Tag Futebol

Russell Martin accepted full responsibility after another dismal Rangers performance ended with a 1-1 draw at Falkirk, but it may not be enough to save his position at Ibrox.

When striker Bojan Miovski tapped in after 41 minutes, the travelling supporters again turned their ire on the Gers boss and there were repeated chants against the former Southampton manager before and after John McGlynn’s side deservedly levelled in the 73rd minute through substitute Henry Cartwright.

Afterwards Gers fans sat down to attempt to stop the team bus leaving but they were dispersed by police. Images showed that Martin was escorted out of another part of the stadium by security guards before reportedly leaving in a car.

The Ibrox side are in eighth place with one win in seven William Hill Premiership fixtures, 11 points behind leaders Hearts and nine behind Celtic and Martin, who described the chants as “character building”, was asked if he was getting enough from the players.

He said: “They’re giving us everything they’ve got. I think they’re really trying. So I have to take responsibility for it, not them.

“There’s been some really honest discussions with them in the dressing room, some frustration with them and each other, but ultimately I’m the one in charge of the team, so I have to accept responsibility. We haven’t had enough wins on days like today, so it’s been a frustrating period.”

Kris Boyd slams "embarrassing" thing Martin had Rangers do in Sturm Graz defeat

It was another night to forget.

ByTom Cunningham Oct 3, 2025

Martin conceded the backing of the Ibrox board is not infinite but remains confident that he can get it right.

He said: “I think it’s the same everywhere. Just this club is intensified and the scrutiny is much higher, the noise is much louder.

“So every draw we’ve had has felt like a defeat because of the stature of this club and what it means and what we have to try and fight for.

“So I can’t answer your question really, you’d have to ask the people above me.

“I feel that the players and the staff are really behind me. I felt really supported by everyone else above me as well, and I can’t dictate whether that changes or not.

“I have to just try and focus on winning football matches (and we can do that) because of what I see every day with the players, how invested they are in it, how hard they run.

“If I felt any differently, I would feel differently here. It probably wouldn’t hurt as much, but I know they’re really trying.”

Martin "on the brink" of Ibrox sack

And Ben Jacobs reports on Sunday evening that Martin “is on the brink of being sacked” the Gers board “expected to make an imminent decision”.

Steven Gerrard and Danny Rohl are both “appreciated” in Glasgow’s South side having been on the shortlist before Martin took charge.

Paris Saint-Germain have been the dominant force in France for a number of years now and lifted the Champions League in 2025.

In the 2025/26 season, PSG have an annual payroll of €150,260,000, with the average player earning more than €6m per season. But who earns what at the Parc des Princes? Every PSG player in the first-team squad has been ranked in order from highest to lowest in terms of wages, with the help of Capology.

Disclaimer – only the club and the players themselves truly know their wages, so take each of these figures as you will.

Rank

Player

Gross pay per week

Gross pay per year

1

Ousmane Dembele

€346,154

€18,000,000

2

Khvica Kvaratskhelia

€314,615

€16,360,000

3

Marquinhos

€258,654

€13,450,000

=4

Achraf Hakimi

€253,846

€13,200,000

=4

Lucas Hernandez

€253,846

€13,200,000

6

Warren Zaire-Emery

€219,231

€11,400,000

7

Vitinha

€209,615

€10,900,000

8

Nuno Mendes

€192,308

€10,000,000

9

Bradley Barcola

€126,923

€6,600,000

10

Desire Doue

€115,385

€6,000,000

11

Goncalo Ramos

€105,769

€5,500,000

12

Fabian Ruiz

€104,808

€5,450,000

13

Joao Neves

€92,692

€4,820,000

14

Willian Pacho

€87,308

€4,540,000

15

Lee Kang-in

€70,000

€3,640,000

16

Lucas Beraldo

€62,885

€3,270,000

17

Matvey Safonov

€59,423

€3,090,000

18

Senny Mayulu

€13,846

€720,000

19

Ibrahim Mbaye

€2,308

€120,000

Here's a detailed look at PSG's top 10 earners… 10 Desire Doue €115,385 per week

Desire Doue enjoyed a brilliant breakthrough campaign in 2024/25, being named Player of the Match in the Champions League final vs Inter Milan.

The French winger is on €6m per season under contract until 2029.

9 Bradley Barcola €126,923 per week

Another talented French winger on the books at the Parc des Princes is Bradley Barcola, who is on slightly more than Doue at €6.6m per season.

