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da cassino online： Often in football, there is a flashpoint in the build-up to a managerial sacking, the culmination of a long sequence of poor results.

da bet7： For Ange Postecoglou and Tottenham Hotspur, winning the Europa League proved to be the straw that broke the camel’s back. The Australian coach had ended Spurs’ endless search for silverware, but he also laboured to a 17th-place Premier League finish.

Daniel Levy, now gone himself, felt the manager’s position was untenable and that a fresh start was needed. Whichever side of the fence you sit on, there’s no denying the rationale of the thought process, with Thomas Frank making a promising start to his tenure.

The signings made in recent months carry with them the promise of sustainable and positive football. Mohammed Kudus and Xavi Simons are testaments to that, with both wide attackers settling nicely down N17.

Kudus & Simons are standouts for Spurs

Tottenham signed Kudus from West Ham United for £55m in June. Some signing, prising him from rivals just like that. And the Ghanaian winger is repaying the faith on the field, having enjoyed a rip-roaring start to life under Frank’s wing.

His final product leaves something to be desired, but the 24-year-old’s pace and energy and directness do not. A maverick, Sofascore record that he has averaged 2.2 key passes and won 7.8 duels per game in the Premier League this season, playing down the right. Kudus has yet to score, but he has three assists.

Likewise, Simons, 22, is yet to break his duck, but then the Dutchman is only four games into his Lilywhites career and has started once in the Premier League. More of a ball-playing creator than his peer, Simons has been described as a “game-changer” by talent scout Jacek Kulig.

Looking at his past two terms in the Bundesliga with RB Leipzig, it’s rather clear Frank has unearthed a gem, landing him for £51m despite the vested attention of Chelsea.

Xavi Simons in the Bundesliga

Stats (* per game)

23/24

24/25

Matches (starts)

32 (32)

25 (25)

Goals

8

10

Assists

11

7

Shots (on target)*

2.5 (1.0)

2.0 (0.9)

Touches*

62.6

68.0

Pass completion

82%

83%

Big chances created

14

12

Key passes*

2.5

2.0

Dribbles*

2.6

1.3

Ball recoveries*

5.2

5.1

Tackles + interceptions*

1.4

1.6

Duels won*

6.3

5.4

Data via Sofascore

These rising stars are shaping Tottenham’s future, but they have yet to hit their stride. This bodes well, but it’s also curious to note that a former Spurs flop is outperforming the pair of them.

Indeed, Ivan Perisic is still producing creative performances.

Ivan Perisic's season in numbers

Tottenham signed Perisic on a free transfer after the 2021/22 season, with the Croatian’s contract with Inter Milan having expired. He was 33 and viewed as a utility buy, a squad deepener.

One goal was all he had to show for that maiden year in the English game, but Perisic proved himself to be a creative force of sublime quality, racking up 12 assists.

Antonio Valle of ESPN marvelled at the quiet jackpot addition, saying, “Perisic, that extremely constant player who is not talked about enough.”

Certainly, the veteran provided a steady supply line through to the forwards, only starting 23 times in the top flight that year but creating 11 big chances and averaging 1.4 key passes per game, as per Sofascore.

However, it wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows for the versatile star, with journalist James Maw claiming before the player’s ACL that he would be “remembered as a massive waste of money”.

Indeed, it’s worth noting that he took home quite the pretty penny in north London, earning a living of £195k per week.

However, he played an important part and started strongly in 2023/24 under Postecoglou’s guidance, before suffering that devastating knee injury and before being loaned to Hadjuk Split in January, where he recuperated before his contract expired at the end of the campaign.

Whether it was a mistake to release a player well into their 30s while recovering from a brutal knee injury is open to debate, but there’s no question that Perisic’s Tottenham career is a rueful one, with it all potentially turning out differently had he avoided that disaster.

After all, Perisic has bounced back despite now at the ripe old footballing age of 36. In the Netherlands with PSV Eindhoven, he has already scored a goal and placed six assists this season, thus proving his potency is very much intact and ahead of Simons’, albeit with the two in different spheres.

In fact, given that Postecoglou’s Spurs ship sank after an emphatic start, it’s not out of the question to think that Perisic’s leadership and experience could have helped things along, had he only been fit.

Simons operates with a similar skill on the ball and a wand of a delivery that is akin to the experienced star. At least now, Spurs have a similar player who can step up and deliver.

Perisic’s time at Tottenham was turbulent, but we can’t forget the quality of his playmaking during that first term. Had injury not struck him down, it all could have been so different.

da dobrowin： A “unique” manager turned down the opportunity to join Nottingham Forest before Evangelos Marinakis appointed Ange Postecoglou, it has been revealed.

