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Leeds United have been hit with an injury blow ahead of their clash with Tottenham Hotspur at Elland Road in the Premier League on Saturday.

Wales international Daniel James has suffered an ankle injury that is currently being assessed by the club, although they are hopeful that it will not be a long-term issue.

Journalist Graham Smyth claims that the forward is set for “weeks” on the sidelines, debunking some speculation on social media that he was due to be out for months with an ACL injury.

If James misses several weeks and games through injury with this ankle issue, Daniel Farke should avoid relying on Jack Harrison as an alternative to Brenden Aaronson on the right flank.

Why Jack Harrison should not replace Dan James

The left-footed attacker returned to Elland Road this summer after spending the previous two seasons on loan with Everton in the Premier League, and he has yet to fully win the fans back over.

Harrison has produced no goals, no key passes, no ‘big chances’ created, and no assists in five appearances in the top-flight for Leeds so far this term, per Sofascore, which shows that he has offered virtually nothing at the top end of the pitch.

That should not come as a surprise to many, though, because the former Manchester City academy prospect struggled badly in the final third for Everton in the 2024/25 campaign.

Appearances

34

Starts

24

Minutes

2088

xG

3.52

Goals

1

Key passes

34

Assists

0

As you can see in the table above, Harrison managed one direct goal contribution in 2,088 minutes of football in the Premier League for the Toffees before his return to West Yorkshire.

This is why Farke should turn to U21 talent Connor Douglas to replace James in the squad whilst the Wales international is missing through injury.

Why Leeds should unleash Connor Douglas

The 19-year-old attacker is a versatile star who can play through the middle as a number ten or out on the right flank, which suggests that he could be a suitable alternative to Aaronson in the short-term, given that the American is a similarly versatile wide option.

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Douglas’ form for Leeds at academy level suggests that he is an exciting young player who has the potential to make an impact at the top end of the pitch, after he scored in a 1-0 win over Norwich City’s U21s on Monday night.

The English winger has scored six goals and provided six assists in 36 appearances for the club at U21 level, as well as six goals and three assists in 27 matches for the U18 side, per Transfermarkt.

These statistics show that he can contribute with goals and assists from a wide position, something that Harrison has struggled to do, and that is why he should be given a chance to see what he can do at first-team level whilst James is out with an ankle injury.

Douglas was described as an “electric” forward who is a “joy to watch” by PureFootball writer Trent Gaffney, which also suggests that he could get supporters off their feet with his front-footed and direct play.

Fans may prefer to see a talented young forward given an opportunity to shine and showcase his exciting potential in James’ absence, instead of Harrison being given yet another chance after failing to impress in the last 13 months or so.

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That is why Farke must unleash Douglas as the replacement for James in the Premier League, for however many matches he misses, instead of just using Harrison.

Nottingham Forest admire an “unbelievable” Premier League manager, with Evangelos Marinakis looking to “move quickly” to appoint a replacement for Nuno Espirito Santo.

Nuno sacked after just three Premier League games

Trouble has been brewing at The City Ground for quite some time now, with Nuno not helping the situation when he revealed his relationship with Marinakis was no longer the same as it was in the 2024-25 campaign, saying: “I always had a very good relationship with the owner – last season we were very close and spoke on a daily basis. This season it is not so well,”

“Our relationship has changed and we are not as close. Everybody at the club should be together, but this is not the reality.”

The 51-year-old initially held onto his job, but Forest announced the decision to sack their manager on Monday night, with Marinakis sacking the Portuguese coach off the back of a 3-0 defeat at home against West Ham United.

It is a controversial decision to sack the manager who led the Tricky Trees to Europe for the first time in 30 years, which makes it even more crucial for Marinakis to get the next appointment right, with Ange Postecoglou set to be appointed.

Taking to X, Sky Sports reporter Rob Dorsett revealed Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner is one of the managers “admired” by the Nottingham Forest hierarchy, but Postecoglou appears to be the man set to take Forest forward.

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1

By
Sean Markus Clifford

Sep 5, 2025

Glasner could have been "unbelievable" appointment

It seems likely the Austrian, who plays a 3-4-2-1 system, would’ve been a popular appointment among the Forest fans, given what he has achieved since arriving at Crystal Palace, most notably leading the Eagles to FA Cup glory last season.

