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Another round of Premier League fixtures is here, meaning another weekend of great football is hopefully just around the corner. This weekend, we have some tasty games in store including Manchester City v Swansea, Chelsea v West Brom, Crystal Palace v Liverpool, and Arsenal v Manchester United.

Last time out, we saw Manchester United struggle to pick up a 1-0 win against Crystal Palace, Tottenham and Arsenal losing to Stoke and Swansea respectively, QPR pick up a 2-2 draw against Manchester City, and Liverpool losing at home to the undefeated league leaders Chelsea.

All eyes will be on Arsenal v Manchester United, not only because it’s an exciting fixture, but also because both sides have been struck with injuries recently. It will be interesting to see which side can come out on top during this difficult time.

Here are Football FanCast’s Premier League predictions for the weekend.

Chelsea v West Brom

Chelsea are looking to protect their 100 per cent home record, as well as their undefeated status this weekend when they host West Brom. The Baggies will be looking to relieve themselves from some inconsistent form by defeating the Blues at the Bridge. Expect Chelsea to come out strong with Diego Costa scoring in the first half, with their back four being able to handle Saido Berahino and Craig Gardner comfortably.

Prediction: Chelsea 3-0 West Brom

Everton v West Ham

Neither of these sides is in the place in the league they would be expected to be at the start of the season. The Hammers could feel they can nick yet another great result due to the Toffees’ injury problems, but they might have to achieve this without top performers Stewart Downing and Diafra Sakho, as both picked up knocks during international duty. This means Andy Carroll could start his first Premier League game of the season at Goodison Park. This should be a close game, but we’re going for a draw.

Prediction: Everton 1-1 West Ham

Leicester v Sunderland

Leicester will be hoping to pick up all three points when they host Sunderland this weekend. The Foxes have only managed one point from the last 18 and haven’t won a game since defeating Manchester United. The Black Cats on the other hand have been in considerably better form, picking up eight points from the last 18. Sunderland may be favourites entering this game due to their squad, but Leicester could spring a surprise if Leonardo Ulloa finds the net for the first time since their last victory.

Prediction: Leicester 2-1 Sunderland

Manchester City v Swansea

Manchester City should be worried as they have strayed eight points away from the league leaders Chelsea, after a sticky few weeks. Still without key player David Silva, they will have to try and win against a Swansea side that has earned seven points out of a possible nine in their last three games. Goals win matches, and Sergio Aguero has been scoring for City, with 12 goals so far, while Wilfried Bony for Swansea has only scored four. Aguero should help The Citizens return to winning ways in this game.

Prediction: Manchester City 3-0 Swansea

Newcastle v QPR

Newcastle has been impressive recently, winning their last five games on the trot in all competitions after a poor start to the season. They host a QPR side that has been playing okay at home, but has failed to pick up a single point away from home this season. They need to emulate their home performances against the likes of Manchester City, to their away games. It is unlikely they will be able to do it this weekend against an inform Magpies side though.

Prediction: Newcastle 2-1 QPR

Stoke v Burnley

Both of these sides will want to pick up where they left off ahead of the international break. Stoke achieved an away win at Tottenham, while Burnley picked up their first win of the season at home to Hull. Danny Ings has revitalised the Clarets since his return, but they may struggle to score against the Potters defence. With the variety in attack for Stoke in the likes of Victor Moses, Bojan, and Mame Biram Diouf, they should win this game.

Prediction: Stoke 2-0 Burnley

Arsenal v Manchester United

Both of these sides have been hit with injury problems while their players have been on international break. Arsenal could be without Danny Welbeck but on the other hand, could also see the return of Mikel Arteta and Oliver Giroud to the side. Manchester United will be without Daley Blind after he was injured while on duty for Holland, and could also be without David de Gea after the Spaniard broke his finger. This game is expected to be close, but if de Gea isn’t between the sticks for the Red Devils, the Gunners could pick up a victory, especially with the home crowd behind them.