Marinakis and Forest move swiftly to appoint Ange

da realbet： After publicly commenting on his poor relationship with Marinakis, Nuno Espirito Santo was dismissed just three games into the new Premier League campaign, in what has to go down as one of the harshest sackings in the division’s history.

The Forest owner wasted no time appointing a replacement for the Portuguese manager, who led the Tricky Trees to Europe for the first time in 30 years, with Postecoglou arriving on Tuesday.

Reacting to the news of Nuno’s departure during Serbia vs England coverage, Roy Keane made it clear he has “no sympathy” for the 51-year-old, as the sacking was always to be expected, given Marinakis’ tendencies.

Postecoglou will also be under pressure to hit the ground running, particularly considering Nuno will be a tough act to follow, and it has since emerged that the Australian wasn’t the only manager being considered for the role.

According to a report from Spain (via Sport Witness), Rayo Vallecano manager Inigo Perez turned down the opportunity to replace Nuno at Nottingham Forest, after emerging as one of the hierarchy’s main choices.

Perez was on the final shortlist, which consisted of just three names, but the move fell through, with the 37-year-old turning down a move to The City Ground, as the ‘timing and conditions’ of the offer were deemed unsuitable.

"Unique" Perez impressing in La Liga

While a move to The City Ground ultimately didn’t tempt the young manager, a move to another club may be on the cards at some point in the near future, given the job he has done at Rayo Vallecano.

The Spaniard led the La Liga club to an eighth-place finish in La Liga last season, securing qualification for the UEFA Conference League in the process, which was a major improvement on the 17th-place finish from the previous season.

Perez’s Rayo Vallecano record

Games

61

Wins

22

Draws

19

Losses

20

Points per match

1.39

Former teammate Ibai Gomez has also spoken fondly of the Rayo Vallecano boss in the past, saying: “He’s a very intelligent person and very unique in the world of football because he liked to analyze things from a positive perspective.”

That said, it would’ve been a gamble to appoint Perez, given that he is unproven in the Premier League, with Postecoglou much more experienced, winning 13 senior trophies as a manager, including the Europa League with Tottenham Hotspur last season.

da heads bet： Manchester City have enacted something of a rebuild across the last two transfer windows and could now be set to continue their spending spree once the January window opens, according to a report.

Manchester City look to overcome mixed Premier League start

da cassino： Despite making some impressive summer signings, Manchester City have lost consecutive Premier League fixtures against Tottenham Hotspur and Brighton & Hove Albion.

Pep Guardiola has changed the guard in several positions and may need time to let new faces settle in at the Etihad Stadium, albeit he will be hoping for an improved return on the club’s investments after the international break.

Still, Joe Cole preserves optimism that one of Manchester City’s main men can go on to thrive this campaign and has claimed that Phil Foden is the best player in the Premier League when he is in form.

The former England international told talkSPORT: “He had a difficult season last year. We don’t know the problems he had off the pitch or injuries or what it was, but what you have to do is keep faith with these types of players.

“When Phil Foden plays to the best of his ability, like the season before last, he’s the best player in the country, you know, but there’s only one player who can produce that type of level of performance over the last 15 years consistently. That’s Lionel Messi. And there’s a reason he’s the greatest player in the world.”

Intriguingly, Guardiola could add a new superstar to the fold amid Manchester City’s plan to launch an ambitious move to sign Vinicius Junior in January, albeit it remains to be seen whether they could tempt him away from the Spanish top-flight.

Remaining on that topic, the Citizens could be set to raid La Liga for a rising young star who could now have a pivotal decision to make on his future.

Man City could launch January move for Dro Fernandez

According to reports in Spain, Manchester City want to sign Barcelona talent Pedro ‘Dro’ Fernandez, who is viewed as a breakout star in his homeland after entering La Blaugrana’s second string at 17 years of age.

Predominantly an attacking midfielder, the Spain Under-17 star is also wanted by Chelsea and has registered four goals in 14 appearances for club and country at various youth levels.

Adored by Hansi Flick for his contribution during Barcelona’s pre-season, he has already got off the mark at first-team level by scoring in a friendly against Vissel Kobe, potentially opening the door to further senior opportunities down the line.

Nevertheless, he now faces an intriguing decision amid interest from the Premier League, which could force his club to offer him a contract extension with guarantees that his developmental needs will be met.