However, the 51-year-old would’ve been a controversial appointment from a Palace point of view, given the fact Forest replaced Glasner’s side in the Europa League this season, due to issues surrounding multi-club ownership.

Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish has praised the “unbelievable” job Glasner has done, while also adding: “He loves football, always believes we can win and he instills that in his players.”

However, Postecoglou may also be an exciting appointment, given that the Australian is well-known for an attacking style of play, with the 60-year-old leading Tottenham Hotspur to Europa League glory last season.

Despite picking up both the FA Cup and Community Shield in quick succession, Oliver Glasner might well feel somewhat defeated from the Crystal Palace dug-out currently.

All of that recent success wasn’t enough to keep Eberechi Eze at Selhurst Park, who is now a £67.5m superstar at Arsenal, with Marc Guehi’s exit from East London also still looking to be on the cards as we head nearer to transfer deadline day.

With the clock ticking ever closer to September’s abrupt cut-off, the Austrian will be praying some positive additions come into the building, as a new midfield target now appears on their radar.

Crystal Palace lodge enquiry for £40k-p/w star

Away from all the talk about departures, it has been a rather subdued window to date at the Eagles.

Indeed, only Borna Sosa has actually cost Palace a fee this summer, and with the Selhurst Park bank account rising courtesy of Eze’s dramatic move to the Gunners, there will be hope that a major move or two is in the offing.

Of course, the main name taking up a large chunk of Palace transfer discussion at the moment is Conor Gallagher, with it being speculated that the ex-Chelsea midfielder could return to the Eagles shortly, having once experienced a formative loan stint at the club.

This would get the fanbase on side after Eze’s exit, considering Gallagher is known to have an eye for a goal and assist. He might well be joined by another creative asset in the middle of the park, too, in the form of RB Leipzig star Christoph Baumgartner.

Sky Sports Germany is reporting that Palace have lodged an enquiry for the £40k-per-week midfielder, as Glasner and Co. keep their options wide open to try and replace the star quality that has left East London behind.

Whilst the report does further elaborate that Glasner’s fellow Austrian compatriot isn’t pushing to leave Leipzig, the pull of the Premier League could well prove to be a tempting one, particularly if he is given the freedom to strut his stuff, alongside a potential teammate in Gallagher.

Why Baumgartner could shine with Gallagher

After all, Baumgartner has shown he has a moment of quality like this up his sleeve for his nation regularly, with a stunning 19 goals amassed from 51 caps for Austria.

His well-known reputation for delivering the goods for his country even saw his national team boss in Ralf Rangnick, declare that he is a “difference-maker”, with the number ten spot looking a lot less depleted if the exciting 26-year-old were to walk away from Leipzig for a shot at Premier League glory with the Eagles.

25/26

1

0

24/25

31

2 + 1

23/24

32

5 + 2

22/23

33

7 + 7

21/22

29

7 + 1

20/21

31

6 + 5

19/20

26

7 + 4

18/19

2

0

It will all rest on whether the Leipzig number 14 can show off his Bundesliga best consistently under Glasner’s wing in England – with a mightily impressive 54 goal contributions under his belt playing in Germany – but that transition could be made to feel a lot easier if he has the experience of Gallagher by his side.

Much like Baumgartner, the 25-year-old has garnered a reputation for being a lively presence centrally, as seen in him collecting eight goals and five assists during his first stint at Palace, but he is also well-equipped to sit back and be an anchor for his team, which will gift the 51-time Austria international the immediate freedom to express himself.

Away from collecting five goals and seven assists during his final Premier League season with Chelsea, Gallagher also stood out as a relentless livewire willing to get stuck in, with a hefty six ball recoveries averaged per clash, on top of also averaging a high 5.7 duels won.

Baumgartner has also displayed similar levels of vigour plying his trade in Germany, with 4.9 duels won on average for Hoffenheim during his breakout 2019/20 campaign.

The pair working alongside each other in the Palace midfield really could end up being a match made in heaven, with Glasner’s side hopefully looking revitalised with these new additions arriving through the door, even with Eze nowhere to be found.

