All posts by z3u9t.icu

Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte holds a ‘massive advantage’ as he prepares his side for their blockbuster Premier League clash against Arsenal this evening.

The Lowdown: Season defining…

The Lilywhites face off against their bitter north London rivals tonight in what is, perhaps, the most crucial derby between both teams in recent memory.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/tottenham-newest-updates/” title=”Tottenham newest updates…” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Spurs and the Gunners will be competing in the race for Champions League football and all riches which come with that, not least the major financial windfall through revenue for 2022/2023.

Qualifying for Europe’s most coveted competition could also present either side with a bigger pull in the summer transfer market, a more crucial aspect for Spurs, as they look to appease Conte and back his reported overhaul.

The north Londoners will need every boost possible against Arsenal and Sky Sports pundit Paul Robinson says they have one ‘massive advantage’ ahead of the clash.

The Latest: Conte has ‘massive advantage’…

Speaking to Football Insider, the ex-Spurs goalkeeper claims playing at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in front of supporters could give Conte’s men a real boost.

However. he doesn’t personally believe this game is ‘season-defining’ despite what could be at stake – claiming both teams’ inconsistency could mean there are more twists to come.

He explained: “It’s a massive advantage being at home in a game of this magnitude.

“Is it a season-defining game? I’m not totally convinced that it is. If we were talking about Liverpool and Man City then we could presume that it is season-defining. But Spurs and Arsenal are so unpredictable you do not know what is coming.

“I was at the Arsenal game at the weekend and they struggled to beat a 10-man Leeds. It was not convincing by any stretch of the imagination. Spurs are exactly the same. They’re both too inconsistent.

“Listen, the north London derby is a huge game for both sides. But I wouldn’t put my house on both sides winning their two games after that.”

The Verdict: Correct call?

Arsenal could seal their place in Europe with victory over Spurs, while Conte’s men quite simply need to win all of their remaining games to claim fourth spot – including the looming derby (talkSPORT).

Taking this into account, we’re inclined to disagree with Robinson as this could certainly come as a season-defining encounter.

However, we do concur that the roar of Tottenham supporters at home will come as a big boost for the players who could certainly do with the ‘twelfth man’ for such a pivotal match.

In other news: Meeting held: Tottenham enter London talks with club chief as he offers out five players! Find out more here.

Pundit Alan Hutton has made a claim on injured Leeds United forward Patrick Bamford, Football Insider report.

The Lowdown: Bamford set to return to the pitch this week

Bamford and Leeds have both had seasons to forget this year, with the striker limited to just seven Premier League starts. The last of those came back in March against Wolves, where the 28-year-old ruptured his foot.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-united-updates-2/” title=”Latest Leeds United updates!” poster=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/cropped-2022-03-10T184055Z_1834933207_UP1EI3A1FW561_RTRMADP_3_SOCCER-ENGLAND-LEE-AVA-REPORT-1-scaled-1.jpg” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Jesse Marsch was hopeful Bamford could return for the final two games of the season and provided an update before the defeat to Manchester City, revealing he was due to return to the pitches at Thorp Arch this week.

The Latest: Hutton reacts

Hutton, who contributes for Sky Sports, was talking to FI about Bamford and a possible return to action after hearing the update from Thorp Arch.

He admitted he understands that a fully fit Bamford would help Marsch massively, however, Hutton feels the forward could be used just as an ‘impact sub’, which would do him the ‘world of good’.

“I just think don’t rush it. With everything that he’s gone through, everything that’s happened this season, you’ve got four games left.

“I understand that having a fully fit Bamford who’s firing would help you, there’s no doubt about that. Can he come on and affect games, if he’s fit and ready, for maybe the last 15, 20 minutes?

“I think that’s probably the part that he will play moving forward. It will be very difficult just to throw him in at this level, against the teams they’re coming up against.

“I think if you can get an impact sub out of him, I think that would do him the world of good.”

The Verdict: Needed?

Marsch may have been hoping that he wouldn’t need to call upon Bamford after he suffered another injury back in March with the Whites all but safe, however, it looks as if he will be required.

The Whites are in serious trouble with just four Premier League games remaining and it looks as if they need to pick up points against Arsenal and Chelsea over the next seven days.

Having Bamford back to use as an impact substitute, as Hutton suggested, could be a huge boost in the club’s attempts to avoid the drop, especially with Leeds failing to score in their last two.

