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Newcastle United are keen on completing the signing of an “elite” attacking player in January, but they face competition from another Premier League club.

International boss makes demand to Eddie Howe

Nick Woltemade has come in as an exciting summer signing for the Magpies, looking to help fill the void left by the departed Alexander Isak.

The striker is expected to be a key man for Newcastle alongside fellow new signing Yoane Wissa, and speaking to the media during the international break, Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann has asked for Eddie Howe to use Woltemade regularly, in order to aid his development.

“I’m happy when they play a lot of games and get a lot of minutes, that’s the most important thing for me. It’s not ideal for the German Bundesliga that the best German players are moving to England. But that’s how it is. It’s kind of normal at this period of time.

“Flo is already one of the most important players for us. Nick is, too and will be in the future. I hope Nick will play regularly at Newcastle so he can develop in the right way. If they do, then they will play a big role for us.”

While Woltemade and Wissa have added a huge amount of quality to Newcastle’s attack, it looks as though another exciting player could be a target in the near future, potentially adding to the competition for minutes.

Newcastle eyeing "elite" attacker in January

According to a new report from LaRoma24, Newcastle are interested in signing Roma attacker Artem Dovbyk in the January window. The 28-year-old is also wanted by fellow Premier League side Leeds United, however, in what could become an auction for the target man’s signature.

Dovbyk could come in as a proven player at a high level, with the Ukrainian in his peak years, having scored 11 goals for the Ukraine national side and earning a nomination in the top 30 of the Ballon d’Or rankings last year.

That international tally is more than Woltemade and Wissa have netted for Germany and DR Congo combined, with the Roma ace being lauded as both “elite” and “fantastic” by Zach Lowy.

Dovbyk is primarily a centre forward, so there is an argument to say that he isn’t needed because of Woltemade and Wissa already joining Newcastle this summer, but more depth can never be a bad thing, and the former is still a young player learning his trade.

Newcastle now plot January bid to sign £40m striker who Alan Shearer loves

He averaged a goal involvement every other game last season.

ByCallum Kemp Sep 8, 2025

The Roma striker could come straight in as a proven top-level player for the Magpies, looking to make his mark in both the Premier League and the Champions League.

When it rains, it pours, and that is certainly the case for Arsenal Football Club.

Fans were still coming to terms with the news that the incredible Eberechi Eze is almost certainly set to join Tottenham Hotspur when David Ornstein revealed that Kai Havertz has suffered a knee injury and could be out for months.

The news does help to explain the recent improvement of Leandro Trossard’s contract, but even with the Belgian on better terms, the German’s absence is a massive blow.

Fortunately, reports have linked the club with an international game-changer who could be the perfect solution to Mikel Arteta’s latest headache.

Arsenal target perfect Havertz replacement

It has been an interesting summer of business for Arsenal this year.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

While the club have certainly improved the bench and made a couple of first-team additions in Viktor Gyokeres and Martin Zubimendi, there is a strong sentiment among the fans that they are still short in attacking areas.

This has only been intensified following the news that Havertz could be out for a significant period.

However, in good news, the North Londoners now appear to be eyeing a move for someone who could come in and cover for the German international.

At least that is according to a recent report from Graeme Bailey, who has claimed Arsenal are in the picture for Ademola Lookman.

In fact, Bailey has revealed that following the collapse of his move to Inter Milan, the Nigerian international’s camp have been in talks with several teams, including the Gunners.

Moreover, with a reported price tag of around £43m, it might not be too difficult a deal to get over the line, and given Lookman’s immense ability, he’d be the perfect solution to this Havertz problem.

Why Lookman would be an excellent solution to Havertz's injury

The first major positive to signing Lookman this summer is the fact that he can play anywhere across the frontline.

For example, while he spent much of last season playing up top, or as a second striker, he’s totally comfortable playing off either wing and has even spent some time in attacking midfield before.

This would be hugely important in this team, as he’d be able to play second fiddle to Gyokeres up top, while also then providing genuine competition with every other attacker in the squad, making sure they don’t fall below a certain standard and then replacing them if they do.

That brings us to the second reason the former Everton flop would be an exceptional signing for the Gunners: his output.

