Arsenal are in the market for reinforcements this month, with manager Mikel Arteta repeatedly hinting that a new signing is indeed possible before the end of January.

Arsenal targeting new winger for Mikel Arteta in January

Bukayo Saka is set to be out for the foreseeable future after undergoing surgery on his hamstring, which has prompted interim sporting director Jason Ayto, assisted by managing director Richard Garlick, to look into the transfer market for solutions.

Arsenal could advance for £60m man in the "coming days" after Arteta call

Gunners chiefs believe he could be a “risky” signing.

ByEmilio Galantini Jan 4, 2025

Saka is expected to be out until March, with Arsenal targeting the likes of Wolves forward Matheus Cunha as a possible alternative to the England star. The 25-year-old can play a variety of roles, including as a centre-forward, second striker and out wide, making him a very attractive option for Arsenal.

Tottenham (home)

January 15

Aston Villa (home)

January 18

Wolves (away)

January 25

Man City (home)

February 2

Leicester City (away)

February 15

However, Wolves are also trying to fend off the Gunners by tying Cunha down with a long-term deal, meaning he could also be a very tricky transfer to pull off – especially in January.

While it is unclear whether they wish to sign a new centre midfielder this month, Arsenal have been repeatedly linked with a move for Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi in the build up to 2025.

Some outlets have previously suggested that Arsenal are willing to bid for Zubimendi in January, but we’re yet to see more recent reports of a potential winter attempt to prise Mikel Merino’s former teammate to the Emirates Stadium.

Arteta is apparently a fan of the 25-year-old, though, according to Fabrizio Romano earlier this year.

“From what I’m hearing, Mikel Arteta is still a big fan of the player and believes he could be perfect for any club around the world,” said the reliable journalist to CaughtOffside.

“Another club following the Zubimendi situation was Bayern. From what I heard, in case Xabi Alonso was going to accept the job, Zubimendi was going to be one of their main targets in the summer transfer window.”

Martin Zubimendi could be "influenced" to join Arsenal

According to reports in Spain, Zubimendi could be “influenced” to join Arsenal, mainly thanks to Arteta’s fondness for the player.

As well as the N5 side, it is believed both Real Madrid and Liverpool are contending for his services, but it isn’t made clear whether a transfer is possible for January. If any of the aforementioned teams were to make a move this month, then their biggest obstacle would be if Zubimendi is unlikely to depart his boyhood club mid-season.

They would have to agree terms with the Spain international after potentially triggering the £50 million release clause in his contract, which allows interested sides to bypass club-to-club negotiations with Sociedad and head straight to the player himself to discuss a move.

Tottenham Hotspur officials are ready to pursue a potential £29 million January deal, as club chairman Daniel Levy looks to back Ange Postecoglou with another fresh face before deadline day.

Tottenham could make three January signings for Ange Postecoglou

The first arrival of this window, 21-year-old goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky, enjoyed what was likely to be one of the best nights of his life on Wednesday evening.

Related £50m player now interested in joining Tottenham after initial January talks

Ange Postecoglou is pressuring the club to act quickly.

Posts 2 ByEmilio Galantini Jan 7, 2025

The £12.5 million Czech shot-stopper made his full debut for Spurs and kept a clean sheet as Postecoglou’s side beat Liverpool 1-0 in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final, with Kinsky earning real plaudits for his display.

Tottenham’s next five Premier League fixtures

Date

Arsenal (away)

January 15

Everton (away)

January 19

Leicester City (home)

January 26

Brentford (away)

February 2

Man United (home)

February 16

It also highlighted a brilliant bit of talent-spotting by technical director Johan Lange, who is now reportedly looking to add a few more key signings before February 3.

Spurs are actively exploring a possible move for Randal Kolo Muani, with the France international deemed surplus to requirements by manager Luis Enrique as the Lilywhites, Man United and Juventus look to poach the forward.

As well as Kolo Muani, there are rumours that Postecoglou’s side are in the market for a new midfielder and centre-back, with Levy and Lange potentially adding up to three major signings this month.