In other news: Leeds want to sign ‘X-factor’ attacker despite possible relegation.

Manchester United face Brentford this evening in the Premier League, in which a win for the home side is necessary if they aim to finish in the top six and guarantee Europa League football next season.

What’s the news?

Manager Ralf Rangnick has been given some good news ahead of the tie, as both Fred and Edinson Cavani could be fit to face Brentford.

Fred has been missing for the previous four matches since coming off injured against Everton with a calf injury as United only won one of these four games so a return tonight would be good news for the manager.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-man-united-news-transfer-rumours-gossip-and-more-nunez-ten-hag-nkunku-richarlison” title=”Read the latest Man United news!”]

Cavani could also make a return for the first time in a Red Devils shirt since the 1-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid in the Champions League and will be desperate to get back amongst the goals for the Premier League side.

With his contract expiring at the end of the current season, the Uruguayan forward needs a solid last few matches to convince new boss Erik ten Hag to offer him a new deal.

The side have been plagued with injuries recently which hasn’t helped their form whatsoever. One step forward seems to be met with a couple of steps back and ten Hag will have a massive job to do in the summer.

Rangnick can secure Europa League football by winning their last three games, with a very faint chance of Champions League qualification, but this would require Arsenal and Tottenham to fade away significantly.

Any continental qualification will be a bonus for the incoming manager to get his teeth into, but the main aim is for three points against Brentford and see what happens from there.

Having both Fred and Cavani back will give the team and supporters a big boost.

AND in other news, Ten Hag plots major MUFC deal for “unbelievable” £29m “weapon”, he’s Beckham 2.0…

Celtic have had a storming campaign in the Premiership this season under the management of Ange Postecoglou.

Prior to Sunday’s Old Firm clash which could put the Hoops within touching distance of the title if they pick up a win, the Parkhead club have won 27 of their 34 league games.

Along with their impressive run of results, particularly since October, the Bhoys also boast the best attacking and defensive record in the top flight, with 80 goals scored and just 19 conceded.

However, one man who hasn’t been a particularly prominent figure for Postecoglou’s side is goalkeeper Vasilis Barkas, who is currently picking up a wage of £20k-per-week. The 27-year-old has only appeared in one league game for Celtic, this season which came back in December during their 3-1 win over St Johnstone.

Last month, it was reported that the Greece international had demanded to be allowed to leave the club in the summer.

Having had his move to the Parkhead club labelled a “disaster” by Frank McAvennie, it seems as though the Hoops have their eye on bringing in a new goalkeeper during the summer who could well end up replacing Barkas.

What’s the news?

According to a recent report from Football Insider, Celtic are plotting a move to sign Bodo/Glimt ‘keeper Nikita Haikin this summer.

Having started his career in England at youth level, the Russian has played with clubs in his homeland, Portugal, Spain and Israel before eventually joining his current employers in Norway.

In the midst of moving to and from clubs earlier in his career, the shot-stopper had run into issues with his passport and work permits, which he described as “insane”.

Since arriving at Bodo/Glimt, the 26-year-old has played in 81 games across all competitions, keeping 28 clean sheets in the process.

In Celtic’s 3-1 defeat against the Norwegian club in February’s Europa Conference League clash at Parkhead, the Russian made five saves in total, including one punch and one high claim. This shows just how capable a goalkeeper he is against tough opposition.

Looking ahead to the summer transfer window, if the Hoops are able to finally get rid of Barkas, adding Haikin to their ranks as his replacement could be a good bit of business for the club.

In other news: Bid made as Celtic now eyeing swoop for “strong” 63 G/A dynamo, he’s their next Edouard

Tottenham chiefs are believed to be assessing their options ahead of the looming January transfer window, which opens in just over a month’s time, and Thomas Frank reportedly wants to reinforce his attacking options.

On the pitch, all eyes turn towards this weekend’s looming North London derby as Frank’s side dream of their first Premier League win at the Emirates Stadium since 2011.

Frank also heads into his first derby clash as Spurs boss in testing circumstances, nursing a crippling injury crisis as he also navigates an inconsistent run of form. With as many as 11 first-team players currently sidelined, the Dane’s squad depth is pretty stretched for one of the Premier League’s most high-stakes fixtures.