Prediction: Arsenal 3-1 Manchester United

Crystal Palace v Liverpool

If you remember, this fixture last season was when Crystal Palace came back from 3-0 down to draw 3-3, leaving Luis Suarez weeping. The Eagles have failed to win any of their last five league games, losing four, while the Reds have failed to win any of their last three, losing two. Neither sides’ defence has been good either, meaning an opportunity could present itself for Mario Balotelli to score his first league goal at the club. Another high scoring meeting between these two, but expect Liverpool to win.

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Prediction: Crystal Palace 2-3 Liverpool

Hull v Tottenham

Hull could soon be hitting the panic button as they have only won once in their last 10 Premier League games. Tottenham’s form hasn’t been good either, as they have lost four of their last six games, with the most recent loss coming before the international break at home to Stoke. The Tigers will be purring if they see the return of Michael Dawson and Nikica Jelavic to the side, as they have failed to score in their last three league games. We reckon Hull will nab a surprise win as Spurs still search for a consistent goal threat.

Prediction: Hull 2-1 Tottenham

Aston Villa v Southampton

Despite picking up a draw against West Ham before the international break, Aston Villa have still only picked up one point from a possible 21 in the last seven games. Still without their main striker Christian Benteke, they face a Southampton side that has no problems scoring or defending. With Fabian Delph and possibly Ron Vlaar out for Villa, it could spell real trouble for the Villans once again. Graziano Pelle should find the net again in what should be an easy victory for the Saints.

Prediction: Aston Villa 0-3 Southampton

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A few months ago, it appeared Southampton’s Premier League honeymoon was well and truly over. Liverpool, Manchester United and Arsenal cherry-picked the Saints’ flagship stars during the summer, whilst Tottenham signed the mastermind behind their eighth-place finish last season, former manager Mauricio Pochettino.

Indeed, as drastic changes were forced on both roster and dugout by the financial dominance of the Premier League’s bigger sides, it was anyone’s guess how Southampton would fare this season. BBC’s Garth Crooks – an infamously poor pundit but by no means the solitary member of his school of thought – even predicted the south coast outfit would plummet out of the top flight as a result of the summer exodus.

Now however, with the new signings settled and clearly buying into Ronald Koeman’s philosophy, Southampton are stronger than ever, posing a more legitimate threat to Chelsea’s title bid than reigning champions Manchester City.

So, as the Saints lay in second place, just four points off the division’s summit, is it time the Champions League contenders – namely, Arsenal, Manchester United, Liverpool, Tottenham and Everton – start taking the St. Mary’s side seriously? Or, as is often the case in the Premier League, will this fairytale rise eventually result in a subdued, disappointing end?

They say the stats don’t lie and those revealed during last night’s edition of Monday Night Football were incredibly positive from Southampton’s perspective. Based on prior Premier League campaigns, those with 22 points after ten games have a 27% chance of being crowned champions, a 56% chance of finishing in the top two, an 85% chance of finishing in the top four and just a 5% chance of falling outside of the bottom six come May-time.

Compelling stuff, but even so, Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher both argued the Saints could eventually fall into that lower category for two predominant reasons.

Firstly, Southampton have been fairly fortunate with injuries so far this season, with the exception of the ever-absent Jay Rodriguez, and their form could take a nosedive when the depth of Ronald Koeman’s squad is stretched and tested – the proverbial, clichéd house-of-cards effect.

The Saints have a fantastic academy set-up and their scouts are amongst the Premier League’s best at spotting future prospects, but youngsters Matt Targett and Lloyd Isgrove have already been called upon in cameo roles this season.

Such a policy is clearly encouraged on the south coast but there will be inevitable moments when dependency on youngsters weakens Southampton’s match-day squads. It’s incredible telling that six Southampton stars have featured in the maximum 900 minutes this season; Morgan Schneiderlin, Dusan Tadic, Graziano Pelle, Nathaniel Clyne, Ryan Bertrand and Jose Fonte – in other words, the starting XI’s stand-out assets.

Wojciech Szczesny, on the other hand, is the only player to feature in every minute of Arsenal’s Premier League campaign, whilst Dejan Lovren, Simon Mignolet and Steven Gerrard are Liverpool’s only ever-present members. They were the English top flight’s second and fourth-highest spending clubs respectively this summer, and the Reds’ recruitment policy in particular focused on improving the depth and options of Brendan Rodgers’ squad.