Since moving to the Serie A side in August 2022, the “world-class” attacker, as dubbed by the BBC’s John Bennett, has scored a brilliant 52 goals and provided 25 assists in 118 appearances, totalling 7538 minutes.

Appearances

33

45

40

Minutes

1858′

2809′

2871′

Goals

15

17

20

Assists

8

10

7

Goal Involvements per Match

0.69

0.60

0.67

Minutes per Goal Involvement

80.78′

104.03′

106.33

That means the Wandsworth-born game-changer has averaged a goal involvement every 1.53 games or every 97.89 minutes on the continent, which is an outrageous rate of return.

Moreover, with a match-winning hat-trick against Xabi Alonso’s then-unbeaten Bayer Leverkusen in the 2024 Europa League final, there would be no need to worry about how he’d fare in the biggest games and on the biggest stages.

Ultimately, even without Havertz’s injury, Lookman would be an excellent signing for Arsenal, but in light of German’s setback, it feels like a necessity.

Arsenal could help Saka hit Salah levels with late bid for £100m "machine"

The incredible international would help Saka reach Salah levels at Arsenal.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Aug 20, 2025

Fair to say, the start to this season has not gone as West Ham United supporters would’ve hoped.

After two rounds of Premier League games, the Hammers sit rock bottom of the table, having been smashed 3-0 by Sunderland and then 5-1 when Chelsea visited the London Stadium last Friday night. Tuesday’s Carabao Cup defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers has only further soured the mood.

Things don’t get much easier either, with the Irons travelling to Nottingham Forest on Sunday, before hosting fierce rivals Tottenham Hotspur after the international break.

Having won just five of 20 league matches in charge, the pressure is intensifying on manager Graham Potter, so he’ll be desperate to bolster his squad before Monday’s deadline, seemingly targeting midfield reinforcements.

All change in West Ham's midfield

Since the sale of Declan Rice to Arsenal for £105m two summers ago, West Ham’s midfield has lacked quality.

Using some of that money, the Hammers signed Edson Álvarez, but the Mexican joined Fenerbahçe on a season-long loan last week, underlining that this transfer was not a success.

Now without him, Tomáš Souček and James Ward-Prowse started against Chelsea, while Guido Rodríguez and Andy Irving remained unused substitutes, which emphasises the real dearth of talent at Potter’s disposal, still searching for Rice’s true replacement.

Well, it appears as though West Ham are going to bolster their midfield options, close to signing Soungoutou Magassa from Monaco for a reported fee of €20m (around £17m).

The 21-year-old has, to date, made 57 appearances for the Ligue 1 side, his performances earning rave reviews.

Jacek Kulig of Football Talent Scout labels him “elegant” and the “complete midfielder” praising his “passing, tackling, positioning and athleticism”.

That certainly sounds promising doesn’t it, but could West Ham look to provide the Frenchman with a dream midfield partner?

West Ham chasing another midfielder

As reported earlier this week, West Ham are interested in signing Lorenzo Pellegrini from Roma before the deadline, with the player valued at around £9m.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

The 29-year-old has less than one year remaining on his contract with the Giallorossi, and is not in the plans of new manager Gian Piero Gasperini, hence why sporting director Frederic Massara stated “Pellegrini will leave… we won’t extend his contract and we are looking for a solution not to lose him as free agent”.

Despite seemingly being bombed out by boyhood club Roma, Pellegrini, who first joined la Lupi as an 11-year-old, has been a key figure at the Stadio Olimpico for many a year.

Aside from a two-year sojourn at Sassuolo between 2015 and 2017, the midfielder is a one-club man, accumulating 316 appearances for Roma, scoring 55 goals and registering 59 assists, captaining them to Conference League glory in 2022.

As they seek to force him out, Pellegrini was not involved in Saturday night’s Serie A opener against Bologna, but was a key figure last season, accumulating 34 appearances, starting 20 league matches and five times in the Europa League, with only eight outfield players seeing more minutes across all competitions.

Ivan Jurić, who was briefly in charge of Roma for 12 games last season, asserted that Pellegrini “moves like a god”, earning plenty of high praise from other former head coaches too.

