Manchester United are looking for consistency on the pitch and Ruben Amorim is at the centre of plenty of debate as INEOS aim to build for the future at Old Trafford.
Ruben Amorim firm on his future as United cruise past Sunderland
The Red Devils are hoping to climb their way up the Premier League table despite suffering an inconsistent start to the campaign, moving into the top half courtesy of a smooth day despite the blustery conditions against Sunderland.
Benjamin Sesko scored his second goal of the season and first at Old Trafford after a fine finish, after Mason Mount had given the hosts the lead on a windy Saturday afternoon.
As expected, the former Sporting boss is adamant that he is the man to take the club forward and won’t leave of his own accord, claiming that he will give ‘everything’ to succeed under the pressure of the job.
He stated before his side took on Sunderland: “No, that is a decision of the board. I cannot do that (resign). Sometimes I have that feeling and losing is hard, not to create the momentum. It’s so frustrating when you create the momentum, go to the next game, something happens. That feeling sometimes hurts me a lot. Also the players and especially the staff here.”
Later, he added: “It’s a dream to be here and I want to continue here and I want to fight for this. But the problem is now what makes me suffer is to lose games, not to lose my job. You fear to lose your job when you have to pay the bills and I don’t have that feeling.”
On the pitch, calls for Kobbie Mainoo to be a regular Manchester United starter moving forward are amplifying, and it remains to be seen if other changes are made to build momentum once the international break concludes.
Nevertheless, contingency planning is an important part of football, and the Red Devils could turn to an internal face who is a renowned name at Old Trafford.
Darren Fletcher could take over at Man Utd
According to The Sun, Manchester United Under-18 coach Darren Fletcher could succeed Amorim on an interim basis after his impressive start to life with the academy outfit.
Making a positive impact with his dynamic style of play, the former Scotland international has internally wowed Old Trafford chiefs and could make a surprise return to the Old Trafford scene, this time in the dugout.
"First class" manager who brings "fun factor" to training speaks about links to Man Utd
Ruben Amorim is under increasing pressure…
ByBen Goodwin Oct 3, 2025
Of course, that will only happen if Amorim were to move on. It would cost the Red Devils £12 million to make a change, which isn’t the type of capital they would throw around lightly as they aim to bring in reinforcements once the New Year comes around.
Either way, there appears to be a plan in place if option A is scrapped, albeit it remains to be seen how the situation plays out at Manchester United.
Celtic dropped down to second in the Scottish Premiership table on Saturday afternoon as they were held to a drab 0-0 draw by Hibernian at Parkhead.
The Hoops have dropped points in two of their six matches in the top-flight so far this season, and they now sit two points behind Hearts in the table.
Brendan Rodgers made a few changes to the starting line-up to freshen things up after the 1-1 draw with Red Star Belgrade in the Europa League on Thursday night, but the players coming in did not push their case forward to keep a starting berth. Arne Engels was one of those players who did not take their chance.
Why Arne Engels should be dropped by Celtic
The Belgium international was brought into the central midfield mix to replace Benjamin Nygren, who dropped to the bench, but produced an underwhelming performance in the middle of the park.
Engels, who was signed for £11m from Augsburg last summer, was substituted in the 68th minute of the match after failing to register a shot on target or a ‘big chance’ created, per Sofascore.
The 22-year-old flop lost possession of the ball 18 times and only created two chances, neither of which were ‘big chances’, before Rodgers decided to haul him off for the last 20 minutes.
Chalkboard
Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.
Engels should, therefore, be dropped from the starting line-up after he failed to take his chance to impress. However, the Belgian was not the only underperformer for the Hoops, as Kelechi Iheanacho was even worse than him.
Why Celtic should drop Kelechi Iheanacho
The Nigeria international was brought into the starting line-up to replace Daizen Maeda in the number nine position after he came off the bench to score in the draw with Red Star Belgrade.
As you can see in the clip above, the former Sevilla striker did brilliantly to take the ball under control and find the top corner between two defenders to put the Hoops ahead in that match.
Unfortunately, the left-footed attacker was unable to follow that up with an impressive performance from the start against Hibernian, as he wasted several chances to find the back of the net.
Minutes
67
Shots
4
Shots on target
1
Big chances missed
2
Passes completed
9/10
Key passes
1
Big chances created
0
As you can see in the table above, Iheanacho spurned the two big chances that he had, one of which was a tap in that he struck the crossbar with from close range.
The worst part of his performance was that the one chance that he did take, finding the back of the net with a nice finish, was offside because he mistimed his run across the front post.
Along with his poor play in front of goal, Iheanacho also lost 100% of his duels (1/1), per Sofascore, which shows that he did not compete with and make it hard for the Hibs defenders.