Secondly, Southampton are yet to face any of the Premier League’s big hitters this year with the exception of Liverpool, whom they lost to at Anfield on the opening day of the season. The Saints claimed ten points off the top seven last term and were famed for their positive performances against quality opposition, but following wholesale changes in personnel and management over the summer, they’re now an entirely different side in both players and philosophy.

Whether they possess the same character in big games will come to light between now and mid-January, with Southampton facing Arsenal and Manchester United twice, in addition to Manchester City, Chelsea and Everton in their next eleven Premier League fixtures.

Arsenal, however, have already faced Everton, Spurs, Chelsea and City this term, Liverpool have taken on City, Tottenham and Everton and face Chelsea this weekend, whilst Manchester United are amid their campaign- defining patch, having come up against both Chelsea and Manchester City in the last fortnight, in addition to the Gunners after the international break.

That being said, in a Premier League climate where Gary Neville claims all defending has gone out of the window – let us not forget, two English clubs broke the 100-goal mark for the first time in the top flight last season – the Saints’ defensive dominance could rule supreme come May-time.

Even with the limited quality of their opposition thus far accepted, Southampton’s defensive record is purely phenomenal. Just five goals conceded in ten games gives them an average 0.5 goals conceded per match – twice as good as Chelsea and Manchester City’s. They’re also averaging the most tackles per game of any Premier League club, an incredible 25, have claimed the most clean sheets, 6,  and faced the fewest shots on target per-game at 2.4.

Clearly, Ronald Koeman has his boys snuffing out moves before they evolve into clear-cut chances, and if they can maintain that proficient defensive form against the bigger clubs – perhaps squeezing out a few scoreless draws – they’ll stop Liverpool, Arsenal, United et al closing the points deficit.

Interestingly enough, Jose Fonte’s had three different centre-back partners already his season, Toby Alderweireld, Maya Yoshida and Florin Gardos, so perhaps the Saints’ squad depth is better than it’s given credit for.

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And in my opinion, the January window could be what decides Southampton’s season. We witnessed during the summer just how efficient they are in the transfer market and although the south coast side will continually struggle to attract Europe’s bigger names, a few more gems like Dusan Tadic, Graziano Pelle or Saido Mane could improve their squad’s depth and variety enormously.

The club spent £58million this summer compared to £93million brought in from the sales of Adam Lallana, Calum Chambers, Dejan Lovren, Luke Shaw and Rickie Lambert, so there’s still some surplus to be utilised in January. Likewise, Jay Rodriguez is set to return at the end of December, further enhancing Koeman’s options going forward.

Who they can attract to St Mary’s in January however,  will largely depend upon results between now and then, in addition to Southampton’s subsequent league standing. But already enjoying a healthy points cushion over Arsenal, 5, Liverpool, 8, and Manchester United, nine, a few astute additions could be all Southampton need to maintain their momentum until the end of the season.

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The sacking culture in the Premier League has been somewhat subdued this season.

However, the recent sacking of Crystal Palace manager Neil Warnock, followed by Alan Irvine’s departure from the Hawthorns means that clubs are now looking to act if they find that their teams are struggling at the wrong end of the table.

It came as no real surprise when both Alan Irvine and Neil Warnock were removed from their managerial posts recently. Although it was probably the right decision for both clubs, further managerial movement in the Premier League shouldn’t be expected.

Alan Pardew’s reign at Newcastle United ended as he displayed the biggest vote of no confidence in Newcastle owner Mike Ashley by leaving Tyneside for Selhurst Park. Leaving St James’ Park means that there is a current vacancy at Newcastle United, meaning that another Premier League manager could well be leaving their current job do work under Ashley. Hull City manager Steve Bruce was tipped as the immediate favourite to succeed Alan Pardew. Rather bizarrely, his poor run of form at Hull City also meant that he was one of the favourites to be the next Premier League manager sacked.

