All posts by z3u9t.icu

As the summer transfer window approaches, Rangers will be perfectly placed to land some crucial reinforcements if they complete their sensational title comeback to beat Celtic to the Scottish Premiership this season.

Rangers transfer news

Despite their potential position as champions, however, the Gers are set to suffer several exits at the end of the season. As things stand, Rangers are set to lose Borna Barisic, John Lundstram, Leon Balogun, Kemar Roofe, Ryan Jack and Jon McLaughlin in free deals this summer as their contracts come to an end.

Rangers could move on from Wright by swooping for "incredible" 5 ft 11 gem

Rangers appear to be starting to look at potential signings ahead of the summer transfer window.

ByRoss Kilvington Apr 12, 2024

Leaving holes in their squad, Rangers have reportedly turned their attention towards potential replacements for those pending departures, with the likes of Arnaud Bodart linked and permanent deals for Fabio Silva and Oscar Cortes potentially on the cards in the coming months. All three deals would be a step in the right direction for Philippe Clement's side, who could be left defending the Scottish crown next season.

One loan deal they are reportedly unlikely to turn permanent this summer is Abdallah Sima's from Brighton & Hove Albion, however, with the winger's price more than what the Gers can likely afford amid interest from the Premier League. Creating the need for a replacement, the Gers have turned their attention elsewhere.

According to Christian Martin via Sport Witness, Rangers have joined the race to sign Jhon Arias from Fluminense, rivalling interest from Atletico Madrid this summer. Ibrox chiefs have reportedly been wowed by the right winger's quick feet and could now look to make him their replacement for Sima in the coming months.

At 26-years-old, there's no better time than the present for Arias to make his move, especially with the calibre of clubs interested. Given competition from Atletico Madrid, securing Champions League football is now even more crucial for Rangers this season if they want to sign Arias in a deal reportedly set to be worth around £14m.

Arias would be an instant upgrade on Wright

If Rangers miss out on Arias, then they are facing the prospect of Scott Wright stepping into Sima's role on a permanent basis next season, which would be a downgrade. Arias, meanwhile, has all the tools necessary to replace the Brighton man, whether it be his end product, pace or ability to handle tight spaces.

Appearances

14

28

Goals

5

2

Assists

2

0

So, it's certainly a deal that Rangers should be pursuing this summer as they look to kick off their first full season under Clement with a bang. The last thing those at Ibrox will want is to look back on losing Sima as a turning point in the Belgian's tenure, meaning that replacing him is crucial in the coming months.

Although it may come at the expense of Wright, the Gers must ruthlesssely replace the 26-year-old with the arrival of Arias, who has more than proved his talent during his time in Brazil with Fluminense.

The Racecourse Ground has been honoured by a lineage of talent throughout the distinguished history of Wrexham Football Club. These players have left their mark on football history through thrilling moments and stunning victories, making their names associated with the Red Dragons' unwavering pride.

In more recent times, the likes of Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have transformed the Welsh club with League One football now set for next season, with a number of players trying to work their way into the history of the club.

Wrexham in League One: Latest standings, fixtures, results & key dates

FFC has all the latest Wrexham info as they seek promotion from League One, along with a look at the Red Dragons’ journey to where they are today.

ByStephan Georgiou Oct 8, 2024

With that, here is the list of who we believe are the ten greatest Wrexham footballers, based on their overall impact at either club or international level during their careers…

1

Tommy Bamford

1928-1934

2

Gareth Davies

1967-1983

3

Bert Goode

1910-1926

4

Darren Ferguson

1999-2007

5

Phil Hardy

1990-2001

6

Mickey Thomas

1972-1993

7

Arfon Griffiths

1959-1979

8

Aly McGowan

1953-1963

9

Carlos Edwards

2000-2005

10

Paul Mullin

2021-present

10 Paul Mullin 2021-present

Paul Mullin still has a long way to go if he is to climb even further up this list, but the performances he's put in over the past couple of years for Wrexham have been nothing short of amazing.

He's scored 99 goals and laid on 10 assists in his 131 games at Wrexham so far, which has helped the Red Dragons secure promotion from the National League and League Two.

Appearances

131

Goals

99

Assists

10

Paul Mullin: Wrexham salary, net worth & stats

FFC has everything you need to know about the Wrexham forward.

ByMark Marston Apr 10, 2024 9 Carlos Edwards 2000-2005

Carlos Edwards was a powerful winger whose electric pace and flare lit up the Racecourse Ground.

He played a significant role for the club, featuring in 128 games and contributing 16 goals along with five assists, as well as helping secure Wrexham's promotion to Division Two in 2002/03.

