Tag Futebol

Arsenal fans were promised an unprecedented summer transfer window and boy did they get it.

New striker? Tick. Viktor Gyokeres is your man. Bukayo Saka back-up? Hello, Noni Madueke. An improvement on the left flank? Eberechi Eze has arrived.

This certainly feels like the best opportunity the Gunners have had to win the Premier League title since Mikel Arteta arrived.

The trouble is, Liverpool have also gone big, breaking the British record transfer fee on two occasions in the same summer, first to bring Florian Wirtz to Anfield and then on deadline day, finally getting the Alexander Isak deal done. It’s a scary proposition for the rest of the division.

What Arsenal will need is consistency. They will need to not only be dogged but they will also require no bad performances. They simply cannot afford another Rob Holding situation.

The Rob Holding story of 2022/23

What a campaign it was for the Gunners in 2022/23. The football played was arguably the best of the Arteta era and they could, perhaps should have walked away with the title in their arms.

They went on to miss out on the title to Manchester City by just five points and it was arguably because of their run of form at the back end of the campaign.

It all started with a clash against Sporting CP in the Europa League. William Saliba picked up a rather innocuous injury and was forced off. The ramifications of that event in March 2023 were not realised until the campaign was said and done.

Saliba didn’t play another minute of the season and Holding was the deputy. While he helped marshal Arteta’s side to back-to-back 4-1 wins over Leeds and Crystal Palace, the Gunners only won five of their last 11 league matches, meaning they missed out on the title.

Holding, although he scored against Man City, was particularly to blame during their 4-1 defeat at the Etihad in late April, with Jamie Carragher explaining after proceedings that Haaland vs the Arsenal defence was a “physical mismatch”.

Unsurprisingly, Holding’s part in Arsenal’s title defeat saw him leave the club that summer. He headed to Crystal Palace and to sum up his decline, he played just 90 minutes in an Eagles shirt.

Seemingly scarred from that run of games, Arteta has since bolstered his backline significantly. Saliba came off in the defeat at Anfield and despite their loss, Cristhian Mosquera – a new signing from Valencia – performed superbly well. The difference between him and Holding was seismic.

Yet, two years on from that incident, Arteta must learn again. No passengers are allowed if they are to finally get over the line.

Arsenal's new Rob Holding situation

After signing Gyokeres, Madueke and Eze this summer, it certainly feels as though the Arsenal side is more polished. It has more firepower and more variation as they attempt to beat Man City and Liverpool.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Expand Collapse

Gyokeres, while he was starved of service at Old Trafford and Anfield, has scored twice already in Arsenal colours, while Eze and Madueke look vibrant in their limited minutes too.

Who doesn’t look vibrant and full of energy is Gabriel Martinelli, arguably Arsenal’s new Holding.

That verdict might well be harsh but the fact of the matter is that the Brazilian has regressed significantly. He looks like the weak link and if he starts regular matches this term, he could be the reason the Gunners miss out again.

Reports last week claimed that Arsenal would have been happy to sell Martinelli this summer, provided an asking price of £60m was met. However, to rubber-stamp the winger’s fall from grace, suitors were only willing to pay £40m.

It wasn’t long ago that the forward was described as “a talent of the century” by Jurgen Klopp. It wasn’t long ago either that he was finishing as one of Arsenal’s top scorers.

In that 2022/23 term where everything was firing, he netted 15 times, finishing as joint-top scorer in the squad alongside Saka and Martin Odegaard.

It was hardly a surprise that club legend Robert Pires saw similarities between himself and the wide forward; “Gabriel Martinelli looks like me. He looks a lot like me because he’s a dribbler, he scores goals, and he is quick,” Pires stated back in 2024.

Since then, even if he has scored in the Bernabeu, the 24-year-old really should have kicked on but he has failed to deliver consistent numbers. He scored eight times in 2023/24 and on ten occasions in 2024/25. Those aren’t disastrous numbers but it’s a reduction in output just as it looked like he was ready to explode and realise his immense potential. It’s rather remarkable that just seven months ago, Pires also stated that he thought Martinelli could have got into the Invincibles starting lineup.