Steve Bruce has often said that he was a Newcastle United fan when growing up and the idea of leading a club you support must be a very exciting prospect. However, Bruce has recently stated that he wishes to stay at Hull and guide them to safety. After their encouraging victory over Everton on New Year’s Day, Bruce will now be looking to push up the table with Hull City, leaving Newcastle to search elsewhere for Pardew’s replacement.

In terms of other potential sackings in the Premier League, it is hard to predict whether there may actually be any more managerial departures this season. Nigel Pearson is doing all he can at Leicester City and it looks as if the players are buying in to what Pearson wants and expects from his team. Although they have experienced some poor form, they look like a unified group of players and they have more of a chance of surviving under Pearson than they do with anyone else. The same story applies at Burnley with Sean Dyche and Queens Park Rangers with Harry Redknapp. These clubs have managers that are more than capable of getting their teams out of trouble and owners should respect that.

The only manager that seems to be under any sort of pressure in the Premier League at the moment is Everton’s Roberto Martinez. His team simply haven’t performed to the best of their capabilities for a while now and their defence has been all over the place in recent weeks. Although the Spaniard is under pressure, Everton chairman Bill Kenwright is no fool. He will appreciate the job Martinez did for the Toffees last season and will know that Martinez has the managerial ability to turn his team’s fortunes around.

Overall, it looks unlikely that the recent departures of Irvine and Warnock will lead to any further sackings in the near future. This is clearly good news for the Premier League and the League Managers Association as clubs are now choosing to stand by their managers rather than relying on a ‘grass is greener’ ideology that has shown the potential to hugely backfire over the years.

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Encouraging stability and a managerial identity at clubs is something most fans will want to see at Premier League level and hopefully the 2014/15 season will provide this.

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Manchester United were held to a surprise goalless draw to League Two new boys Cambridge United in their FA Cup fourth round tie a few weeks ago . Whilst Man Utd were lacklustre throughout the 90 minutes and lacked that cutting edge, there has been a lot of criticism about the team which seems like a knee-jerk reaction.

Fans on radio phone-ins and social media have been extremely critical of Louis Van Gaal and the player’s performances so far this season but it is hard to read too much into a one off fixture like this. You have to remember that Cambridge played out of their skins and probably won’t be able to replicate this type of performance again, particularly in tonight’s replay at Old Trafford. In a small cut up ground like the Abbey Stadium, Man United’s foreign superstars would be extremely unfamiliar to these types of surroundings, the occasion and the atmosphere.

To smaller teams, the FA Cup is a completely different kettle of fish to what players such as Angel Di Maria, Radamel Falcao, Daley Blind and Marcos Rojo are used to, which makes it difficult for them to play the way they want to. The fact is United managed to scrape through – albeit only to a replay – but are still in with a fantastic chance of lifting the FA Cup come May.

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Tonight’s replay shouldn’t present many problems for Louis Van Gaal’s side, with the occasion completely different to that of the tie at the Abbey. Add to that the fact Louis Van Gaal is almost certain to play another near full strength side means United are extremely likely to line-up against either Preston or Sheffield United in the fifth round. An away trip to either of these League One sides will be tough, but Man United should still have the fire power in their team to overcome this tie, whether it be on the night, or back at Old Trafford.

With Man City and Chelsea both knocked-out by lower league opposition in the fourth round, United have automatically been labelled as one of the favourites to lift the trophy, alongside Arsenal and Liverpool. Van Gaal knows he has a great chance to win a trophy in his first season at Old Trafford, and experiences such as the one at the Abbey Stadium can only help his team become familiar to what the FA Cup means.

One man that United could have done with is Captain Wayne Rooney. The 29-year-old is the club’s top scorer so far this season and has plenty of experience to know what the FA Cup is all about and how to avoid a giant killing. Van Gaal made a mistake by not including Rooney in the match day squad for the first game, but it’s a mistake that is unlikely to be repeated, increasing United’s chances of going all the way.

The Red Devils haven’t been able to get their hands on the FA Cup since defeating Millwall 3-0 way back in 2004, when a young Cristiano Ronaldo helped them secure the trophy. With the Premier League’s top two already out of the competition, Van Gaal’s side won’t get a better chance of putting this statistic right, especially with a kind draw like the one that awaits them in the fifth round.