This is why he was even worse than Engels, who won more duels (two), created more chances (two), and missed fewer ‘big chances’ (one) than the striker, per Sofascore.
"Phenomenal" Celtic star looks like the biggest loser from Tounekti's rise
This Celtic star may end up being the biggest loser from Sebastian Tounekti’s form.
ByDan Emery Sep 23, 2025
Both of Iheanacho’s goals for Celtic so far have come as a substitute. This, perhaps, suggests that coming off the bench to make an impact should be his role for now, which is why he must be ditched from the starting XI against Braga.
ردت رابطة البريميرليج على الجدل الدائر حول إحدى اللقطات لفريق ليفربول في الدقائق الأخيرة من عمر الشوط الأول أمام برينتفورد، في الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.
وكان برينتفورد قد أنهى الشوط الأول متقدمًا على ليفربول بهدفين لهدف على ملعبه ووسط جماهيره.
وافتتح دانجو كواترا التسجيل لصالح برينتفورد في الدقيقة 5، وأضاف كيفن شايد الهدف الثاني في الدقيقة 45.
وفي الوقت بدل الضائع من الشوط الأول قلص ميلوس كيركيز ظهير ليفربول الفارق بتسجيل الهدف الأول في الدقيقة 50.
اقرأ أيضًا.. سبب تأخير انطلاق الشوط الثاني من مباراة ليفربول وبرينتفورد
وكانت لقطة الهدف الثاني لصالح برينتفورد، قد بدأت بعد أن تم افتكاك الكرة من كودي جاكبو داخل منطقة جزاء برينتفورد وقد تظاهر اللاعب الهولندي أنم تم عرقلته قبل أن يفقد الكرة.
وأشار حساب الدوري الإنجليزي عبر منصة “إكس” في توضيح لعدم احتساب هذه اللقطة ضربة جزاء لصالح ليفربول: “تم التحقق من نداء الحكم بعدم احتساب ركلة جزاء لصالح ليفربول وتأكيده بواسطة تقنية الفيديو المساعد، حيث تبين أنه لم يكن هناك خطأ من كولينز على جاكبو”.
Arsenal are now set to bid for a £52m player, who is being targeted as a direct replacement for a wantaway star, according to a reporter.
Gunners keen on another defender before deadline
The Gunners have already made major improvements to their squad this summer, with Mikel Arteta mainly setting out to bolster his attacking options, although Cristhian Mosquera was also brought in as a back-up to William Saliba and Gabriel at centre-back.
However, having now gotten the deal for Eberechi Eze over the line, with Andrea Berta orchestrating a stunning hijack of Tottenham Hotspur’s deal, the north Londoners now appear to have turned their attentions towards strengthening their defence.
A late move for Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi has been discussed, although Liverpool looks like a more likely destination, given that the Englishman has reservations about playing second fiddle to Gabriel and Saliba.
As such, Arteta’s side have now moved on to alternative targets, and another sensational hijack could be on the cards, with journalist Ben Jacobs revealing Arsenal are now “set to bid” for Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie.
On Monday morning, Fabrizio Romano revealed that Tottenham have made a “new proposal” for Hincapie, with discussions over personal terms underway, but the Gunners have also entered the race, and Jacobs believes the Ecuadorian “favours” a move to the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal reach agreement to sign "explosive" attacking gem after Eze deal
The Gunners are set to sign another attacker…
ByDominic Lund Aug 24, 2025
Berta is targeting the 23-year-old as a replacement for Jakub Kiwior, who wants to leave this summer, with a move to FC Porto on the cards, but the Gunners may have to spend big once again, as there is a €60m (£52m) release clause in the Leverkusen star’s contract.
Hincapie could be "perfect" signing for Arsenal
Scout Ben Mattinson has previously suggested the Leverkusen defender could be the “perfect” addition to Arteta’s squad, given that he is capable of playing at both left-back and left centre-back, which makes him a similar type of player to Kiwior.
The Poland international has also featured at left-back regularly throughout his career, and he clearly impressed Arteta last season, with the Arsenal boss dubbing the 25-year-old as “exceptional.”
However, with the defender eager to leave, there is no point standing in his way, particularly considering Hincapie could be an ideal replacement, having already racked up a considerable amount of experience at Leverkusen, making 166 appearances for the German club.
While obviously not their primary objective, it would also be fantastic for Arsenal to get another one over on their north London rivals, having already hijacked the move for Eze, who enjoyed a very impressive campaign with Palace last season.
By the time the fourth goal hit the back of the net, the crowd in Queens was euphoric. Many had been there to see Lionel Messi, admittedly. Fans got a look at Messi at his magical best – and they got a look at just how dangerous Inter Miami can be – as the Argentine star scored a brace and his club sealed a 4-0 win over New York City FC on Wednesday.