Appearances

128

Goals

16

Stats

5

8 Aly McGowan 1953-1963

When McGowan joined Wrexham, he was working in the mines. He provided excellent service to the team as a hard-tackling full defender, amassing 478 appearances in total.

During this time, he won three medals for winning the Welsh Cup, played for the team that advanced to the 1960/61 League Cup's fifth round, defeating First Division outfit Blackburn Rovers, and lined up in the storied FA Cup match against the Busby Babes, which drew a record-breaking crowd to the Racecourse in 1957.

Even though a leg break interrupted his career too soon, he kept up his excellent work for the club as a coach and groundskeeper.

Date of Birth

22 January 1930

Position

Defender

Appearances

487

7 Arfon Griffiths 1959-1979

Raised in Hightown, Griffiths set a record with 592 league appearances for Wrexham over his 20 years with the club. In 1978, he led the team to the Third Division title and the Welsh Cup.

He also helped Wales to the quarter-final play-offs of Euro 1976 in front of his hometown fans in Wrexham thanks to a winner against Austria, as well as running rings round England on his Racecourse return in 1980.

Date of Birth

23 August 1941

Appearances

592

Achievements

Third Division title & Welsh Cup

6 Mickey Thomas 1972-1993

Mickey Thomas, who ended up securing a big-money transfer to Manchester United, assisted Wrexham in 1978 to achieve their first-ever promotion to the Second Division.

He made headlines across the country when he returned to Wrexham for a second stint, setting the stage for an all-time FA Cup upset of Football League champions Arsenal in January 1992 by scoring a sublime free kick to equalise.

He made 331 appearances for the Dragons, scoring 43 goals for the club.

Appearances

331

Goals

43

Achievements

Promotion to Second Division & Knocking Arsenal out of the FA Cup

5 Phil Hardy 1990-2001

Phil Hardy played 485 matches in a Wrexham shirt, which sees him sit fourth on the all-time list.

In addition to collecting a runners-up medal and a winners' medal in the Welsh Cup, Wrexham advanced from the Third Division in 1992/93 and made it to four FAW Premier Cup finals, winning three of them.

Position

Left-back

Appearances

485

Achievements

Won Welsh Cup, won promotion to Second Division and three FAW Premier Cup titles

4 Darren Ferguson 1999-2007

Darren Ferguson was a very reliable figure in the middle of midfield for the Dragons, making 310 appearances, scoring 51 goals, and captaining them to win promotion to Division Two in 2002/03.

He won the FAW Premier Cup with Wrexham in 1999/00, 2000/01, 2002/03, 2003/04, as well as the Football League Trophy in 2004/05.

Appearances

310

Goals

51

Achievements

Four FAW Premier Cup titles, Football League Trophy winner & promotion to Division Two

3 Bert Goode 1910-1926

Bert Goode was as prolific as they come. He scored a whopping 148 goals in 275 appearances during his time at Wrexham, which puts him second on the all-time goalscoring list for the Red Dragons.

Position

Forward

Appearances

275

Goals

148

2 Gareth Davies 1967-1983

Gareth Davies is the second-most-capped player for Wrexham with 612 games.

During his 16-year tenure with the team, he won Player of the Season in 1977/78, and was one of the team's top players in the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s, while also developing into a North Wales club legend and a devoted fan favourite.

Position

Central defender

Appearances

612

Achievements

Player of the Season in 1977/78

1 Tommy Bamford 1928-1934

The club's scoring records are dominated by Tommy Bamford's amazing accomplishments. He has not only scored many more goals than any other player, but he also averaged more goals per game.

With 207 goals in just 246 games, he has an incredible strike rate that puts him 65 ahead of Arfon Griffiths in second place. And, that wasn't all, as he scored the most hat-tricks, too.

Although Mullin got close, Bamford scored a club-record 44 league goals (and 51 goals overall) in the 1933/34 campaign, setting another record that still stands today.

Appearances

246

Goals

207

Achievements

Record Wrexham goalscorer & club-record 44 league goals in 1933/34

Everton extended their unbeaten to four matches in the Premier League after securing a 1-1 draw away at relegation-threatened Luton Town at Kenilworth Road on Friday night.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin opened the scoring from the penalty spot, before Elijah Adebayo's strike brought Rob Edwards' side level, with either side unable to find a winner in the second half.

Sean Dyche's men could've walked away from the encounter empty-handed, but Jarrad Branthwaite's last-minute goal-line clearance saved the Toffees from a 16th defeat in the league this season.

The Toffees failed to replicate performances from the victories against Nottingham Forest, Liverpool and Brentford, but still managed to avoid defeat – the sign of a good team that can avoid defeat despite not playing at their best.