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Swansea have had a bit of an up and down season. Garry Monk has added a directness to his team this year, and they’ve recorded a few good wins as a result. Last season they were involved in a bit of a relegation battle – though they never really looked like going down, especially not after Monk got the job. And this season they sit 10 points behind Tottenham and Southampton above them, and 18 points above the drop zone – smack bang in mid table.

Losing Wilfried Bony, their top scorer, doesn’t seem to have affected their form too much as they’re still losing the games you’d expect them to lose, and winning the games you’d expect them to win.

For the first half of the season, Gomis had been playing second fiddle to Bony. The French international hadn’t managed to score many goals for the club, and wasn’t getting the game time he felt he deserved. The BBC even reported that he told French TV that he was considering leaving if he didn’t start playing soon.

But Monk hasn’t lost faith in him, and he may be about to reap the rewards.

Gomis’ latest appearance on the scoresheet was the only goal of the game, coming right at the end of the match at the weekend against Aston Villa. If he can come up with more goals as important as that strike, then Swansea might progress even further next season.

Without Bony, the Swans were tipped to struggle, but Gomis might actually be the perfect replacement.

One of the reasons he was Bony’s deputy is simply that they can’t really play in the same side. They are both big, strong men who lead the line well, they are both agile and direct, and crucially they both have a keen eye for goal – they are finishers.

Bony has been hot property for a while, and perhaps it was the plan all along to let him go. Gomis was brought in over the summer as backup, but maybe it was expected that he would be the man to replace the big Ivorian. Maybe they even planned to let him go in January, when the big guns of the Premier League are worried that their current squad won’t win them the title, and are prepared to shell out over the odds for a proven Premier League striker. That’s exactly what Bony is, and that’s exactly what City have done.

Maybe it wasn’t quite as calculated as that, but I wouldn’t put it past Huw Jenkins. The Swansea chairman has made great decision after great decision in his time at the helm of the Welsh club, and now they might be without Bony, but they have a ready-made replacement and a reported £28million in the bank.

Usually losing your best player means you need to change your style of play, even the best teams with their array of talent can’t always replace their stars – City wouldn’t have their power if they lost Toure, Liverpool their pace without Sterling or Sturridge, and when Mourinho came back to Chelsea he played a much different style of football, thus leaving a certain Juan Mata out of the team.

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But Swansea don’t look like they’ll miss Bony all that much. They have the same setup as before, and they will play in the same way, and if Gomis starts to fire in the same way as Bony, Swansea will just continue their progression up the Premier League.

In fact, when the Swans lost Roberto Martinez they didn’t lose their momentum, instead they brought in Paulo Sousa who took them even further. When they lost him, neither did they lose forward momentum either, Brendan Rodgers brought them to the Premier League. Nor did they lose it when Brendan Rodgers had his head turned by Liverpool – they’re still a top division club and they’re still going in the right direction.

It doesn’t look like they’ll lose it now that Bony has left either.

According to the Daily Star West Ham United are considering rescuing Javier Hernandez following his disappointing loan spell at Real Madrid.

With the year-long deal almost up and Hernandez almost certain to be released back to parent club Manchester United, the striker’s future looks anything but bright. Considering him surplus to requirements, United allowed the marksman to go out on loan and surprisingly it was Spanish giants Real Madrid who decided to give him a chance.

But things haven’t gone well for the Mexican forward, who has only scored four goals from his 16 La Liga appearances for the current Champions League winners – his main use has been as a substitute.

It is difficult to gauge his contributions for Real when you think about how few minutes he gets to play, but either way he hasn’t been able to make his mark and will not be wearing their white shirt next season.

West Ham have had a changeable season starting well but quickly slipping back down to their usual table position. In their last five games the Hammers managed only one win and lost to bottom of the table Leicester City, causing many to expect a personnel change at the top of the club this summer. Manager Sam Allardyce has been at Upton Park since 2011 leading the East London club through promotion and up to a high of 10th in their first campaign. Last year they finished down in 13th, and with this season’s table climb stunted it looks as if West Ham have failed to make any real improvements despite some high profile signings.

