All posts by z3u9t.icu

Arsenal are reportedly nearing a potential agreement for one marquee transfer target this summer, with all parties on the same page when it comes to personal terms.

Arsenal urged to sign forward and replace Kai Havertz

Eyes are already cast on new sporting director Andrea Berta as the highly-rated chief gears up for his debut transfer window at N5.

£42m Chelsea target now privately imagining a transfer to Arsenal instead

The Gunners are emerging as favourites.

ByEmilio Galantini May 6, 2025

Mikel Arteta and the Gunners lost out on the Premier League title to Liverpool by some distance this season, and a few critics have blamed their failed challenge on Arsenal’s lack of a potent centre-forward.

Liverpool (away)

May 11th

Newcastle United (home)

May 18th

Southampton (away)

May 25th

Gabriel Jesus enjoyed a real purple patch of form before his season-ending ACL injury, and Kai Havertz has put in some excellent displays in a makeshift striker role. However, neither man is seen as a guaranteed 20-plus goals-per-season style of forward for the long-term, with pundit Ally McCoist claiming Arteta is crying out for a prolific number nine up top.

“I think it’s a crying shame, actually,” McCoist said to talkSPORT earlier this year.

“The amount of games I’ve been at, particularly at the Emirates, and I see that ball flashing across the six-yard box. I think Havertz is an excellent footballer, I really do. But I think Havertz would score the same amount of goals whether he plays centre forward, number ten or comes off the side.

“I think he’ll get 10 goals, whereas a centre forward playing in that position gets you 20, 25 (goals).”

The signing of a striker is one of Arsenal’s top priorities for the summer, according to various reports, and a succession of high-profile names have already been linked with moves to the Emirates.

One of them is Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres, who is widely expected to depart the Primeira Liga after yet another exceptional campaign. The Sweden international has scored 52 goals across 49 appearances in all competitions this term, and regardless of what league you play in, numbers like that are guaranteed to turn many heads.

Arsenal "edging closer to finalising" deal for Viktor Gyokeres

Gyokeres is a top target for Arsenal heading into the summer, with some reports claiming Berta is personally driving a move for the ex-Coventry City star (GiveMeSport).

Now, Football Transfers claim good progress is being made on a potential swoop, and Arsenal have scheduled fresh talks with Sporting, which will take place after the Portuguese Cup final later this month.

What’s more, it is believed Arsenal are “edging closer to finalising an agreement” for Gyokeres, with the Gunners and his camp “already aligned” on personal terms and the contract package he would receive in north London.

However, they’re yet to reach any agreement with Sporting themselves, prompting the imminent negotiations in late May. Rui Borges’ side are expected to demand a large chunk of Gyokeres’ transfer fee up front, though, or even the full amount.

The 26-year-old’s contract includes an £85 million release clause, and Portuguese news outlet A Bola recently reported that the presence of Real Madrid, Barcelona, PSG, Bayern Munich and English rivals in the race for Gyokeres’ means Sporting could demand close to that figure.

Arsenal may have to make Gyokeres one of their most expensive ever signings as a result, but he could well be worth the investment.

“I have said this before, and I will continue to say it: he brings a lot to the team, and his teammates are aware of what he contributes, which is why they look for him during games,” said Borges about Gyokeres.

“The collective effort also plays a role, as no one can succeed alone. Viktor is a game-changer, and he will continue to be, whether with us or elsewhere. His quality is undeniable; it is phenomenal.”

Manchester United just about managed to salvage a share of the points away at AFC Bournemouth on Sunday as Rasmus Hojlund broke free of his wretched luck in front of goal in the Premier League to rescue a 1-1 draw.

The Cherries were hanging onto their 1-0 slim lead after Evanilson saw red on the 70th minute mark and must have thought United’s wastefulness in attack was going to be their saving grace, only for the usually misfiring Dane to level the game right at the death.

Whilst the 22-year-old was the unlikely hero come the full-time whistle, a draw might still be deemed as an unsatisfactory result based on the away side’s lack of composure up top ,robbing them of a much-needed victory.