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Manchester United could be set for a huge season under Ruben Amorim next season, that’s if the additions he’s made to the squad make the desired impact.

Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo are two senior additions made to the Red Devils squad, costing a staggering £130m – showcasing the ambition from the hierarchy.

Benjamin Sesko could be the next player to move to Old Trafford, after the club made a £74m bid for the RB Leipzig forward, with the player himself wanting a move to join Amorim’s side over Newcastle United.

Such additions will likely provide a huge upgrade on the options who were at the club throughout 2024/25, potentially helping them return to their former glory in the Premier League.

Other areas of the pitch will also need strengthening if they are to be successful, with work already being done behind the scenes at the Theatre of Dreams.

The latest on United’s hunt for new additions this summer

Douglas Luiz has reappeared on United’s radar in recent weeks, after originally being touted with a move to join the club in the early stages of the summer window.

The Red Devils have already held talks with Juventus over a potential deal to sign the Brazilian international, but the Italian side are demanding a permanent move rather than a loan deal.

However, he’s not the only midfielder still on their radar, with Barcelona star Fermin Lopez a player who’s firmly in their sights, according to one Spanish outlet.

Their report claims that the United hierarchy have made the 22-year-old their top target after completing a deal for Sesko between now and the end of the window.

It also states that the hierarchy are willing to fork out a fee in the region of €70m (£60m) to land the Spaniard, who made 46 appearances across all competitions last campaign.

Why United’s latest target would be Amorim’s own Bellingham

Jude Bellingham has been one of Europe’s leading talents over recent years, making huge strides in his career as a professional despite still being just 22 years of age.

He started his career at Birmingham City before a move to Borussia Dortmund, which catapulted him to stardom, subsequently making a move to Real Madrid back in the summer of 2023.

However, his career could’ve been completely different, with the Red Devils previously interested in making a move for the Englishman during the early days of his rise.

The youngster even visited the Red Devils training ground ahead of a potential move, but Bellingham chose a move to Dortmund instead – leaving question marks as to what could’ve been for him in Manchester.

Despite missing out on his signature, the hierarchy have the chance to land their own version of the superstar this window, with current target Lopez labelled a similar player to the Englishman by FBref.

The Barça star has even managed to outperform the Madrid gem in numerous key areas in recent times, showcasing how much of an excellent addition he would be to United this summer.

Lopez, who’s been labelled “sensational” by one analyst, averaged a better goal and assist per 90 record, whilst achieving a higher shot on target accuracy rate – subsequently offering a bigger threat within the final.

Games played

28

31

Goals & assists

11

17

Goals & assists per 90

0.79

0.61

Shot-on-target accuracy

37%

36%

Key passes

2.1

1.5

Passes into opposition box

1.4

1.1

Take-ons completed

1.8

1.4

Carries into opposition box

0.9

0.5

Recoveries made

4.8

3.5

He’s also dominated Bellingham in possession, completing more key passes per 90, with more of which going into the final third, handing potential new signing Sesko with the tools he needs to thrive at Old Trafford.

The Spaniard’s talents are further reflected in his tally of take-ons completed and recoveries made, potentially being a perfect box-to-box option in Amorim’s current system.

£60m would be yet another massive statement of intent from the ownership group, as they look to avoid the travesty that occurred across all competitions in the 2024/25 campaign.

If he can move to Old Trafford and replicate his displays in LaLiga, he would be a huge coup and one that could transform into a potential world beater under Amorim’s guidance.

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So far this summer, West Ham United have signed just three players. With just weeks left until the 2025/26 Premier League campaign gets underway, Graham Potter must act swiftly to bolster his squad.

Last season, the Irons finished 14th in the top flight, having the sixth-worst attacking record in the entire division.

As such, signing another striker or two wouldn’t go amiss this summer. The question is, who would be a perfect fit for Potter and his style at the London Stadium?

West Ham’s search for a striker

At the time of writing, Niclas Füllkrug is the only senior centre-forward available to Potter after the club released Danny Ings and Michail Antonio at the end of the season.