However, one player in particular failed to impress, having little impact on the encounter after being brought on by Dyche during the second half of the game.

Andre Gomes' stats against Luton Town

After Idrissa Gueye's record of two goals in three games and James Garner's excellent recent displays, fellow midfielder Andre Gomes has found starts hard to come by under Dyche.

The Portuguese playmaker hasn't started since the Forest victory but was brought on in the 54th minute of last night's draw in the hope of changing the game in Everton's favour.

However, he hindered the club's chance of claiming any more than a point from the fixture, losing 100% of the three duels that he contested after his substitution onto the pitch.

Gomes only managed nine passes, an average of one successful attempt every four minutes, whilst also giving possession away five times following his introduction.

Minutes played

36

Touches

16

Passes completed

9/12 (75%)

Duels lost

4/4 (100%)

Possession lost

5x

Fouls

2

The 30-year-old's poor display didn't stop there, committing two fouls, and picking up a yellow card for his troubles as his unsuccessful substitution was compounded.

The former Barcelona ace was handed a 6/10 rating by Liverpool Echo journalist Chris Beesley, with the Everton correspondent claiming he looked 'off the pace'.

Why Andre Gomes may have played his last game for Everton

In what has been another injury-hit campaign for Gomes, missing another 16 games this season, it is unlikely the club will be looking to extend his current contract at Goodison Park.

The Portuguese's deal at the club expires this summer, with the club potentially looking to offload Gomes given his poor injury record and his mammoth £112k-per-week wages, as per Capology.

His display against the Hatters was evidence that he's no longer up to the level needed for Everton in the Premier League, especially if the club are to build on the strong finish to the current campaign.

It also demonstrates that Dyche can't trust the experienced star to make a positive impact on games where they need a decisive goal, with the club needing to part ways with him this summer.

Ultimately, it's an unfortunate end to his Toffees career, especially given his awful luck with injuries, but unfortunately, football is a brutal industry, with the club needing to raise funds to avoid any further PSR breach next season.

Dyche let down by Everton star who had fewer touches than Pickford v Luton

The Toffees’ winning run came to an end at Kenilworth Road.

ByEthan Lamb May 4, 2024

Liverpool's enthralling campaign is fizzling out, and the promise that had been building over many months of toil will not culminate in the golden glow that the fanbase envisaged as Jurgen Klopp enters the final few weeks of management at Anfield.

While Liverpool clinched the Carabao Cup with an emphatic victory over Chelsea in the final back in February, the recent slide in form will yield no further silverware and, given the one-dimensional approach the squad has demonstrated over the past few months, perhaps this is the right time for change.

FSG's CEO of Football Michael Edwards and Anfield's new sporting director Richard Hughes dispelled any fears of a protracted process and moved quickly to land Arne Slot as the German's successor.

Slot has many qualities that Liverpool fans should get excited about and he will hope to push his booming thrash-metal style of play onto the squad without seam, continuing Klopp's work but shifting the team to his shape.

However, there is a mountain of in-squad issues that need sorting swiftly, and success in this regard could serve as the tone-setter throughout the summer months and into the new campaign.

Arne Slot's biggest issues at Liverpool

Understandably, there are brewing concerns within Liverpool supporter circles that captain Virgil van Dijk, vice-captain Trent Alexander-Arnold and attacking talisman Mohamed Salah are all out of contract at the end of the 2024/25 campaign.

Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth understands that Hughes will focus first on settling each situation but that concrete negotiations are not believed to have been initiated at this point.

Veterans Thiago Alcantara, Adrian and Joel Matip's deals will expire this summer but none are expected to extend their stay on Merseyside.

When these pressing concerns have been confronted, Liverpool will inevitably turn toward further areas for improvement, with the quandary that is Darwin Nunez, Liverpool's £85m club-record signing, persisting like an irritating pebble in Anfield's proverbial boot.

Darwin Nunez's season in numbers

Nunez certainly had his fair share of detractors throughout the 2022/23 season, his first as a Liverpool player, with pundit Frank McAvennie claiming that "some clubs are too big for certain players" when discussing the 24-year-old's poor form.

And while his careless shooting has persisted, Nunez's return of 18 goals and 13 assists from 51 appearances in all competitions – including just 33 starts – in 2023/24 suggests that improvements have been made, with Klopp even dubbing him "unstoppable" on his day.

Darwin Nunez

62

20

46

Erling Haaland

62

57

58

Haaland might have missed a catalogue of chances across his two campaigns in the Premier League but the respective forwards are still diametrically opposed when it comes to finishing ability, as the table above highlights.

