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Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves would be ‘delighted’ with a move to Barcelona in the summer transfer window, according to a new transfer report.

The Lowdown: Barca linked with Neves signing

The 25-year-old’s Molineux future has been a major talking point of late, with numerous clubs linked with a move for him ahead of a potential summer exit.

Barca have been one of the leading candidates to snap up Neves at the end of the season, as Xavi looks to sign a replacement for midfield legend Sergio Busquets.

Now a new update suggests that the Wolves hero could well end up in Spain this summer.

The Latest: New update emerges

According to El Desmarque [via Sport Witness], Jorge Mendes has ‘once again offered’ Barca the chance to sign Neves, with the Catalan giants liking him ‘a lot’ as a player.

It is also stated that the Portuguese star ‘would be delighted’ to move to Camp Nou, further adding fuel to the fire.

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The Verdict: Hard to turn them down

With each passing week, the more it does feel as though Neves really will depart this summer, having almost miraculously stayed put last time around.

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The 38-cap Portugal international would surely jump at the opportunity to join Barca, given their prestige as a club, not to mention having past Portuguese greats such as Luis Figo and Deco play for them.

Ideally, Neves would sign an extension on his Wolves deal that runs until 2024, but he may feel he has now outgrown the club’s current level, especially if they are relegated from the Premier League.

The £50,000-a-week midfielder has been a great servant for Wanderers, making 238 appearances and being hailed as ‘incredible’ by Hugo Bueno, but it would be hard to begrudge him such a big transfer.

Liverpool are considering making a move for Juventus and France midfielder Adrien Rabiot, according to a fresh transfer rumour from Italy.

The Lowdown: Midfielder rebuild needed

It is essential that Jurgen Klopp is given the funds to rebuild his midfield this summer, with major surgery required in that area of the pitch.

Despite improving of late, Fabinho and Jordan Henderson have looked past their best this season, while the likes of Thiago, Naby Keita, Curtis Jones and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are all injury-prone and/or out of contract.

Liverpool have been linked with endless midfielders, from Jude Bellingham to Matheus Nunes, and now a new target has emerged.

The Latest: Rabiot emerges as target

According to Gazzetta dello Sport [via Sport Witness], the Reds are in the race to sign Rabiot for free when his contract expires this summer, with his chances of staying at Juventus currently looking ‘slim’.

The report states ‘watch out for Liverpool’ and a decision over his future is set to be made at the end of the season.

The Verdict: Classy option?

Rabiot could be an interesting signing for Liverpool, possessing great experience which has seen him rack up 35 caps for France and start in a World Cup final.

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At 27, he is very much in his peak years and he could bring both ball retention and defensive work to the team, having averaged an 86.9% pass completion rate and 3.2 tackles per game in the Champions League this season.

Should Rabiot arrive, however, it is important that he isn’t the marquee midfield signing Liverpool crave, with Bellingham still surely the dream option who can make the biggest difference.

Instead, the Juve man should be viewed as a safe pair of hands – Andrea Pirlo has called him a ‘complete player’ in the past – who can help turn Klopp’s side’s fortunes around in the middle of the park alongside the addition of a marquee man.

Arsenal are one of the most famous clubs in world football, with the Arsene Wenger era, in particular, helping to significantly boost their popularity. During the Frenchman’s best years, the Gunners ticked every box. They had the best players, won the greatest domestic honours, as well as very nearly winning Europe’s top prize. On top of that, however, and perhaps most importantly, they played the most attractive football – a type of football that revolutionised the English game.

The fact is, when pulling on the famous shirt, a player’s popularity and stock price would rise at an incredible rate. Of course, nowadays, the effect is slightly lessened by Arsenal’s struggles on the pitch, but Mikel Arteta’s team are doing their best to overcome that, as they continue to lead the Premier League. 

With that said, we’ve ranked the 10 most famous players in Arsenal history.

10) Paul Merson 

Now working as a pundit, Paul Merson’s fame has increased significantly since retirement, but that does not mean it wasn’t a factor in his playing days, as one of Arsenal’s greatest ever players.

In total, he made 376 appearances for The Gunners, scoring 87 goals, and assisting a further 28. Meanwhile, when it came to trophies, Merson was not left short of success, winning two league titles, one FA Cup, one Community Shield, and one League Cup.