His current contract is set to expire in 2028.

8 Nuno Mendes €192,308 per week

Now regarded as one of the best left-backs in the world, Nuno Mendes was rewarded with a huge new four-year deal in 2025.

Previosuly, the Portugal international was on €1.44m per season, now, he is on €10m per year.

7 Vitinha €209,615 per week

Another Portuguese star in Paris is midfielder Vitinha, who finished 3rd in the 2025 Ballon d’Or.

A regular under Luis Enrique, Vitinha, like Mendes, also signed improved terms in 2025 and now picks up just under €11m per year.

6 Warren Zaire-Emery €219,231 per week

Warren Zaire-Emery picks up more than €8m per season in the French capital after signing his latest deal in 2024.

The talented midfielder has progressed through PSG’s academy and is now a France international.

5 Lucas Hernandez €253,846 per week

PSG spent around €40m on Lucas Hernandez from Bayern Munich in 2023, handing him a huge deal in the process.

The France international came through at Atletico Madrid’s academy, however, he has had his injury issues with the Ligue 1 giants.

4 Achraf Hakimi €253,846​​​​​​​ per week

Also picking up €13.2m per season is full-back Achraf Hakimi. The Morocco international had already represented Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund and Inter before signing for PSG in 2021.

Hakimi cost an initial €60m and has been a regular in recent seasons, with his deal expiring in 2029.

3 Marquinhos €258,654​​​​​​​ per week

PSG legend Marquinhos has been on the books with the Ligue 1 champions since 2013 and has won 10 league titles since joining from Roma.

In fact, the captain has won more than 30 major honours with PSG and signed his latest contract in 2023, which keeps the centre-back at the club until 2028.

2 Khvicha Kvaratskhelia €314,615 per week

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia was PSG’s marquee signing in January 2025, with the club paying Napoli €70 million plus add-ons to sign the winger.

The Georgia international penned a four-and-a-half-year deal and will earn more than €16m per season.

1 Ousmane Dembele €346,154 per week

Top of the charts and PSG’s highest-paid earner is winger Ousmane Dembele, who the club paid Barcelona €50m for in 2023.

The Frenchman won the Ballon d”or in 2025, helping PSG to a Ligue 1, French Cup and Champions League treble.

Wayne Rooney has delivered an honest verdict on Benjamin Sesko while also pointing out the player who "simplified things" in Manchester United's 2-0 win over Sunderland. After a turbulent start to the campaign that has piled pressure on manager Ruben Amorim, United finally looked alive again at Old Trafford on Saturday. The win not only lifted them to tenth in the Premier League table but also brought a breath of optimism back among a frustrated fanbase.

Getty Images SportSesko strikes back: Relief and redemption for United’s £74m man

After Mason Mount opened the scoring against Sunderland, Sesko doubled the lead just after the half-hour mark with a clever close-range finish. That goal took Sesko’s tally to two in eight appearances, and it was a major boost to his morale. The Slovenian has faced fierce scrutiny since his £74 million ($99m) summer move from RB Leipzig, struggling to adapt under the weight of expectation. Yet against Sunderland, he looked sharper, hungrier, and finally like the player United fans were promised.

AdvertisementRooney hails Sesko after Sunderland heroics

United's all-time record goalscorer Rooney said while assessing Sesko's performance on : "I think he’s a handful and I think he uses his body well, he challenges for balls. It makes it easier for [Bryan] Mbeumo, [Matheus] Cunha when he’s on, or Mount to make runs in behind him, so I think that’s clearly something they’ve worked on. Obviously getting another goal will help him so the win was massive for all the players and for the manager and it was much-needed."

Getty Images SportLammens makes his mark: Simple, sharp, and solid

While Sesko grabbed the headlines up front, it was Senne Lammens, United’s summer signing between the sticks, who quietly impressed at the back. Making his debut, the 23-year-old Belgian kept a clean sheet and showed composure beyond his years, even after a nerve-wracking moment when he misjudged a charge outside his box. Rooney was quick to notice and said: "The goalkeeper did well. He obviously had the misjudgement where he’s come out the box and that could end up a different way. But I thought, in the main, he simplified things and that’s not a bad thing for a keeper. He didn’t take too many touches on the ball, he got the ball forward quickly and it was effective."