Sure, Nunez has a range of impressive qualities that make him a more complete, more influential forward, but Liverpool have many forward players with such traits – what has proved bitterly costly in the recent slump has been Nunez's profligacy.

As per FBref, Nunez ranks among the top 1% of forwards across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for shots taken and touches in the attacking penalty area but only among the top 21% for goals scored per 90.

Klopp has previously remarked that the Uruguayan is a "long-term project" for Liverpool but if he continues to squander golden opportunities in front of goal there will come a point where a new, reliable goalscorer will be landed, especially given the uncertainty surrounding Salah's future.

Even more so when the striker's cost is taken into account.

How much has Darwin Nunez cost Liverpool

While there are a host of Reds stars earning prettier pay packets, Nunez is already in the upper echelon in regard to salary. However, when considering the player's earnings since he arrived in June 2022, it's staggering to see that Nunez has already earned just short of £14m.

Mohamed Salah

£350k-per-week

Virgil van Dijk

£220k-per-week

Thiago Alcantara

£200k-per-week

Trent Alexander-Arnold

£180k-per-week

Alexis Mac Allister

£150k-per-week

Ryan Gravenberch

£150k-per-week

Alisson Becker

£150k-per-week

Diogo Jota

£140k-per-week

Darwin Nunez

£140k-per-week

When combining that with Nunez's £85m price tag, albeit including add-ons, it can be deduced that he has already taken Liverpool's total outlay to just short of £99m.

When considering that Luis Diaz and Joe Gomez, for example, earn salaries of £55k per week and £85k per week respectively, it's clear to see just how much faith was invested in Nunez when he joined from Benfica almost two years ago.

Highlighting the disparity between Diaz and Nunez, for example, is the respective levels of output and commitment in recent matches as Liverpool struggle, with the Colombian being given an 8/10 match rating during his side's recent Premier League draw against West Ham United by the Liverpool Echo's Ian Doyle.

Nunez didn't start that game, a by-product of his recent issues, with Doyle branding him with a 4/10 score as Liverpool's fading Premier League title hopes were eradicated at Goodison Park in midweek, losing all five of his duels and failing to even attempt a dribble to underscore his woes.

Slot might not have the same managerial powers as his predecessor when he joins the Anfield side but he will have some sway when it comes to his preferences regarding his squad.

Liverpool eyeing "fantastic" £60m+ statement signing for Slot

This would be one of the deals of the summer…

ByTom Cunningham May 2, 2024

It's unlikely that Nunez will be sold this summer – according to The Athletic's David Ornstein – but that certainly doesn't mean that the Merseysiders should shirk away from securing a more prolific talisman if the chance arises.

It might just prove the difference in how Slot's maiden campaign in England shapes up, and it might just dictate how swiftly fans accept a man not named Jurgen Klopp in the Anfield dugout.

A new Manchester United update has come to light on what is set to happen this summer at Old Trafford, and it is not pretty reading for Erik ten Hag's players.

Raphael Varane confirms Manchester United exit

United's summer upheaval began on Tuesday when it was confirmed that Raphael Varane was leaving the club at the end of his current contract.

One of the best defenders in the world when he arrived from Real Madrid in a deal worth up to £42m, the Frenchman has struggled for consistency and game time at Old Trafford, and the club have deemed that they would be better off not extending his £340,000 per week deal in light of that, having missed out on a top-four finish in the Premier League that would have bought Champions League revenue with it.

Raphael Varane's United career

Games

93

Clean sheets

23

Games missed through injury

42

Goals

2

The Frenchman took to social media to announce his impending departure, explaining that:

"To you guys, supporters of Manchester United, it's been an amazing few years to play for this special club and wearing that shirt,"

"The first time I went to Old Trafford as a Man United player it was insane, the atmosphere was amazing. I fell in love with the club and the fans. You have to play for Man United to understand what that represents.

"Despite the fact we have had a difficult season, I am very positive for the future,"

"The new owners are coming with a clear plan and a great strategy."

"I will see you at Old Trafford to say goodbye in the last home game this season. And it's going to be a very emotional day for me, for sure."

His departure is expected to be the first in a long summer, but now insight has been given into just how many could leave the Red Devils before the new season.

Complete Man Utd overhaul incoming

Now, The Daily Mail's Chris Wheeler has revealed that departures this summer "could run into double figures" after Varane as Sir Jim Ratcliffe looks to rip up the old template and start again at Old Trafford.

That is certain to include out-of-contract pair Anthony Martial and Jonny Evans, while Sofyan Amrabat's loan will not be made permanent after an awful season at the Theatre of Dreams.

Man Utd lead race to sign "wonderful" gem as Sir Jim Ratcliffe readies bid

He could be the next big thing at Old Trafford.