José Mourinho claims that he “can do it all”, Daniele De Rossi adds that he “is one of the best players we have in Italy”, while Claudio Ranieri believes he has managed two “phenomenal” midfielders in his career, naming Frank Lampard and Pellegrini.

So, how does the Italian compare to the gold standard of West Ham midfielders – Rice?

Let’s compare the duo to find out.

Appearances

29

37

Minutes

1,866

3,272

Goals

8

4

Assists

3

2

All stats below are on a per-90 basis:

Shots

1.6

0.8

Chances created

1.8

1

Big chances created

0.24

0.08

Passes completed

30.8

50.5

Passing completion %

83%

88%

Tackles

1.7

2.2

Duels contested

10.3

7.9

Duels success %

48%

59%

Interceptions

1

1.8

Ball recoveries

4.7

9.2

Touches

56.6

71.3

Average Sofascore rating

7.17

7.19

The table compares Pellegrini’s statistics from the 2023/24 campaign, last season set aside due to lack of minutes, with Rice’s final year at West Ham, 2022/23.

That aside, the numbers unsurprisingly show Rice is the more impressive all-round midfielder, hence why he’s the one who moved for £105m.

However, the Italian is more of a goal that, registering more goals and assists, as well as more shots and chances created on a per-90 basis.

Thus, while Rice’s passing and out-of-possession statistics are superior, Pellegrini’s are mostly not too far behind, especially when it comes to duels, underlining that he could compete at Premier League level.

Given his statistics, and rave reviews from numerous former coaches, the Italian international would surely improve West Ham’s sluggish midfield options and, at just £9m, he could prove to be an absolute bargain.

When compared to Magassa, who has scored just one goal in his senior career, Pellegrini would appear to be the perfect partner, with the Frenchman staying back and doing the defensive dirty work, allowing the Italian to get forward and be creative.

Fernandes upgrade: West Ham submit offer to sign "world-class" star

The international veteran would be an excellent signing for West Ham.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Aug 26, 2025

A “great” Liverpool player has now reportedly held talks with a foreign club’s sporting director over a summer move there, with a four-year deal being offered to him.

Liverpool handed potential fresh Isak boost

The Reds have had a summer transfer window to remember, with the likes of Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez hopefully taking them to new heights under Arne Slot.

After smashing their transfer record on Wirtz, Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak has now emerged as Liverpool’s next dream target, although the Magpies are refusing to budge currently after rejecting an opening offer for the Swede.

A new update from The Athletic‘s David Ornstein does claim that Isak is “adamant he will not play for Newcastle again”, however, adding that even if he stays put at St James’ Park, he has “no wish to reintegrate” with his teammates.

This acts as a boost to Liverpool, who clearly still want to sign the 25-year-old, but the coming weeks have the potential to be unpredictable, as the Premier League champions consider a second offer, hoping that the Magpies’ stance softens at the same time.

While plenty of focus is on Isak, and a possible new centre-back signing, a new claim has dropped regarding the future of a current Reds player.

"Great" Liverpool player in talks with foreign club

According to a new report from Caught Offside, Liverpool midfielder Harvey Elliott’s move to RB Leipzig this summer could be edging closer, with the Reds wanting £47m with a buyback option or £56m without during discussions.

The Bundesliga club have now offered the 22-year-old a four-year contract, and it is claimed that “manager Ole Werner and sporting director Marcel Schafer have already held direct talks with the player, outlining their vision for him to become a central figure in the team’s attack-minded system.”

Elliott is a popular figure at Liverpool, helped by the fact that he grew up supporting the Reds, but now feels like the right time for him to enjoy a new challenge, and the report says he is open to an Anfield exit.

The Englishman isn’t a regular starter under Slot, and that won’t change unless there are serious injury problems, and he has reached a point in his career where he needs to be playing week in, week out.

Elliott could be a great signing for Leipzig, and an ideal potential replacement for Xavi Simons, as the report alludes to, with former Liverpool man Joe Cole hailing him earlier this summer.

“I love the kid, he plays football the right way. I am excited for his future. He has done a great job for Liverpool, but if he decides to move on, there are levels to move on again. That passion, he can show every week.”