While certain sections of the fanbase have been on the attacker’s back for a few years now, the penny seemed to drop with his performance at Anfield in the 1-0 defeat.

Having not played a single minute during the 5-0 win over Leeds, Martinelli was handed a start off the left against Liverpool and really disappointed.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Expand Collapse

Starting at right-back was Dominik Szoboszlai, a midfielder by trade, but the Brazil international failed to really do anything to trouble the Hungarian.

We’ve seen Martinelli really enjoy this fixture in the past. He’s had the better of Trent Alexander-Arnold on several occasions but there wasn’t a single moment where he ever looked like he’d get the better of Szoboszlai.

It was sad to see in all honesty. He had completed just six passes by the time he was hauled off on 70th minutes and in that time he didn’t have a single shot or complete a key pass.

Martinelli vs Liverpool

Minutes played

70

Touches

15

Accurate passes

6/7 (86%)

Key passes

0

Shots

0

Dribble attempts

0

Crosses

0

Duels won

2

Stats via Sofascore.

Speaking during the aftermath of the game, Theo Walcott stated: “Szoboszlai was incredible, but the reason why he was incredible, he wasn’t tested at all. You’ve got a centre mid at full back. For me, that’s music to my ears.”

For Martinelli, he only continues to falter. Against United, he also struggled, completing just three passes and only one key pass.

If Arsenal are going to improve this season and win the league, then Arteta must learn from that Holding situation. Eze and Madueke represent upgrades and must play.

If not, then the Gunners could be staring at a repeat situation where one of their players lets them down in their quest to be crowned champions of England.

Related Eze upgrade: Arsenal gem who left for £0 is now "one of the world's best"

The outrageous talent would be unreal alongside Eze at Arsenal.

Posts 1 ByJack Salveson Holmes Sep 5, 2025

Newcastle United anticipate a busy deadline day ahead, but fans on Tyneside must be excited to see the back of these frantic, helter-skelter months of market activity.

While Eddie Howe will largely be pleased with the signings made, the Magpies may be about to lose Alexander Isak to Liverpool, with the club-record £69m signing of Nick Woltemade from Stuttgart certainly suggesting as much.

However, since Callum Wilson has also left St. James’ Park this summer, it’s crucial that United land themselves a second striker before the looming deadline.

Newcastle eyeing Deadline Day striker deal

Newcastle have been looking to sign Brentford’s Yoane Wissa over the summer, and while the DR Congo striker has been desperate to join the Tynesiders, the chances of him jumping ship look increasingly slim, with two bids having been rejected already.

Bees boss Keith Andrews has stressed that he expects Wissa to stay put, and that might mean that Newcastle are forced to search elsewhere.

But, should they succeed in their bid for Wolverhampton Wanderers star Jørgen Strand Larsen, any frustration over failing to sign Wissa would be wiped away, with the Daily Mail’s Craig Hope revealing that the Toon are still “trying” to sign the Norwegian.

Strand Larsen, 25, is valued at £65m, and Newcastle wouldn’t be willing to pay such a figure, but efforts are ongoing.

What Strand Larsen would bring to Newcastle

Strand Larsen spent the 2024/25 campaign on loan at Wolves, and made his stay permanent this summer, having scored 14 goals in the Premier League last term.

Described as a “nuisance” in the box by Toon legend Alan Shearer, the 6 foot 4 striker is an excellent modern target man, bearing the physicality, awareness and link-up ability to thrive for a team like Newcastle, challenging around the top.

While it would be fair to suggest that Woltemade has the higher ceiling, he’s an unfinished product, and Strand Larsen might actually prove the more polished forward at this stage for Newcastle, having proven himself already in England’s top flight.

League Stats 24/25 – Strand Larsen vs Woltemade

Stats (* per game)

Strand Larsen

Woltemade

Matches (starts)

35 (30)

28 (17)

Goals

14

12

Assists

4

2

Shots (on target)*

1.5 (1.0)

1.8 (0.9)

Accurate passes

8.4 (65%)

12.3 (72%)

Big chances created

6

8

Key passes*

0.6

1.3

Dribbles*

0.2

1.1

Ball recoveries*

1.2

1.9

Tackles*

0.3

0.4

Duels won*

3.0

4.4

Data via Sofascore

Strand Larsen actually outscored Woltemade in regard to respective league tallies last year, and given that he was battling to stave off relegation with the Old Gold, there’s substance to the suggestion that he would star as Newcastle’s main man at number nine.