Man United's wasteful attackers vs Bournemouth

In total, Ruben Amorim’s men would notch up a hefty 25 shots on the Cherries’ goal, with Hojlund’s effort amazingly the only one that ended up beating the consistently switched-on Kepa Arrizabalaga.

Away from accumulating a stunning seven key passes to try and set up his teammates for opportunities, Bruno Fernandes will feel irked that he didn’t manage to beat Kepa like his Danish teammate, with three efforts unfortunately passing him by on the South Coast.

Likewise, Hojlund will feel somewhat annoyed that he couldn’t pick up a whole host of strikes, with the goal-shy number 9 failing to get involved in the contest for large portions of the 90 minutes, leading to his only effort on the day being the golden one that trickled in.

But, there was a far worse culprit than both of these attackers when it came to squandering chances against Andoni Iraola’s open hosts, with Amorim now clamouring for Wolverhampton Wanderers superstar Matheus Cunha’s signature even more so off the back of this underperformer lacking a clinical edge.

5/10 Man Utd could soon be replaced by Cunha

Whilst United’s wastefulness reared its ugly head once more during the 1-1 draw, Cunha showed off his spellbinding ability in attack again for Wolves at the weekend, with the ex-Atletico Madrid ace picking up a goal and two assists in his side’s convincing 3-0 takedown of Leicester City.

With it reported that the Brazilian could be on his way to Old Trafford, Fernandes would likely not be sacrificed for Cunha to take up a first-team spot.

As a result, his comrade in the attacking positions in Alejandro Garnacho could be the casualty, with his showing against Bournemouth leaving a lot to be desired.

As is outlined above, Garnacho is now up to a dire 14 big chances missed this season, with his game in the forward areas against Iraola’s men screaming of an attacker low on confidence when the heat is ramped up.

The South American forward ended the game having been handed a low 5/10 rating post-match by Manchester Evening News journalist Samuel Luckhurst and it was unsurprising to see why.

He fired a mammoth eight shots at the Cherries net without ever beating Kepa, meaning his goal count for the season in the Premier League is stuck at a paltry five. Furthermore, he won just four of his seven duels and gave away the ball 13 times, once every 3.7 touches.

Games played

33

29

Goals scored

5

15

Assists

1

6

Expected goals (xG)

7.02 xG

7.86 xG

Goalscoring frequency

411 mins

156 mins

Big chances missed

14

2

Big chances created

3

12

Whereas, moving back to Molineux, Cunha finds himself on a mightily impressive 21 goal contributions for the campaign from 29 clashes, with Amorim well aware that the Brazilian’s arrival onto the scene would see Garnacho instantly drop out of the XI.

It remains to be seen whether United can win their desired man away from rampant speculation, but if they are successful in their pursuit, he could be one piece of the jigsaw that enables Amorim’s Red Devils to recapture their former glories.

He'd be incredible with Cunha: Man Utd are in talks to sign a "monster" CM

Manchester United could land a star who would be perfect for Matheu Cunha this summer.

ByEthan Lamb Apr 25, 2025

If, and it’s looking more and more like it’s a big if, Ange Postecoglou is still manager of Tottenham Hotspur at the end of this season, he’ll need a monumental summer to set the club on the right path.

To ensure the North Londoners don’t finish in the bottom half of the Premier League, the Australian will need to overhaul large parts of the squad, from the attack to the defence.

Fortunately, Daniel Levy and Co do seem set on signing some exciting players when the window opens, with one of the most significant links in recent weeks being to Bournemouth’s incredible Dean Huijsen, who has a £50m release clause in his current deal.

However, if the Spaniard does make his way to N5 in the coming months, he’ll have to hit the ground running to see his valuation even match one of his new teammates.

Why Spurs want Huijsen

There are really two reasons why Spurs want to sign Huijsen this summer, and the first is fairly obvious: he’s an exceptionally talented defender.

Despite being just 19 years old, the former Juventus gem has made 30 first-team appearances for the Cherries this term, scoring two goals, providing one assist, and averaging 1.63 points per game, which is undeniably impressive.