“They have already told the manager that they will do something. So I expect January to be busy for Spurs,” said reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano to GiveMeSport just before the window opened.

“I think it could be two signings, maybe three, I’m not sure, but it will depend on opportunities. But Tottenham are exploring options, Tottenham are actively working on scouting and following players. So I think for Tottenham it will be a busy month.”

In terms of the engine room, Inter Milan midfielder Davide Frattesi continues to be linked.

Tottenham ready to do business with Inter over signing Davide Frattesi

The Italy international is valued at around £29 million, according to TUTTOmercatoWEB (via Sport Witness), who also share an update on Tottenham’s interest.

Other reports have claimed that Frattesi has been offered out to Spurs by intermediaries, who are actively seeking a new club for the 25-year-old, and TMW state that the north Londoners are prepared to take them up on it.

Indeed, it is believed that Tottenham are ready “to get down to business” over signing Frattesi, potentially meaning they’re preparing to head to the negotiating table or make some sort of approach for his services.

Roma and Napoli are fellow contenders, but Spurs’ interest is described as concrete. Frattesi and his camp are also set for a key meeting with Inter in the next few days to discuss his future, where all parties will decide whether a January deal is indeed feasible.

The ex-Sassuolo sensation has been likened to Italy star Nicolo Barella in the past, and his £29m price tag could make him an appealing option to reinforce Postecoglou’s midfield options.

South Africa promise to be potent foes as Buttler’s men brace after 48-hour turnaround

Vithushan Ehantharajah18-Jul-2022

Ben Stokes will take the field in an ODI for the final time at Chester-le-Street•Getty Images