ByBen Browning May 14, 2024

It has even been claimed that most of the squad is up for sale, including the likes of Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes, though they will not simply accept any offer for their stars.

In recent days, it has been Brazilian veteran Casemiro, the club's highest earner, who has been most strongly linked with a move away from the club amid interest from Saudi Arabian sides, and despite having two years left to run on his contract the Red Devils may opt to cash in on him after a series of awful performances.

Should he depart, it would see United free up around £950,000 per week in wages (his wages along with the combined £590,000 taken home by Martial and Varane), a total of almost £50m per year.

That figure will only be added to if Ratcliffe gets his way, and departures could mount up quickly at Old Trafford this summer.

Celtic ended their 2023/24 campaign in the perfect way possible as they won the SFA Cup at Hampden Park with a late 1-0 win on Saturday afternoon.

Adam Idah came off the bench to score in the 90th minute after a hard-fought match between the two Glasgow teams at the national stadium.

The Ireland international reacted quickest to Jack Butland's fumble of Paulo Bernardo's effort to slot the ball into the back of the net and secure the trophy for the Hoops.

It was a fantastic end to the season for Celtic, as they won the double, but it was not all sunshine and rainbows for Brendan Rodgers as there were some underwhelming performers on the pitch.

One player who he must now ensure is not a regular starter in the 2024/25 campaign, as ruthless as it may seem, is centre-forward Kyogo Furuhashi.

Why Kyogo Furuhashi must be dropped as a starter

The Japan international was selected to lead the line ahead of Idah for the SFA Cup final but was a Hampden no-show with an underwhelming display at the top end of the pitch.

GlasgowWorld's Ben Banks awarded him a player rating of just 4/10 for his performance, citing his complete lack of impact on the game for Celtic.

He lasted 62 minutes on the field before the manager opted to bring on the Irish sensation, and failed to register a goal, an assist, or any memorable moments.

It was simply another no-show in what was a frustrating campaign from the former Vissel Kobe star at Parkhead under the Northern Irish head coach.

Appearances

38

Goals

14

Big chances missed

24

Pass accuracy

67%

Ground duel success rate

45%

Aerial duel success rate

26%

As you can see in the table above, Kyogo was incredibly wasteful in front of goal, with ten more 'big chances' missed than goals, and was loose with his passing, whilst also being a liability in physical duels.

The player who should replace Kyogo in the lineup

Earlier this month, Football Insider reported that Celtic are ready to make a summer offer to sign Idah on a permanent deal and the Irish forward should be brought in to be the regular starter up front next term.

The 6 foot 3 star has been on loan from English Championship side Norwich City and the Hoops must now bring him back to Parkhead for the 2024/25 campaign, so that he can kick on and nail down a position as a starter.

Appearances

15

38

Goals

8

14

Minutes per goal

76

179

Big chances missed

7

24

Conversion rate

27%

14%

Duel success rate

44%

41%

As you can see in the table above, Idah has significantly outperformed the Japanese flop as a goalscorer, with a far better conversion rate, and far fewer minutes per goal on average in the Scottish Premiership.

The Canaries loanee also stepped up on the big occasion to score the winning goal on Saturday, after Kyogo's 4/10 no-show at Hampden, and all of these reasons are why Rodgers must ensure the 29-year-old is not a regular ahead of the Irishman next season.

The summer transfer window officially opens for business later this month and Leeds United are preparing for a second season in the Championship.

They failed to achieve their goal of an instant return to the Premier League at the first time of asking, as they were beaten 1-0 by Southampton in the play-off final at Wembley last month.

This means that Daniel Farke and his men must get ready for another assault on the second tier next term, in the hope of greater success than they had this year.

The German head coach could see a lot of change in his playing squad over the course of the transfer window as multiple stars have already been linked with exits.

It has been claimed that winger Wilfried Gnonto is eyeing a transfer to the Serie A, whilst star forward Crysencio Summerville has been linked with Liverpool in the Premier League.

The turnover in the squad will, naturally, mean that Leeds will need to bring in several new signings to refresh and improve the team ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.

One young star who has been linked with a move to Elland Road this summer could come in and be developed into Georgino Rutter 2.0 for Farke…

Leeds United's interest in released Premier League whiz

Last month, it was reported by AfricaFoot that Leeds are one of a number of clubs showing an interest in a swoop to sign attacking midfielder Ateef Konate.

The 23-year-old wizard recently confirmed his departure from Premier League side Nottingham Forest on a free transfer and AfricaFoot claimed that it was his decision, as the player wants to explore a new challenge.