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Amorim gets the tactics right

Amorim’s slight tactical tweak also earned plaudits. United pressed with intent, their attack finally showing balance and bite. Sunderland, unable to live with the tempo, were forced to change shape early in the first half, never truly recovering.

"Sesko has been good at winning headers and [Bryan] Mbeumo running in behind him so I actually thought United got their tactics right," he said. "Amorim slightly changed his tactics and went with two forwards up top and it worked, certainly for the first 30 minutes. Sunderland had to change it early on in the first half and they saw the game out well from there. Sunderland didn’t really cause that many problems."

The rain lashed down in almost biblical fashion at Blundell Park on Wednesday evening, yet there was to be no messiah for Manchester United, as League Two minnows Grimsby Town deservedly edged into the Carabao Cup Third Round.

Ruben Amorim – looking less and less like the Red Devils’ saviour – could hardly watch as his expensively assembled side crashed out on penalties, having only briefly spared their blushes with a late fightback in normal time.

£74m signing Benjamin Sesko had even come agonisingly close to snatching a winner at the death, although that scenario would have been deeply unfair on a home side who outfought and outmanoeuvred their opponents throughout the 90-minute affair.

Four times the ball was in Andre Onana’s net – the last of those ruled out in somewhat contentious circumstances – with that fact alone emphasising just what a bruising night it was for the men in red.

Yes, there have been flashes of positivity in recent weeks, but Wednesday’s result may well have extinguished all that. A new nadir in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era has been reached.

Just where do the Old Trafford side go from here?

Andre Onana takes the blame again

The best place to start, in the post-mortem that is to follow, would be the signing of a new starting goalkeeper. Royal Antwerp’s Senne Lammens appears to be the INEOS pick, although at just 22, the young stopper appears yet another gamble for the United hierarchy.

Chalkboard

Whatever the Belgian’s credentials, however, he could arguably do little worse than United’s current crop, with the aforementioned Onana failing miserably to take his chance following his return to the starting lineup.

Altay Bayindir – the man at fault for Arsenal’s strike on the opening weekend – has been shaky enough in recent weeks, although Onana’s performance takes the biscuit, with the Cameroonian arguably to blame for both of Grimsby’s goals on the night.

Having failed to keep out Charles Vernam’s early effort at the near post, the 29-year-old then compounded that error by needlessly racing out of his goal just eight minutes later, allowing Tyrell Warren to prod home into the empty net.

Even in the ensuing shootout, the former Inter Milan man – who had looked nervy from the off after flapping at an early inswinging corner – could only produce a solitary, albeit impressive spot-kick save, despite repeatedly getting his hand to the ball.

After making five errors in all competitions last term, as per Sofascore, the reported West Ham United target has picked up where he left off, with it perhaps easy to see why Amorim has been hesitant to reinstate him on the Premier League front thus far.

An exit for the £47.2m man now appears an inevitability, be it this week, or in 2026, with teammate Manuel Ugarte perhaps among those who should well join him in the departure lounge.

Manuel Ugarte's dismal display vs Grimsby

On a night that began with the talk centred around the future of a certain Kobbie Mainoo, it was telling that the United boss opted to replace Ugarte instead at the break, with the Uruguayan yet again failing to convince.

While passes went astray, there was purpose and poise to Mainoo’s game, with the academy starlet notably picking out Bryan Mbeumo to kickstart the comeback. His penalty was also dispatched with aplomb.

The same cannot be said for Ugarte, however, with the ex-Paris Saint-Germain man again looking uneasy in the centre of the park, having lost the ball on five occasions from his 44-touch cameo, while also failing to provide a single key pass.

Minutes played

45

Touches

44

Pass accuracy

88%

Key passes

0

Successful dribbles

1/2

Ground duels

2/4

Aerial duels

2/3

Possession lost

5x

Fouls

1

An unused substitute in the Bilbao showpiece back in May, the 24-year-old’s stock already looked to have plummeted heading into the summer, with Wednesday’s outing providing a further reminder of his deficiencies.

Despite only arriving under the INEOS regime last summer, it looks as if the former Sporting CP midfielder – who worked under Amorim in Lisbon – is now on borrowed time, with MEN journalist Samuel Luckhurst claiming that ‘people at the club are giving up on him’.

Hooked at the break following what Luckhurst noted to be just a 2/10 worthy performance, Ugarte appears to have a mountain to climb to revive his United fortunes, with both he and Onana having been “absolutely useless” against the Mariners, as per writer Muhammad Butt.