Big pictureIn many ways, the Ben Stokes farewell ODI at Durham will be a welcome distraction for England.Two series defeats to India, both 2-1, the last of which, in the 50-over format, was confirmed on Sunday in a comprehensive five-wicket defeat at Emirates Old Trafford, has made life after Eoin Morgan seem a little tougher sooner than most anticipated. And unfortunately for the ones who had to take the team on after their skipper’s departure, the pressure on them has ramped up over the last fortnight.That’s not to say captain Jos Buttler and head coach Matthew Mott are in any real danger of being cast aside. The reason they are in their roles was for continuity for the defending ODI champions and, what we know of this new era under managing director Rob Key, is everyone will get the opportunity to work things out.Nevertheless, a swansong for the team’s talismanic allrounder is exactly the kind of headline grabber that England need for a bit of breathing room. Not to mention playing in front of a Chester-le-Street crowd that will be focussed more on saying goodbye to one of their own rather than a loss of clarity for the hosts in a format of the game they used to nail in their sleep.Even with ball having more of a say than bat in the last week of ODIs with India, it was damning that no England player scored more than 100 runs across three innings and that there was just one half-centurion in Buttler. And it is far from ideal that the stand-out for the hosts, Reece Topley, will miss Tuesday’s game on account of workload management. The left-arm quick and his nine wickets, almost all big names, were the only bit of cutting edge England showcased and the hope will be Matthew Potts can offer the same on debut. The return of legspinner Adil Rashid, after taking time off for Hajj, will give some much needed teeth to the attack in the middle overs.As far as South Africa are concerned, they seem in a more stable place, even if they are coming off the back of a series defeat to Bangladesh in March, and a tied T20I series with India last month. A shellacking at the hands of the England Lions side in Taunton was followed by a reverse in Worcester in a pair of warm-up matches that were more about getting rid of any ring rust than anything else.There are many players in South Africa’s ranks who are trying to establish themselves at international level, but they will be supported by two experienced campaigners in Quinton de Kock and Rassie van der Dussen, who have averaged 65 and 73 in ODIs since the start of 2021 (the second and third highest among those who have 500 runs or more). And quicks such as Lungi Ngidi and Anrich Nortje will continue testing an England line-up who have yet to find an appropriate method for this season’s edition of the white Kookaburra ball.To judge by the scenes at training in Chester-le-Street, the South Africans have a great deal of focus and, crucially, energy which will hold them in good stead against an England side that looks particularly weary and are coming straight into this fixture with just a single travel-day off. That Stokes cited an inability to carry on in all three formats in his farewell statement is worth heeding with as we go into the first of six white-ball games in the space of 12 days.Form guideEngland LWLWW (last five completed ODIs, most recent first)
South Africa LWLWW
In the spotlightThe idea of picking a player with just 10 List A matches to his name and expecting him to have a big impact for the national team would usually be foolhardy. But off the back of four Tests, against New Zealand and India, in which he hurried batters throughout long spells without losing enthusiasm, you can see why Matthew Potts may be regarded as a shot in the arm for a fatigued group. There isn’t much to extrapolate from Potts’ 18 dismissals at 26.72 with the red ball beyond a desire to seize the big moments and make each delivery count. And maybe those are good enough reasons to pick someone who has played just one 50-over game since the start of 2021. Nevertheless, the Durham local’s ability to do significant work with the older ball means this could be the start of a fruitful career as a Liam Plunkett-a-like.To call Janneman Malan an old fashioned one-day opener is perhaps doing the 26-year-old a disservice. But with a strike rate of 87 and an average of one six an innings, he is one of the more watchful in the modern era. Yet no one can argue with his output so far, in a career that is only two years and 17 caps old and has already featured three ODI centuries and as many fifties. Given how relatively tough batting has been this summer, Malan’s stickability could pay dividends provided he can out-last any early movement. An average of 59 suggests there’s every chance the reigning ICC Emerging Player of the Year finishes the three ODIs having picked up the 172 runs he needs to make it to 1000 in the format.Team newsMatthew Mott basically confirmed Potts would debut when praising the energy and fresh legs he brought to the group over the last couple of days. That looks to be a straight swap for Reece Topley, while Adil Rashid is likely to come in for Brydon Carse, who has been ineffective so far, despite his valiant efforts in the middle overs.England (probable): 1 Jason Roy, 2 Jonny Bairstow, 3 Joe Root, 4 Ben Stokes, 5 Jos Buttler (capt & wk), 6 Liam Livingstone, 7 Moeen Ali, 8 David Willey, 9 Craig Overton, 10 Adil Rashid, 11 Matthew PottsDe Kock missed the warm-ups with a bruised finger but has been passed fit and will reprise his usual role as the tempo-setter at the top of the innings. Expect a decision to be made on whether Keshav Maharaj plumps for the extra spin of Tabraiz Shamsi or left-arm pace of Marco Jansen.South Africa (probable): 1 Quinton de Kock (wk), 2 Janneman Malan, 3 Rassie van der Dussen, 4 Aiden Markram, 5 Heinrich Klaasen, 6 David Miller, 7 Andile Phehlukwayo, 8 Keshav Maharaj (capt), 9 Anrich Nortje, 10 Lungi Ngidi, 11 Tabraiz Shamsi/Marco JansenPitch and conditionsChester-le-Street has always been one for the seamers though recent precedence has seen batting scores rise – Sri Lanka have the venue’s highest score of 338, against West Indies in the 2019 World Cup. That is probably down to a more attacking approach globally rather than any environmental shifts. That being said, temperatures will hit a high of 35 degrees Centigrade which may influence how many spinners are selected and indeed who will bat first with the 1pm start time.Stats and trivia Ben Stokes will play his 105th and final ODI on Tuesday. Coincidentally, he needs 81 runs to pass 3000 for the format, and (assuming he is dismissed) to finish with a career average of 40. England have won nine of their 13 completed ODIs at Chester-le-Street, including eight of the last nine – the exception being Sri Lanka’s victory in 2014.Quotes”Jos brings a nice calmness. He’s a hugely empathetic person. He won’t be someone who stands up and makes big speeches, he’ll do it in his own quiet way, one-on-one, working out what makes players tick. And he’s an amazing player – that helps.”
“There are two ways to look at it. They’ve been playing more cricket than us and have found combinations, but it is a point we could capitalise on and build some confidence in our ODI unit before the World Cup next year.”