The Irons have been linked with Harvey Elliott recently, yet he isn’t a striker, despite scoring five goals for England U21s as they won the European Championship this summer.

According to talkSPORT, meanwhile, Callum Wilson has agreed terms with West Ham ahead of a proposed move. The 33-year-old striker is available on a free transfer after being released by Newcastle at the end of last term.

Despite his advancing years, Wilson could provide a decent option for Potter over the next 12 months and potentially beyond. He must remain fit, however.

If he does, then the Englishman could be an upgrade to Fullkrug.

Why West Ham want to sign Callum Wilson

Fullkrug joined the club last summer from Borussia Dortmund after enjoying an excellent spell in the Bundesliga.

He netted 15 times for the German side throughout 2023/24, but struggled with injuries in his debut campaign at West Ham, making just 20 appearances last season.

When he was on the pitch, the striker scored only three goals, hardly worth the £27m investment that was splashed out on him.

Wilson has endured his own injury issues, but if you compare his 2023/24 campaign in the Premier League to Fullkrug’s stats from last term, the Englishman would be a significant upgrade.

Callum Wilson’s Newcastle statistics
Season	Games	Goals	Assists
2024/25	22	1	0
2023/24	26	10	1
2022/23	36	18	5
2021/22	18	8	0
2020/21	28	12	5
Via Transfermarkt

Indeed, that season, Wilson scored nine league goals and grabbed an assist for the Magpies. Fullkrug scored three times and grabbed two assists for the Irons.

Wilson also averaged more total shots (1.8 vs 0.9), scored more frequently (110 minutes vs 263 minutes) and even succeeded with more dribbles (0.7 vs 0.1) comparing their respective league campaigns.

Eddie Howe once described Wilson’s importance to Newcastle as “incredible” and it now seems as though he is set to enjoy an Indian summer in London.

Should Wilson return to full fitness, he would be a massive boost to Potter and his attempts to take West Ham back into the top half of the Premier League table, having already netted 88 times in England’s top flight. Fullkrug, by contrast, scored just 56 times in Germany’s top tier.

The signing may well be a gamble, but given Wilson won’t cost a penny in transfer fees, it couldscore 12 times in 16 meetings turn out to be a shrewd one indeed.

West Ham fans will be hoping the striker can replicate the form which saw him win nine England caps and has seen him score 12 times in 16 meetings against them. That’s a certainty.

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The left-arm quick first played for them in 2023 and then helped them to the Division Two title in 2024

ESPNcricinfo staff11-Oct-2024Jaydev Unadkat will continue his association with Sussex after extending his contract with them for the 2025 and 2026 County Championship seasons. He will be available for the final run-in in both seasons.”When I came to Hove last year, I wasn’t sure what was on offer in the County Championship and how would I adapt to it. But after a few games now, I can definitely say Hove is my home away from home and Good Old Sussex by The Sea has my heart,” Unadkat was quoted as saying in a release by the team.”Everyone at Hove is very pleased and excited that Jaydev [Unadkat] has signed a two-year extension and will be returning to the Club for the next two seasons,” Sussex head coach Paul Farbrace said.”Jaydev’s quality on the pitch has been so evident for everyone else to see, but just as importantly his qualities as a person make him one of the most popular and nicest guys any team could wish for.”Unadkat first signed for Sussex in 2023, and took 11 wickets in three matches. He returned to the team in 2024 and took 22 wickets at an average of 14.40 in five games, helping Sussex win the Division Two title.Unadkat is currently leading Saurashtra in the Ranji Trophy, which got underway on Friday.

How are Newcastle United going to fare next season? Around the beginning of the 2024/25 campaign, the skyrocketing ascent under Eddie Howe’s wing had been stunted by a disappointing transfer window, following failure to qualify for European football.

But United marched back into the Champions League despite the setbacks, finishing fifth in the Premier League. Moreover, Howe led his team to glory, to the Carabao Cup.

Now, the focus is on building, particularly towards a move for Anthony Elanga.

Newcastle in talks for new forward

Elanga has been the subject of a rejected £45m offer, Newcastle’s second in as many summers, and while Nottingham Forest don’t want to play ball, redoubled efforts might just seal the Sweden star’s signature.