Dejan Kulusevski

Knee

29/11/2025

James Maddison

ACL

01/06/2026

Radu Dragusin

Knee

22/11/2025

Ben Davies

Thigh

23/11/2025

Kota Takai

Ankle/Foot

23/11/2025

Mohammed Kudus

Knock

23/11/2025

Randal Kolo Muani

Jaw

23/11/2025

Yves Bissouma

Ankle/Foot

23/11/2025

Lucas Bergvall

Concussion

23/11/2025

Dominic Solanke

Ankle

23/11/2025

Archie Gray

Calf/Shin/Heel

23/11/2025

via Premier Injuries

His preparations took another worrying turn when midfielder Pape Sarr limped off during Senegal’s friendly against Brazil, though his international manager, Pape Thiaw, then provided a reassuring update which suggested the knock wasn’t serious.

The injury list makes for grim reading. Randal Kolo Muani, Archie Gray, Ben Davies, Radu Dragusin, Dejan Kulusevski, James Maddison, Dominic Solanke, Yves Bissouma and Kota Takai are just some of the names on Tottenham’s large absentee list, with a good few not expected back in time for the Arsenal clash.

Solanke is apparently “unlikely” to make his return against Mikel Arteta’s side as the striker continues his recovery from minor ankle surgery, while Kolo Muani fractured his jaw against Man United, and it remains to be seen how long the summer signing will be out for.

Mohammed Kudus should recover from a knock to face Arsenal, offering some attacking relief, while Lucas Bergvall could return after completing concussion protocols following his head injury against Chelsea — even if he was sent home from Sweden international duty after a ‘setback’.

Taking into account the club’s fitness issues which have plagued the Lilywhites since the start of Ange Postecoglou’s final season in charge, it is no surprise that they’re considering moves in the winter transfer market to reinforce Frank’s options.

Tottenham tried and failed to sign Man City winger Savinho in the summer, and it is believed that another wide-forward is very much still on the agenda at N17.

Takefusa Kubo could be tempted to join Tottenham in January

Real Sociedad star Takefusa Kubo is a player who’s long been linked with a move to Spurs.

Some reports even suggest that the north Londoners have made ‘several’ failed attempts to sign the Japan international, but they’ve been given some encouragement in the build up to January as it is claimed that Kubo is keen on Spurs as a landing spot.

His contract reportedly includes a £52 million release clause, and journalist Pete O’Rourke has told Football Insider that Kubo could still be intrigued by a move to Tottenham this winter amid Sociedad’s worrying form which sees them hovering just three points above the relegation zone.

O’Rourke also calls Kubo a “top player” who’d tick a lot of boxes for Frank.

The 24-year-old, who left Real Madrid after successive loan spells away to join Sociedad permanently in 2022, averaged more successful take-ons per 90 than any of his teammates in La Liga last season (WhoScored), and more than any Tottenham player managed in England that campaign too.

Predominantly a right-winger, Kubo appears unlikely to threaten Kudus’ place in the side given his exceptional start, but can operate as both a central attacking playmaker and even a second-striker, which may well appeal to Frank.

The presence of a release clause means that Spurs can bypass negotiations with Sociedad by triggering it and entering talks with the player himself.

Kubo’s signing could also open up commercial opportunities in the Asian market, something which Tottenham have missed since club legend and South Korea icon Son Heung-min departed for Los Angeles FC in the summer.

Make no mistake, this could be one to keep an eye on, and Kubo has been tipped to become an eventual superstar by those who’ve worked with him.

Tottenham Hotspur are already set to feel the effects of their exciting new start under Thomas Frank, with Spanish giants Real Madrid setting their sights on another of the manager’s key players alongside their well documented interest in Cristian Romero.

Simons fit for Tottenham debut vs West Ham

The international break is over and so could be the wait for Xavi Simons and Randal Kolo Muani to make their Spurs debuts. With a London derby against West Ham United set to take place tonight, both are in contention to take Frank’s frontline to a whole new level.

Simons is one that will particularly excite Spurs fans and rightly so. The Dutchman looked almost certain to head to Chelsea before the Lilywhites hijacked their rivals’ move to welcome an incredibly impressive talent. With 11 goals and eight assists in all competitions for RB Leipzig last season, fans in North London can expect quite the impact from their new star.

Whilst there was plenty of good news to enjoy during the summer transfer window, there are still some concerns on the horizon. Romero’s future is one of them. The Argentine is still attracting interest from Real Madrid despite recently signing a new contract and could yet be joined by another one of Frank’s key men in the near future.