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Whether Leipzig agree to a buyback option remains to be seen, but even if they don’t, this is the right time for Liverpool to sanction Elliott’s exit, allowing him to kick on elsewhere, not to mention ensuring the Reds receive good money for him.

After his four first-innings wickets, Abbott claims 3 for 11 as Somerset slump

ECB Reporters Network27-Sep-2024Kyle Abbott wreaked more havoc on Somerset’s batting as Hampshire assumed a dominant position on the second day of the Vitality County Championship Division One game at Taunton.The visitors gained a first-innings lead of 60 in the battle for runners-up spot by extending their overnight score of 62 for 5 to 196 all out, Toby Albert making 77 and Jack Leach claiming 5 for 52.Then Abbott went to work, following his four first-innings victims with 3 for 11 as Somerset slumped to 60 for 4 by stumps on another rain-shortened day. The 37-year-old seamer has now taken 67 wickets against them during his prolific career, more than against any other county.Heavy rain overnight and morning drizzle meant a major mopping up job for groundstaff and an early lunch was taken at 12.15pm. After two pitch inspections, play eventually got underway at 12.55pm.Somerset surprisingly began with seam bowling at both ends, but when left-arm spinner Leach was introduced with the total on 76 for 5, his second ball saw Felix Organ, on 12, edge to Kasey Aldridge at second slip.Albert, who had been dropped before scoring by Aldridge on day one, moved to an immensely valuable 116-ball half-century, with five fours. Normally one of Somerset’s best fielders, Aldridge was at fault again when spilling a straightforward chance at square leg, offered by Ben Brown on 10.Albert hit straight sixes off Leach and Shoaib Bashir as the seventh-wicket partnership with Brown prospered and took Hampshire into the lead before the opener’s 162-ball innings ended, caught behind flashing at a delivery from Aldridge.Brown departed for 35, caught at backward point, aiming to reverse sweep Leach, to make it 159 for 8. But Somerset’s hopes of restricting the lead suffered a blow when Bashir dropped Abbott at mid-on off Leach.On 2 at the time, Abbott went on to score 18 before driving a catch to short cover off Lewis Gregory. James Fuller then hit Archie Vaughan for six over long-on before perishing in the same over, caught at deep extra cover for a rapid 25, aiming another big hit.Somerset had paid dearly for dropping three catches. But soon they were benefitting from one as Tom Lammonby escaped a low chance to third slip in Abbott’s first over. It didn’t prove costly for Hampshire, however, as Lammonby fell for only a single, edging a catch behind off Mohammad Abbas.Soon Abbott was wielding his customary spell over Somerset. Bowling from the River End, he pinned Vaughan lbw for 25 and then induced edges from Andy Umeed and Tom Abell, who both fell to slip catches as their side stumbled to 38 for 4, still 22 runs behind.Tom Kohler-Cadmore picked up a delivery from left-arm spinner Liam Dawson over mid-wicket for six as 16 runs were added before a short rain break, which saw eight overs lost when play resumed at 5.20pm.Only 2.2 had been bowled when another heavy shower sent the players off again, Somerset just having written off the first-innings deficit. A downpour followed and the umpires abandoned play for the day at 5.45pm.

Leeds United are increasingly interested in signing an “underrated” £17 million midfielder this summer, according to a recent report.

Leeds chasing multiple targets

Premier League teams are slowly starting to return to pre-season training, and Daniel Farke will be pleased to already have Jaka Bijol, Lukas Nmecha and Sebastiaan Bornauw a part of his squad, but the German will be hoping his club can get a few more deals over the line this week as preparations for the new campaign get underway.

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Leeds United are reportedly interested in signing a star who would be even better than Gabriel Gudmundsson.

2 ByDan Emery Jul 7, 2025

Signing a new goalkeeper has become somewhat of a priority for the Yorkshire side, as Illan Meslier’s future at the club looks to be over. Aaron Ramsdale and Nick Pope have been identified as potential targets for the Whites, something that “excites” former number one Paul Robinson.

However, they are not the only options Leeds are considering, as according to The Guardian, Leeds have held talks to sign Lucas Perri from Olympique Lyon. The shot-stopper could be allowed to leave the French club for a cut-price deal amid their financial turmoil.