Such a player is duly needed. Miguel Almiron’s winter flight over the pond has left Jacob Murphy somewhat isolated on the right. Elanga will add athletic quality and widen the dimensions of Howe’s frontline. So could Joao Pedro.

Transfer Focus

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Indeed, as per GIVEMESPORT, Newcastle remain intent on signing Brighton & Hove Albion star Pedro, who is anticipated to leave the AMEX this summer.

Saying that, Tony Bloom isn’t likely to budge on his £60m valuation, the 23-year-old being one of the most talented rising stars in the Premier League, and eyed by Chelsea besides.

However, Newcastle have been engaged in productive talks with the south coasters and could move to the advanced stages soon. Previously, the Toon have been regarded as favourites for Pedro.

What Joao Pedro would bring to Newcastle

Newcastle plan to open contract talks with Alexander Isak as interest mounts in the world-class striker’s services. United’s £200m price tag, frustratingly, hasn’t dissuaded Liverpool and the like from keeping on Isak’s trail.

But the nine is not expected to be going anywhere this year, and Pedro would arrive offering competition and the prospect of a new attacking combination from his shadow or out on the left.

The Brazilian forward, who joined Brighton from Watford for around £30m two years ago, has symmetrically posted 30 goals and ten assists across 70 matches.

Joao Pedro – Career Stats by Position
Position	Apps	Goals	Assists
Centre-forward	119	34	18
Left winger	40	14	0
Attacking midfield	27	11	1
Right winger	5	0	0
Data via Transfermarkt

Principally a central player, Pedro is swift and purposeful on the ball, endowed with some of that Seleção style too, hailed by Bundesliga commentator Kevin Hatchard for his “magical” ability on the ball.

Elanga, too, is good on the ball, but he’s also absolutely rapid – the third fastest player in the league as it happens – and he could use his pace to latch onto the technical range that Pedro expands his team’s capacity with.

The fastest & slowest players in the Premier League (2024/25)

As per FBref, the Seagulls star ranks among the top 1% of forwards across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for assists, the top 17% for passes attempted and shot-creating actions, and the top 12% for progressive passes per 90.

He also created 11 big chances in the Premier League last year, as per Sofascore, and averaged 1.1 dribbles and just shy of five duels per game.

Over at the City Ground, Elanga has coined himself “one of the fastest players in the Premier League”, and no doubt would marry such rapidity with an increased potency in Howe’s system, having impressed with six goals and 11 assists for Forest last year.

If Newcastle can strengthen their ranks with both of these Prem-proven stars, there’s no question that Howe will have the tools to fashion even greater success next year and beyond.

Dream Pedro alternative: Newcastle advancing move for £40m "goal machine"

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Wrexham will no doubt be a busy club this summer as they attempt to tweak their personnel to fit into their fresh Championship surroundings.

The Red Dragons finally got the ball running with their first pick-up recently, with second-tier goal machine Ryan Hardie leaving Plymouth Argyle behind for a new adventure in Wales.

The now former Pilgrims number nine has an impressive 22 Championship strikes next to his name from 77 appearances at the level, with a hefty ten of those coming just last campaign, even as Argyle heartbreakingly slipped down to League One.

He will get more chances to strut his stuff in the EFL’s elite league with Phil Parkinson’s men, however, with this already bumper goal tally hopefully rising even more at the Racehorse Ground.

Hardie's reputation as a goal machine

The lethal Scotsman ended up being one of the very few select players to come out of Plymouth’s relegation season with their heads still held high.

Even if his individual season didn’t turn out to be that memorable, he still will have departed Home Park this summer as a modern icon of the club.

In total, Hardie bagged a colossal 74 goals from 248 appearances in Devon, with Wrexham excited to see what heights the 28-year-old can soar to as one of their main marksmen after promotion.

After all, with Paul Mullin rumoured to be off, the Red Dragons needed to bolster up top. But, the attacking signings might not be done just yet, as another statement deal involving a Championship regular could be in the offing to help Hardie become even more potent.

The "vital" star who could make Hardie even better

Whilst Hardie’s goal tally last season was seriously impressive, he might well have been hampered by the situation he found himself in at the foot of the second tier.