He continues to be in the spotlight too, regularly featuring for Sky as they build up to the biggest games, most recently being seen in the studio analysing the north London derby against Tottenham Hotspur.

A truly underrated player who may well have gone on too long, instead of retiring at his very best.

9) Robert Pires 

As part of the Arsenal Invincibles, Robert Pires was as famous as he was magic on the football pitch, as he played a vital role under Wenger. he won Arsenal’s Player of the Season in 2001/02, as he recorded 24 goal involvements in the Premier League in what was an incredible campaign.

He is now seen as one of the most elegant left wingers there has ever been during his time at Arsenal.

Throughout his time with the club, he scored goals, provided assists, and twisted the blood of every full-back he came up against.

Now a FIFA 23 Icon, he’s being introduced to an entire generation of new fans.

8) Lee Dixon 

Like Merson, Lee Dixon’s fame has increased since his playing days, with his work as a pundit and as a commentator on video game, FIFA, inflating his popularity.

As a player, the former right-back made 567 appearances for Arsenal, and even managed a total of 26 goals for the Gunners.

Dixon ended his career with four league titles to his name – two First Division titles and two Premier League titles – as well as three FA Cups and the European Cup Winners’ Cup.

With a trophy cabinet as heaving as that, we can’t ignore him here.

7) Martin Keown 

Continuing the theme of pundits, Martin Keown has been a constant feature on the likes of BT Sport and BBC over the years, as he continues to offer his expert opinion.

As a player, he was famous for being a hard hitting defender, as he helped Arsenal become invincible in 2004 to win the Premier League title.

He was the guaranteed starter in the backline as Arsenal were hoovering up trophies left, right, and centre.

He remains the example for new Arsenal defenders to follow.

6) David Seaman 

One of the greatest England goalkeepers of all time, David Seaman had incredible success at Arsenal and, with that, came the fame of being the Gunners’ shot-stopper.

In total, he kept 218 clean sheets for the club, and won three league titles, four FA Cups, three Community Shields, and one League Cup in what was an incredibly successful spell.

It helps that Seaman was also England’s No.1 for a prolonged period, playing for his country at a variety of major tournaments, including the World Cup.

He’s consistently seen on British television screens, both as a pundit and as a personality in different reality shows.

5) Ashley Cole 

Unlike several British actors, Ashley Cole managed to actually make it in America, which added to his already impressive fame after his trophy-filled Premier League career.

He is arguably the greatest left-back that English football has ever seen, with incredible spells at both Arsenal and Chelsea, where he won a combined total of three Premier League titles. 

Cole was also a truly elite international left-back, playing for England at a variety of major tournaments, as a member of the Golden Generation.

After leaving for Chelsea, he left a gaping hole in the Arsenal squad.

4) Dennis Bergkamp 

When we think of Dennis Bergkamp, we instantly think of THAT goal against Newcastle United. To this day, we haven’t seen that flick attempted with success again.

That goal alone has added increased fame to his name, as many associate Bergkamp with that piece of sheer genius. Simply put, he is one of the greatest players to ever play for Arsenal.

Indeed, he ended his career with 416 appearances for the Gunners, with 115 goals and 95 assists.

That’s a stunning record for a player who allied technical skill with a truly deadly eye for goal.

3) Patrick Vieira 

One of the only players who dared to stand face to face with Roy Keane, Patrick Vieira’s rivalry with his Manchester United counterpart almost summed him up as a player.

He had that necessary fire in the earlier days of the Premier League, whilst also possessing that technical elegance.

Now the Crystal Palace manager, where he is having great success, Vieira is one of the most famous players associated with Arsenal.

Just look at his trophy cabinet: he won Serie A with AC Milan before moving to the Gunners, where he won three Premier League titles and four FA Cups. After leaving, he won Serie A four more times with Inter Milan, as well as an FA Cup with Manchester City.

Oh, and he also won the World Cup and the European Championship with France. As you do.

2) Ian Wright 

Ian Wright Wright Wright may have been a late arrival to top flight football, but when he arrived, he did not waste his opportunity.

