All posts by n8rngtd.top

One of the highlights of pre-season for those at Tottenham Hotspur has been rising star Mikey Moore.

The 16-year-old talent is proving that age is no barrier. If you're good enough, who cares?

Thought to be the next Harry Kane off the conveyor belt of academy talent in north London he earned his first first-team minutes last season and has been granted plenty of minutes by Ange Postecoglou in recent weeks.

He's even scored twice against Hearts and Vissel Kobe. How's that for talent?

Despite Moore's arrival on the scene, Spurs are still understandably in the market for a new centre forward to fire them to glory.

Tottenham's hunt for a striker

Fabrizio Romano revealed a few days ago that one of the options Spurs are considering this summer is Bournemouth striker Dominic Solanke.

Solanke was in fine fettle last season but he's not the only option on their shortlist. Another happens to be Napoli sensation Victor Osimhen.

Reports emerged earlier last week that Spurs could make a shock move for the player and that viewpoint is now held by former Everton chief Keith Wyness too, who was speaking to Football Insider.

Wyness, who now runs a consultancy advising elite clubs, said: "I wouldn’t be surprised if Spurs are looking at and keeping themselves informed on Osimhen’s situation at Napoli. He’s one they need to keep their eyes on.”

How Osimhen compares to Solanke

From a natural goalscoring point of view then there is only one winner here; Osimhen.

The Nigerian powerhouse has been nothing short of a sensation in recent seasons and in the words of Joao Cancelo, has proven himself to be "one of the best strikers in the world."

Why? Well, his record in front of goal speaks for itself. An injury-hit 2023/24 season meant he bagged just 17 goals, a tally that was way off his 2022/23 numbers as Napoli won the Scudetto. During that year, Osimhen was one of Europe's premier goalscorers, finding the net on 31 occasions in 39 matches.

So, how does that compare to Solanke? Well, the former Chelsea man did score 19 times last season, ensuring he ended the campaign as the Premier League's joint-fourth top goalscorer but his record beyond that, certainly at an elite level, isn't much to write home about.

Over the last four seasons, Osimhen has only actually scored three more goals than Solanke. However, those first two seasons for the Cherries attacker were in the second tier of English football.

The concern may well lie in Solanke's 2022/23 tally. It was a very poor year for a striker and although he improved a great deal in 2023/24, Tottenham would surely like to bring in someone with known pedigree, not just based on one season.

We can't just evaluate pure goalscoring, though. Where else does Osimhen better Bournemouth's talisman?

Well, it's Solanke who comes out on top in a wide range of metrics, most notably aerial duels and progressive passing. However, it's the Nigeria international who reigns supreme for progressive carrying and assists.

So, while Osimhen doesn't perhaps have the all-round game that Solanke has, Spurs need goals and after Kane's exit, they need a big name. The Napoli frontman should be their number one priority if they can negotiate a sensible price tag.

Ange wants him: Spurs chase £60m ace who'd turn Solanke into a goal machine

Ange Postecoglou would love to sign him…

By
Angus Sinclair

Aug 3, 2024

Alex Morgan, Temwa Chawinga, and Trinity Rodman highlight the best selling jerseys in the NWSL

The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) announced the top 25 selling jerseys of the 2024 season Thursday. The best selling jersey was Alex Morgan's #13 jersey for the San Diego Wave.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  1Alex Morgan: San Diego Wave

Advertisement

• IMGAN
  

  2Temwa Chawinga: Kansas City Current

• Getty Images Sport
  

  3Trinity Rodman: Washington Spirit

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• USA Today Images
  

  4Naomi Girma: San Diego Wave

Newcastle United could be gifted the chance to sign a £10 million-plus winger who plays in a similar style to former Chelsea winger Eden Hazard.

The Magpies have probably been quieter than their fans expected when it came to this summer’s transfer window. Since the club’s takeover, Newcastle have been making big moves in the transfer market, and while they have made some fresh additions this time around, it could be argued they haven’t been at the level expected.

Despite the Premier League season getting underway in a few days, Eddie Howe and co. still have plenty of time to get some new signings into the club. It appears at this stage that the club’s priority remains getting a deal done for defender Marc Guehi, with talks still ongoing over an agreement. But given a recent development concerning Miguel Almiron, Newcastle could have to enter the market for a new winger.

Latest Newcastle United injury news, return dates and suspensions

FFC keeps you up to date with all the latest Newcastle news involving injuries as they face Sheffield United in the Premier League.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Apr 26, 2024

Miguel Almiron could leave Newcastle United

Almiron joined the Magpies in January 2019 from MLS side Atlanta, and he was relatively unknown at the time, but has since grown into a very important player for the club. However, his time at St. James’ Park could be about to come to an end, as he’s emerged on the radar of an MLS team.