While there is little doubting his physical capacity, having ranked in the top 6% of Premier League midfielders in 2024/25 for tackles won, as per FBref, his woes on the ball are plain to see, not least when considering he ranked in just the bottom 18% for progressive passes and the bottom 23% for progressive carries per 90.

Having already been acquired at the expense of one academy hero in Scott McTominay, the £50m man must surely not be prioritised over another homegrown talent such as Mainoo.

If there was to be any shining light from an evening that put the grim in Grimsby, then it should hopefully be the realisation for Amorim and his staff regarding which United midfielder actually needs to make way before the deadline…

Bigger blow than Mainoo: £50m Man Utd ace in "very advanced" talks to leave

Manchester United look set to offload another star as Kobbie Mainoo exit rumours pick up pace.

2 ByEthan Lamb Aug 27, 2025

Aston Villa have been limited by the Premier League’s ill-famed Profit and Sustainability rules this summer, but Unai Emery remains in charge and the club have spent wisely to ensure they have the tools to tackle the season ahead.

And while roadblocks have been swerved over the past few months, with the recent £40m sale of Jacob Ramsey to Newcastle United an example of how the Midlands outfit have been hamstrung this term, one or two further additions may yet be made before the September 1st deadline.

That sale, poignant as it is, could lead to the signing of Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson, with Emery personally driving the potential deal. He’s full of untapped potential, but the Spanish tactician might just be the perfect man to lift him toward that high ceiling.

But it’s not just the frontline Emery is mulling over, with a deal in the works for a new defensive player too.

Aston Villa eyeing new defender

Aston Villa welcomed 19-year-old centre-back Yasin Ozcan to their fold this summer after a pre-contract agreement, but the former Kasimpasa star has headed straight out on loan to Anderlecht.

However, a right-sided and versatile player remains of interest to the Villans, with Emery interested in signing an up-and-comer skilled across defence and in a number six berth.

Indeed, according to Foot Mercato, Villa have been buoyed in their summer-long bid to sign teenager Jaydee Canvot after the Toulouse star rejected a proposal from Saudi Arabia, and may be preparing a new offer for him in the final days of the window.

The £17m-rated youngster has already been the subject of one Aston Villa bid this summer, and it would appear Emery is persisting in his chase, and maybe that will pay off.

Why Villa want Jaydee Canvot

Canvot only broke into Toulouse’s senior set-up last season, starting 12 Ligue 1 matches in total, having featured for only five minutes across the opening 15 fixtures of the term.

Shifting between central defence and an anchoring midfield role, Canvot showed why there’s such excitement around him, assuredly completing 87% of his passes and also completing 70% of his dribbles, denoting control and purpose when carrying the ball forward.

His precision and adeptness in reading the game suggest he would be perfect for life in the Premier League, already framed at 6 foot 2 besides.

This versatile defensive style even suggests that Canvot could emulate his countryman Boubacar Kamara and play a similar role at Villa Park. Data-driven platform FBref has actually recorded Kamara to be one of Canvot’s most statistically similar players, ranking among the top 7% of positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for through balls and the top 18% for successful take-ons per 90.

His passing and natural predilection for forward play further underscore his potential in Emery’s system, and that also substantiates the claim that he could be the next version of Kamara, who has been described by the boss in the past as being “very important” to the side’s build-up and link-up play.

However, the 25-year-old has suffered his share of injury problems since joining Aston Villa from Marseille in 2022, and so while Canvot would replicate him in jumping to England over the Channel and settling in Aston, Birmingham, he would also ease the worries around another setback to Kamara, providing a similar presence and absorbing the fruits of his more experienced peer’s teachings.

Boubacar Kamara – Aston Villa Career (by season)

Season

Apps

Games Injured

25/26

1

0

24/25

42

14

23/24

30

20

22/23

26

8

Data via Transfermarkt

The Athletic’s David Ornstein has noted that Canvot is “viewed as a [sic] top prospect,” and Villa would provide him with the perfect nurturing ground to grow into his skin and reach the level of first-team stars such as Kamara.

كشفت رابطة الدوري الإسباني للدرجة الأولى منذ قليل، عن رجل مباراة ريال مدريد وأتلتيكو مدريد، والتي لعبت اليوم السبت في قمة الأسبوع.