Guardiola always has an eye out for prodigious talent and may have spotted an opening to convince one of Europe’s stars to move to the Etihad Stadium.

da heads bet： With Adam Idah set to join Swansea City, Celtic have now reportedly opened talks to sign a £10m striker who was once backed to follow in the footsteps of the legendary Marco van Basten.

Adam Idah set to join Swansea

da 888casino： After a 50-minute cameo to forget against Kairat in the Champions League, Idah has been shown the door by Celtic in ruthless fashion. Returning to English football just one year since swapping Norwich City for the Scottish champions in a move worth £9.5m, Idah will be desperate to put his recent Celtic form behind him back in the Championship.

The forward is set to leave with 29 goals in 76 appearances to his name, which includes a last-gasp Scottish Cup winner against Old Firm rivals Rangers in 2024. For that moment alone, some may argue that Idah proved to be worth every penny.

Ultimately, however, with Brendan Rodgers keen to bolster his side before the deadline, Idah has been shown the door. The Celtic boss told reporters when asked about potential incomings following his side’s Champions League exit in midweek: “I always think that investment is great, but it has to be a timely investment.

“It has to be at the right time. I think at this moment in time, we’ve just lost a game. Like I say, this group of players have given everything. We’re obviously being limited to what we could do in the game at the moment, but like I said, they gave everything.”

At that stage, there was arguably little room to welcome further arrivals. With Idah now set to seal his exit, however, the Bhoys could welcome an instant upgrade.

Celtic in talks to sign Dolberg

According to Sky Sports’ Anthony Joseph, Celtic are now in talks to sign Kasper Dolberg from Anderlecht this week. The 27-year-old forward is reportedly valued at £10m – a similar price that the Bhoys initially paid for Idah last summer – and negotiations are underway.

The Dolberg name is one that many will remember from several years ago. The Dane was the supposed to be the next best thing at Ajax. He was billed as football’s latest wonderkid. His own father even went as far as to compare him with the legendary Van Basten, whilst the Ajax scout who discovered Dolberg dubbed him an “extraordinary talent”, but things never quite worked out as planned.

That said, whilst the Dane is not among the world’s best players like many expected him to be, he still has a knack for goals and has already netted five in just eight games this season. And it is that knack for goals which should see Celtic push all the way for his signature.

da spicy bet： Whilst Tottenham Hotspur have completed the big-money addition of Mohammed Kudus already this summer, a new number ten has been the priority for Thomas Frank in recent weeks.

da aviator aposta： Morgan Gibbs-White was once the Lilywhites’ main target in such a position, even leading to a £60m transfer fee being agreed with Nottingham Forest for his signature.

However, the move was put on hold, leading to the player himself penning a new deal at the City Ground – leading to Eberechi Eze subsequently becoming their next target to fill the role.

He too looked set to move to North London, but Arsenal jumped ahead of Frank’s side in the race for his signature – subsequently inflicting yet more pain on their bitter rivals in the market.

With just a couple of days left in the summer window, the hierarchy need to act quickly, especially if they are to land a new attacking talent to aid Frank in his quest.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for a new attacking midfielder

Over the last couple of days, West Ham United star Lucas Paqueta has emerged as a potential option for Spurs, which would see them complete another raid on their London rivals.

It’s been reported that talks have been held with the Hammers over a deal for the Brazilian international, who could be available for just £40m this summer.

However, he’s not the only player in their sights before deadline day, with Ademola Lookman another player they admire, according to talkSPORT.

They claim the Atalanta star has been on their radar for some time this summer, potentially being a viable option after his transfer to Inter Milan collapsed in recent weeks.

The report states that the Lilywhites are prepared to step up their interest in the coming days, leading to a £40m fee being mooted for the Nigerian’s signature.

It states that Fabio Paratici is the one driving the move and pushing the club towards signing him.

Why Spurs’ latest signing would be a better signing than Paqueta

Spurs’ interest in Paqueta may come as a surprise to many, but given the links to Gibbs-White and Eze – it’s clear the hierarchy have been pursuing a deal for a Premier League-proven option.

The Hammers star has spent three full years in England’s top-flight, offering a consistent flow of goals despite their failure to rise up the table under various managers.

The 27-year-old has notched 20 goals and 14 assists since his transfer from Lyon in the summer of 2022 – with Manchester City previously being interested in his signature.

However, he could be set to depart in the coming days, especially after their poor start to the season, which has seen them lose every game – resulting in Spurs’ interest.

Despite the interest in Paqueta, the Lilywhites hierarchy must prioritise a move for Lookman, with the former Leicester City star undoubtedly a bigger talent in 2025.