Moreover, according to FBref, he sits in the top 1% of centre-backs across Europe’s top five leagues for interceptions, the top 2% for non-penalty expected goals plus assists, the top 5% for key passes, the top 9% for progressive carries and more, all per 90.

Interceptions

2.10

Top 1%

Non-Penalty Expected G+As

0.17

Top 2%

Key Passes

0.61

Top 5%

Clearances

6.78

Top 5%

Shot-Creating Actions

1.64

Top 5%

Progressive Carries

1.45

Top 9%

Passes into the Final Third

5.98

Top 9%

However, on top of his impressive performances and statistics, one of the other key reasons why Tottenham may be so keen to sign the Amsterdam-born prospect is that with each passing week, it seems more and more likely that Cristian Romero will be leaving the team in the summer.

At first, there were links to Real Madrid, and now, in the last month or so, the links to Atlético Madrid have become stronger and stronger, with some reports suggesting talks have already taken place between the player and Diego Simeone.

So, if the World Cup winner does leave, the North Londoners will need another starting centre-back, although Huijsen would have to be imperious from the word go to match the valuation of his potential new partner.

The Spurs star worth millions more than Huijsen

Now, while there are a few other centre-backs in Spurs squad, like Kevin Danso and Radu Dragusin, it will likely come as no surprise that the defender in question is Micky van de Ven.

The Flying Dutchman joined the North Londoners from VfL Wolfsburg in the summer of 2023 for a fee of around £43m, but according to the CIES Football Observatory, is now worth €70.4m, which converts to about £60m, or £10m more than Huijsen’s release clause.

This is a rather substantial rise in valuation, but it would be hard to deny that it’s not justified, as when the 23-year-old international is fit and available, he’s undoubtedly one of Spurs’ best and most important players.

The Wormer-born titan has a brilliant sense of danger and where he needs to be on the pitch, but perhaps even more important than that, he is unbelievably rapid.

It was in a game against Brentford last season that he set a new Premier League record for the fastest sprint, clocking in at an incredible 37.38 km/h, and it’s this outstanding speed which helps him snuff out so many counter-attacks before they have the chance of developing into something more substantial.

Appearances

45

Starts

44

Minutes

3730′

Goals

3

Assists

2

Goal Involvements per Match

0.11

Minutes per Goal Involvement

746′

Finally, the “complete & dominant” centre-back, as dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, is also able to contribute at the sharp end of the pitch and currently has a tally of three goals and two assists in 45 games for the Lilywhites.

Ultimately, Spurs should sign Huijsen if they can, but in Van de Ven, they already have a defender who could go on to be a true superstar.

Man City willing to bid £60m for Spurs star who Guardiola is a huge fan of

Man City have their eye on a new target who Pep has praised in the past.

ByBrett Worthington Apr 14, 2025

Contracts have been the talking point around Liverpool football club in recent months, with three of Arne Slot’s key players out of contract at the end of the season.

Virgil van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah have all been regular starters this campaign, but all three of the stars’ current deals are set to expire in June.

However, there has been progress with the Dutchman and Egyptian, with the pair both set to sign new deals until the summer of 2027 – undoubtedly a huge boost to their ambitions for Premier League glory next season.

As for Trent, he looks set to depart and join Real Madrid on a free transfer at the end of the season, ending his 20-year affiliation with his boyhood club, to the disappointment of the fanbase.

Such a departure could leave a huge hole in the first-team backline, but it appears the hierarchy have wasted no time in landing a player who could potentially fill any void next campaign.

Liverpool set to make £85m bid for defensive star

According to one Spanish outlet, Liverpool are set to make a €100m (£85m) summer bid for Barcelona star Ronald Araujo in an attempt to strengthen the defensive department.

The 26-year-old has made 16 appearances across all competitions, notching four combined goals and assists, being able to feature in a centre-back or right-back role.

The Uruguayan international has had an injury-hit campaign, but has still managed to impress, as seen by the Reds’ willingness to fork out big-money for his signature.

The report claims that the opportunity to play in England’s top flight could be too good to turn down, but that it will be up to the LaLiga outfit whether they want to part ways with Araujo.