Couple that with the fact that he also had fewer shots per game and there is a potent threat here just waiting to be tested at a higher level.

Less dynamic and technically gifted when on the ball, Strand Larsen would certainly be a fantastic rival at the front of the ship for Woltemade as the latter pushes to make headway in the Premier League.

He appears to be better in front of goal at this stage and perhaps might find himself making a priceless impact for Howe’s outfit across the campaign, consistently shooting true in the wake of Isak’s potential sale to Liverpool.

Related Better deal than Woltemade: Newcastle join late race to sign £45m "machine"

Newcastle are hoping to sign a centre-midfielder before the transfer window slams shut.

Posts ByAngus Sinclair Aug 31, 2025

The Kansas City Current have become the fastest team to win the NWSL Shield after extending their winning streak to 14 matches. The Current beat Seattle Reign FC 2-0 on Saturday to secure the title with five games to spare in the 2025 season. This was the club's first major trophy since being formed in 2020.

• Kansas City Current make history

  Debinha opened the scoring for the Current from the penalty spot in the first half before last year's NWSL MVP Temwa Chawinga converted a header to seal the club's 14th win on the trot on Saturday night. The three points helped the Current secure the Shield with five games remaining in the regular campaign.

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Kansas City Current's first major trophy

  Kansas City Current, who were formed in 2020, have won their first major title in their brief history. The only other trophy the club won was the now-defunct NWSL x LigaMX Femenil Summer Cup in 2024. This was also head coach Vlatko Andonovski's first Shield. He had previously won the NWSL Championship with FC Kansas City.

• Seattle Reign lose seventh the season

  It was Seattle's seventh loss of the 2025 NWSL season. The club are still in contention to secure a playoff spot, although their gap to ninth-placed Houston Dash has been reduced to four points. 

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

• Getty Images Sport
  

  When are Kansas City Current playing next?

  The Current will be back in action on Friday against the Chicago Stars at home, and will be aiming to extend their winning run with a view to entering the playoffs as favorites for the NWSL crown.

With the beginning of their fourth consecutive Scottish Premiership title defence just days away, Celtic have reportedly set their sights on signing a Premier League gem.

Rodgers hopeful of new Celtic arrivals this week

Despite the fact that his side return to league action this weekend, Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers has still got his sights set on further reinforcements this week.

The former Liverpool manager has already welcomed Shin Yamada, Benjamin Nygren, Kiern Tierney, Ross Doohan, Callum Osmand and Hayato Inammura this summer, but is still keen to bring in more fresh faces before the window slams shut.

With that said, the big question will be just who arrives this week if Celtic are to get any deals over the line. To that end, recent reports have mentioned the likes of Jahmai Simpson-Pusey, who broke into Manchester City’s first-team for the first time last season.

Now in search of consistent minutes, the 19-year-old may yet be on his way to Celtic Park to hand Rodgers one of the most promising defenders in Pep Guardiola’s ranks.

Premier League gems seem to be taking priority in Scotland too. Alongside Simpson-Pusey, the Bhoys are now reportedly targeting a 20-year-old Liverpool midfielder.

Celtic targeting Stefan Bajcetic move

According to TeamTalk, Celtic are now targeting a summer swoop to sign Stefan Bajcetic on loan from Premier League champions Liverpool. Rodgers has seemingly set his sights on welcoming an impressive talent from his former club and one that the Reds have allowed to leave on loan ahead of next season.

Confirmed: Player's agent informs club he wants to leave and join Celtic

The Hoops could stand a chance of landing a new reinforcement.

3 BySean Markus Clifford Jul 30, 2025

The Spanish midfielder is full of talent and finally showed that in the second-half of last season. After struggling at Red Bull Salzburg, Bajcetic swapped Austria for Spain and Las Palmas and quickly impressed.