By the time he called it a day on his playing career, Wright had scored 113 Premier League goals to put him 22nd in the all time list. Now one of the best pundits around, Wright’s popularity is almost unrivalled.

At the highest level, he had real pace, technique and intensity, and was able to power the Gunners to unprecedented success.

Is it strange to say that he may well be underrated? Because he may well be underrated.

1) Thierry Henry 

Thierry Henry has that certain aura about him that only so many footballers have; an aura where even those who don’t necessarily passionately follow football know about his greatness.

He is one of the best players in football history, and the greatest player in Arsenal’s history. And, with that, comes incredible popularity and fame.

Now a pundit covering the Premier League and the Champions League, Henry won pretty much everything, and his departure from Arsenal, to join Barcelona, remains one of the most devastating transfers the Gunners have ever sanctioned.

After all, how do you replace Thierry Henry?

So, there you have it, our list of Arsenal’s most famous players of all time. Do you agree with our list? Or do you feel as though we’ve missed some players out? Let us know in the comments!

Fame and popularity has been earned by the aforementioned players, and seems to have gone hand in hand with success. Arsenal’s current crop of players, some of which are already extremely popular amongst fans, will be hoping to win the same honours and earn similar fame in the North London club’s history. 

One of the standout figures in Newcastle United’s season so far has been that of boyhood fan, Sean Longstaff, with the 25-year-old having been almost everpresent in Eddie Howe’s side after starting the last 16 Premier League games.

For all the praise afforded to the signings that have been made in the PIF regime thus far – with Bruno Guimaraes notably lauded as “magnificent” by club legend Alan Shearer – it is no doubt pleasing to see an academy product featuring week-in, week-out for the Magpies, with Longstaff having been rejuvenated following Steve Bruce’s departure from the dugout.

The 25-year-old has somewhat had to bide his time after bursting onto the scene back in 2018 during Rafa Benitez’s tenure – notably starting just 15 league games in each of the last two seasons – although is now reaping the rewards of his patience and perseverance, with three goals and three assists in 31 games across all fronts this term.

That tally includes a vital brace in the win over Southampton in the Carabao Cup semi-final, second-leg tie last month, with that clinical double sparking jubilant scenes at St James’ Park as the Tynesiders powered their way to the Wembley showpiece.

Although the final ultimately ended in disappointment, it will likely have been a welcome sight for supporters to have seen one of their own in the starting lineup on the day, with the midfield maestro having noted prior to the defeat to Manchester United that he is now “living the dream” under Howe.

The towering gem will undoubtedly be a shining example to those in the youth ranks who are able to see that there is a possible pathway into the senior set-up, with the aim now to see just who can emulate the North Shields native and be the next breakout star.

Who is Nathan Carlyon?

An ideal candidate to follow in the footsteps of the current Newcastle gem is fellow midfielder Nathan Carlyon, with the 20-year-old having previously outlined his admiration for Longstaff – as well as his brother Matty – after signing a new deal back in July 2021:

“Sean and Matty have done everything that I set out to do. From young lads in the academy all the way through to taking their chance in the first-team.

“I always want every Newcastle player to do well but even more so the players who come through the academy. Both brothers are idols and hopefully one day I can be in the same squad/team as them.

The Durham-born starlet – who can be deployed in the centre of the park or at full-back if required – has been on the club’s books since the age of nine, with it likely to be something of a dream to be able to force his way into the first-team fold.

While the Englishman has been unable to make that step-up as yet, the promising youngster has been a regular fixture at U21 level of late, having made 14 appearances in the Premier League 2 so far this season.

The versatile ace has had a taste of life up against senior opposition after featuring twice in the EFL Trophy earlier in the campaign, notably recording 2.5 tackles and one interception per game in the competition – albeit from a full-back berth.

Howe and co would likely benefit from being able to utilise such an adaptable figure, while the midfield department does appear particularly stretched at present, following Jonjo Shelvey’s exit last month.

As such, it may not be long before Carlyon is potentially lining up alongside Longstaff at St James’ Park.

Arsenal fans have slammed the news that the FA are investigating their celebrations after Reiss Nelson’s late winner against Bournemouth.

The Lowdown: Investigation

Nelson’s last-minute winner in the 3-2 victory over Bournemouth sparked wild celebrations from the home side as they came back from 2-0 down to get all three points.