It may be a huge investment from the hierarchy, but it would be a worthwhile one for Slot’s side – especially if his figures from the current campaign are anything to go by.

Why Araujo is the perfect Van Dijk & Trent hybrid for Liverpool

The Reds’ backline is in need of investment with Trent’s pending departure and Andy Robertson’s decline in recent months, making this summer vital for Slot.

Van Dijk has often been the shining light within the back four over the last few years, with his performances helping the side win five major honours since his move in January 2018.

However, he’s often lacked that partner at the heart of the defence, with Ibrahima Konate prone to a mistake, as seen during last weekend’s defeat against Fulham.

Araujo could provide that fellow world-class option the club have been searching for, with current boss Hansi Flick labelling the Uruguayan international as “one of the best in the world”.

His ability to feature at right-back too could make him an option to cover should Trent leave, producing figures better than the aforementioned pair in numerous key areas.

Defensively, Araujo has outperformed the current Reds stars, winning more tackles per 90, whilst also coming out on top in more aerials – offering that added solidity they’ve been hunting for as of late.

Games played

16

28

31

Goals & assists

4

8

2

Pass accuracy

93%

74%

92%

Tackles won

1.3

1

0.5

Aerials won

3.9

0.2

3.2

Shot-on-target accuracy

67%

18%

32%

Passes completed per game

90

63

74

In possession, he’s been just as impressive, completing more of the passes he’s attempted, whilst also achieving a higher shot-on-target accuracy rate – highlighting the quality he possesses at both ends of the pitch.

Whilst it may be another huge fee to spend on a new signing, it’s one that could provide added quality into the backline, further strengthening Slot’s chances of winning trophies on Merseyside.

It’s unclear whether Barça would be open to selling one of their key players, but it’s evident that from the stats he’s produced in 2024/25, he would be a superb addition – partnering Van Dijk and softening the blow of Trent’s pending departure.

£70m PL star wants to sign for Liverpool & he'd be a better move than Isak

Liverpool may decide to make a move for a player who would be a better addition than Alexander Isak.

1 ByEthan Lamb Apr 9, 2025

Over the last day or so, Liverpool fans received the news they’ve been waiting for all season long, with Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk both edging closer to extending their contracts at Anfield.

Both players were set to leave Arne Slot’s side at the end of the campaign with their deals set to expire, but the latest news has shed positive light on their futures on Merseyside.

It was reported that both stars are set to extend their stints with the Reds until the summer of 2027, with tying the pair down arguably the best business they could do this summer.

However, there’s no denying that Slot will still want to delve into the transfer market to further bolster his first-team squad, looking to build on the success achieved in the Premier League during his debut year at the helm.

One player has already emerged on their shortlist ahead of the summer, but they will face huge competition from another English side for his signature.

Liverpool plotting summer move for £40m sensation

According to journalist Graeme Bailey, Liverpool are firmly in the race to land Ajax’s 19-year-old sensation Jorrel Hato this summer, offering more depth at centre-back and left-back. Bailey states that ‘Liverpool like him’, but they won’t be alone in their pursuit.

Indeed, Arsenal are also said to be hugely interested in landing the teenager, with his versatility key to the interest from both of the English outfits.

He’s made 44 appearances across all competitions, registering nine combined goals and assists despite his defensive role, building on his progress in the Eredivisie after making his debut at just 16.

The report claims that Hato could be available for around the £40m mark this summer, with Slot keen on securing a move for his compatriot given his showings in recent months.

Despite his tender age, he would be a superb addition to the Reds first team squad, potentially becoming even better than one other star should he complete a move to Anfield in the coming months.

Why Hato could become a bigger talent than Van Dijk

Centre-back Van Dijk has been one of the leading factors to the success endured at Liverpool this season, being a key figure in Slot’s starting eleven, starting every single Premier League outing.

The same can be said for his entire spell on Merseyside, making over 300 appearances in his seven years at the club, cementing himself as one of the best defenders in the world – as seen by his Ballon d’Or standing a few years ago.