Real Madrid now targeting Micky Van de Ven

According to Football Insider, Real Madrid are now targeting Micky van de Ven in what could be a major blow for Tottenham. The centre-back, who has returned to full fitness this season, has got off to an impressive start under Frank and has attracted interest from one of Europe’s biggest clubs as a result.

Tottenham ready to double star's wages as Chelsea eye surprise move for him

Their London rivals are apparently keen.

ByEmilio Galantini Sep 12, 2025

Reports have indicated that a move is unlikely at this stage, but Van de Ven is on Madrid’s list. The Spanish club have seemingly commenced their search for central defenders with the contracts of Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba set to expire next summer. As such, names such as Ibrahima Konate have emerged as top options as well as Romero and now reportedly Van de Ven.

Alas, the quick Dutchman is not someone that Spurs will be keen to lose anytime soon. Former manager Harry Redknapp was one of many to hand Van de Ven plenty of praise last season, telling reporters: “He looks a great signing. What amazed me is during the Euros this year, he couldn’t get into the Dutch team.”

A Tottenham Hotspur player hasn’t impressed Thomas Frank and is now “expected” to leave soon, as he will “find it hard” to get back into the starting XI.

Tottenham ace expected to seal post-deadline exit

The summer transfer window reached its conclusion just under a week ago, and Frank is likely to be happy with the business that got done, despite missing out on both Eberechi Eze and Morgan Gibbs-White.

One signing who has immediately hit the ground running in north London is Joao Palhinha, with the Portugal international opening his goal-scoring account in what was an impressive all-round performance in the 2-0 victory over Manchester City.

Statistic

Number completed

Ground duels won

6

Aerial duels won

2

Tackles

4

Clearances

2

The 30-year-old made the joint-highest number of tackles of any player on the pitch, starring alongside Rodrigo Bentancur and Pape Matar Sarr in a central midfield which has remained unchanged for the last two Premier League games.

On the opening day of the campaign, Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall featured in the engine room for Spurs, but one midfielder who is yet to receive any game time is Yves Bissouma.

According to Football Insider’s transfer correspondent, Pete O’Rourke, Bissouma could now be set to leave Tottenham in the near future, given that several countries’ transfer windows still remain open.

The journalist said: “There would be potential for Bissouma to be moved on before the Saudi Arabia and Turkey [transfer] windows close, that is expected.

“He’s out of favour under Thomas Frank and was dropped from their UEFA Super Cup squad, due to being late for various meetings and training.

“He hasn’t made the best of impressions on Thomas Frank, and he’ll probably find it hard to get into that Tottenham midfield.”

Bissouma should be offloaded as soon as possible

It is good news that the 29-year-old’s time in north London appears to be coming to an end, given that he has clearly shown a lack of professionalism by turning up late for meetings and training, which has meant falling down the pecking order in central midfield.

Tottenham now planning aggressive talks to sign "intense" Man Utd target

They’re not giving up.

ByTom Cunningham Sep 6, 2025

Spurs haven’t looked like they’ve missed the Mali international at all, with Palhinha proving himself as a more than capable replacement, earning high praise from Frank, who said: “What is 100 per cent sure is that we brought two top players into the club, (Mohammed) Kudus and Palhinha. Both of them performed very well, which I’m very pleased with.

“And Palhinha, wow. You know, sometimes players need confidence, and they need to be on top. I actually don’t think he’s fully fit yet where I want him to be, but very pleased with his performance and he’s definitely helping the team.”

As such, Tottenham can definitely afford to get rid of their £55k-a-week midfielder, and there is plenty of interest in his signature, with the likes of Fenerbahce and Galatasaray recently being named as potential suitors.

As results on the pitch continue to encapsulate their struggles even after the Premier League season has concluded, Manchester United have reportedly already set their sights on some key upgrades.

Man Utd defeated by ASEAN All-Stars

Whilst other clubs have taken a much-needed rest following a frantic Premier League season, Manchester United are currently in Asia on a post-season tour. But even outside of Europe, they haven’t been able to escape their problems. Just one week after suffering defeat in the Europa League final against Tottenham Hotspur, the Red Devils were humiliated by ASEAN All-Stars earlier this week to only add to their misery.

In a game which featured several mainstays, including Andre Onana, Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes and Rasmus Hojlund, Manchester United’s Asian fans would have been expecting Ruben Amorim’s side to get back to winning ways, albeit only in a friendly.