They kept themselves five points clear at the top of the table, with Manchester City beating Newcastle United 2-0 in the earlier kick-off.

However, it has been reported that the FA are investigating those celebrations as Arsenal players and staff ran onto the pitch, with referee Chris Kavanagh noting it to the governing body.

The Latest: Arsenal fans fuming

Taking to Twitter after the update was shared, Arsenal fans voiced their fume over the decision to investigate their celebrations:

“This is getting embarrassing now, the FA and it’s officials clearly can’t cope with us doing well and us overcoming everything they throw our way.” – @SimplyScalvini

“This has got to be a wind up.” – @Hugojha23

“The agenda is real TBH.” – @taophyc_AFC

“This is madness.” – @kendrickmclare1

“They are corrupt. They’re issuing out fines because we hurt their feelings. It’s disgusting.” – @marco4549

“Incredible this. After 3 penalties not given. A goal awarded that should have been ruled out and loads of time wasting, the ref reports this.” – @TheCockneyTurk

The Verdict: Enjoy the moment!

The Gunners needed to enjoy the moment of Nelson’s shot hitting the back of the net, which was the difference between three points and just one.

The goal could be a vital moment in the title race, and one that they look back on if they win the Premier League.

We have to be careful not to take the emotional side of out of the game, and so the FA and Kavanagh need to apply a little bit of common sense here.

Arsenal are reportedly battling Premier League and London rivals Chelsea to sign 15-year-old Birmingham City gem Trevan Sanusi.

The Lowdown: Sanusi profiled

Sanusi is a young attacking prospect who has been capped by England at both U15 and U16 level.

He scored the opening goal of the Development Tournament that the U16s won in late February, and has travelled with Birmingham’s senior matchday squads despite his age.

Nonetheless, Sanusi could follow in the path of English superstar Jude Bellingham, who came through at Birmingham before moving to Bundesliga heavyweights Borussia Dortmund.

The Latest: Arsenal interest

As per Football Insider, Arsenal are battling Chelsea to sign Sanusi, who has rejected offers of a scholarship contract from Birmingham, and wants to leave once he turns 16 in April.

The Gunners are ‘hot on the trail’ of the youngster, but the Blues are currently in ‘pole position’ to land his signature.

Sanusi has been ‘closely watched’ by scouts from the Premier League, who have given ‘rave reviews’ of his performances, with the versatile forward a ‘prolific scorer and creator’ at youth level.

The Verdict: Get it done

With Chelsea leading the race for Sanusi, the Gunners need to step up their interest in order to try and snatch his signature.

Journalist Joaquin Guimaraens has hailed him as a ‘creative’ player with an ‘overwhelming ability to dribble’, and has likened him to Chelsea and England star Raheem Sterling.

Plenty of English talent have come through the Hale End Academy over the years, like current first-teamers Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe and Eddie Nketiah, and Sanusi could be next in line should he move to the Emirates Stadium.

The mood at Chelsea has shifted from overwhelming pessimism to fruitful optimism in one week, with Stamford Bridge overseeing two pivotal victories against Leeds United in the Premier League and Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League, with the latter advancing the Blues to the quarter-finals.

Graham Potter had led his side to a dismal run of two victories from 15 matches across all competitions before the succession of wins, with Chelsea still mired in the mediocrity of tenth place in the league, an alarming 11 points adrift of Tottenham Hotspur in fourth.

With a trip to the King Power Stadium to face Leicester City forthcoming this afternoon, with the Foxes two points above the relegation zone and desperate for a slice of respite, the west London outfit will need to ensure the recent good fortune emerges as a timely purple patch to lay the foundation for a run of form that can be sustained over the business end of the campaign, after money was pumped in on the transfer front this January by affluent owner Todd Boehly.

Reece James is expected to be absent due to injury, while Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Raheem Sterling – who netted against the Yellow Wall earlier this week – are also sidelined.

How will Chelsea line up against Leicester?

With this in mind, here is the predicted line-up that Football FanCast expects Potter to field for the crucial clash, with as many as three alterations from the preceding winning formula.