It was reported by Fabrizio Romano that executives of Charlotte FC are in London to start talks over an ambitious move to sign Almiron in this transfer window. It is described as not being an easy deal to do, but an approach has been made to Newcastle. Time is not on Charlotte FC’s side, as the MLS window shuts on Wednesday.

This development regarding Almiron could force Newcastle into the market for a replacement, and if that is the case, a name has emerged as a potential option.

Newcastle offered the chance to sign Rayan Cherki

Newcastle have been on the lookout for a new right-sided forward for most of this summer, even before Almiron started to be linked with a move away from the club. But financial restrictions have meant the Magpies’ business has been limited, and they could be about to be offered a bargain deal.

According to Chronicle Live, one player who could come onto the radar of Newcastle in what remains of this transfer window is Lyon winger Rayan Cherki. Cherki was close to a move to Borussia Dortmund, but talks stalled over a €15 million transfer (£12m), and now, according to The Athletic, the French side are actively looking for new suitors to take up that deal.

The Chronicle's report claims Newcastle is a possible landing spot, with the Magpies' scouting team sure to be doing their due diligence at the very least.

Cherki has gained a reputation for being a mercurial talent on the ball over his first few years in the senior game. Speaking to TNT Sports, Martin Mosnier compared the 20 year-old to Hatem Ben Arfa and Eden Hazard.

The pundit said, via the Liverpool Echo: “Cherki is an exceptional dribbler. One of the first things one notices when watching him is that he appears to be ambipedal, as he can seemingly utilise both feet equally well.

"His strengths are as follows: key passes, dribbling and his ability to create something out of nothing. He could very well become a Premier League star like Eden Hazard, but I think it's still too early for him to leave."

Vinicius Jr. was once again the star of the show for Real Madrid during the Intercontinental Cup final and was lauded by the Pachuca manager.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Real beat Pachuca 3-0 in the Intercontinental Cup final
• Vini Jr. scored a goal and got an assist
• Pachuca manager hailed him as the best in the world

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Pachuca coach Guillermo Almada was lavish in his praise for Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Jr. following his team's 3-0 loss to Real Madrid in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup final on Wednesday, calling the Brazilian the best player in the world. Vini was starting just his second game since returning from injury, but showed no rustiness as he set up Kylian Mbappe to break the deadlock, before converting from the penalty spot to put the tie to bed in the second half.

Advertisement

• AFP
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Real Madrid haven't had the best of starts to the season, but have still managed to win two trophies already, adding the Intercontinental Cup to the UEFA Super Cup they won back in August. One day before the final, Vini was presented by FIFA with The Best award, a little under two months after being snubbed for the Ballon d'Or as Rodri took home the accolade.

  On Wednesday, Real Madrid might have won 3-0, but the proceedings weren't as comfortable as the scoreline reads. In the opening passages of the game, Pachuca matched Real Madrid pound for pound, but Vini, who was kept quiet in the first 36 minutes of the game, produced a moment of absolute genius to help Mbappe score his 13th goal of the season. From there on, there was only one winner.

• WHAT GUILLERMO ALMADA SAID

  Speaking to reporters after losing to Real Madrid, Almada analysed the game and reserved special praise for Vini. "Vinicius is the best in the world, along with Mbappe, and his level is difficult to control on a permanent basis," said Almada (h/t MARCA). "Until the goal, Vinicius did not appear but then, in a second, he did that and, that type of player is difficult to control for 90 minutes."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• AFP
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR REAL MADRID?

  Real Madrid play their final game of the calendar year on Sunday, December 22, at the Santiago Bernabeu, in which they will welcome a struggling Sevilla side. Los Blancos are currently in third place on the LaLiga table, just one point behind Barcelona albeit with a game in hand.

Fabrizio Romano says a high-earning and big-name player, and one who Arsenal have apparently discussed signing, could make a "surprise" late move.

Arsenal still targeting new forward in late window swoop

Following Eddie Nketiah's £30 million move to Crystal Palace, which has been reported by an array of reliable media sources, including Romano and David Ornstein, it is believed that the Gunners are scouring the market for a new forward.

Arsenal eyeing cheaper striker option than £85m Osimhen and £70m Ferguson

Arsenal are in the market for a new striker.

By
Brett Worthington

Aug 27, 2024

Arsenal have just completed the signing of midfielder Mikel Merino in a £32 million deal from Real Sociedad, following weeks of talks to get it over the line, but sporting director Edu Gaspar and the recruitment team may not be done with the Spain international.