When comparing their respective stats from last campaign, the Nigerian managed to outperform him in numerous key areas – potentially being a bargain at his current £40m asking price.

Lookman, who’s been labelled “world-class” by commentator Matteo Bonetti, posted more combined goals and assists last season, whilst also posting a higher shot on target rate – undoubtedly providing a more clinical option in front of goal for Frank’s men.

How Lookman & Paqueta compared throughout 2024/25

Statistics (per 90)

Lookman

Paqueta

Games played

31

33

Goals & assists

20

4

Shot on target accuracy

40%

7%

Key passes made

2.4

1.3

Passes into the opposition box

1.7

1.6

Take-ons completed

1.5

0.8

Carries into the final third

2.8

1.2

Carries into the opposition box

3.2

0.08

Crosses completed

4.8

1.1

Stats via FBref

He also completed more key passes per 90, whilst registering more passes into the opposition’s box per 90, which would see him offer the creative outlet the hierarchy have been hunting for all summer.

The Atalanta star’s dominance is further highlighted in his higher tallies of take-ons and crosses completed – subsequently able to create chances out of nothing, before having the end product to tee up a teammate in North London.

£40m for a player of Lookman’s quality is an excellent price, with the board getting themselves a bargain and finally landing the number ten they’ve craved in recent months.

If he can replicate his numbers from Serie A last season, it would be another shrewd piece of business – handing the new manager the tools to make his debut year at the helm one to remember.

da esoccer bet： Leeds United’s summer rebuild is gathering pace, and it could soon involve a high-profile departure from one of their Premier League rivals.

da realbet： It has been reported that Leeds and Daniel Farke are preparing a formal offer for Everton striker Beto, in a deal expected to cost between £20–22m.

The Guinea-Bissau international, who joined the Toffees from Udinese last summer for €25m (£21m), is now set to leave after a behind-the-scenes fallout.

Sources suggest manager David Moyes has been left unimpressed by Beto’s attitude during pre-season.

While Everton will sanction a sale, they will not do so without lining up a replacement.

Beto’s departure would leave a void up front for the Merseyside club, but it could open the door for a fascinating tactical development at Leeds.

Farke already boasts new signing Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who spurned interest from Sunderland to join the 49ers-owned project, but the club wants a second striker who can both complement and compete with the England international.

And it’s here where a certain Greek international could come into play.

Leeds targeting another striker after Calvert-Lewin

According to BBC Sport, Fotis Ioannidis, the 25-year-old Panathinaikos striker, has emerged as another leading target, with the Yorkshire side closely tracking the player amid their bid to bolster the centre-forward ranks.

The Greek forward stands at 1.87m, slightly shorter than Beto but with a more rounded technical skill set.

He has been capped 17 times by his national team, scoring six goals, and has built a reputation in Greece as a “complete” centre-forward, as per analyst Ben Mattinson.

Over his Panathinaikos career, he has netted 51 goals and registered 15 assists in 188 games, including four strikes in last season’s Europa Conference League.

The player is also attracting interest from Norwich City, Sporting Lisbon, and Porto, underlining his growing reputation.

Why Ioannidis could outshine Beto & thrive with Calvert-Lewin

For all of Beto’s physical attributes – 1.94m tall, 5.81 aerials won per 90, and a 46.9% shot accuracy – his spell in England has been marked by inconsistency.

In 60 league appearances for Everton, he has scored just 11 goals.

While his eight strikes in 30 games last season suggest improvement, his game remains limited when it comes to interplay and creating for others.

Beto – PL record

Stat (*per game)

23/24

24/25

Games

30

30

Goals

3

8

Big chances missed

8

12

Goal frequency

324min

193min

Assists

0

0

Big chances created

3

2

Key passes*

0.4

0.4

Total duels won*

44%

44%

Possession lost*

5.3

8.1

via Sofascore

Ioannidis, by contrast, offers a more complementary skill set to Calvert-Lewin.

The former Everton man is at his best when receiving service into the box or operating as a focal point for crosses, using his strength and leaping ability to dominate in the air.

To maximise his output, he needs a partner who can stretch defences horizontally, combine in tight spaces, and carry the ball into dangerous areas.

Ioannidis fits that mould.

Where Beto offers aerial dominance (ranking in the 97th percentile for aerials won per 90), Ioannidis brings more intelligent link-up play and positional versatility.

His movement allows him to drop deep, combine with midfield runners, and create space for a partner – attributes that could prove invaluable alongside a target man like Calvert-Lewin.