Sunderland have a 100% win record so far in the Championship in 2025, with the Black Cats acting as a distant but serious challenger to Leeds United sat at the very top of the unpredictable league.

If the Wearside outfit can keep up this stellar form across an extended period of time, and the Whites show considerable chinks in their armour when the nerves are ramped up, Regis Le Bris’ men might well find a spot in the top two positions becomes available.

Of course, anyone getting too carried away at the Stadium of Light will be aware how uncomfortable a transfer window can be for the Black Cats, knowing full well that some of their top assets are in danger of being poached.

Sunderland could now lose £20m star

According to a report by Football Transfers earlier this week, Arsenal are now setting their sights on snapping up Jobe Bellingham this January, with the Gunners set for a midfield overhaul.

The report further states that both Sunderland and Bellingham struck up a ‘gentleman’s agreement’ during a round of contract talks last summer that means the 19-year-old would be allowed to move on if an acceptable bid was put forward, with a rumoured £20m price tag enough for the Black Cats to consider parting ways.

Whilst losing Bellingham would be far from ideal for Le Bris’ side and their ongoing chances of promotion, it wouldn’t necessarily be the end of the world, especially after the promotion challengers landed the services of Enzo Le Fee this month to bolster centrally.

Moreover, there’s no guarantees that the teenager moves to North London and is instantly gifted first-team football, with the potential there for the deal to be reminiscent of Jack Clarke’s flat move to Ipswich Town, where the ex-Sunderland star is now struggling to make an impact after his own bumper £15m switch.

Why Bellingham could be Clarke 2.0

Much like Bellingham is now, Clarke was one of the first names on the Sunderland team sheet whenever he was available for selection, with his final season at the club full of goals of and assists sealing him a move to the Premier League.

Indeed, the ex-Leeds United attacker would fire home a mightily impressive 15 league goals in total during an eventful 2023/24, resulting in Kieran McKenna’s men wanting a slice of the entertaining attacker after Ipswich clinched promotion.

Stat

23/24

24/25

Games played

40

16

Games started

39

4

Goals scored

15

0

Assists

4

2

Big chances missed

5

2

Big chances created

12

2

Stats by Sofascore

The same spark that was present in his game as Sunderland’s main man hasn’t followed him over to Suffolk, however, with only four Premier League starts coming his way as a reserve figure under McKenna.

Ipswich supporters will feel slightly let down by Clarke flopping since his arrival to Portman Road, with Arsenal fans no doubt equally disgruntled if Bellingham was to join for £20m only to fade into the background.

Whilst it is undeniable that Bellingham does have what it takes to be a success in the big time – having fired home sumputous strikes like this one above in recent weeks to take his league goal tally to four for 2024/25 – he is still only 19 years of age, with this campaign being only his third ever full season in the men’s game.

Obviously, the allure of the Emirates could prove to be very tempting, but Le Bris seems to be the perfect manager for the teenager at this point in his development.

If Sunderland’s “diamond” was to leave at some point this month – as he was once labelled by ex-boss Tony Mowbray – it would be an initially crushing blow.

But, as the second-tier promotion hopefuls showed with Clarke’s departure, nothing is ever too demoralising for too long.

Sunderland eyeing "exciting" signing who could make Bellingham even better

Regis Le Bris would improve his midfield options at Sunderland with this purchase.

ByKelan Sarson Jan 7, 2025

It’s safe to say Chelsea certainly haven’t been afraid to splash the cash after the takeover of Todd Boehly back in May 2022, spending over £1.3b on new signings.

Such additions have allowed for Enzo Maresca to be an instant hit at Stamford Bridge, leading the Blues into the top four after his first 20 matches at the helm.

However, given their recent form in the transfer market, it wouldn’t be a surprise to anyone if they were to delve into the window and make another statement signing or two.

The American has already signed two players for over £100m – showcasing his willingness to make additions to give whatever manager all the tools to be a success.

Various names have already been touted with a move to West London, furthering strengthening their ambitions of a return to a top-four spot in the Premier League come the end of May.