أتلتيكو مدريد استضاف ريال مدريد اليوم السبت في ملعب واندا ميتروبوليتانو، ضمن قمة الجولة السابعة من بطولة الدوري الإسباني للدرجة الأولى.

ونجح أتلتيكو مدريد في الفوز على ريال مدريد واكتساحه بنتيجة خمسة أهداف مقابل هدفين، ليكبد الروخي بلانكوس الميرنجي أول هزيمة له في الموسم الحالي.

اقرأ أيضًا .. ترتيب الدوري الإسباني بعد هزيمة ريال مدريد أمام أتلتيكو مدريد

وتم اختيار نجم نادي أتلتيكو مدريد، جوليان ألفاريز، كرجل مباراة اليوم، بعد مستوى اللاعب الأكثر من رائع خلال مواجهة الديربي.

ألفاريز سجل هدفين في لقاء اليوم ولعب مباراة كبيرة حقًا ضد ريال مدريد، حيث شكل لاعب مانشستر سيتي السابق خطورة كبيرة على مرمى الفريق الملكي.

وسجل ألفاريز هدف أتلتيكو مدريد الثالث من ركلة جزاء، قبل أن يعود ويسجل هدفًا رابعًا للأتليتي والثاني له من ركلة حرة مباشرة سكنت شباك الميرنجي وأمنت الفوز لفريقه.

ويعول مدرب أتلتيكو مدريد، دييجو سيميوني، بشكل دائم على ألفاريز ضمن فريقه والذي يعتبر من أهم اللاعبين في مركزه خلال الفترة الماضية.

This is the summer of the striker, with Premier League champions Liverpool just one of many elite clubs who are prioritising the purchase of a new number nine.

Indeed, Arsenal’s lengthy wait for a centre-forward looks set to come to an end with the addition of Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres, while Manchester United have also earmarked the likes of Ollie Watkins amid their own search for an upgrade.

Chelsea, meanwhile, have already brought in Club World Cup hero Joao Pedro to ‘replace’ their prior summer signing, Liam Delap, while at Tottenham Hotspur, a reunion could be on the cards for Thomas Frank and Brentford’s Yoane Wissa.

The merry-go-round of transfer deals has been particularly enthralling this summer, with that none more true than with the Reds’ interest in both Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike.

With Darwin Nunez looking all but certain to depart – while Luis Diaz remains a target for Bayern Munich – a new attacking figurehead is surely needed at Anfield, with Arne Slot and co identifying Ekitike as the alternative to their dream target, Isak.

A bid for the Frenchman appears to be in the works, although the Merseysiders might also have their eye on an even more exciting deal…

Liverpool's ongoing transfer search

As was evident last term, Slot’s side more than got by without an orthodox marksman leading the line, with Diaz netting 17 times in all competitions, while Cody Gakpo chipped in with 18 goals of his own.

With 34-goal superstar Mohamed Salah still the main man on the right flank, a more fluid approach to the forward line has thus far worked a treat in the Slot regime, with Liverpool’s club-record pursuit of Nunez having unfortunately backfired.

That plan could continue with the signing of Real Madrid star, Rodrygo, with the Brazilian – who can operate all across the front line – having been earmarked as a marquee summer target for those at Anfield.

Transfer Focus

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

As per reports in Spain, the Reds are actually leading the race for the 24-year-old’s signature, with the versatile winger already believed to have given his endorsement to the move.

While both Bayern and Chelsea are also said to be in the frame, it is Liverpool who are at the front of the queue right now, with negotiations ‘already underway’ and ‘steady progress’ having been made.

Said to be valued at €100m £85m), the former Santos starlet has reportedly been told he can leave the Bernabeu this summer. Madrid’s ‘trash’ could then prove to be Liverpool’s treasure.

Why Rodrygo would be a better deal than Ekitike

As already stated, Liverpool appear to be in need of a new number nine, with that man Nunez ending 2024/25 with just seven goals to his name in all competitions – three fewer than Man United struggler, Rasmus Hojlund.

Ekitike, following his 22-goal season in Germany, would undoubtedly fit the bill, with TNT Sport pundit Owen Hargreaves even going as far as to suggest that he is the “perfect centre-forward”.

That said, that campaign represents the major standout of his career to date, having actually only scored 44 goals in total at senior level from 136 games – excluding his time in Stade Reims’ B team.