According to FBref, Beto outshoots Ioannidis (2.87 shots per 90 compared to 2.13), but the Greek forward’s higher involvement in build-up phases and his intelligent off-ball runs suggest he would allow Calvert-Lewin to remain central, rather than drifting wide to link play himself.

That could be the key to Leeds getting the most out of their marquee forward signing. And this isn’t just about the numbers, it’s about the fit.

Leeds’ Championship dominance last season was built on fluid attacking movements, rapid transitions, and a willingness to commit players forward.

In the Premier League, they will face more organised, physically imposing defences, making quick combinations and creative runs even more essential.

Ioannidis’ ability to operate between the lines could be the tactical tweak that helps Farke’s men bridge the gap in quality.

The financial element also plays a role. At a market value of €15m £13m), as per Transfermarkt, Ioannidis would cost significantly less than Beto’s original fee, allowing Leeds to invest in other key areas.

That value could rise sharply if he adapts quickly to English football, making him a potential long-term asset rather than a short-term gamble.

If the move happens, it would also carry symbolic weight.

Leeds’ return to the top flight has already been marked by ambition – the arrival of Calvert-Lewin, the free transfer of Lukas Nmecha, and continued pursuit of talents like Noah Okafor and Manor Solomon signal intent.

With Everton set to visit Elland Road on the opening weekend, there is a subplot in the making.

Beto could be lining up in white rather than blue – or perhaps not at all – while his potential replacement is unveiled as the man to lead the line alongside Calvert-Lewin.

Should the Greek forward adapt as well as Leeds’ recruitment team believes, this could be the start of a formidable partnership.

Calvert-Lewin’s aerial power and hold-up play, paired with Ioannidis’ mobility and link-up ability, would give Leeds a blend of physical presence and tactical intelligence few Premier League sides could match.

For Farke, who has shown a willingness to tweak his system to suit his personnel, it could be the difference between another fight for survival and a push towards mid-table respectability.

And for Leeds fans, who have seen enough false dawns in recent years, it might finally be a strike duo worth getting excited about.

da apostebet： Over the last couple of months, Tottenham Hotspur have demonstrated how much of a cutthroat industry professional football can be – regardless of any level of success achieved.

da spicy bet： Ange Postecoglou led the Lilywhites to Europa League glory back in May, but it wasn’t enough to maintain his job in North London as Daniel Levy handed him his marching orders.

The 17th-placed Premier League finish was the underlying reasoning behind his dismissal, handing the responsibility to Thomas Frank to build on the recent European triumph.

Such a decision could prove to be a risk in the months ahead, breaking the continuity that would’ve been in place had the Aussie remained in the role.

However, the board are handing the Dane the tools for added success during his tenure, looking to inject further quality into one area of the pitch before the September 1st deadline.

Tottenham’s attempt to land a new midfielder this summer

Despite scoring 64 times in the Premier League last season – the seventh-highest tally of any side – Frank has made a beeline to improve the options available to him in forward areas.

Mohammed Kudus has already completed a £55m move, but it hasn’t stopped the Lilywhites from pursuing a move for other targets such as Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze.

The 27-year-old has been a leading talent in the Premier League as of late, notching 16 goal contributions last season – which has seen Spurs prepare an opening offer for his services.

However, attention is also being focused on the midfield department, leading to reports from media in Spain that Conor Gallagher has once again appeared on their radar.

The article states that Frank’s side are one of various English outfits preparing offers to sign the Atlético Madrid star, with a €50m (£42m) price tag currently being mooted.

It’s also been confirmed that the 25-year-old would be keen on a return to England, after just one year in LaLiga following his £34m departure from boyhood outfit, Chelsea.

Why Spurs’ £42m target would be perfect for Eze

A deal to sign Eze between now and the end of the window would signal real intent from Spurs owner Levy – splashing the cash and subsequently landing a star who can take the side up a gear.

The 27-year-old has made a real name for himself in England’s top-flight in recent times, racking up quite the goal catalogue – which includes a phenomenal strike against fellow North London outfit Arsenal.

Such a strike has also sparked keen interest from Mikel Arteta’s side, which could present a bidding war between the two clubs in the not-too-distant future.

Frank will no doubt be hoping his side can come out on top, finally landing the number 10 he’s craved – after previously missing out on Morgan Gibbs-White this summer.

Given the £60m price tag, it would add pressure on the Englishman to succeed, something which Gallagher could relieve, should he complete his own big-money transfer in the coming weeks.

Whilst the former Chelsea star is more of a ball-winning option, he could offer a presence at the heart of the side which could free Eze up to cause carnage in attacking areas.