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Their highest goal scorer has been Senegalese striker Diafra Sakho who has found the net 10 times, but their next prolific player, Stewart Downing, has found the net only half as often. The Hammers just aren’t scoring enough goals and so a forward with the experience and undeniable quality of ‘Chicharito’ may just be what they need to push them higher than their typical midtable finish.

In Hernandez’s most prolific season for Manchester United he scored 20 times in all competitions helping them win the Premier League once again. But that was during his first season at the club before his role reduced more and more over his next four seasons there.

The 26-year-old still has 18 months left on his contract and considering that Red Devils manager Louis van Gaal has several other attacking options, Hernandez is better off pushing for a permanent move now rather than sitting on the bench for another season. Also with his contract coming to an end, United are likely to want to get some money for him rather than eventually let him go on a free transfer.

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If West Ham can get around what is likely to be a sizeable transfer fee then they should take a chance on Hernandez, but only if they can offer him regular football. Hernandez needs to be starting as many games as possible and then he will provide the goals that the Hammers have been lacking. After all he has played for two of the best teams in Europe and is his country’s joint-second highest goal scorer of all time.

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Kolo Toure has warned Raheem Sterling that leaving Liverpool would be a big mistake.

The 20-year-old Reds attacker has recently been linked with moves away from Anfield amid speculation that he’s reluctant to extend his contract at the club.

A controversial interview with the BBC allowed Sterling to have his say, in which he claimed that trophies, not money, motivates him, he’s rejected a £100,000-per-week offer and that interest from Arsenal is flattering.

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The Gunners are believed to be keen, as are Chelsea and Manchester City, but Toure has called on Sterling to stay where he is for at least two more years for the good of his career:

“I’m not surprised there’s speculation because everybody would want to have a player like him.” He told the Liverpool Echo.

“But he needs to stay here. Liverpool is a great place for him.

“This is a massive club and he has a manager who believes in him. There’s a lot more to come from Raheem and he needs to be in an environment where he can really express himself.

“I hope he signs. This is a club where he can really enjoy his football and where people will give him responsibility.

“This is definitely the best place for him to continue his development. At Liverpool, he’s beginning to be one of the most important players. He’s playing every week.

“If he went to another club there would be big challenges he would face. He wouldn’t be the most important player.

“Both (Jack) Rodwell and (Scott) Sinclair went to a club where there is big competition and didn’t play,

“If Raheem left Liverpool he wouldn’t be sure to start games. Make a mistake or don’t score for two games and he will be on the bench. There is no messing at clubs like that.

“Raheem is still only 20 and this is the best place for him to continue learning. He’s very important to this club.

“He needs to stay at Liverpool for at least two more years to go to the next level. Then he could look at it again.

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“He’s an intelligent boy and I’m sure he will make the right decision.”

Sterling has been a Liverpool layer since his early teens, when the Merseyside snapped him up from QPR’s academy.

He’s now a key first-team player at Liverpool and is a value member of Roy Hodgson England set-up.

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According to reports from The Daily Mail this afternoon, Manchester United signing Memphis Depay is ‘honoured’ by comparisons with his footballing idol Cristiano Ronaldo.

Last week it was revealed the Red Devils had completed a transfer for the 21 year-old worth between £25million and £30million – as reported by BBC Sport. It follows a 28-goal campaign at PSV, which has seen Depay rise to the top of the Eredivise scoring charts and the Eindhoven outfit claim their first league title since 2008.

A prolific winger-forward famed for his explosive pace, goals and trickery, the Netherlands international has often been compared to Manchester United icon Cristiano Ronaldo – also sharing the three-time Ballon d’Or winner’s unusual free kick technique.

Speaking with BBC One production Football Focus ahead of his official move to Old Trafford this summer, Depay revealed his delight at such comparisons.

“It’s an honour to have a name like that but you have to be real and I am down to earth,” he said. He is my idol and a big, big player – maybe the biggest in the world. I watched him a lot. I look at his free-kicks and how he moves, but I am Memphis and I am going to show myself.”