Mikel Arteta has seriously strengthened his left-side with the addition of Merino, who provides big-game experience, tenacity and a towering 6 foot 2 presence in the manager's ranks, and Arteta has already expressed his delight at the 28-year-old's arrival.

“Mikel is a player who will bring us huge quality with his experience and versatility," said Arteta on the arrival of Merino.

"He has played at the top of the game at both club and international level for a number of seasons now. Mikel will make our squad significantly stronger, with his technical ability, together with his strong and positive character and personality.

“As we all saw in the summer, Mikel is also a winner, with his strong performances throughout the Euros helping Spain win the tournament. We are delighted to welcome Mikel and his family to the club and can’t wait to start working with him.”

After Merino, and the deal for Nketiah to join Palace, next on the agenda for Arsenal could be a brand-new attacker. Edu has also been looking at back-up alternatives to Bukayo Saka this summer, according to various reports, and it is something that they're apparently still pursuing.

They've been linked with an interesting option very recently – Bayern Munich winger Kingsley Coman. According to reliable journalist Ben Jacobs of GiveMeSport, Arsenal and Spurs chiefs have discussed signing Coman in a late-window move, with Romano providing an update on the £276,000-per-week winger's future.

Coman could make surprise late Bayern exit amid Arsenal interest

Speaking on his YouTube channel, the respected reporter claims Coman could make a "surprise" late Bayern exit amid reported interest from Arsenal.

“A player to watch in the final 24 hours, 48 hours, 56 hours or whatever. In the final days is Kingsley Coman because interest in Coman is still there," said Romano. “It’s a strong interest from Premier League clubs, from Barcelona. Barca are considering Coman and Federico Chiesa.

“Kingsley Coman has several possibilities also in England. So he’s going to be one to watch for the final days because there is still an expectation for Coman to leave Bayern. There could be a surprise with Coman.”

There are suggestions that the Frenchman could cost up to £42 million to prise away from the Allianz Arena, but it is unclear just how much Arsenal would be willing to pay if they decide to make a move.

Cole Palmer has had an immense start to the 2024/25 Premier League campaign, picking up from where he left off during the previous season.

After failing to register any goal contributions in the 2-0 defeat to Manchester City on the opening day, he made a huge impact in the 6-2 rout over Wolves at Molineux last weekend.

The 22-year-old registered one goal and three assists in the victory, taking his tally to four goal contributions in his first two league outings.

The England international has showcased his talent in the final third, as he looks to further increase his assist tally of 11 from the 2023/24 campaign.

He could be aided in his attempts, with the Blues edging closer to completing a deal to sign one of their long-term attacking targets.

Chelsea's search for a striker

According to journalist Rudy Galetti, Chelsea are edging closer to agreeing personal terms over a move to sign Napoli forward Victor Osimhen before Friday’s transfer deadline, with the two parties coming to a "general understanding".

The Nigerian, who earns a reported £210k-per-week as per Capology, has been constantly linked with a move to Stamford Bridge over the last few months, but after PSG dropped out of the race to sign the 25-year-old, it’s given Enzo Maresca’s side a greater opportunity to complete a deal for the talisman.

He could be seen as a preferred option to Brentford forward Ivan Toney, who’s recently been linked with a move to West London, with the Blues set to discuss a deal with the Serie A outfit in the coming days.

Whilst it’s unknown how much Osimhen would cost the Blues, he does have a £110m release clause in his current deal with Antonio Conte’s side.

His prolific form in recent seasons could see him strike an excellent partnership with Palmer, leading the club back towards the Premier League’s top four in 2024/25.

Why Osimhen would be perfect for Palmer

Despite registering 14 league goals last term Nicolas Jackson could well be replaced if Maresca lands a new centre-forward before the closure of the window.

He may have finished last season as the club’s second-highest goalscorer, but he missed the third most big chances in the division during 2023/24 – highlighting the need for a new talisman at Stamford Bridge.

Osimhen would be the perfect upgrade on the Senegalese ace, with his talent in front of goal allowing Palmer to increase his assist tally this season.

The “monster” ace, as described by analyst Raj Chohan, registered 17 combined goals and assists in Serie A last term, potentially providing that added goalscoring threat the club are searching for.

His threat in the final third is evident, averaging 3.9 shots per 90 last season, managing to place 1.6 of those on target, at an accuracy rate of 42% – with his ability to trouble the keeper allowing Palmer’s creativity in attacking areas to reach the next level.

The Nigerian also averaged a 0.33 goal per shot-on-target rate, scoring one of every three efforts he managed to put on target, further highlighting his deadly finishing ability in front of goal.