It has been stated that Huddersfield, Sunderland, Derby County, Westerlo, and Vitesse Arnhem are also keen on the talented youngster, and look set to provide competition for his services.

Pundit Carlton Palmer suggested to Football League World that Derby would be the best place for Konate due to Paul Warne and his work with young players, alongside a chance to play regular football.

Farke, however, is an excellent manager for young players as proven by his development of stars in the Championship. Max Aarons won the division's Young Player of the Season award for the 2018/19 campaign during his time with Norwich, whilst Archie Gray won it with Leeds under the German boss this term.

This suggests that he could be the perfect boss to extract the best out of Konate if the French whiz, who could emerge as Rutter 2.0 at Elland Road.

Georgino Rutter's season in numbers

The 22-year-old magician showcased his quality and versatility for Leeds throughout the 2023/24 campaign with his excellent performances on the pitch.

Relegation from the Premier League provided the former Hoffenheim man with an opportunity to play regular football at a lower level to hone and develop his skills, which is exactly what he did.

He was able to display his talent in a variety of positions as Farke played him as a second striker on ten occasions, used him as an attacking midfielder in 14 games, and as a striker in 26 matches.

Appearances

45

Goals

6

xA

10.52

Assists

15

Big chances created

22

Key passes per game

1.9

As you can see in the table above, Rutter's combined efforts in those three positions led to him directly contributing to 21 goals in 45 league appearances for the Whites.

He racked up a staggering 10.52 xA and created 22 'big chances' for his teammates, which speaks to his ability to create high-quality opportunities as both a striker and an attacking midfielder.

However, his finishing left a lot to be desired as his six goals came from an eye-catching 12.34 xG, which shows that the French forward was incredibly wasteful with the chances that came his way in and around the box.

Overall, though, it is clear to see that Rutter had a huge impact at the top end of the pitch as both a scorer and creator of goals from multiple positions.

Leeds do not have another similar player to replace him when he is unavailable or out of form as Farke does not have another natural attacking midfielder in the squad, with centre-forward Joel Piroe having to fill in at times.

Why Ateef Konate could be Georginio Rutter 2.0

Konate could come in as the dream understudy to Rutter as he could be unearthed as the next version of his compatriot, due to his versatility and skillset.

Firstly, the 23-year-old gem is a versatile forward who has mainly played as an attacking midfielder or as a centre-forward in his career, just like the Leeds star, but he has also been deployed on the left flank and as a second striker.

He did not make a first-team breakthrough with Forest in the Premier League but form for their U21 side in the Premier League 2 suggests that the potential is there for him to make a big impact in the final third.

Journalist Josh Bunting hailed him as an "impressive" wizard who is always moving to "create problems" for opposition defenders, and that is backed up by his superb record at that level.

2021/22

23

7

7

2022/23

10

9

2

2023/24

17

6

2

Total

50

22

11

As you can see in the table above, Konate racked up 33 direct goal contributions in 50 Premier League 2 matches for the Tricky Trees, which illustrates his quality as both a scorer and a creator of goals.

These statistics suggest that the potential is there for the 'impressive' ace to emerge as an exciting attacking option for Farke if he can help the youngster to translate his performances over to the second tier at first-team level.

The Leeds target also showed off his creativity and dribbling skills in the EFL Trophy this season with 2.0 completed dribbles and 1.3 key passes per game across four appearances in the competition, whilst Rutter made 2.8 successful dribbles per match in the Championship for the Whites.

Farke could replace Ayling by sealing "first-class" Leeds transfer

The Whites hero is set to officially leave the club this summer after a terrific spell with the club.

ByDan Emery Jun 5, 2024

Overall, Konate could arrive at Elland Road as Rutter 2.0 as he is another versatile French gem who can play as a striker or as a number ten, whilst providing quality as a dribbler, creator, and scorer of goals.

Arsenal were so desperately close to sealing their first Premier League crown in 20 years last season.

The gap to Manchester City? Just two points. It was gut-wrenching for the Gunners but they will have to dust themselves off and go again this summer as they aim to build a team capable of going beyond the 90-point mark.

One of the primary areas of focus is in attack but who Mikel Arteta and Co welcome to the club is anyone's guess.

One thing is for certain, it's unlikely to be Benjamin Sesko. The RB Leipzig forward had been linked relentlessly with a move to the Emirates Stadium in recent weeks but is now reportedly set to stay in Germany, penning new terms with his current employers.

The midfield is also an area the Gunners are looking to strengthen. One target is allegedly Newcastle's Bruno Guimaraes.

What Ray Parlour has said about Guimaraes

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast on behalf of NetBet Casino, Ray Parlour was discussing Arsenal's plans for this summer.