What they received instead, however, is the experience that many around Old Trafford have become accustomed to. And like those at Old Trafford, they reacted by booing the defeat that they were witnessing – boos that Amorim has since admitted his side need to hear.

The Manchester United boss told reporters after yet another defeat: “I’m always guilty of the performance of the team, no matter what. Since I’ve been here from the first day, I am guilty. The boos from the fans is something that we need, maybe. Because every game we lost in the Premier League, they [fans] were always there [supporting].

Gordon Strachan tells Man Utd to sign £30m star who'd be better than Osimhen

Gordon Strachan was speaking to Football FanCast this week.

ByMatt Dawson May 29, 2025

“It’s like the way of playing, if they see that it’s not working, they will change the way they behave. But I felt when we finished and walked away, the supporters were with us. But, again, let’s wait for the next season.”

The defeat once again highlighted just how desperately Manchester United need to get things right this summer, perhaps starting with a signing that Sir Jim Ratcliffe is reportedly not giving up on.

Man Utd set to hold more Joan Garcia talks

According to Caught Offside, Manchester United are now set to hold new talks to sign Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia in the coming days, with Ratcliffe failing to give up on the deal despite interest from Barcelona, who are the current favorites to get a deal done. Reports from Spain have even claimed that Garcia has even chosen Barcelona, but Man Utd are looking to hiajck a move.

The interest of the Red Devils comes as little surprise, given they had discussions for the keeper last month. Garcia, with a release clause worth just €25m (£21m), ticks the box for the type of bargain that United must target this summer as they look to replace Onana.

Starts

38

34

Clean Sheets

8

9

Saves P90

3.68

2.59

Save Percentage

75.5%

68.9%

If there are any concerns that Garcia wouldn’t be a major upgrade on Onana, then the numbers should put those concerns to bed in an instant. The Spaniard has enjoyed an excellent season at Espanyol and has been praised by Ben Mattinson since the very start, with the analyst dubbing him “dominant” back in August.

For just £21m, the deal makes perfect sense for Manchester United if they want to end their goalkeeper struggles once and for all in the coming months.

Already focused on the summer transfer window, Aston Villa sporting director Monchi is now reportedly leading their charge to sign a Serie A midfielder in the coming months.

Emery focused on Tottenham game

Whilst the Villans continue to build their summer plan around the action on the pitch, Unai Emery’s focus has not changed. Champions League qualification is still a possibility for his side, who have Europa League finalists Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United to play as they wait for a potential slip up from those above them in the Premier League.

Emery will be well aware of just what’s at stake in the next couple weeks and reiterated the need for focus ahead of this weekend’s Tottenham game, telling reporters: “I am wishing to play. I don’t want holidays because we’re in a very good moment after a long season, but now we’re very, very motivated.

“Very excited to play at Villa Park tomorrow, for our objectives we have in front of us to play again in Europe. It’s not in our hands but we can have some options to play Champions League again. And focusing on Tottenham because I know the most difficult way we can have is our own way, playing against Tottenham tomorrow and how we can beat them.”

Aston Villa register formal interest in signing "dominant" contract rebel

Monchi and Aston Villa could make their move…

ByTom Cunningham May 15, 2025

Aston Villa won’t need reminding what Champions League football can offer, either. They experienced moments that those at Villa Park will forever savour this season, with victory over Bayern Munich a particular standout. Now, however, they’ll be desperate to ensure that their place among Europe’s elite is not just a one off blip and, instead, a consistent feature of the competition.

Meanwhile, away from the action, Monchi is already thinking about the targets that could arrive with or without Champions League qualification.

Monchi leading Payero charge

According to reports in Italy, as relayed by Sport Witness, Monchi is now leading Aston Villa’s charge to sign Martin Payero from Udinese this summer. The sporting director is reportedly a huge admirer of the midfielder, which could yet see the Villans push on and secure his signature in the coming months. In terms of depth, there’s no doubt that the Argentine has plenty to offer.

Minutes

1,381

2,997

Progressive Passes

3.33

7.03

Progressive Carries

2.16

1.17

Ball Recoveries

4.90

4.35

When assessing the numbers, it’s clear that Payero wouldn’t be able to offer the same quality in possession as Tielemans, but he would be able to complete the legwork that the Belgian arguably struggles with. And that could create quite the midfield combination for Emery.

It wouldn’t be the first time that the midfielder enjoys a foray into English football, either, having previously been at Middlesbrough. It was there that he earned the praise of former manager Neil Warnock.