Conor Gallagher’s stats for Atlético in LaLiga (2024/25)

Statistics (per 90)

Tally

Games played

32

Goals & assists

6

Pass accuracy

85%

Progressive passes

3.5

Passes into final third

2.5

Tackles won

1.8

Interceptions made

1.1

Recoveries made

5.9

Stats via FBref

According to FBref, Gallagher ranked in the 89th percentile for tackles won (1.8) and in the 90th percentile for recoveries made (5.9) – leading to journalist John Cross labelling him as “sensational”.

However, he was just as impressive in possession, making 3.5 progressive passes per 90 at a success rate of 85% – able to do the ‘dirty work’ before finding Eze with his line-breaking ability.

Injuries have also decimated the Spurs side in recent months, but the 25-year-old could provide a consistent presence in North London – having never missed a senior outing through injury to date.

Whilst many fans will be crying out for a deal for Eze this summer, a move for Gallagher could arguably be just as important for the club in their attempts for Premier League glory.

His addition from Atlético could see him be the perfect box-to-box option, as seen by his ability to regain possession before progressing the play into forward areas.

A combination between the two England internationals could prove to be a frightening one, subsequently being able to solve two of the problems positions that faced Frank upon his arrival in North London.

da bet7： It would be fair to say that some of the shine has been taken off Arsenal’s summer over the last seven days.

da casino： The atmosphere around the club was excellent going into the game against Tottenham Hotspur last Thursday, only for the team to fall to a dull 1-0 defeat.

Then, instead of wiping the slate clean with an entertaining win over Villarreal on Wednesday, Mikel Arteta’s side fell to yet another defeat.

Fortunately, it’s not all doom and gloom, as the club have made several brilliant signings so far, with the likes of Viktor Gyokeres and Martin Zubimendi the clear standouts.

Moreover, Andrea Berta looks ready to make yet more additions, with Eberechi Eze’s name refusing to go away, and reports suggesting he could pull off the signing of another international ace, someone who’d surely represent his best deal yet.

Berta targets a better signing than Eze

Despite already adding six players to the squad this summer, Arsenal are clearly on the hunt for more first-team additions, and Eze has been someone consistently touted for a move to the club this summer.

Transfer Focus

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

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The Crystal Palace star has a £67.5m release clause in his current deal that expires on August 15th, and based on stories from the last week or so, it does seem like the Gunners will be making a move for him once that clause is gone.

However, in exciting news, the Englishman isn’t the only attacker Berta and Co are supposedly after, as it now looks like they’ve got their eye on someone who’d undoubtedly be his best signing of the window.

At least that’s according to a recent report from journalist Graeme Bailey, who has reaffirmed the fact that Arsenal are very interested in Rodrygo.

Bailey has revealed that, alongside North London rivals Spurs, the Gunners are now just “waiting for a signal” from the Brazilian before they make their move.

Interestingly, stories from earlier this summer made it clear that if the winger were to leave, it’d likely require a fee of around £86m, but then more recent reports have stated that a season-long loan with an obligation to buy at the end could be his route out of Spain.

It remains to be seen how Arsenal could eventually sign Rodrygo, but if they have any chance of doing so, they should, as he’d instantly become the best deal under Berta’s watch.

Why Rodrygo would be Berta's best deal

So, when it comes to the deals Berta has already completed this summer, the only two players who would be in with a shout of being his best are Gyokeres and Zubimendi, but we still think Rodrygo would land above both.

The reason he’d do so in the case of the Spaniard is the simple fact that the club do already have several genuinely great options for that role in the shape of Declan Rice, who was initially signed as a six, Christian Norgaard, who has impressed in pre-season, and Mikel Merino.

Moreover, it’s simply the nature of the sport that those who operate in deeper areas of the pitch are viewed as less game-changing than someone who’s up top, banging in goals or creating chances for his teammates.

However, in that case, why wouldn’t the former Sporting CP star be the better deal, as he racked up 67 goal involvements in 52 games last season?

Well, in this instance, it comes down to the fact that, while still outstanding, those numbers were achieved primarily in the Portuguese league, which, according to Opta Analyst, is just the eighth toughest in the world, coming in behind the Championship and Belgian top-flight.

While there is every chance that the Swedish international is a lean, mean goalscoring machine for the Gunners as well, there is still an element of the unknown about how he’ll adapt, especially when strikers like Darwin Núñez have struggled to do so in the past.

In contrast, we’ve got plenty of evidence that the Real Madrid star can more than handle himself in a top-five league.