One player he was asked about is Toon star Guimaraes. Arsenal are reportedly eyeing up a move for the Brazilian this summer but with a £100m asking price, any move is unlikely.

That's a viewpoint that Parlour holds. Telling FFC, he said: "I like him as a player, he is very strong and has been a big part in the improvement that Newcastle have made under Eddie Howe.

"I’m not sure he fits into the Arsenal team as we have Declan Rice and Guimaraes is that little bit more offensive than where Arsenal needs to strengthen.

"If Partey moves on then Arsenal may go for a more efficient player than Guimaraes, so I’m not 100% sure Arteta will look to pursue him. Personality-wise, he will also need to fit into the dynamic of the squad as well."

Arsenal had been interested in the former Lyon man prior to his move to St James' Park but it would appear as though Edu has missed the boat with this one.

The Londoners have enjoyed plucking ready-made Premier League talent in years gone by. Last summer it was Declan Rice and Kai Havertz. The summer before that it was Oleksandr Zinchenko and Gabriel Jesus.

So in 2024, could it be Marcus Rashford? Potentially.

What Ray Parlour has said about Rashford to Arsenal

Reports emerged a few weeks ago suggesting that the Manchester United star could be a surprise option for Arteta in the transfer market.

Perhaps taking inspiration from the way he revived Havertz last term, the Spaniard could potentially do the same with a floundering talent at Old Trafford.

Rashford was in scintillating form during the 2022/23 campaign, scoring 30 goals and registering ten assists in all competitions. However, 2023/24 was a torrid one, netting just eight times and subsequently missing out on a place in England's squad for Euro 2024.

That said, Parlour has backed him to be a cracking acquisition if a shock move was made in the forthcoming months.

He told FFC: "I think if Mikel Arteta feels Rashford can fit into his plans then he would be a great signing for Arsenal. It seems evident that Rashford needs a new challenge as hasn’t been firing for Manchester United of late."

Where he fits into the side would be an issue to overcome but nonetheless, the Romford Pele has suggested he could revive his form by seeking a change of scenery.

"He can fit well into the Arsenal side on the left or even through the middle. He is still young and I believe he has that hunger to succeed and the challenge of Arsenal and pushing for the title should interest him," Parlour continued.

"It does also depend on FFP as Arsenal would have to let a couple of players leave – which could be Smith Rowe and Nelson – if Rashford was to be the player Arteta chose to chase for signature. Rashford has always played well against Arsenal and a new challenge can be exactly what he needs to resurrect his career. We’ve seen it before that players need a change of environment."

So, how much would he cost? Probably an arm and a leg. This would not be a cheap move for Arsenal despite the England international's form over the last year.

CIES Football Observatory values the player at £68m but it's likely he'd fetch more than that.

Ray Parlour backs Arsenal to sign PL star who will cost as much as Rice

Ray Parlour was speaking to Football FanCast about the Gunners’ plans for the summer window.

ByMatt Dawson May 8, 2024

Arsenal have been on the rise under manager Mikel Arteta, who returned to his former stomping ground as a player in December 2019 and has since taken the Emirates Stadium to the forefront of Europe.

Despite falling short to Manchester City in successive Premier League seasons, Arsenal are one of the finest teams English football has seen in a long time, playing with panache and gusto and truly looking like a wrecking ball that will continue to swing for years to come.

Arsenal is littered with talent. Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, William Saliba and Martin Odegaard are some of the finest players in their position in the world, while the likes of Ben White, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Magalhaes have gone from strength to strength under Arteta's guiding wing.

But an unfortunate by-product of exponential growth is that certain cogs get left behind. This is within the very nature of collective evolution in football: high-class additions leave some existing options knocked down the pecking order.

One such player is Emile Smith Rowe, who's looking likely to leave his boyhood club this summer.

The latest on Emile Smith Rowe

According to Football Insider, Arsenal are looking to offload several fringe stars to fund several ambitious transfer moves, and Smith Rowe has thus been transfer-listed for £30m.

He's not the only Hale End product expected to leave, Reiss Nelson has recently informed Edu Gaspar of his intention to seek a new challenge, but Smith Rowe would be the highest-profile departure.

Sadly, it makes a lot of sense and must happen.

Why Emile Smith Rowe must be sold

Smith Rowe caused something of a storm when bursting onto the scene at Arsenal, fuelled by a promising loan spell in the Championship with Huddersfield.

Despite enjoying great success during the 2021/22 campaign – netting ten top-flight goals – he has since suffered from injuries that have kept him on the fringe as Arsenal skyrocketed. Opportunities have since been few and far between and the 23-year-old, who has two years left on his contract, must now move for the good of his career.