Meanwhile, Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio has reported that the Whites have contacted Torino over a potential deal for Vanja Milinkovic-Savic, who could be available for just £17 million.

Stach "considering" Elland Road move as Leeds interest grows

As well as scouring the market for a new goalkeeper, the Premier League newcomers are also in the market for midfield reinforcements, and according to German outlet Kicker, Leeds have been gifted a boost in their pursuit of Anton Stach from TSG Hoffenheim.

The report states his performances for the Bundesliga side last season have caught the attention of several teams across Europe, and while Stach is not open about wanting to leave Hoffenheim, he is “considering” Elland Road.

This comes after Graeme Bailey revealed Leeds’ connections with Red Bull should give them the edge in the Premier League when it comes to signing Stach, who has been dubbed “underrated” in the past.

Bailey said: “He’s on the list, I’m told. Hoffenheim are not keen for him to go. Leeds aren’t the only ones interested, from what I’m told. A very good player, and obviously through Red Bull, Leeds are well-versed on him.

Apps

71

Goals

4

Assists

6

“They’re ahead of many other Premier League teams when it comes to German-based talent. So, it’s not a surprise, you know; it’s not going to be a huge surprise. If there’s a good one, Leeds know all about it.”

Even though Bailey has stated that Hoffenheim are not actively looking to sell Stach this summer, it’s been reported that he could be available for £17 million.

His potential arrival at Elland Road could see him fight Ilia Gruev for a place, who was very important for Farke last season. Competition in the middle of the park is never a bad thing in a long and gruelling season.

Arsenal are reportedly garnering serious belief that they could seal a major deal pretty soon, with Mikel Arteta and Andrea Berta continuing their business behind-the-scenes ahead of a pivotal Premier League campaign.

Arsenal trying to convince £55m ace to join, Arteta is speaking to him

The Gunners boss is getting involved.

ByEmilio Galantini Jul 4, 2025

The north Londoners missed out on the title to Liverpool by some distance last season, which was partly down to injuries to key attacking players, but their lack of cutting edge in the final third was also a key factor.

Arsenal netted just 69 Premier League goals, a far cry from the 91 and 88 they’d scored in the previous two campaigns, with Berta and co working to bolster their attacking options as a result.

The Gunners appear to be targeting two wingers (Fabrizio Romano), with Arsenal holding talks over a deal for Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze, who could arrive in a separate deal to the likes of Chelsea winger Noni Madueke or Real Madrid forward Rodrygo.

Madueke is being considered by Arsenal and Rodrygo is believed to be a “dream” target for Arteta (Ben Jacobs), but supporters are especially keen for the club to end their drawn-out search for a prolific number nine.

RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres have both been repeatedly linked with moves to Arsenal in that regard, with an update now coming to light on the latter.

Arsenal growing in confidence they'll sign Viktor Gyokeres

The 27-year-old is reported by some to have already agreed a five-year contract at Arsenal (Sacha Tavolieri), as discussions remain ongoing with Sporting to compromise on a fee.

Now, as per journalist Pete O’Rourke, Arsenal are growing in belief they’ll sign Gyokeres, and he’s currently the striker in pole position to join Arteta’s side before deadline day.

“My understanding is that his representatives were in Portugal for showdown talks with Sporting Lisbon to try and thrash this deal out,” he told Football Insider.

“There is a growing optimism from his side and from Arsenal that they can get it over the line. The Sweden international has been one of Arsenal’s top targets this summer.

“Gyokeres is the clear favourite now to make that move to the Emirates Stadium. There’s been a bit of an ongoing row between Gyokeres and Sporing in recent weeks.

“It’s been claimed he could go on strike because he feels they’ve gone back on a gentleman’s agreement to let him leave for below his release clause. No deal is done until it’s done, but there is a growing optimism Arsenal are finally going to get Gyokeres as their new number nine next season.

“It’s just a matter of trying to thrash out a fee with Sporting. It would be a huge signing for Arsenal because that’s an area that has been lacking under Arteta.”