The saga over his potential move to Stamford Bridge may have dragged on a lot longer than anyone would’ve anticipated, but Galetti’s latest update could finally see the club get their main man.

His talents will hand Maresca’s side that added edge they’ve been crying out for in recent months, potentially making it a successful first campaign at the helm for the Italian.

As for Palmer, it could allow him to further improve his impressive output in the final third, achieving new heights for his assist tally, with Osimhen having the ability to fire home on more occasions than the current options at the top end of the pitch for Chelsea.

Madueke would love him: Chelsea looking at bargain Osimhen alternative

The Blues would welcome this talented forward instead of Osimhen…

1

By
Angus Sinclair

Aug 26, 2024

Sir Jim Ratcliffe has made a key decision on out-of-favour star Marcus Rashford's future at Old Trafford.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Ratcliffe makes decision on Rashford's future
• Amorim to take final call on striker's transfer
• Man Utd take on Wolves on Boxing Day

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Rashford, who was left out of United's matchday squad for the third time in a week in the club's 3-0 loss to Bournemouth last weekend, has been strongly linked with a move away from Old Trafford in the January transfer window. Speculations further grew after the player admitted he was ready for a new challenge last week.

Advertisement

• Getty/GOAL
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  reports that Rashford's future at the club will be entirely decided by manager Ruben Amorim as minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS have given the Portuguese coach a free hand in taking a final call on the matter. Since axing the 27-year-old for the first time in the team's Manchester derby win, Amorim has maintained that picking the squad is entirely his decision.

• WHAT RUBEN AMORIM SAID

  The 39-year-old head coach reiterated his stance on team selection after the Bournemouth defeat as he told reporters: "It’s my decision and it always will be. It is selection. I want to see the best of my players and I try different things with different players. That’s my focus."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR MARCUS RASHFORD?

  A major problem that the Red Devils might face while offloading the forward is their demand of £40million (€48m/$50m) as a transfer fee and also the player's current wage of £325,000-a-week. Amorim's men will be back in action on Boxing Day as they take on Wolves away from home.

Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal has pledged his long-term future to the club and vowed to renew his contract amid interest from Paris Saint-Germain.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Yamal has become key player for Barcelona
• Has attracted interest from PSG
• Vows to sign long-term deal with Catalans

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Yamal has cemented his position as one of the hottest young properties in Europe after playing a starring role for Barcelona and Spain. The 17-year-old's performances have attracted interest from PSG, who have already seen a €250 million (£211m/$277m) offer for the forward rejected by the Catalan giants.

Advertisement

• Getty
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Yamal's current contract runs until 2026 and contains a buy-out clause set at an eye-popping €1 billion (£866m/$1bn). The winger's agent, Jorge Mendes, has previously confirmed that a new contract at Barca is in the offing and Yamal is hoping to put pen to paper on the deal soon.

• WHAT YAMAL SAID

  He told CNN: "I don’t know when (the contract will be signed), but I believe it’ll be soon. In the end, Barca is the club of my life. I hope to renew my contract with them and to be with them as long as possible. I want to play in the Spanish league. I want to play for Barca, and yes, I will renew my contract. I will.”

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR YAMAL

  Yamal will be able to commit to a new and longer Barcelona contract when he turns 18 in July. In the meantime, he will look to continue to play an inspirational role for club and country and is expected to make his return from an ankle injury for Barcelona in their Spanish Super Cup semi-final against Athletic Club.

Arsenal have become a far more savvy club when it comes to transfers in recent years.

Mikel Arteta and Edu Gaspar have helped turn the club into more intelligent buyers and far better sellers, with the likes of Emile Smith Rowe, Eddie Nketiah and Folarin Balogun all leaving for hefty fees in the last year and a bit.

However, you only have to go back a bit further in time to see some of the Gunners' less than impressive sales, with the likes of Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang, Mesut Özil and Nicolas Pepe all leaving for free.

That said, while two of those three didn't exactly kick on after leaving, a former Hale End graduate who was sold for a pittance has, and he's outscored Gabriel Jesus for two seasons now.

Jesus' Arsenal form

Arsenal completed the £45m signing of Jesus from Manchester City in the summer of 2022, and it would be fair to say that in the two years since, the Gunners faithful have seen the best of the Brazilian and the worst.

For example, when the 27-year-old is fit and firing, he's easily one of the most technically impressive players to watch in the entire league, let alone the club. His ability to beat defenders, control the ball and cause headaches for the opposition can be invaluable.

This ability was on full display in his first few months with the club when, before the 2022 World Cup, he scored five goals and provided five assists in just 14 games, propelling the club into an unexpected title race with his former side.