Chelsea January transfer update

A centre-back has been high up on Maresca’s shopping list since moving, with injuries to Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile could see him delve into the market for a new defender.

Marc Guehi has already been mentioned over a potential return to the Bridge, just a couple of years after departing to join Crystal Palace for £18m.

The Blues boss said he “likes” the Englishman, but wouldn’t be drawn on whether he’s set for a move in his pre-match press conference ahead of the FA Cup this weekend.

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is another name recently linked with a big-money transfer, but Manchester United, Liverpool and PSG are also in the race for his services.

Fabrizio Romano confirmed that Napoli are holding out for €80m (£67m) for the winger this winter, potentially adding another dimension to Maresca’s already potent front line.

However, despite the interest in the Georgian attacker, the Blues could target an alternative to the 23-year-old, allowing them to sign their own version of a leading European star.

The Kvaratskhelia alternative who could be Chelsea’s own Vini Jr

Real Madrid winger Vinícius Júnior has rapidly developed into one of Europe’s leading attackers over the last couple of years.

The Brazilian winger came second in the recent Ballon d’Or ceremony, finishing behind Manchester City’s Rodri – highlighting his rapid rise to stardom under Carlo Ancelotti.

His figures from last season are nothing short of remarkable, scoring 24 times and registering nine assists in 39 games across all competitions, helping Madrid win yet another Champions League title.

However, the Blues could land their own version of the star in the form of English winger Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, with it being reported in the last week that scouts have been monitoring the Borussia Dortmund star who’s available for £50m this window.

The 20-year-old was once a part of the club’s academy setup, before moving to Reading and Manchester City, eventually making his name in the Bundesliga.

He’s scored five times in 15 league matches throughout 2024/25, leading to FBref ranking him as a similar player to Vini Jr based upon the figures he’s produced in this season’s Champions League, in particular.

When delving into the numbers, Bynoe-Gittens has matched or bettered the Brazilian in numerous key areas, highlighting what a superb addition he would be such the hierarchy conduct any transfer.

The Dortmund ace, who’s been labelled “one of a kind” by one analyst, may have registered fewer combined goals and assists, but has placed more shots on target per 90, subsequently having a higher success rate – evidently being more accurate with his efforts.

He’s also completed more take-ons per 90 and completed more of his attempted passes – handing the likes of Cole Palmer added opportunities to increase his own goalscoring tallies.

Games played

15

15

Goals & assists

8

13

Shot-on-target accuracy

52%

29%

Shots on target

1.2

0.9

Pass accuracy

77%

74%

Take-on success

49%

40%

Take-ons completed

4

3.1

£50m may seem a hefty sum to splash out on a player who was already on the club’s books, but they would be signing a superb Kvaratskhelia alternative who has the ability to improve further in the years ahead.

Bynoe-Gittens’ comparison to Vini Jr is completely justified, with the Blues potentially landing a leading European talent to help lead the club’s quest to return to the summit of the Premier League.

Chelsea now want £58m PSG star with the same agent as Moises Caicedo

The Ecuadorian shares representatives with him.

ByEmilio Galantini Jan 9, 2025

Barcelona are set to launch a fresh bid to lure Nico Williams to the Spanish giants as they prepare to enter talks with the Athletic Club star.

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Barca and Arsenal target Spain star WilliamsLa Liga leaders ready to open new negotiationsHope Yamal friendship will convince him to signFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

The Catalan club attempted to sign the winger last summer following his role in last year's Euro 2024 success, but the 22-year-old opted to stay with the Basque side for at least one more year. Barca, however, have not given up on landing him as reports they are prepared to open talks over a summer transfer.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

The current La Liga leaders are not the only team interested in signing Williams. Bayern Munich have also been linked, but it is Arsenal who have been regarded as the favourites of late to complete the transfer, reportedly opening talks with the intention of triggering his release clause in his contract which is said to be set at €60 million (£51m/$66m).

DID YOU KNOW?