Since then, however, it has been a familiar story for the Liverpool youngster on the injury front, having missed the Reds’ pre-season tour due to hamstring surgery.

That injury record has been Bajcetic’s biggest obstacle in recent years and stood in his way after initially breaking into a Liverpool side amid an injury crisis in the 2020/21 season and instantly starring.

Earning high praise from Mohamed Salah at the time, Liverpool’s Egyptian King told reporters when asked about the young midfielder: “He’s a great player and person, he always tries to work hard. Since he started playing for us, he has been our best player maybe so hopefully he keeps that confidence and keeps going.”

An “excellent” Premier League forward is now open to joining Crystal Palace this summer, and talks have already been held over a potential deal, according to a report.

Palace set sights on new forward amid Arsenal's Eze pursuit

After scoring the winning goal in the FA Cup final, Eberechi Eze was always going to attract interest this summer, and Palace may have a battle on their hands trying to keep hold of the attacking midfielder, given that he wants to move across the capital.

Arsenal are expected to make a formal bid for Eze soon, which could amount to £52m, £8m below the England international’s previous release clause of £60m, which has now expired.

Should the 27-year-old move on this summer, the Eagles will undoubtedly need to bring in a new attacker, capable of replicating Eze’s attacking numbers, with the London-born star proving himself as a reliable source of goals and assists last season.

Competition

Appearances

Goals

Assists

Premier League

34

8

8

FA Cup

5

4

1

EFL Cup

4

2

2

As such, according to a report from The Boot Room, Crystal Palace are now considering a move for Chelsea’s Raheem Sterling, having already been informed about the winger’s situation at Stamford Bridge, with Fulham also holding talks.

West Ham United have also been offered the chance to sign Sterling, with the Blues looking to receive a fee of £20m, although the most likely scenario is the forward leaving on a loan deal.

Crucially, the 30-year-old is open to a move to Selhurst Park this summer, as he is looking to stay in London, having spent the 2024-25 campaign on loan at Arsenal.

Guehi replacement: Crystal Palace now "very interested" in £6m defender

The Eagles have set their sights on a new centre-back, amid the uncertainty surrounding Marc Guehi’s future.

ByDominic Lund Aug 6, 2025 "Excellent" Sterling needs to leave Chelsea this summer

The winger clearly isn’t part of Enzo Maresca’s plans, and he failed to deliver on loan at Arsenal last season, featuring for just 496 minutes across the entire Premier League season, meaning the Chelsea ace clearly needs to move to a new club this summer.

At 30-years-old, the Englishman is by no means in the latter stages of his career, and he has proven himself as a top Premier League player in the past, picking up 131 goals and 86 assists in 339 appearances during his time with Manchester City.

Former manager Pep Guardiola has also previously singled the Jamaica-born winger out for praise saying: “For his confidence it will be massive, the first goal is brilliant, when Raheem executes without thinking he is excellent.”

As such, Sterling could be an exciting signing for the Eagles if he is able to reach his previous heights, but it is more important they keep hold of Eze, given the Palace star’s exploits last season.

تمكن فريق ليفربول من تسجيل الهدف الثاني في شباك خصمه فريق إيفرتون، في مباراتهما الجارية حاليًا في بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، موسم 2025/26.

ويستضيف ملعب “الأنفيلد” مباراة فريقي ليفربول وإيفرتون، في الجولة الخامسة من الدوري الإنجليزي، ديربي ميرسيسايد.

ونجح ليفربول في تسجيل الهدف الثاني في شباك إيفرتون، في الدقيقة 30 من عمر الشوط الأول من مباراته الجارية في الوقت الحالي.

جاء الهدف عن طريق هوجو إيكتيكي، بعد تمريرة من ريان جرافنبيرخ، حيث وصلت الكرة إلى الفرنسي الذي تعامل مع كرته بشكل جيد ثم سددها في مرمى إيفرتون، ليهز شباك جوردان بيكفورد. هدف ليفربول الثاني أمام إيفرتون في الدوري الإنجليزي

GOAL!