Rodrygo’s recent record

Season

23/24

24/25

Appearances

51

54

Minutes

3707′

3452′

Goals

17

14

Assists

9

11

Goal Involvements per Match

0.50

0.46

Minutes per Goal Involvement

142.57′

138.08′

All Stats via Transfermarkt

For example, across the last two seasons, the Brazilian “superstar,” as dubbed by Luka Modrić, has found the back of the net on 31 occasions and provided 20 assists in 105 appearances, totalling 7159 minutes.

That means the former Santos gem has been averaging a goal involvement every 2.05 games, or every 140.37 minutes across the last two years, which is only made all the more impressive when you take into account the fact he had to play out of his preferred position on the left for most of those games.

Finally, like all top-tier players, the Osasco-born ace has an incredible record in the Champions League.

In his 64 appearances in the competition, totalling 3883 minutes, the 24-year-old has scored 25 goals and provided 14 assists, which comes out to a goal involvement every 1.64 games, or every 99.56 minutes.

Ultimately, when you take everything into account, from his record to the fact that there are plenty of other top sides looking to sign him, it’s easy to see why Rodrygo would represent Berta’s best deal since joining Arsenal.

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da bwin： Leeds United supporters were hit with a devastating blow on Monday evening when Fabrizio Romano gave Marseille the ‘here we go’ treatment for Igor Paixao.

da lvbet： It had been reported earlier in the day that the Whites were expected to agree a deal in the region of £28m to sign the Brazilian forward from Feyenoord ahead of the French side.

However, as you can see in the post above, Marseille now have a deal ‘in place’ to sign the 25-year-old star, who they have reached an agreement with over a five-year contract.

Romano claims that Paixao ‘wanted’ to sign for the French side despite Leeds United’s attempts to swoop in and convince him to make the move to England.

Given that Lukas Nmecha as a free transfer is the only attacking signing the Whites have made so far this summer, missing out on the winger has come as a big blow for the club.

However, it will be interesting to see how the Feyenoord star handles a move to a top five league in Europe, as Leeds have been burned by Eredivisie stars in the past.

Why Leeds may have dodged a bullet with Igor Paixao

It is, firstly, worth saying that Paixao would have been a very exciting signing for the club, because he enjoyed a phenomenal 2024/25 campaign in the Netherlands.

The 25-year-old star delivered 18 goals and 14 assists in all competitions from the left wing position, which shows that he has the potential to provide a huge threat as both a scorer and a creator of goals.

However, Leeds once splashed out a fee of £21m to sign left winger Luis Sinisterra from Feyenoord in an eerily similar move in 2022, after his impressive year in the Eredivisie.

Eredivisie

Sinisterra (21/22)

Paixao (24/25)

Appearances

30

34

Goals

12

16

Big chances missed

8

11

Big chances created

9

12

Assists

7

10

Dribbles completed per game

3.6

1.7

Duels won per game

8.1

5.2

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, Sinisterra and Paixao both delivered plenty of goals and assists in their respective seasons in the Dutch top-flight for Feyenoord.

The former Leeds man, though, has only managed eight goals and three assists in 51 Premier League appearances in his career to date, which shows how hard it can be to translate that form from the Netherlands over to England.

With this in mind, the club’s latest reported target to bolster their attack may be just as exciting as the fallen through deal for Paixao would have been.

Leeds in the race to sign English star

According to Calcio Mercato, Leeds United are one of a number of teams lining up a potential swoop to sign Jonathan Rowe from Marseille this summer.

The report claims that the Whites, Bournemouth, and Roma are all interested in signing the England U21 international, whilst Atalanta may also join the race if they miss out on Ademola Lookman.

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In a funny turn of events, Calcio Mercato explains that the former Norwich City attacker may be available for clubs to snap up this summer because of the pending arrival of Paixao, who would take his place in the squad on the left flank.

The report adds that Leeds are not the only team turning to Rowe as an alternative to the Feyenoord star, as Roma are also looking at him after also missing out on Paixao.

It also reveals that it will take a fee in the region of £17m in order to secure a deal for the English winger, which means that he would be significantly cheaper than the Eredivisie sensation, but he could be just as exciting.

Why Leeds should sign Jonathan Rowe

The Whites should push to win the race to sign Rowe before the summer transfer window slams shut at the start of September because he could be just as exciting as Paixao.

First and foremost, the former Canaries star is three years younger than Paixao and still has plenty of time left before he enters the prime years of his career, which the Brazilian winger is already in.