Rodrygo, by contrast, is only a year older than the Frenchman, but has already racked up far more experience at the top level, scoring 68 times in 270 games at Madrid, alongside providing a further 51 assists.

That has come despite the Brazil international typically lining up in a right-wing berth, despite looking better suited either on the opposite side, or as a centre-forward. Indeed, former boss Carlo Ancelotti previously suggested that he saw him “more as a centre forward than a wide man.”

Non-penalty goals

0.48

0.35

Assists

0.29

0.22

Shot-creating actions

3.50

4.56

Pass completion

75.3%

85.7%

Progressive passes

1.95

4.69

Progressive carries

3.04

5.07

Successful take-ons

1.90

2.15

Progressive passes received

7.53

11.33

Touches in opposition box

6.73

5.84

While Ekitike struggled to make his mark at an elite outfit like Paris Saint-Germain, where he scored just four goals in 33 games, Rodrygo has more than impressed even amid the intense competition for places in the Spanish capital.

On the Champions League stage, in particular, he has already scored 25 times from just 65 appearances, with his finishing levels having been described as “terrifyingly good” by journalist Sam Tighe in the past.

For comparison, Ekitike has only made four appearances in Europe’s premier competition, while failing to score.

Ekitike, it must be said, is a real talent, but it would surely represent an even bigger coup to land Rodrygo, particularly for what could prove to be a ‘modest’ £85m fee.

If Isak is no longer in the equation, perhaps there is a world in which both men end up in Slot’s side, ahead of next season?

He's better than Ekitike: Liverpool chasing "monster" £60m Isak alternative

Liverpool are looking to sign a new number nine in the summer transfer window.

ByAngus Sinclair Jul 15, 2025

Back in November 1992, Manchester United completed the £1m signing of forward Eric Cantona, in a deal that will certainly be one of the best in the club’s history.

The Frenchman managed to score 64 goals in his 143 appearances over a five-year spell, but it was often his antics without the ball that made him as known as he was at Old Trafford.

In the 1994/95 campaign, the attacker infamously kung-fu kicked a Crystal Palace supporter after receiving abuse as he exited the pitch after picking up a red card.

He was subsequently banned for eight months, before returning for the next campaign and spending two more years with the Red Devils before departing back in 1997.

However, in the present day, boss Ruben Amorim has the opportunity to land another star who’s been labelled a similar player to the iconic star due to his own antics.

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

Over the last couple of days, United have been linked with a move to sign Chelsea star Nicolas Jackson, as Amorim looks to strengthen his front line ahead of 2025/26.

No bid has yet been made for the Senegalese international, who scored 13 goals across all competitions, but he could be allowed to leave after the arrivals of Joao Pedro and Liam Delap.

However, other moves have also been made, with Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez firmly on their radar this window, according to La Nacion via Sport Witness.

They claim that the Argentinian international is already in negotiations over a move to join the Red Devils this summer, even stating his desire to move to Old Trafford during the off-season.

It also states that the 32-year-old could be available for a fee in the region of £40m this window, with Unai Emery’s side prepared to allow him to depart if they can land a replacement.

Why United’s £40m target would be more important than Watkins

Ollie Watkins has been another player firmly on United’s radar over the last couple of weeks, with the hierarchy wanting to hand Amorim the quality and depth he desires in the final third.

The 29-year-old has been linked with a £60m switch to join the Red Devils this window, after netting 17 goals for the Villans across all competitions in 2024/25.

However, it would be a huge investment in a player who’s evidently coming towards the back end of his professional career, arguably having no resale value if he stays at the club for many years.

Other options should be considered in such a department, which could make Martinez a more important addition to the club – especially considering the situation in such a department.

Current number one Andre Onana is out with a hamstring injury and could miss the start of the 2025/26 campaign, opening the door to added investment in such a department.

Martinez, who’s been labelled the “Cantona of his generation” by Sky Sports’ Dougie Critchley, has constantly been a showman during his time in the Premier League, even having an infamous battle with striker Neal Maupay.

When comparing his stats to those of the Cameroonian from last season, the Argentine has massively outperformed him in numerous key areas – highlighting why he’d be a crucial addition to Amorim’s side.

The Argentine managed to concede fewer goals per 90, whilst also achieving a higher save percentage, handing the side the needed defensive reinforcements they desperately need next season.