Hugo Ekitike doubles Liverpool’s advantage 🔴

🤝 Gravenberch assist#beINPL #LIVEVE #LFC pic.twitter.com/K0k5VpiaBj — beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS_EN) September 20, 2025

وتشير النتيجة في الوقت الحالي إلى تقدم ليفربول بهدفين دون رد، حيث سجل ريان جرافنبيرخ الهدف الأول بعد تمريرة رائعة من النجم المصري محمد صلاح.

As Everton’s summer transfer business begins to heat up, The Friedkin Group are reportedly expected to launch a £9m move to sign one particular midfield star.

Everton set to sign Thierno Barry

The first signing of the Hill Dickinson era is on his way, according to Fabrizio Romano. Replacing the departing Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Thierno Barry is set to commence Everton’s summer business in style and hand David Moyes a striker who has certainly left many impressed whilst at Villarreal.

After scoring 19 goals in all competitions, Barry is ready to take the Premier League by storm and solve a striker problem that has been ongoing at Everton since Calvert-Lewin’s injury struggles began.

As one striker arrives, however, another has bid an emotional farewell. Taking to social media to confirm the news that he is leaving Everton after deciding against signing a new deal, Calvert-Lewin said: “After nine remarkable years I’ve made the incredibly difficult decision – together with my family – to begin a new chapter in my career.

“This isn’t something I chose lightly. Everton has been my home since I was 19 years old. It’s the place that saw potential in me, challenged me to grow and shaped me both as a footballer and as a man.

Related Moyes knows him well: Everton considering move to sign £7m ace after Barry

The Toffees are set to complete the signing of Thierno Barry.

Posts ByTom Cunningham Jul 3, 2025

“I want to express my gratitude to all the managers and coaches I’ve worked with over the years and to my team-mates who have become life-long friends.”

The Toffees acted swiftly to replace the experienced striker and that could become quite the trend this summer amid reports that Friedkin are now expected to launch their move to sign the perfect Abdoulaye Doucoure heir.

Friedkin expected to launch Wilfred Ndidi move

According to former Manchester United and Blackburn Rovers scout Mick Brown, Friedkin are expected to launch a £9m move to sign Wilfred Ndidi from Leicester City this summer, triggering his release clause for Everton in the process.

The former scout told Football Insider: “Everton are considering signing Wilfred Ndidi. It’s a move I expect he will be open to as well, the chance to get straight back into the Premier League after getting relegated with Leicester. They’ve been keen on him for a while and he’s a very solid player.

“Everton have had scouts watching his performances and he’s been one of Leicester’s better players. It might prove difficult to get over the line because there are a lot of clubs who have been made aware of that release clause he’s got.

“But I expect them to make an attempt to bring him in ahead of these clubs. Either way, it looks like he’s definitely leaving Leicester.”

A Premier League veteran who is still more than capable in the top-flight, Ndidi represents the type of midfielder who would instantly replace the departed Doucoure at Everton.

The transfer window has been open for a week now, and Arsenal need to kick into gear.

There may be another, longer window in which to confirm deals after the Club World Cup, but Mikel Arteta and Co risk falling further behind their Premier League rivals should they waste any more time.

For example, Manchester City have already received the ‘here we go’ treatment for Rayan Aït-Nouri and worse than that, Liverpool look insistent on signing the incredibly exciting Florian Wirtz as soon as possible.

However, the good news is that recent reports have linked Arsenal with another sensationally creative talent who could be their answer to the German international.

Arsenal transfer news

Before getting to the star in question, it’s worth going over some of the other brilliantly talented players who have been linked with Arsenal in recent weeks and months, like Morgan Gibbs-White and Xavi Simons.

Transfer Focus

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

The former could cost the Gunners a whopping £100m, although, given his undeniable importance to Nottingham Forest, the fact he’s Premier League proven and his tally of seven goals and ten assists in 34 PL games, that fee is hardly surprising.

On the other hand, Simons would cost substantially less at £65m and has arguably had an even better campaign for RB Leipzig this year, scoring 11 goals and providing eight assists in 33 appearances in all competitions.