Gyokeres bagged an incredible 54 goals in all competitions for Sporting last season, guiding Rui Borges’ men to a first domestic double in two decades, and his ruthlessness in front of goal is exactly what Arsenal were crying out for in 2024/2025.

However, the price will be a major sticking point, and it is believed Arsenal want to sign Gyokeres for around £60 million – a figure reportedly below the Swede’s current valuation of £69 million.

Celtic are beginning to probe in the summer window and could turn to someone who is a familiar face in the eyes of Brendan Rodgers as they strengthen from middle to front, according to a report.

Celtic return for Kieran Tierney kickstarts summer business

The Bhoys have already recruited Kieran Tierney as a statement addition this month and more signings are expected to follow as building for next campaign enters full view.

Speaking after confirmation that the Scotland international is back in Glasgow, Scott Brown believes Tierney could become the next Celtic captain if he manages to hit the ground running during his second spell.

He explained: “It’s probably the best move Celtic’s made. Looking at Kieran, Brendan Rodgers got the best out of him before, he knows what he’s like.

“I’m sure he probably tried to sign him when he was down at Leicester as well. You can see longer term, Kieran will probably be next Celtic captain.”

Ending a long wait for what will become an emotional reunion, Rodgers could look to bring Motherwell midfielder Lennon Miller to Celtic as links continue to persist following the 18-year-old’s sparkling debut for Scotland against Liechtenstein.

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BySean Markus Clifford Jun 11, 2025

Fulham striker Callum Osmand will also arrive at the Bhoys for training compensation, emphasising the Bhoys’ commitment to landing value for money in the market.

Free or nominal transfers may not be the most glamorous mode of operation, but there are plenty of exciting stars out there who don’t cost the earth in the grand scheme of things.

Leaning into that theme a little further, Celtic have now turned their attenton to a versatile star who is known to Rodgers that could strengthen their pool of options.

Celtic plotting move for Fousseni Diabaté

According to Africa Foot, Celtic are tracking Lausanne Sport star Fousseni Diabaté amid his availability on a free transfer once his contract expires at the Swiss Super League outfit.

Intriguingly, the Mali international was previously at Leicester City and was labelled a “talent” by Hoops boss Rodgers despite being out on loan while the Irishman was in charge at the King Power Stadium.

Fousseni Diabate in 2024/25 – all competitions

Appearances

40

Goals

8

Assists

9

Capable of playing on either flank or as an attacking midfielder, newly-promoted Ligue 1 outfit Paris FC have emerged as another serious contender for his signature, though they will be joined by several other European clubs in the hunt for his services.

Lausanne have offered a two-year extension to Diabate in an attempt to retain his services. Nevertheless, he isn’t keen on penning a new deal, which could pave the way for a bargain swoop from the Bhoys to land the 29-year-old.

One or two wingers will be necessary after Jota was ruled out for several months due to injury, so it is intriguing to see that Celtic are doing their due diligence on that front.

Looking ahead towards the summer transfer window, Aston Villa have now reportedly launched a mega move to sign a Ligue 1 midfielder who could become the perfect partner for Youri Tielemans.

Tielemans receives Team of the Year recognition

Having struggled to nail down a starting place at Villa Park in the early days under Unai Emery, Youri Tielemans was in danger of becoming a nearly man, having been touted for incredible things when he departed Belgium to join Leicester back in 2019. The season of 2024/25 has been the year of the Belgian at the heart of Villa’s midfield, however, and he is now undeniably crucial to Emery’s side.

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ByJoe Nuttall May 21, 2025

The 28-year-old has finally reached the potential that many tipped him to reach many moons ago, and even earned his way into Jamie Carragher’s Team of the Season to recognise that on Monday Night Football.

Emery is well aware of Tielemans’ importance these days too, having told reporters in April: “He’s a guy who can pick up balls and make the team play, but also break up play just as easily. It’s a joy to play with him—and very easy.”

Finding the perfect partner for the former Leicester man hasn’t been quite as easy, though. Amadou Onana initially got off to an impressive start, but injury setbacks remain a concern even though he is undeniably a potential world class player at his best.