He may be 33, but remains as a pivotal member of the side, with his contract extension a boost to Slot, the squad and the supporters in their ambitions of building on their success in 2024/25.

Such a decision won’t scupper a move for Hato this summer, with the Ajax youngster able to learn off his compatriot and potentially become even better than the former Southampton star.

Hato, who’s been labelled “immense” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, was named in the top ten of the NXGN 2025 wonderkid list, having the potential to explode in Europe’s top five leagues should he move to the Reds.

Despite his tender age, the teenager has thrived in the Eredivisie, producing countless impressive stats that could allow him to catapult him to a level above that of Van Dijk.

When comparing his stats to the Reds’ captain, he’s managed to win more duels per 90, whilst also being dribbled past on fewer occasions – highlighting his defensive qualities.

Games played

25

31

Goals & assists

8

2

Duels won

4.7

4.6

Aerial success rate

64%

69%

Times dribbled past

0.1

0.3

Tackles won

1.5

0.5

Recoveries made

5.1

3.3

He’s also won more tackles and registered more goals and assists, showcasing the threat he possesses at both ends of the pitch – having the opportunity to improve further as he continues his development.

With Van Dijk entering the final years of his professional career, it’s crucial that the hierarchy plot for his eventual departure despite his new contract, with Hato certainly the perfect player to learn off the elite talent.

Whilst £40m may seem a huge investment in such a young star, it could be a bargain if lives up to his potential, setting the side up for further success in the years to come.

Slot must axe struggling Liverpool star who's becoming the new Sturridge

Arne Slot has some calls to make at Liverpool this summer, potentially offloading multiple first-team members.

ByEthan Lamb Apr 10, 2025

Chelsea are growing in belief that they’ll seal the signing of a key target this summer, following a decision from European heavyweights Real Madrid which has caused them to change their transfer strategy.

Chelsea expected to go 'big' on the signing of a centre-back

Enzo Maresca welcomed back centre-half Trevoh Chalobah to the Chelsea squad in January after Stamford Bridge officials elected to trigger his loan recall clause, but the Englishman isn’t viewed as a long-term solution behind-the-scenes.

Maresca eyeing 28-year-old as he asks Chelsea to replace £110k-per-week duo

The Italian has made his feelings clear to Stamford Bridge chiefs.

ByEmilio Galantini Apr 1, 2025

Chalobah is expected to leave Chelsea again when the transfer window reopens, and reliable journalist Simon Phillips is among the credible media sources to report that the west Londoners want to invest signifcantly in a new central defender.

Indeed, Chelsea are expected to go ‘big’ on the signing of another centre-back, which has led them to target a few interesting names. Bournemouth starlet Dean Huijsen, who has seriously impressed at the heart of Andoni Iraola’s backline this term, is among the options they’ve been considering.

Tottenham (home)

April 3rd

Brentford (away)

April 6th

Ipswich Town (home)

April 13th

Fulham (away)

April 20th

Everton (home)

April 26th

The 19-year-old’s contract includes a £50 million release clause which will be active this summer, and this has reportedly piqued interest from a host of elite Premier League sides, including Chelsea.

Recent rumours have claimed that Chelsea will make a push for Huijsen’s signature, but the Spain international isn’t their only key target.

Crystal Palace star and former Blues player Marc Guehi is about to enter the final 12 months of his deal at Selhurst Park, and while Eagles chairman Steve Parish rejected a £70 million bid from Tottenham for the defender in the January window, he could be available for less this summer.

Football Insider state Guehi’s new price tag will range from £50-60 million, which is still significant for someone who’ll be out of contract next year, so it appears Palace are sticking to their guns and won’t let their star England international go on the cheap.

Chelsea chiefs "adamant" they'll sign Marc Guehi this summer

Now, GiveMeSport have shared an interesting update on Maresca’s side and their interest in the 24-year-old. The outlet writes that “influential” Chelsea chiefs are “adamant” they’re likely to sign Guehi this summer, with the club growing in confidence when it comes to winning the race for his signature.

Having left Cobham for Palace in 2021, it is believed Guehi has an “emotional attachment” to his ex-club, and Chelsea believe this will hand them a key advantage as they look “determined” to tempt him with a return.