The former manager told reporters when he unveiled the midfielder in 2021: “Martin will be a great addition to the squad. I think he will be an exciting signing, we’re delighted to get everything done, and we’re looking forward to working with him.”

As good a team as Arsenal are, there has been one key factor in their failure to get over the line in the last few years: a lack of genuine attacking threat across the whole frontline.

Now, nobody can question the incredible talismanic abilities of Bukayo Saka, but it has to be said that down the middle and increasingly off the left, the North Londoners are lacking.

For example, despite them still being second in the Premier League, Liverpool, Manchester City, and Newcastle United have all scored more than them.

So, with that in mind, it’s not a surprise to see the team linked to an array of incredible wingers, including one who has won comparisons to the likes of Vinícius Junior and Lamine Yamal.

Arsenal transfer targets

The last few weeks have seen Arsenal linked with a whole host of incredible stars, so before getting to the player in question, it’s worth taking a look at some of their other supposed targets, like Rayan Cherki and Liam Delap.

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 available for around £30m this summer, so that, combined with his ability to play in multiple positions and brilliant haul of 31 goal involvements in 42 games this season, makes signing him feel like a no-brainer.

It’s a similar situation regarding Delap, as even though he’s not been quite as prolific, he’s still been able to amass an impressive tally of 12 goals and two assists in just 34 top-flight games this season, so his £30m release clause also feels too good to pass up on.

However, while both players have an immense amount of potential, Arteta and Co might be after someone already near the pinnacle of his game, someone like Rafael Leão.

Yes, according to a report from Spain last month, Arsenal are one of several teams keen on the AC Milan superstar ahead of the summer transfer window.

However, the North Londoners are not alone in their appreciation for the Portuguse superstar, as a more recent report from Caught Offside has also credited Chelsea with an interest in the winger, who they claim could be available for as little as €75m, which is about £64m.

It would be a complicated transfer to get over the line, but given Leão’s immense ability, one well worth fighting for, especially as he’s won comparisons to Yamal and Vinicius in the past.

How Leão compares to Vinicius and Yamal

So, before we get into the other reasons why Arsenal should be going all out to sign Leão this summer, it’s worth addressing these comparisons to Vinicius and Yamal and where they come from.

Well, in this instance, they stem from FBref, which looks at players in similar positions in Europe’s top five leagues, the Champions League and Europa League, and then creates a list of the ten most comparable players for each one.

In this instance, they have concluded that the Real Madrid star is the second most similar attacking midfielder or winger to the Milan star across all of those competitions, while the Barcelona star has been ranked as the seventh most similar in this season’s Champions League.

Expected Assists

0.24

0.25

Goals per Shot

0.13

0.12

Goals per Shot on Target

0.30

0.31

Crosses into the Penalty Area

0.32

0.31

Successful Take-ons

2.85

3.06

Live Passes

31.5

33.1

The best way to see how these conclusions have been reached is to look at the players’ underlying numbers and find the metrics in which they rank closely.

In the case of Vinicius, those metrics include things like expected passes, goals per shot and shots on target, crosses into the penalty area, successful take-ons and more, all per 90.

Expected Assists

0.23

0.20

Passing Accuracy

74.1%

74.5%

Key Passes

1.14

1.15

Successful Take-ons

4.43

4.59

Carries into the Final Third

3.64

3.44

For the comparison with Barça’s young superstar, the metrics include things like passing accuracy, expected assists, carries into the final third, key passes, successful take-ons, and more, all per 90.

The fact the 25-year-old shares an ability to take players on and beat them with two of the best players in the game is hardly surprising, as FBref place him in the top 4% of wingers for successful take-ons in Europe’s top five leagues, and The Athletic’s Alex Barker has called him “one of the best dribblers in the world.”

Finally, away from the incredibly flattering and promising comparisons, another reason Arteta should go out and sign the former LOSC Lille star is his output.

So far this season, the Almada-born dynamo has scored 12 goals and provided 13 assists in 48 appearances, which works out to an impressive average of a goal involvement every 1.92 games – something the Gunners could really do with off the left.

Ultimately, while it wouldn’t be cheap, Arsenal should be doing all they can to sign Leão once the window opens, as his output and technical mastery could help propel the club to glory.

Kai Havertz upgrade: Arsenal send scouts for "unpredictable" goal machine

The free-scoring forward could be just what Arsenal need.

ByJack Salveson Holmes May 9, 2025