Despite the competition, Barcelona feel they have an advantage in the race to buy Williams. The winger has a close friendship with fellow Spain star Lamine Yamal, with Williams saying last year: "We laugh a lot. I think it's obvious that we have the same or very similar personalities and we like the same things. He's a kid that I get along with really well and I always try to give him as much advice as possible, like my brother Inaki has done with me."

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Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR BARCELONA?

The Catalan club will hope Yamal's bond with Williams will tip the balance in their favour in the race to signing Williams, while Mikel Arteta will be eagerly awaiting news on his target's decision.

He had not played a 50-over game since November 2020, but took 3 for 31 on his comeback

Shashank Kishore13-Jul-20222:38

Giles: This defeat will leave scars

Mohammed Shami’s first ODI since November 2020 was a memorable one. Against England at The Oval on Tuesday, he became the fastest to 150 ODI wickets for India – in his 80th match – breaking Ajit Agarkar’s record of 97 games.While Jasprit Bumrah’s career-best performance of 6 for 19 in the first ODI vaulted him to the top of the rankings for bowlers, Shami also bowled a crucial spell in the series opener. His 3 for 31 in seven overs included the wickets of Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler as the hosts were shot out for 110, paving the way for India’s first ten-wicket victory in an ODI against England.”The ball was stopping a bit, seaming a bit, so it was important to bowl in the right areas and keep our line in check,” Shami told India’s bowling coach Paras Mhambrey during an interview for BCCI.tv.Related

England search for answers at Lord's against high-flying India

Report: Bumrah takes career-best 6 for 19 as India skittle England

Stats: India pacers shatter records at The Oval

India move to third in ODI rankings

Jasprit Bumrah becomes No. 1 ODI bowler

“If your [bowling] areas are good on a surface where it seams and swings, it’s difficult to get away. We kept it simple and got rewarded with wickets. The more you run behind wickets, the more it doesn’t happen. I kept it simple, and the results are there to see.”Shami set the tone in the first over after Rohit Sharma chose to bowl. He hit Jonny Bairstow on the thigh with his second delivery, beat him with extra bounce two balls later, and ended the over with one that squared up the England opener.When Bumrah struck twice in his opening over, dismissing Jason Roy and Joe Root, it was the resumption of a bowling partnership that India had not seen in an ODI for more than 18 months.”It was a long break. But once you get comfortable, you know your responsibilities” – Shami•Getty Images”We’ve been playing together for so long that in two overs you understand what’s happening and what you have to do,” Shami said of his partnership with Bumrah. “When I bowled the first over, you could see the ball was seaming around; there was swing on offer. Bumrah also then tried to incorporate the same length and got wickets also.”I was away for three years [18 months] – it was a long break – but once you get comfortable in this environment, you know your responsibilities. It’s important to have a clear mind. What to do, what lengths to bowl, how to use your variations everyone knows, but you need to be clear about it from within.”After the defeat in the Edgbaston Test, Shami was not part of the T20I squad that won the series 2-1, and he now has the chance to help India seal the ODI series at Lord’s on Thursday.”Personally, my plan is to just keep it simple. That is my mantra,” he said. “You only have to think if the wickets are different. Otherwise, if you repeat the same things over and over again, chances of success is that much more. Only if the wickets are slow and dry, there’s scope for you to change plans, else just carry on doing the same things.”

Kylian Mbappe will take penalties for Real Madrid from their next match as Vinicius Junior is punished for missing a spot-kick against Valencia.

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• Vinicius Jr stripped of penalty duties
• Mbappe to take penalties for Madrid
• Brazilian missed spot-kick against Valencia

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Brazilian winger failed to hand his team an early lead as he saw his feeble shot comfortably saved by Giorgi Mamardashvili. The penalty miss proved costly as Madrid eventually went down 2-1 against Valencia in La Liga last weekend. Now, reports that manager Ancelotti has decided to remove Vinicius Jr. from penalty duties as Mbappe is all set to take the club's spot-kicks, starting with their upcoming Champions League fixture against Arsenal.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The blunder against Valencia was the Brazilian's second penalty miss in the 2024-25 campaign, as he had earlier failed to convert a spot-kick against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League. The report also adds that if Mbappe now fails to convert penalties, the next in line to take spot-kicks is Jude Bellingham. Like Vinicius Jr, Mbappe too has missed two penalties this season, while Bellingham has missed once.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Valencia goalkeeper Mamardashvili has revealed that he had offered a bet to the Brazilian winger. Vinicius was lining up to take a penalty when the custodian said he would pay the star €50 if he was to score, and Vinicius agreed to pay the same fee should he miss.