Chelsea are also now fully prioritising a swoop for Guehi, following Real Madrid’s decision to enter the race for Huijsen, as BlueCo are apparently less confident they can sign the latter defender over Carlo Ancelotti’s side.

Manchester United have become known for relying on numerous top young prospects, with many playing key roles within the first-team and helping them achieve various levels of success.

The Red Devils have either promoted them from the academy ranks, or even paid big money for them in an attempt to secure Premier League glory in the future.

Kobbie Mainoo was one of the youngsters who emerged out of the youth ranks at Old Trafford, but his career has hit a stumbling block over the last few months under Ruben Amorim.

He’s rapidly fallen down the manager’s pecking order in the first-team ranks, which could result in a winter transfer away from his boyhood club in the upcoming window.

The same can’t be said for one other senior player, who has become a crucial player since the manager took the reins at the Red Devils a little over 12 months ago.

Amad Diallo’s key moments at Man Utd

Back in October 2020, United announced the addition of winger Amad Diallo from Italian side Atalanta, with many supporters unaware of the talent purchased by the board.

He would subsequently arrive a few months later during the January transfer window, with his first couple of years seeing him be a bit-part player and even being sent on loan twice.

However, Amorim’s arrival has seen the Ivorian become a key member of his squad over the last few months, even utilising the 23-year-old in a somewhat unnatural wing-back role.

The switch may have come as a surprise to many, but it has been a masterstroke and one that has allowed the youngster to create numerous moments to remember for the supporters.

Arguably, his biggest goal to date came in the Manchester Derby last campaign, with his last-minute effort securing a famous win at the Etihad for the Red Devils.

He’s even contributed on numerous occasions at Old Trafford, with his phenomenal quickfire hat-trick against Southampton in 2024/25 securing the side three crucial points.

The 2025/26 season has been somewhat quiet compared to the standards he’s set for himself over recent times – but he did manage to score a potential Goal of the Season contender against Nottingham Forest.

The star who could be United's next Amad

In his first 13 league games of the 2025/26 campaign, Amad has racked up a total of three combined goals and assists – with one of the efforts coming in that clash at the City Ground.

However, the manager will no doubt have to find a solution in the coming weeks, as the 23-year-old looks set to join up with the Ivory Coast squad for the African Cup of Nations.

It remains to be seen who will likely fill the void, especially with Bryan Mbeumo and Noussair Mazraoui also set to join up with their respective nations for the competition.

Such a period could see the hierarchy delve into the transfer market to land an immediate and or long-term solution to help provide needed depth in the wide areas.

Other areas of the squad will no doubt be targeted too, in the hope of finding a player with a similar profile to Amad, whilst having the potential to develop into a top-level talent.

The hierarchy have already completed one deal ahead of the transfer window, with Colombian teenager Cristian Orozco already making the move to Old Trafford.

The central midfielder set to join the club in the winter window from Fortaleza, subsequently costing a fee in the region of $1m (£750k) – a potential bargain fee.

However, despite being just 17 and operating in a different position, he does offer some similarities to United’s Ivorian star, in largely being an unknown quantity to many.

He’s also agreed to join before arriving at a later date, like Amad, which may only generate even more excitement until he formally joins the club at the start of 2026.

Minutes played

90

Touches

107

Pass accuracy

75%

Passes completed

63

Tackles made

2

Duels won

9

Recoveries made

9

Dribbles completed

2

Orozco, who’s been dubbed a “destroyer” by one analyst, recently featured for his country at the U17 World Cup, playing a key role in all of their matches, with his showing against El Salvador showcasing the talent he possesses at his tender age.

He managed to complete 67 passes at an accuracy rate of 75%, whilst also completing two dribbles within his total of 107 touches – highlighting his incredible talents with the ball at his feet.

The teenager also won nine duels and nine recoveries alongside two tackles – numbers which could make him the perfect ball-winner for Amorim’s side in the years ahead.

His move to England certainly does have huge glimpses of the previous deal for Amad, with the fanbase undoubtedly hoping that the youngster can develop into another top talent.