Yet, there is another target who has now entered the picture, someone who’d be a better signing than both players above: Morgan Rogers.

Yes, according to a recent report from Charlie Gordon of the Express, Arsenal are now very interested in signing the Aston Villa star.

In fact, the report goes a step further, revealing that the North Londoners have already made contact over the English talent, although the Midlands club could demand a fee ‘well in excess of £70m.’

It could be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but given Rogers’ incredible ability and boundless potential, it’s one worth fighting for, especially as he’d be the perfect answer to Wirtz.

Why Rogers could be Arsenal's Wirtz

So, while it’s certainly a bold claim to suggest that Rogers could be Arsenal’s own Wirtz this summer and beyond, there are a few reasons why we feel more than comfortable making it.

The first is that even though the German did have marginally better output this season, both players produced very similar numbers in this regard, and the Villa ace in a league UEFA ranks as the toughest in Europe – with the Bundesliga coming as the fourth hardest.

For example, the Bayer Leverkusen star scored 16 goals and provided 15 assists in 45 appearances, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.45 games.

In comparison, the Villans’ creative “machine,” as dubbed by The Athletic’s Jacob Tanswell, managed to score 14 goals and provide 15 assists in 54 appearances, which comes out to a still impressive but ever-so slightly worse average of a goal involvement every 1.86 games.

On top of their output, the pair are both 22 years old and while they can play in a number of positions – the “unstoppable” Claret and Blue gem, as dubbed by Jamie Carragher, being particularly adept at playing out wide – they are undoubtedly at their best as the most attacking midfielder in the team.

Finally, if these deals do go through, then both internationals would be moving to two of the favourites for the title next season and would almost certainly be doing so with the intention of revolutionising their respective sides’ creativity and attacking style.

Ultimately, while he’s not as big a name and has a lower price tag, Rogers looks like he could be Arsenal’s own Wirtz this summer and beyond, so Arteta and Co should do everything they can to bring him to the club as soon as possible.

Arsenal very close to signing £50m star who's a Saka & Rodrygo hybrid

The uber-talented international could be just the winger Arsenal need.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Jun 6, 2025

West Bromwich Albion supporters won’t have to wait too much longer to see who their beloved Baggies will play in the opening matches of the new Championship season.

Indeed, the always hotly anticipated fixture list will be released next week, with Ryan Mason hopeful that whatever selection of fixtures is thrust his side’s way, they can start the fresh second-tier campaign with a bang, instead of a whimper.

One figure that definitely won’t feature under Mason’s early tenure is Grady Diangana, with the Congolese forward reportedly edging ever closer to a Hawthorns departure, after failing to seal an extended contract this summer.

Diangana's current situation

Mason’s arrival on the scene might well have contributed to the former West Ham United man wanting to leave, knowing that the 33-year-old boss would want to stamp his mark onto proceedings from the get-go.

It is a sad severing of the ties, however, with Diangana once viewed as an electric menace donning Baggies blue and white in both the Premier League and in the EFL.

In total, the 27-year-old would collect an impressive combined tally of 48 goals and assists from 202 appearances in the West Midlands, with Diangana often having the Hawthorns masses in the palm of his hand when pulling off unbelievable finishes like the one above.

But, the output on Diangana’s end had begun to dry up – as seen in just four goals and three assists coming his way last season – with a reported reunion now on the cards for him to uproot to Valencia to link up with ex-Baggies boss Carlos Corberan to try and recapture his best.

Whilst Diangana looks forward to his possible moment in the sun in Spain, West Brom will no doubt be on the hunt for a replacement to bolster their options in attack.

West Brom's "fabulous" Diangana replacement

After all, the long-standing servant’s exit will be felt in terms of the personnel Mason can select from.

Transfer Focus

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

Expand Collapse

Jed Wallace is the only other recognisable right winger in the depleted Baggies camp currently in the wake of Diangana moving on, whilst the rookie manager has even fewer faces to call upon in the number ten spot – another position that the 27-year-old was comfortable playing in – with John Swift also heading out of the building on a free transfer.