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• Getty Images
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR REAL MADRID?

  Los Blancos are set to visit North London to face Arsenal in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final fixture at Emirates Stadium on Tuesday.

Liverpool have been sensational this season, taking command in the fight for the Premier League title. We haven’t even reached the campaign’s midpoint yet, but Arne Slot’s side are six points clear at the summit with a game in hand.

When Jurgen Klopp shocked the world with his decision to stand down at the end of the 2023/24 term, it felt like a watershed moment for the club – and one that could have interfered with the progress that had been made in rebuilding a sapped midfield.

But FSG hit the bullseye with Slot, whose football has been exciting, elegant and efficient. Top of the Champions League group stage too, Liverpool will be confident that they can lift one of the biggest prizes before the summer.

While the Dutch coach’s tactics have helped shore up Anfield’s defences, the rip-roaring attack has also been refined. Mohamed Salah is of course the creme de la creme, but the Reds have strength in depth and this could be the key to hitting their lofty targets.

Liverpool's frontline in 24/25

Salah has posted 19 goals and 15 assists across 25 matches in all competitions for Liverpool this season, moving with a vengeance toward the biggest titles and, perhaps, the 2025 Ballon d’Or prize.

He’s head and shoulders above every positional rival on English shores right now, but that’s not to say that Liverpool’s various other members haven’t pulled their weight.

Diogo Jota has been injured for much of the campaign but has still showcased an impressive clinical edge when called upon. Darwin Nunez, conversely, has struggled for form and fluency in front of goal but still features regularly, bringing chaos and energy to Slot’s system.

Mohamed Salah

25 (23)

19

15

Luis Diaz

23 (16)

11

3

Cody Gakpo

26 (15)

10

4

Diogo Jota

14 (9)

5

2

Darwin Nunez

23 (13)

4

3

Federico Chiesa

4 (1)

0

1

Salah might be the talisman, but he’s bolstered considerably by left-flanking duo Luis Diaz and Cody Gakpo, who have ebbed and flowed in contrast this term as they compete for a starting berth. It’s bringing the best out of both, with the latter the one in form right now.

Cody Gakpo's rise under Arne Slot

We’re approaching Gakpo’s second anniversary on Merseyside, with the Dutch forward leaving PSV Eindhoven to sign for Liverpool for a £35m fee in January 2023.

It was a turbulent time, Klopp’s pre-overhaul engine room spluttering and stumbling through a campaign that severed Anfield’s connection with the Champions League – for a season, at least.

Under Slot, Gakpo’s role has been simplified. Gone are the days of his scattered positioning across the pitch, Klopp using his dynamism to patch over holes.

Centre-forward

27

12

3

Left winger

12

3

3

Right winger

7

1

0

Attacking midfield

5

0

0

Central midfield

2

0

0

He’s always been at his best on the left flank, using his pace and power to real mayhem before skipping inside and unleashing a fierce strike into the corner of the goal. Now, Diaz is preferred at centre-forward when both stars cohabit on the pitch, Gakpo starting from the left across all 15 of his appearances from the outset this year.

Now, he’s thriving. Gakpo has reached “another level” this year, according to pundit Peter Crouch, indeed notching ten strikes and four assists across the campaign as he makes impressive progress in a nailed-down tactical role.

It’s a perfect example of Slot’s tactical acumen and his understanding of Liverpool’s structural strengths, how to eke out every last bit of quality from the Reds.

As per FBref, Gakpo ranks among the top 13% of Premier League attacking midfielders and wingers this season for goals scored and the top 1% for successful take-on success rate per 90, highlighting his flourishing presence in Slot’s high-flying team.