When the Feyenoord ace was 22, he managed four goals and four assists in 18 games in the Brazilian top-flight and had not played a minute of football in Europe. Rowe, meanwhile, has played 13 Premier League matches and 28 in Ligue 1 in his career already.

The Englishman scored three goals, created eight ‘big chances’, and assisted three goals in 28 games in Ligue 1, but the young forward only started six of those appearances under Roberto De Zerbi.

24/25 Ligue 1

Jonathan Rowe per 90

Percentile rank vs wingers

xG

0.40

Top 14%

xG on target

0.48

Top 13%

Goals

0.34

Top 25%

xA

0.25

Top 16%

Assists

0.34

Top 14%

Chances created

2.04

Top 22%

Stats via FotMob

As you can see in the table above, the £17m-rated star’s underlying statistics, per 90, was very impressive in comparison to his positional peers in the division, which suggests that he could have delivered far more goals and assists if he had been given more game time.

This is why the forward, who scored 13 goals for Norwich in the 2023/24 campaign, could be a very exciting signing for Leeds because he appears to have the potential to explode at the top end of the pitch if given regular starts, which Daniel Farke could offer him at Elland Road.

Whilst he may not have had a season as prolific as the one that Paixao just had, the England U21 international could be a signing that is just as exciting for the Whites because he has shown a lot of promise in a major league and has experience in England, and in the Premier League.

As well as potentially providing quality in the final third as both a scorer and a creator of goals, the 22-year-old is also a versatile forward who can play on either flank or through the middle, scoring the winner as a centre-forward for England at the U21 Euros this summer.

Rowe was once compared to Paris Saint-Germain superstar Ousmane Dembele as talent scout Jacek Kulig called him a “young Dembele” because the winger was “one of the most perfectly two-footed players” he had seen, which is why he is so adept at playing on either flank.

It is now down to Leeds to ensure that they do not lose another race for an exciting left wing target, because the Marseille whiz appears to have all the tools to be a fantastic signing for Farke.

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da dobrowin： Nottingham Forest are working hard to secure new arrivals and could be given a helping hand by claiming a sizeable windfall from one of their first-team assets, according to reports.

Nottingham Forest remain in deadlock over Morgan Gibbs-White

da cassino online： Truthfully, nothing of note has changed in Morgan Gibbs-White’s precarious situation at Nottingham Forest after they threatened to take legal action against Tottenham Hotspur following the latter triggering the England international’s release clause.

While it remains to be seen whether the former Wolverhampton Wanderers man stays in the Midlands, the Tricky Trees have reportedly identified Aston Villa’s Jacob Ramsey as a replacement.

Everton and West Ham United are also interested in the midfielder, though Ben Jacobs has also confirmed that Bilal El Khannouss is another Nottingham Forest option.

Addressing their interest in the Leicester City playmaker, he stated: “It’s buying Forest time and in the time taken, Forest are looking at Morgan Gibbs-White replacements, which tells you they still think there’s a chance he could go to Spurs.

“Bilal El Khannouss, at Leicester, is one name to watch. He has a 26m euro relegation release clause, and Forest are one of at least three Premier League clubs that have expressed an interest in the Moroccan international.”

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Jair Cunha and Igor Jesus have arrived at the City Ground from Botafogo, albeit Nuno Espirito Santo has struggled to follow up on bringing in the duo as the marketspace becomes increasingly competitive.

Nevertheless, there is plenty of time left to secure new arrivals, offering optimism that he will eventually put together the components needed for Nottingham Forest to have a successful window, though he will also need to sell players to balance the books.

Botafogo agree deal to sign Nottingham Forest star Danilo

According to Globo Esporte, Botafogo have agreed to sign Nottingham Forest star Danilo and only the final details of a deal remain to be ironed out before his transfer back to Brazil is sealed.

An agreement is in place between all parties, and it is said that the value of his move equates to around £19 million. The former Palmeiras man will sign a four-year contract after negotiations accelerated due to Gregore’s departure to Al-Rayyan.

Danilo’s record at Nottingham Forest

Appearances

62

Goals

6

Assists

4

Labelled “wonderful” by Nuno after unfortunately breaking his ankle, the Salvador-born man has struggled to get back to his best form since and now appears set to reignite his career back in familiar surroundings.

It should be noted that he was initially hesistant to commit to Botafogo amid his association with their rivals, Palmeiras, but he is now ready to take the plunge under Davide Ancelotti’s stewarship.

Nottingham Forest may be losing a talented squad player, though his exit may offer up further funds to pursue reinforcements in the engine room once all documentation is signed and sealed.