(3-4-3) (GK) Kepa; (CB) Fofana, (CB) Koulibaly, (CB) Badiashile; (RWB) Loftus-Cheek, (CM) Kovacic, (CM) Fernandez, (LWB) Chilwell; (RW) Ziyech, (CF) Havertz, (LW) Felix.

Kepa Arrizabalaga will continue to deputise between the sticks, having kept four clean sheets from his past seven league outings.

At the back, Benoit Badiashile could return after being omitted from the Champions League squad after his £35m winter arrival, with summer signings Wesley Fofana and Kalidou Koulibaly completing the back three; £60m summer signing Marc Cucurella might start this one on the bench, having been lauded as “top level” by Fabrizio Romano for his display in midweek, to rest.

With James not expected to feature, Ruben Loftus-Cheek may well adopt the role down the right flank, with Cesar Azpilicueta’s status still unknown following his concussion three weeks ago; Ben Chilwell will hope to impress once more on the alternate side following his good form.

In the centre, Mateo Kovacic and Enzo Fernandez will hope to nurture their collective understanding, respective skill sets seeming to meld well since the Croatian’s return from injury, interestingly coinciding with the upswing in form.

With Sterling injured, Hakim Ziyech might be deployed on the right wing, with £10m loan signing Joao Felix bringing dynamic flair on the left.

Up front, Kai Havertz will hope to build upon his goalscoring performance against Dortmund several days ago, with his seven seasonal strikes the joint-highest in the Chelsea squad.

Tottenham are ‘above all’ suitors in the race to sign Barcelona forward Ferran Torres, according to reports in Italy.

The Lowdown: Spurs eye Torres move…

The former Man City star has been sporadically linked with a move to north London in recent months as sporting director Fabio Paratici reportedly makes transfer plans behind-the-scenes.

This summer could be an absolutely huge one for Spurs as there are currently many plates spinning – namely the future of Antonio Conte, Harry Kane’s contract, who could replace goalkeeper Hugo Lloris and Spurs’ hunt for a centre-half.

Conte has been tipped to leave the club at the end of his current contract, which is set to expire later this year, and many names like Mauricio Pochettino, Roberto De Zerbi, Luis Enrique, Thomas Tuchel, Marco Silva and Thomas Frank have been linked to the job.

Amid this situation, Spurs also have to contemplate who they could sign for any proposed new manager, with Italian sources sharing news on Torres.

The Latest: Spurs ‘above all’ in race for Torres…

According to Calciomercato.it, via Sport Witness, Tottenham are in fact ‘above all’ suitors in the race for Spain’s international forward.

Pep Guardiola’s former starlet is thought to be attracting serious interest from Spurs and Serie A giants Juventus, but it is the Lilywhites who have apparently taken an out-of-window step.

It is believed Spurs have ‘come forward prematurely’ for Torres ahead of the summer – which presumably means an approach of some sort has been made.

Calciomercato don’t go into much detail beyond this but it appears Tottenham are out in front.

The Verdict: Great player…

The 23-year-old is a player of real promise, even if he hasn’t exactly been in the form of his life for Barcelona this season.

Scoring just two goals in 22 La Liga appearances over 22/23, Torres is perhaps stifled by the major competition he faces to gain a consistent place under Xavi.

The Catalans boss has held the versatile winger in high esteem, though, calling him ‘world class’ last year in a statement to the media.

Xavi said:

“Perhaps Ferran has surprised me the most. He’s a player on another level, he’s spectacular: how he understands the space, links play, doesn’t lose the ball, his defensive work… he’s world-class.

“He’s a great signing, one I wanted, and a wonderful footballer.” 

This is a glowing endorsement from one of the best Spanish midfielders in history, and still young, Torres could yet improve.

A lot could come down to price tag and whether Barca are willing to part ways with the former Valencia star, but one thing is for certain, there is incentive for Spurs to make a move.

Chelsea are one of a number of sides across Europe interested in signing AC Milan star Rafael Leao this summer and the winger's potential arrival at Stamford Bridge could see Graham Potter ditch January flop Mykhailo Mudryk.

Could Chelsea sign Rafael Leao?

Chelsea have long been linked with signing the former Lille forward, with the Blues reportedly offering €70m (£62m) during the World Cup in Qatar.