Games played

37

34

Goals conceded

1.2

1.3

Saves made

4

3.7

Save percentage

70%

68%

Pass accuracy

78%

72%

Long pass accuracy

49%

36%

Penalty save percentage

50%

25%

Crosses claimed

1.6

0.6

Martinez has further impressed in recent times, claiming more crosses per 90 than the current United number one last season, offering Amorim a goalkeeper who can offer a commanding presence within his own box.

The 32-year-old is also a two-time FIFA Goalkeeper of the Year award winner, showcasing his ability to perform at the very top level of European football when required.

Such experience could be crucial in the club’s attempts to rise up the league table and challenge for a place in Europe again in the near future.

There’s no denying that Watkins would hand the side an added focal point, but Martinez would offer an immediate upgrade and fix to a problem position at the Theatre of Dreams.

Amorim's answer to Isak: Man Utd chasing deal for "sensational" £100m star

Manchester United are targeting a move for a new talisman who could transform Ruben Amorim’s side.

ByEthan Lamb Jul 16, 2025

Arsenal have suddenly sprung to life in the last few days.

For much of the last few weeks, fans were beginning to worry that Mikel Arteta’s side were being left behind by their Premier League rivals like Liverpool and Manchester City, who have been incredibly busy in the transfer window thus far.

However, seemingly out of nowhere, the North Londoners appear to have wrapped up deals for Christian Norgaard and Kepa Arrizabalaga, and now it looks like they are making progress on a deal to sign Christian Mosquera.

On top of that, the Gunners are now being linked with Crystal Palace’s incredible Eberechi Eze, although there is another international touted for a move to the Emirates this summer, someone who’d be a better signing than the Englishman.

Arsenal target international talent

Considering Arsenal scored 17 goals fewer than eventual Premier League champions Liverpool this season, it’s no surprise that most of their rumoured targets this summer are attacking players, with a real focus on left-wingers, such as Nico Williams and Eze.

Transfer Focus

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

The former looked like he could be the answer to the Gunners’ problems in that area of the pitch, but as things stand today, he looks more likely to move to Barcelona than England.

Eze, on the other hand, does feel like a realistic target, as he’s proven himself in the Premier League for years now and has a release clause worth around £68m in his contract, which would make signing him relatively straightforward.

Yet, if Arteta and Co really want to take the team to the next level this summer and bring in someone who’d represent a real signal of intent, they might be better off signing Rodrygo.

The good news is that they might have the same idea, as, according to a recent report from Spain, Arsenal have maintained their intense interest in the Real Madrid superstar.

In fact, the report goes a step further, claiming that the Gunners are now preparing to make an offer of around €80m for the Brazilian international, which translates to around £68m.

Interestingly, the club want to stagger the payments into three installments, with the first being around €50m and the next two being €15m each, which is something they might not be able to do with the Palace star due to his release clause.

It would still be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but given Rodrygo’s ability, experience and stature in the game, it’s one Arsenal should be fighting for, especially as he’d be a better signing than Eze.

Why Rodrygo would be a better signing than Eze

Okay, the first thing to say is that both players are incredibly talented footballers and would, therefore, make excellent additions to Arsenal’s squad.

After all, their raw output from this season isn’t all that far apart, as the Palace star scored 14 goals and provided 11 assists in 43 games, totalling 3303 minutes, while the Real monster produced the same goal involvements in 3448 minutes across 53 games.

However, the first real argument for the latter being the superior player emerges when we take a look under the hood and compare their underlying numbers.

Non-Penalty G+As

0.51

0.52

Progressive Passes

5.05

3.37

Progressive Passes Received

11.8

5.31

Progressive Carries

5.28

2.40

Shots

2.52

3.48

Goals per Shot

0.11

0.07

Shots on Target

0.93

0.94

Goals Per Shot on Target

0.30

0.26

Expected Assists

0.20

0.16

Key Passes

2.29

2.01

Passes into the Final Third

3.08

1.70

Shot-Creating Actions

4.95

4.69

Goal-Creating Actions

0.42

0.35

Tackles Won

0.65

0.76

Blocks

0.84

0.94

Interceptions

0.51

0.38

Clearances

0.42

0.35

Carries into the Final Third

4.07

1.67

Carries into the Penalty Area

2.34

0.76

Aerial Duels Won

0.33

0.24

For example, even though the former QPR star comes out on top in some metrics, like shots and shots on target per 90, he does far worse in the vast majority of relevant statistics.