The Eredivise prodigy went on to discuss his relationship with Red Devils boss Louis van Gaal, who handed Depay his international debut in 2013.

“I have a good relationship with him,” Depay said. In the World Cup he trained very hard and that is what I like. I learned a lot from him. He is very strict and that is what I like. If I do something good he is going to tell you, and that’s important, but also if you can do it better he is going to tell you that.

“I believe he can make me better. I am young and I want to be one of the best players in the world,” he added.

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Well, Luis Suarez isn’t the only one who has a taste for Italian (sorry, that’ll never get old).

Arsene Wenger seems keen on Italian takeaway, too – well, an Italian team’s players, at least – with the Gunners being linked with two Napoli stars, Gonzalo Higuain and Jose Callejon. Wenger is set on adding a new attacker to his squad, but which Partenopei player should he choose?

Higuain is the flashier option, having scored 18 goals and registered seven assists in 37 Serie A games while finding the net 11 additional times in other competitions. The Argentine occupied the lone spot up top in Napoli’s 4-2-3-1 formation, a position that saw him average 3.1 shots per game in league play.

But when Higuain looks over his right shoulder for a pass, it’s Callejon who is there. Callejon notched seven assists on top of 12 goals and was Rafael Benitez’s most-used attacker, plying his trade for 4,323 minutes over 59 appearances for the club last term.

The Gunners are yet to add a marquee attacker during this transfer window, but they have seen the departure of winger Lukas Podolski to Galatasaray. Although Podolski very rarely came off the bench last season – and was loaned to Inter Milan for six months – Wenger would do well to reinforce his side with a player of similar style.

Arsenal already have Olivier Giroud and Theo Walcott as reliable striking options, so the club needs a versatile attacker to replace Podolski, not another out-and-out forward, which makes the case for signing Callejon over Higuain.

The 28-year-old averaged 1.4 key passes per game, most of which were short layoffs on the flanks, and his success rate for short passes was roughly 82% – better than both Arsenal wingers Alexis Sanchez and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. Callejon lost possession just 1.2 times per game, while Sanchez was dispossessed 10.4 times per game.

Callejon is already used to Wenger’s 4-2-3-1 system, and could easily play on either the left or right wing. The Spaniard puts an emphasis on passing and on attacking down the wings, both areas that Arsenal rely on to hold together a non-aggressive, possession-based style.

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If Arsenal are to mount a serious title challenge, they need to be able to hold onto the ball against Chelsea’s hardened defensive lines and attack from all over the pitch. Callejon has the agility and flexibility to be the heartbeat of the Gunners’ attack.

The agent of Tottenham Hotspur target Nicolas Gaitan has told Foot Mercato that the midfielder will leave Atletico Madrid in January, reports talkSPORT.

What’s the word?

The North London outfit, as well as Manchester United, were registered with an interest in the Argentine earlier this year.

Gaitan has found it difficult trying to cement a place in the first team having started just six La Liga games this season.

The midfielder’s agent Jose Iribarren has told Foot Mercato that a number of English clubs are interested in his client, who intends to move on next month.

“I can tell you English clubs are interested. Yes, he’ll undoubtedly leave Atletico in January. He has a lot of concrete offers. Nicolas was an important player when he played in Argentina, at Benfica and with the national team.

“He can’t continue in these conditions. If he can’t play a string of matches, nor win the coach’s trust. A player wants to play. We’re going to see with Atletico which solution we can find.”

The 29-year-old has been at the Spanish outfit since 2016 when he made the switch from Benfica, where he made more than 250 appearances.

Do Tottenham need him?

The Premier League club may not necessarily be crying out for Gaitan, but he is certainly capable of providing the team with some attacking flair.

So far, Mauricio Pochettino has been reliant on Christian Eriksen and Dele Alli to lead the way from midfield.

However, both players have experienced dips in form in recent weeks, which could be down to the amount of games they are feating in.

Gaitan would be a decent player to call upon for an injection of quality, plus the midfielder has Champions League experience.

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The fact that the player’s agent has confirmed his client has a desire to move in January, puts Tottenham in a good position in terms of negotiations.