However, should the Blues retain their interest heading into the summer, they could be forced to shell out the 23-year-old's mighty €150m (£132m) release clause.

It has been another impressive campaign from the Portugal international, as he boasts eight goals and six assists in just 25 Serie A appearances, with WhoScored awarding him an impressive average rating of 7.07.

He has also caught the eye with his performances in the Champions League, as his one goal and two assists have helped Stefano Pioli's side reach the quarter-finals, where they will face Italian top-flight leaders Napoli next month.

For context, the top-performing player in Potter's squad this season, of those to make at least ten Premier League appearances, has been Reece James, and he also has a 7.07 average rating from WhoScored, which emphasises the quality Leao could add at Stamford Bridge next season, particularly in the attacking areas where the Blues have struggled.

Former England manager Fabio Capello lauded the pacy winger when on Sky Sports earlier this month, comparing him to PSG superstar Kylian Mbappe.

He said, via OneFootball: “Another important thing: he worries the opponents. He is one of the few players in Europe today who goes off easily in one-on-one situations. In terms of speed and quickness, he is like Mbappé."

Considering the France international is regarded as one of the best young footballers in the world, winning the golden boot in Qatar after a hat-trick in the final, Chelsea would surely be foolish to turn down a similar player this summer, no matter the cost for Todd Boehly.

If the left-winger were to arrive at Stamford Bridge, it would surely limit the chances of fellow youngster Mudryk, who has struggled since signing from Shakhtar Donetsk in the January transfer window for a mammoth £88.5m fee, signing a ridiculous eight-and-a-half-year deal.

In total, the 22-year-old has managed no goals and one assist in seven appearances for his new side, averaging a shockingly bad 6.26 rating from WhoScored for his performances in the Premier League.

It would be a ruthless decision by Potter to consider dropping the Ukrainian youngster so early into his Chelsea career but he has done little so far to justify his price and for that sort of money, he needed to come in and have an immediate impact at Stamford Bridge.

Leao has consistently produced in Italy's top flight in recent seasons and could be a big upgrade on Mudryk if Boehly can prise the Portuguese forward away from the San Siro this summer.

Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth has shared an update on Tottenham Hotspur's chances of re-hiring former Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino.

Could Pochettino re-join Spurs?

The Argentine has been heavily linked with a move back to Spurs, even before the club mutually agreed to part company with Antonio Conte earlier this week. The Premier League top four hopefuls are believed to be interested in re-uniting with Pochettino, coming nearly four years after he was originally sacked by chairman Daniel Levy.

Indeed, the former Paris-Saint Germain boss is believed to among the main contenders to take over at Tottenham, alongside the likes of Julian Nagelsmann, who was recently fired by Bayern Munich, and ex-Spain coach Luis Enrique.

Those are just the candidates out-of-work and reports suggest that the north Londoners could also move for another free agent in former Real Madrid head coach Zinedine Zidane. Pochettino, however, stands out as a very interesting link given both his affinity for the club and popularity with Spurs supporters.

Sections of the Lilywhites fan base have been pictured singing his name as they call for Pochettino's sensational return to Tottenham, with Sky journalist Dharmesh Sheth now sharing what he knows on the matter. Sheth says that the 51-year-old will wait until the summer to make a decision, especially with Real Madrid linked.

He explained to GiveMeSport:

“Pochettino has been approached by Real Madrid twice before, once when he was with Tottenham and once with Paris-Saint Germain.

"But because he was under contract at both clubs, he couldn't even talk to Real Madrid officially and take on that job.

"This time, he's in a position where he's not in a job and probably why he wants to take his time. He's taken his time to get back into football since losing his job at PSG.

"I wonder whether he'll wait until the summer – because that's the information we're getting now – to see if it's not just Tottenham who would be interested in him and whether Real Madrid would come back in."

Should Tottenham re-hire Poch?

Called a 'genius' by former Spurs players, it is no secret that Pochettino is a popular figure in north London – especially after his work on a shoe-string budget and guiding them to a Champions League final in 2019.

The former Southampton boss also has a league title under his belt from his time at PSG, potentially growing as a coach in the process.

While there could be some reservations around going backwards so to speak, there are few other managers in world football who know Spurs as much as Pochettino and his status as a free agent makes this move a very attractive one for Levy.