this term, and won an eye-catching 69% of his ground duels.

Clearly, the Troyes starlet still has areas for improvement, including his success in aerial contests in the middle of the park, but he appears to have the raw defensive materials to be an excellent signing for the Scottish giants.

Metinho could be the dream replacement for Raskin by arriving at Ibrox to provide a similar level of defensive quality in midfield by breaking up attacks with tackles, interceptions, and ball recoveries at a similar rate.

In possession, the Brazilian star also ranks within the top 2% of midfielders in the Men’s Next 14 competitions over the last 365 days for progressive carries (3.49) and successful take-ons (1.83) per 90, which shows that he can provide quality as a progressive midfield player as well as being an excellent defender.

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At the age of 22, he is also two years younger than the Belgian star and still has time left on his side to develop and improve further, which is another reason why the youngster could be a fantastic signing for the 49ers to make, irrespective of who the next manager is going to be.

Arsenal have made contact with a potentially low-cost striker option who’s scored north of 170 career goals, with new sporting director Andrea Berta registering serious intent already ahead of his first summer at the club.

Andrea Berta's rumoured striker targets for Arsenal

One of Berta’s key items on the agenda is signing a prolific new striker.

Arsenal make "ambitious" offer for £170k-p/w forward after Arteta request

The Spaniard’s personally asked for him.

ByEmilio Galantini Apr 19, 2025

Their need for a proven goalscorer was evident before Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus were sidelined with long-term injuries, but their absences have left it beyond all doubt, with Mikel Arteta even forced to use midfielder Mikel Merino as an emergency makeshift striker over the last few weeks.

Ipswich Town (away)

April 20th

Crystal Palace (home)

April 23rd

Bournemouth (home)

May 3rd

Liverpool (away)

May 11th

Newcastle United (home)

May 18th

Truth be told, the Spain international has done very well – scoring four in his last eight Premier League games and helping to bury Real Madrid in Europe – but Merino is hardly a long-term solution going forward.

Instead, Arsenal are developing a serious interest in Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres, who’s bagged a pretty incredible 47 goals in his last 46 matches across all competitions, not to mention a further 11 assists.

These numbers, combined with the intense competition for his services from Arsenal’s rivals, mean Sporting will demand a package of up to £60 million with additional add-ons to let him leave (Fabrizio Romano).

Berta is said to be a fan of Gyokeres, while it is reported elsewhere that Newcastle star Alexander Isak is a “dream” signing for Arsenal, with a move for the Swede looking far too difficult to pull off in terms of price.

RB Leipzig starlet Benjamin Sesko is another striker on Arsenal’s target list, despite their failed bid to sign the Slovenian in 2024 (Fabrizio Romano), and they internally discussed the possibility of striking a deal in January.

All these names will come at a premium, especially when factoring in the overall costs, including wages, commission fees and signing bonuses.

Arsenal make contact with Lille star Jonathan David

Bearing this in mind, journalist Graeme Bailey is reporting for The Boot Room that Arsenal are throwing their hat in the race for out-of-contract Lille star Jonathan David.

It is quite surprising that no elite side has taken the plunge with David yet, considering just how incredible he’s been for Lille over the last few seasons, but it is now a matter of time before he seals his big move.

The Canada international is set to leave on a Bosman this summer, and Arsenal held initial talks with David’s representatives in their pursuit of a striker.

The 25-year-old, who’s racked up a grand total of 176 career goals for club and country combined, is also a big-game player. David boasts seven strikes from his 10 Champions League outings this term, scoring against the likes of Real Madrid, Atlético Madrid, Juventus, Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund, so notions he can only score in an inferior division have been put to bed.

Despite being a free agent, he could still set Arsenal back around £28 million, including his yearly demands, signing-on fee and additional commission fees (Sacha Tavolieri), but this is still far cheaper than some of Berta’s other striker targets.