Smith Rowe's homegrown status means that Arsenal would cash in for pure profit – and £30m would be a welcome sum as Arteta seeks to address areas in midfield and at centre-forward.

On that note, with Arsenal looking to sign a striker this summer, Havertz might find himself deployed back in a deeper role, in an advanced, dynamic midfield position.

Signed from Chelsea for £65m last summer, the Germany star initially flattered to deceive but finished the campaign strongly, praised for his "magnificent" performances by talent scout Jacek Kulig.

First 23 games

16

4

1

Final 14 games

14

9

6

The 25-year-old has translated his fine form to the international stage, scoring and assisting as Germany trounced Scotland in the Euro 2024 opener, starting up front but often dipping deeper to knit Julian Nagelsmann's team together.

Ranking among the top 20% of forwards across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for shot-creating actions, the top 6% for pass completion and the top 14% for progressive passes per 90, as per FBref, he has the skills to retain his level of performance in a deeper role for Arsenal once again.

Unfortunately for Smith Rowe, this only compounds his peripheral role in the London side, and furthers the argument that he should search for a new start to produce the performances all Gunners know lie within his locker.

Back in 2021, Aston Villa offered Arsenal £30m for Smith Rowe's signature. Rejected. But now, teams like Villa have an opening to sign a truly talented player, who has been called "special" by pundit Jamie Carragher.

For Arsenal, given the success of players such as Havertz, Smith Rowe must definitely be sold, lest he sink further into the abyss, unable to showcase his skills.

Arsenal could finally banish "monster" dud earning more than Saka & Saliba

It’s time for the Gunners to move on from the talented player.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jun 15, 2024

Chelsea have started fast in the summer transfer window, and are looking to have their squad ready for pre-season under Enzo Maresca.

One area of the pitch being heavily linked for reinforcement is the wide areas, where Maresca likes to have his 1v1 specialist wingers, such as Stephy Mavididi and Adbul Fatuwu who he had at Leicester City.

And following suit from last summer, Chelsea were reportedly in again for Michael Olise from Crystal Palace, who is now set to join Bayern Munich, and has many Chelsea fans angered as they lose out on their number one target.

Chelsea's Olise alternative

According to reports from Gianluca Di Marzio, Chelsea are now set to push for Nico Williams from Athletic Bilbao, after Olise decided to make the switch to Bayern Munich over the Premier League club.

Williams has started both games for Spain so far at EURO 2024, and has impressed in those games, coming off the back of a sparkling campaign for Athletic Bilbao.

However, Williams has recently said "I'm very happy at Athletic", and having just signed a new deal, it wouldn't be easy to convince the Spaniard to jump ship.

How Williams compares to Olise

Both Williams and Olise thrive in the dribbling and carrying aspects of the game, both possessing a key blend of pace, agility, and ball control to beat their man 1v1.

Olise being a slightly more controlled dribbler, slowing the pace down to manipulate the ball in the way he wants, produces a high level of successful take-ons at 2.82 per 90, and 4.8 progressive carries per 90.

Compared to Williams who is more of a maverick dribbler, using that speed and ability to change direction at pace to beat his man. The Spain international completes 3.42 successful take-ons per 90, and 5.69 progressive carries per 90, bettering Olise in both of these metrics.

Both players have also had impressive G/A seasons for their respective sides, with Olise scoring ten goals, and providing six assists in his 19 appearances. Meanwhile, Williams scored eight goals, but provided 19 assists for Athletic, making 37 appearances in all competitions.

Olise comes out on top in the creative metrics, producing 5.79 shot-creating actions per 90, making 5.51 progressive passes per 90, and making 2.54 key passes per 90. Williams in comparison, creates 4.81 shot-creating actions per 90, makes 2.62 progressive passes, and makes 1.87 key passes.

These metrics show a difference in their preferred skillsets, Olise opting for more creative passes to impact the game, whilst Williams is slightly more direct with his dribbling, looking to beat his man and deliver the ball or get a shot off.

Olise also has a better track record of scoring goals, starting to make cutting inside on his left foot for a far post curler one of his trademark moves, scoring 0.64 non-penalty goals per 90, and taking 3.95 shots per 90.

Both players offer that spark from wide areas, Olise often operating from the right side for Crystal Palace, and Williams often operating from the opposite side for Athletic Bilbao. However, the Spanish "pace demon" – as he was described by Arsenal podcaster Adam Keys – can play on both the left and right, utilising his qualities on either side.

Chelsea are now on the verge of signing their answer to Olise

Chelsea are making early moves in the transfer window.

ByMatt Dawson Jun 23, 2024