However, expectations will no doubt need to be managed during his time in Manchester, but there’s no reason why the supporters can’t begin to get excited about the pending transfer.

Cunha 2.0: INEOS to fast-track Man Utd bid for 'best winger in England'

Manchester United look set to make a huge move for one player in the upcoming January window.

ByEthan Lamb 6 days ago

Como manager and ex-Arsenal star Cesc Fàbregas has now heaped praise on Mikel Arteta following a key Gunners tactical tweak.

The Premier League frontrunners take on Sunderland at the Stadium of Light later today, pitting Arteta’s side against the surprise package of the season.

Arsenal arrive on Wearside in utterly imperious form. The north Londoners have won their last 10 matches across all competitions, with eight consecutive victories without conceding a single goal.

Arsenal 3-0 Nottingham Forest

Athletic Bilbao 0-2 Arsenal

Arsenal 1-1 Man City

Port Vale 0-2 Arsenal

Newcastle 1-2 Arsenal

Arsenal 2-0 Olympiacos

Arsenal 2-0 West Ham

Fulham 0-1 Arsenal

Arsenal 4-0 Atlético Madrid

Arsenal 1-0 Crystal Palace

Arsenal 2-0 Brighton

Burnley 0-2 Arsenal

Slavia Prague 0-3 Arsenal

They’re aiming to win five successive Premier League games without conceding for the first time since 1987, while their run of eight clean sheets in all competitions matches a club record set way back in 1903.

It’s been nearly 13 hours of football since anyone has scored against them, which is quite simply unbelievable, and they of course boast the best defensive record in Europe’s top five leagues as a result.

That being said, Regis Le Bris’ side pose a tough challenge. Sunderland enter this game having defied all pre-season expectations spectacularly. They’ve accumulated 18 points from their opening 10 fixtures – the most any promoted side has managed at this stage since Hull City’s 20 points in 2008-09.

Their remarkable home form has been key, remaining unbeaten at the Stadium of Light this campaign.

Arsenal are still favourites to win this one, though, following their imperious start to the season — which is made all the more impressive by their mountain of attacking injuries.

Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli, Noni Madueke and captain Martin Odegaard are all unavailable with knee or muscular problems — even if Jesus returned to training this week — Meanwhile, striker Viktor Gyokeres has been ruled out with a potential hamstring injury until after the international break.

This leaves Arteta pretty short of forward options, with Mikel Merino likely to continue in an emergency striker role.

Merino’s second-half brace secured a 3-0 Champions League victory over Slavia Prague in midweek, adding to his very impressive tally of 11 goals in all competitions for Arsenal this calendar year.

The midfielder has been nothing short of inspirational when called upon to play an unfamiliar role by Arteta, and Fabregas is certainly impressed by the former Real Sociedad star.

Fabregas praises "great move" by Arteta to play Merino as Arsenal striker

Speaking in an interview with Calciomercato this week, Fabregas stated it was a “great move” by Arteta to play Merino as a striker once again in the absence of Gyokeres — claiming he’s done very well in the role.

Merino had never played striker before featuring there for the first time against Leicester City back in February, where he scored both goals in Arsenal’s 2-0 victory after replacing the injured Kai Havertz.

Since then, he’s excelled in the position.

The midfielder has netted an astonishing 19 goals for club and country combined in 2025, including his midweek brace against Slavia Prague that also took his Arsenal tally to three headed goals this season. His 6 foot 2 frame makes him a major aerial threat inside the area, while on the deck he’s incredibly strong, using his muscular frame to dominate physical 50-50s.

Liverpool have lost seven of their last ten matches in all competitions after they were hammered 3-0 by Manchester City at The Etihad in the Premier League on Sunday.

The Premier League champions have now lost five of their 11 matches in the division so far this season, per Sofascore, after losing four of their 38 games in the 2024/25 campaign.

After the match, as shown in the clip above, former Manchester United midfielder Roy Keane suggested that the Reds should not be considered in the race for the title, and it is hard to argue with.