Perhaps the most exciting part is that Gakpo, aged 25, still has so much to offer for the Anfield side, still has so much to achieve. In any case, his prolificness in the final third is propelling Liverpool toward the Premier League title, which is still far from being conquered but more tangible with each mounting victory.

Four goals and two assists across just three Carabao Cup games only furthers the claim that he is shaping into one of Liverpool’s most important members, thriving on the cup front when Diaz held a Premier League starting role invariably across the opening months.

Because of players like him, Liverpool stand a good chance of claiming more than one slice of silverware this season.

As a product of his rise and rise, the Netherlands international’s stock has burgeoned, and he’s starting to overtake some of Liverpool’s prized assets in regard to market value.

Cody Gakpo's market value in 2024/25

If Gakpo continues to ride his rich vein of current form, there’s every chance that he will hit the 20-goal ballpark by the close of the campaign.

His connection with Salah only bolsters such a pursuit, with the Egyptian actually overtaken in terms of market value by Gakpo, whose worth has shot to £51m following Transfermarkt’s latest update.

Salah, conversely, has seen his own value drop to £46m, though context is important here, for the Egypt sensation is 32 years old and entering the final months of his Liverpool contract.

In any case, it’s a testament to the gains that Gakpo, hailed as the “king of scoring” by writer Andre Beesley – has made over the past few years after enduring some rocky moments over the opening years of his English career.

Liverpool have an elite strikeforce alright. Salah might take the limelight (and rightly so) but Gakpo won’t care a jot as he continues to build the blocks toward prosperity. Liverpool, in any case, have hit the jackpot on this remarkable forward.

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ByAngus Sinclair Dec 28, 2024

Celtic are now in talks over selling a defender this January, with the negotiations now in full swing, according to a report.

Celtic competing on all fronts

The Hoops picked up their first piece of silverware this season after defeating Rangers in the League Cup final last week, and Brendan Rodgers’ side are also faring very well in the league, currently top of the Scottish Premiership table.

As such, there is seemingly not a pressing need for Rodgers to strengthen his squad in the January transfer window, but there are signs the manager could be busy this winter, given that a number of players have been linked with moves to Parkhead.

Arsenal’s Kieran Tierney is the latest player to be touted for a move to his former club, and Rodgers refused to rule out a reunion with the left-back in a recent interview, saying: “We’ll always be linked with top players and especially players that are one of us. Kieran was an instrumental part of a really, really successful period when I was here.

“His talents then took him to another challenge but we’ll be linked with lots of names and with Kieran naturally because of his situation. But we’ll only talk about a player once he’s signed.”

Celtic’s upcoming Scottish Premiership fixtures	Date
Dundee United (a)	December 22nd
Motherwell (h)	December 26th
St. Johnstone (h)	December 29th
Rangers (a)	January 2nd
St. Mirren (h)	January 5th

There may also be some departures this January, perhaps to fund Celtic’s own transfer business, and it has now been reported they are in talks with Internacional over selling Alexandro Bernabei permanently.

Internacional president Alessandro Barcellos has confirmed that negotiations are in full swing, with the Hoops willing to lower the asking price to €5m (£4.1m) to facilitate the move, while also asking for a percentage of any future sale.

As such, Bernabei clearly does not feature in Rodgers’ plans going forward, and a permanent move to Brazil in January seems to be a likely scenario.

Sky Sports: Celtic receive January offer for 24 y/o and could accept it

Is it the right time to let him leave?

By
Henry Jackson

Dec 20, 2024

Good decision for all parties

The Argentine never managed to cement himself in the Celtic starting XI, but he has clearly impressed on loan at Internacional, given that they are determined to make his loan move permanent.

The 21-year-old is said to have “shone” in the Brazilian league, so Internacional is evidently a better fit for him than Celtic.

With the Hoops faring very well in Bernabei’s absence, it makes sense to sanction his departure for £4.1m this winter, and Rodgers can use the money raised to strengthen his side in other areas.