Therefore, in hunting down an immediate fix to Diangana’s exit, West Brom will need to win themselves a versatile and flexible presence who can play all over the attacking positions.

Who could that be? Well, former Derby County captain Tom Lawrence is perhaps their man. It has been reported by TEAMtalk this week that West Brom are interested in landing the now free agent forward.

Away from his ability to be adaptable making him a worthwhile candidate to replace Diangana, the 31-year-old also boasts a vast collection of goals and assists in the Championship himself, with a mighty 50 goals and 40 assists tallied up from 264 career appearances in the second-tier.

Staggeringly, that’s 42 more goal contributions than the Valencia-linked star managed during his entire Hawthorns spell, albeit from 62 fewer clashes.

Lawrence in the Championship by position

Position played in

Games

Goals

Assists

LW

157

30

21

SS

57

9

9

CF

21

5

2

RW

16

2

7

AM

6

2

0

LM

3

2

1

Sourced by Transfermarkt

The similarities don’t just stop here either, with Lawrence also prone to scoring an audacious strike or two during his celebrated Derby stay, much like Diangana at his Baggies peak.

His expertise in this regard even saw ex-Rams boss Gary Rowett label the entertaining Welshman as “fabulous” when the pair were together at Pride Park, as West Brom now pray he can arrive on the scene this summer and roll back the years to fire Mason and Co. to promotion.

Pulling off such a feat would make the managerial newcomer an instant icon at the Hawthorns, with Lawrence also entering into the club’s hall-of-fame no doubt by securing a promotion success Diangana could never get over the line.

Related A Palmer repeat: West Brom's "outstanding" star wanted by PL club

West Bromwich Albion must avoid selling this outstanding star.

Posts ByKelan Sarson Jun 18, 2025

Arsenal have made an enquiry over the signing of a “spectacular” £85m forward who has been linked with an exit from his current club.

Gunners pursuing new forwards

With the Gunners once again falling short in their Premier League title pursuit, there is a feeling that a top striker could be the missing piece of the jigsaw, and they are now stepping up their pursuit of one of their key targets.

Talks have now been held over a deal for Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres, who could be a more attainable target than Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak, with the Magpies very unlikely to be willing to strengthen a direct rival.

Signing a new striker may be the number one priority, but there is also a willingness to strengthen in wide areas this summer, with Mikel Arteta being left a little light on options at times this season, given that Bukayo Saka spent a long time on the treatment table.

Arsenal and Berta eye move for £68m star if Saliba is sold to Real Madrid

Real Madrid are interested in the Arsenal defender.

2 ByTom Cunningham May 4, 2025

Manchester United’s Antony has now emerged as a surprise target, with the north Londoners reportedly enquiring about the Brazilian, while they have also made an approach for Real Madrid’s Rodrygo.

That is according to a report from Spain, (via Caught Offside), which states Arsenal have enquired about the terms of a summer deal for the Brazilian, but they have discovered that he will not come cheap, with the Spanish side holding out for €100m (£85m).

Madrid believe they will be able to hold out for a huge fee, given that there is widespread interest in the winger from the Premier League, with Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United also in the race for his signature.

The desire to sign the 24-year-old comes amid doubts over both Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard, with the duo not performing at their best this season.

"Spectacular" Rodrygo could become "superstar" at Arsenal

Former Arsenal man Emmanuel Petit is clearly a big fan of the winger, having instructed the Gunners to make a move for him in the past, saying: “He could be an absolute superstar for Arsenal and I rate him very much. He scores goals, gives assists and gives great energy on the pitch.”

The Brazil international has also been lauded as “spectacular” by manager Carlo Ancelotti, and his attacking numbers for Madrid in La Liga over the past few seasons suggest he could make a real impact in Arteta’s side.

Season

Appearances

Goals

Assists

2022-23

34

9

9

2023-24

34

10

5

2024-25

30

6

6

The only doubt over the signing of the Madrid star will be the fact he has been on a goal drought in 2025, failing to record a goal contribution in his last 12 La Liga outings.

Rodrygo’s previous exploits indicate that he could still be a fantastic signing for Arsenal, but a fee of £85m is a little on the expensive side, given his current form.