Boubacar Kamara has also faced spells on the sidelines throughout his time in the Midlands. The fact is that Tielemans has been the consistent face at the heart of Villa’s side, as they have continued to fight for a place in the Champions League. And they must hand the Belgian a partner with similar consistency.

Aston Villa launch mega Diarra move

One target who could be perfect for that role comes in Ligue 1. According to reporter Mohamed Toubache-Ter, as relayed by Get French Football News, Aston Villa have now launched a mega move to sign Habib Diarra from Strasbourg, who will allow their captain to leave if the right offer arrives this summer.

The 21-year-old, like the majority of his teammates, has enjoyed an impressive season under Liam Rosenior and could now be on the move as a result. Already a leader despite his tender age, Diarra ticks a number of crucial boxes needed to partner Tielemans at the centre of Emery’s strongest side.

Starts

30

35

Progressive Passes

4.44

7.03

Progressive Carries

2.34

1.17

Ball Recoveries

3.45

4.35

Whilst the numbers show just how impressive Tielemans has been in possession this season, they also highlight that Diarra could complete the ball-carrying in Villa’s midfield. Both players, looking at their strengths, would complement each other almost perfectly to hide any clear weaknesses in their respective games.

Analyst Ben Mattinson shared similar praise for the Strasbourg captain, dubbing the Aston Villa target a “strong ball carrier” and a “very complete midfielder” earlier this season.

Manchester City have the opportunity to reach a third successive FA Cup final when they take on Nottingham Forest this afternoon at Wembley.

Pep Guardiola has won this competition twice, but will still be stinging from the defeat to Manchester United in the 2024 final.

Forest defeated City in the Premier League last month, but the Spaniard may have learned from this loss, and his side could reach another final.

They warmed up for the clash with a 2-1 victory over Aston Villa, but a few players weren’t quite at their best. İlkay Gündoğan was one, and he could return to the bench this afternoon.

Why Man City must drop İlkay Gündoğan

Guardiola operated with a 4-1-4-1 system against Villa, and Gundogan was one of the four midfielders tasked with providing opportunities for Kevin De Bruyne.

Despite playing for the full 90 minutes, the midfielder failed to register a single shot on goal, while he failed with his only dribble attempt.

Gundogan also lost possession seven times against the Midlands side and won just one of his three aerial duels.

For the semi-final clash against Forest, Guardiola must revert to a 4-2-3-1. Mateo Kovacic will reprise his role at the heart of the midfield, but for this game, winter signing Nico Gonzalez must be brought into the starting XI.

Why Nico Gonzalez must start for Man City

Gonzalez may have cost the club around £50m back in January, but he is already looking like a potential long-term heir to Rodri.

The midfielder has already featured 12 times for City in all competitions, even scoring against Real Madrid in the Champions League, although it wasn’t enough to see his club make it to the next round.

Across his eight Premier League matches for the club, the 23-year-old has averaged a 93% pass success rate, along with making 1.9 tackles, two clearances, and recovering 3.9 balls per game in the top flight.

Furthermore, the Spaniard wins 1.9 aerial duels per game – a success rate of 59% – while averaging 81.9 touches each match for City. These statistics show just how dependable he is at the heart of the pitch, because he rarely gives the ball away and is strong in his physical duels.

He was praised by football talent scout Jacek Kulig in July 2024, who said: “Nico González – 4 goals in FC Porto’s four friendly games this preseason. Simply superb in the second half of the 23/24. Technique, football IQ, and pure elegance.”

Passes attempted

77.9

Pass completion percentage

92.9%

Aerial duels won

2.09

Passes into the final third

6.68

Touches

88.33

The move to Manchester hasn’t fazed him, and he now looks like an excellent signing. Settling in throughout the second half of the 2024/25 season appears to be a smart move by Guardiola, as Gonzalez will hit the ground running in August.

Moving back to a 4-2-3-1 system for the FA Cup semi-final could go a long way to seeing City reach yet another final. With Gonzalez and Kovacic at the base of the midfield, the attacking quartet will be given free rein to cause plenty of destruction.

Man City have struck gold on "exceptional" gem worth more than Kerkez

City have hit the jackpot on a current academy graduate who is starring under Guardiola.

ByRoss Kilvington Apr 26, 2025