In fact, not only does the former Santos gem do better in most attacking areas, like progressive and key passes, but also in some of the defensive metrics as well, like interceptions and clearances, highlighting his willingness to do the dirty work and help out his team.

Finally, in addition to being vastly superior in a statistical sense, the “world-class superstar,” as dubbed by Luka Modrić, is two years younger and has significantly more experience at the highest level.

For example, he has won two Champions League titles, two La Liga titles, and a host of other trophies, so he knows exactly what it takes to play at the very top of the game, which is something the Eagles ace just doesn’t have in his locker.

​​​​

Ultimately, both players would be excellent signings for Arsenal, but due to his incredible experience, age and superior statistics, Arsenal should be looking to sign Rodrygo over Eze this summer.

Better than Sesko & Gyokeres: Arsenal have "looked at" signing £82m star

The incredible goalscorer would be an unreal addition to Arsenal’s squad.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jun 27, 2025

The window might not be officially open yet, but silly season is in full swing, and Arsenal look set for a busy one.

Earlier today, it was revealed that Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi is just a medical away from officially joining the Gunners, and it feels like he won’t be the last international to join from La Liga.

For example, for well over a year now, Mikel Arteta’s side have been heavily linked with Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams, and then, over the last month or so, links to Real Madrid’s Rodrygo have appeared everywhere.

And now, another exciting attacker, someone who has been compared to both aforementioned wingers, has been touted for a move to the Emirates this summer.

Arsenal's winger search

Before we get to the player in question, it’s worth going over some of the other wide talents linked with Arsenal in recent weeks and months, like Antoine Semenyo and Rafael Leao.

Transfer Focus

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

The former could be attainable for a fee of around £70m, and while that’s a lot of money, he is a Premier League-proven star who has amassed an impressive enough tally of 20 goal involvements in 42 games for Bournemouth this year.

On the other hand, Leao could cost as much as £145m thanks to the release clause in his current contract, but he too has enjoyed a brilliant personal campaign this season, scoring 12 goals and providing 13 assists in 50 games for AC Milan.

However, while both players would be exciting additions to the team, another name has now entered the fray: Takefusa Kubo.

According to a recent report from Spanish newspaper AS, as relayed by Sport Witness, Arsenal are now interested in signing the Real Sociedad star.

In fact, the report claims that the Gunners and Premier League rivals Liverpool have already made contact with the Japanese international, who has a release clause worth €60m – £50m – in his current contract.

While it could be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, Arsenal should persevere with it, especially as Kubo has won comparisons to both Williams and Rodrygo.

How Kubo compares to Williams & Rodrygo

Before we get into some of the other reasons why Arsenal should be looking to sign Kubo this summer, it’s worth examining these comparisons to Williams and Rodrygo, as, after all, they are some of the most exciting wingers around at the moment.

Well, in this instance, it all stems from FBref, which compares players in similar positions in La Liga and then creates a list of the ten most comparable players for each one.

In this instance, it concluded that the Spaniard is the sixth most similar attacking midfielder or winger to the Japanese star this season, while the Brazilian comes in eighth.

Non-Penalty Expected G+As

0.31

0.35

0.32

Progressive Carries

5.04

5.32

5.28

Expected Assists

0.14

0.19

0.20

Goals per Shot

0.12

0.09

0.11

Clearances

0.49

0.41

0.42

Carries into the Penalty Area

2.16

2.61

2.34

Aerial Duels Win %

36.7%

39.3%

30.4%

We can better understand how this conclusion has been reached by looking at the underlying metrics in which the trio rank closely, such as non-penalty expected goals plus assists, expected assists, clearances, progressive carries, goals per shot and more, all per 90.

On top of his similarities to the two sensational wingers and his tally of seven goals and four assists this season, another argument for why the Gunners should sign the “dangerous” international, as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, is his individual underlying numbers.

For example, FBref places him in the top 4% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues for goal-creating actions from take-ons and passes blocked, the top 5% for shot-creating actions stemming from a defensive action, the top 7% for successful take-ons, the top 8% for fouls drawn and more, all per 90.

Ultimately, while he might not be at the top of many transfer wishlists, Kubo would be an exceptional addition to Arsenal’s right-sided attacking options and someone who could get even better as the team continues to progress.

£45m star who's shades of Patrick Vieira must never play for Arsenal again

The international ace has served Arsenal well, but it’s time to go.

ByJack Salveson Holmes May 27, 2025