Wrexham will be aiming not to get sucked into any similar battles against the drop, and with potential signings such as Barry Bannan entering the door, no such dog-fights should be on the agenda.

On the contrary, Bannan’s potential arrival on the scene could have Wrexham dreaming of back-to-back promotions, with a report from football journalist Alan Nixon earlier this month talking up the prospect of the skilful 35-year-old midfielder swapping Hillsborough for pastures new in North Wales.

Of course, the Owls wouldn’t just let their long-standing servant leave so easily, but the Red Dragons have already poached one Championship superstar in Hardie, with Bannan perhaps the next to link up with Parkinson’s men to enhance the ex-Plymouth striker’s output.

Games played

374

77

Goals scored

18

22

Assists

51

7

Evidently a legend of the EFL now, even as he reaches the twilight years of his career, Hardie’s fellow compatriot continues to deliver the goods in terms of goals and assists in the taxing division, as seen in nine of his 69 overall goal contributions in the Championship coming in 2024/25 for Danny Rohl’s men.

Creating eight big chances along the way too, Bannan would be desperate to slot straight into his new Wrexham side and be as classy, with Hardie equally champing at the bit to line up alongside such illustrious company to try up his second-tier goal haul.

There has been talk to suggest that the much-loved figure at Hillsborough could opt to sign a new Owls deal before the month is out, with former Wednesday boss Darren Moore once labelling the diminutive ace as “vital” to the team’s cause.

But, if the clock continues to tick away and a deal isn’t struck, Wrexham will feel quietly confident that they could win his services for zilch, with Hardie potentially going on to be an even more effective goal machine partnered next to Bannan.

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ByKelan Sarson Jun 15, 2025

Arsenal have now held talks over a deal for an “unbelievable” forward, amid doubts over Gabriel Martinelli’s future, according to a report.

Gunners could now be ready to sell Martinelli

It has been revealed that Mikel Arteta may now be ready to sell Martinelli this summer, as the manager looks to reshuffle his squad, and AC Milan have emerged as potential suitors, with Rafael Leao’s future at the San Siro still very much up in the air.

Should the Gunners decide to cash in on the Brazilian, they would be looking to receive a fee of at least £50m, although he is currently planning to fight for his place in the starting XI, and has no plans of pushing for a move elsewhere.

It would certainly seem harsh to sell the 23-year-old, considering he has been a regular source of goals and assists over the past four seasons, but Arteta has shown he is willing to make big decisions in the past, most notably replacing Aaron Ramsdale with David Raya.

Season

PL appearances

Goals

Assists

2021-22

29

6

6

2022-23

36

15

6

2023-24

35

6

4

2024-25

33

8

4

According to a report from Football Transfers, Arsenal have now held talks over a deal to sign West Ham United’s Mohammed Kudus, who could seemingly be brought in as a replacement for Martinelli, as he is said to be capable of playing on both flanks.

However, the two London clubs may be some way apart in their valuation of Kudus, as he has a €100m (£84m) release clause in his West Ham contract, while the Gunners are hesitant to stump up more than €55m-€60m (£46m – £51m).

The Ghanaian is keen to leave the Hammers this summer, as he intends to play in Europe next season, meaning a move to the Emirates Stadium could be of great appeal, although Chelsea and Newcastle United are also in the race for his signature.

"Unbelievable" Kudus could excel at the Emirates

The 2024-25 campaign was not the 24-year-old’s best, picking up just five goals and three assists in the Premier League, but he was part of a West Ham side that underperformed as a whole, and the winger’s previous exploits indicate he could be a success at Arsenal.

Indeed, the former Ajax man enjoyed a very impressive debut campaign in England, amassing 14 goals and nine assists in all competitions, during which time he was lauded as “unbelievable” by teammate Michail Antonio.

Antonio was left particularly blown away by the winger’s dribbling ability, which was also on display regularly last season, despite not setting up or scoring as many goals as in previous campaigns.

There are certainly signs that Kudus could kick on at the Emirates Stadium, but that said, he should not be brought in as a direct replacement for Martinelli, considering the Brazil international is still young, and it would be very harsh to sanction his departure this summer.