The current run of form, their position in the league, and their performance against Manchester City do not suggest that they are likely to retain their crown in the 2025/26 campaign.

Liverpool’s current situation is particularly frustrating for the club when you consider the significant money that they splashed on new signings during the summer transfer window in a bid to strengthen their squad.

Attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz was signed from Bayer Leverkusen for a club-record, at the time, fee of £116m, yet he failed to make an impact once again.

Why Liverpool should be worried about Florian Wirtz

It is fair to expect that a £116m signing would be able to make a fairly immediate impact for the club, but he has been anonymous far too often in his Liverpool career so far.

The Germany international produced 16 goals and 14 assists in all competitions for Leverkusen in the 2024/25 campaign, per Sofascore, which led to the Reds splashing a gigantic fee on his services.

This shows that he has the technical ability to make an impact in the final third. That was further evidenced by his two assists against a Bundesliga team in Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League last month.

However, the physicality and intensity of the Premier League has proven a bit too much for Wirtz when it comes to making an impact with goals and assists at the top end of the pitch.

Per Sofascore, the 22-year-old attacking midfielder has no goals and no assists in 11 appearances in the division for Liverpool since his £116m transfer to Anfield in the summer.

Minutes

83

Pass accuracy

88%

Crosses completed

0/2

Key passes

0

Big chances created

0

Shots

2

Shots on target

0

Duels won

4/8

As you can see in the table above, Wirtz’s performance against Manchester City on Sunday lacked substance, with no shots on target, key passes, or ‘big chances’ created.

He was efficient in his passing and won half of his duels, to his credit, but his lack of physicality meant that he was unable to really threaten the Cityzens backline, marshalled brilliantly by Ruben Dias.

Liverpool should, therefore, be worried because his performances are not improving and his only goal contributions, outside of the Community Shield, came against a Bundesliga team.

Wirtz needs to adjust to the intensity of the English game, and quickly, to start proving why the Reds were right to spend so much money on his signature this year.

Chalkboard

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

The Germany international is not the only player whose performances are concerning, though, as central defender Ibrahima Konate put in another disappointing display.

Why Ibrahima Konate should be dropped by Liverpool

The French centre-back must be ruthlessly ditched from the starting line-up by Arne Slot when the team returns to action after the international break, because he put in a dismal showing against City.

For the opening goal from Erling Haaland, Konate was unable to time his jump correctly and allowed the Norwegian giant to beat him to the header, which landed in the back of the net.

That was followed up by some passive defending in the second half for the third goal. Jeremy Doku seemed destined to cut onto his right foot to shoot from distance, but Konate did not shape his body to react to the situation and allowed the shot to come in almost uncontested.

The France international, who was called “horrific” by Liverpool supporter Lawrie on X, was even worse than Wirtz against Pep Guardiola’s side, as he made costly errors for two of the three goals, whilst the German midfielder simply did not do much of note.

Whilst Wirtz, at least, won half of his duels in the game, Konate struggled with the physical challenge posed by Haaland, which is not a surprise given the Norway international’s presence and style of play.

Minutes

90

Tackles

0

Interceptions

0

Ground duels won

2/5

Aerial duels won

1/3

Dribbles

0

Shots

0

As you can see in the table above, the former RB Leipzig man lost the majority of his duels on the ground and in the air, which shows that he was far too easy to beat in duels throughout the match.

On top of that, the central defender did not step in to make a single tackle or interception, and did not attempt any dribbles to get his team up the pitch to bypass the first line of City’s press.

Passive was the word of the day for Liverpool and Konate, as evidenced by both the result and his individual statistics, which is why Slot may want to shake things up with some changes to his starting line-up after the break.

The France international could find himself out of the team when the Reds next play, with Joe Gomez waiting in the wings for his chance to start at the heart of the defence next to Virgil van Dijk.

Man City fans' brutal chant sums up Florian Wirtz's time at Liverpool

The German struggled, yet again, for the Reds against Manchester City.

ByJames O'Reilly Nov 9, 2025

Whilst it is now down to Slot to decide whether or not that is the right call to make, Konate’s performance on Sunday has given the manager a decision to make.