However, he suffered a severe knee injury in Qatar that sidelined him until mid-March, and while he was still a goal threat upon his return, his fitness is now a real concern.

For example, last season he missed another 16 games through injury and this year he has already missed two games through a groin issue and when you add these problems together with the fact that Kai Havertz has now become Arteta's defacto starting number nine, things aren't looking particularly rosey for the former City ace.

Unfortunately, it does look like he'll have to settle for a backup role this season, and the fact he's being outscored by a former Hale Ender who was sold for peanuts doesn't help either.

Chuba Akpom's recent record

Yes, the former Arsenal youth product in question is Chuba Akpom, who, after failing to break into the Gunners' first team, was sold to Greek side PAOK in 2018 for a fee that was later revealed to be around £2m.

After impressing in Greece, the Canning Town-born poacher earned a move to Championship side Middlesbrough, but a lacklustre 2020/21 saw him move back to Greece on loan before coming back to Boro for the 22/23 campaign and blowing everyone away.

In just 42 appearances, he scored 29 goals and provided two assists, meaning he averaged a goal involvement once every 1.35 games. Unsurprisingly, he ended the campaign as the top goalscorer in the Championship.

Such electrifying form earned the former Gunners prospect a £12m move to Dutch giants Ajax last summer.

While he struggled early on, he eventually ended his first year in Amsterdam with 15 goals and three assists in 36 appearances, equating to an impressive average of a goal involvement once every other game.

Now, while the "terrific" striker, as Boro manager Michael Carrick dubbed him, has outscored Jesus for two seasons running, it's important to note that he has done so in weaker leagues. However, that does not change the fact that, as things stand, having a forward like Akpom in the squad would surely make Arsenal that little bit stronger.

That said, given how well he has played in the last couple of years and how much the Gunners have improved, perhaps his departure was in the best interest of all involved.

Arsenal flop was sold for just £4m, now he's outscoring Kai Havertz

The talented number nine couldn’t make it work in North London.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Sep 5, 2024

Manchester United sent officials to Europe on Sunday to take in a live showing from one of their potential transfer targets, as he returned from a serious illness to play for his club. The transfer window has been shut for a couple of weeks now, but that hasn’t stopped the Red Devils from getting some early work in for 2025.

Man Utd eye move to sign "unstoppable" forward who's quicker than Rashford

Antony’s time at Manchester United could be over if this player arrives at Old Trafford.

By
Brett Worthington

Sep 17, 2024

Manchester United transfer news

Erik ten Hag’s side have had a mixed start to the new Premier League season, but they will hope Saturday’s 3-0 win over Southampton can kickstart an upturn in form. The Red Devils are back in action on Tuesday night against Barnsley, and it may be an opportunity for some of their new signings from the summer to get more minutes into their legs, especially Manuel Ugarte.

It was a busy summer for United, but that could be just the sign of things to come at the club, as INEOS continue to be linked with players while the window is shut. United have already been tipped to go for AS Monaco’s Vanderson and Athletic Bilbao’s Unai Simon this month, and it hasn’t stopped there.

The latest name the club have been linked with is Karim Adeyemi of Borussia Dortmund, but they face competition from Liverpool and Newcastle United. The winger has been with the German side since the summer of 2022 and has been an impressive buy there. Adeyemi played an important role in the club’s route to the Champions League final last year, and it now appears United, among other teams, are looking to potentially sign him.

Man United send officials to watch 10-goal starlet

According to Norway’s TV2, relayed by Sport Witness, Manchester United had a scout in attendance on Sunday at Arasen Stadion to watch Sverre Nypan of Rosenborg BK. The report states that it was reported in April that the Red Devils had “put out feelers” for the 17-year-old midfielder, and they have continued to keep an eye on the player.

United had an official in Norway as Rosenborg played out a 1-1 draw with Lillestrom SK, while Bayer Leverkusen also had a scout at the game. After the game, Nypan, who admitted he has struggled with a recent illness and is rebuilding his fitness, was asked if he cared about there being scouts from United and Leverkusen in attendance: “No, to be completely honest. The only thing I care about is getting back to the form I was in before the illness.

“It’s been a bit heavy. From playing very good matches to getting sick. It’s so typical that when things go well, you get sick. That’s life, but now it’s about building up, but it takes time.

“I didn’t know about it, so I don’t really think about it that much. That’s how it’s always going to be, so there’s nothing to worry about. I have to learn and deal with it, and I feel that I do.”

It was reported at the end of last month that Nypan is said to be a United fan, which may give the Premier League side the edge when it comes to a transfer pursuit.