Led by the two Messi goals, to go with an additional assist, the scoreline suggested Inter Miami dominated NYCFC at Citi Field. In truth, it was closer than that for much of the match. Miami seized the lead in the first half on a goal from Baltasar Rodriguez and, from there, both teams had chances. Miami, though, was the team that made the most of them. More specifically, it was Messi who did just that.
After teeing up Rodriguez with a through-ball on that opener, Messi scored Miami's second in the 74th minute, chipping the ball over goalkeeper Matt Freese to kickstart a goal barrage. Luis Suarez added a third goal from the penalty spot nine minutes after, before Messi put an exclamation point on it all with an 86th-minute solo finish to turn a close game into a blowout.
For those who follow MLS, this was one of those nights where Miami showed what they could be. Dominant in the attack and led by Messi's magic, there's no team in this league that can go blow-for-blow or goal-for-goal with this team.
Can they create more of them going forward? With just five games left in the regular season, will hope so. Suarez is back from suspension, and Messi is seemingly keeping his MVP push going with another dominant performance. With those two leading the charge, Miami showed that, even against a very good NYCFC team, they can still reach a different level on their night.
GOAL rates Inter Miami's players from City Field
Getty Images Sport
Goalkeeper & Defense
Oscar Ustari (6/10):
Did make one good save but otherwise wasn't challenged too much.
Jordi Alba (6/10):
Got into some dangerous positions but, more often than not, was just a step too slow to really make the most of it. Credit for creating danger, though.
Noah Allen (7/10):
Generally steady, particularly on the ball, where he was something of a metronome. Did had one nervy moment, though.
Maxi Falcon (6/10):
Safe to say he was noticeable. Had a few chaotic defensive sequences, but was never punished for them. He did, ultimately, settle into the game.
Ian Fray (7/10):
Very solid on that right-hand side. Won his duels and drew a whole bunch of fouls.
Advertisement
Getty Images Sport
Midfield
Sergio Busquets (9/10):
Got the hockey assist on the opening goal but, let's be honest, that was more Messi than anything. His assist on the second was fantastic, though, as he played Messi through perfectly. Really marshalled the midfield well, too, even in moments where NYCFC's pace threatened him.
Rodrigo De Paul (7/10):
A typical performance as the Argentine popped up just about everywhere. Drew the penalty late to help put the game to bed.
Getty Images Sport
Attack
Baltasar Rodriguez (7/10):
Well-taken goal from the winger, who really handled the pressure well with two defenders on his back. Tracked back well, too, in the moments where Miami lost the ball.
Matteo Silvetti (6/10):
Pretty quiet, in general, amassing just 21 touches during his run.
Lionel Messi (9/10):
What didn't he do? From the picture-perfect assist to the even better goals, the Argentine ran the show, dominating from whistle to whistle in every way an attacker can.
Luis Suarez (7/10):
Had a few good sequences before being rewarded with the chance to take the late penalty in his first match back after a three-game MLS suspension. Buried it as he usually does to put the game out of reach.
ENJOYED THIS STORY?
Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting
Getty Images Sport
Subs & Manager
Tadeo Allende (6/10):
Never really had to do much as Inter Miami ran away with the game.
Yannick Bright (7/10):
Moved the ball well when he did get on it in midfield.
Marcelo Weigandt (7/10):
Provided the assist on the last goal but, realistically, that was Messi's solo brilliance
Tomas Aviles (N/A):
A late sub to make sure nothing weird happened.
Javier Mascherano (8/10):
When you win 4-0, you leave with a smile on your face. Got the lineup and the subs right, paving the way for the big win.
India’s coach Gautam Gambhir has lauded his players for embracing a high-risk approach, which fetched them high reward in the form of a 4-1 T20I series win over England.The approach especially came to the fore during the last two T20Is. Despite losing three wickets to fast bowler Saqib Mahmood in the second over in Pune, India’s batters kept attacking and put up 181 for 9, which proved 16 too many for England. In the final T20I in Mumbai on Sunday, India went bigger, shattering records and the England attack on their way to 247 for 9, their fourth-highest T20I total.”That’s the kind of T20 cricket we want to play. We don’t want to fear losing a game of cricket,” Gambhir told the host broadcaster. “We want to play high-risk, high-reward cricket. And these guys have adopted that ideology, that policy really well. And I think the ideology of this T20 team is based on selflessness and fearlessness. And I think in the last six months, these guys have done it day in, day out.Related
Samson's dismissals on the pull: coincidence, pattern, or problem?
'In the zone' Abhishek salutes seniors for guiding him to century
Jos Buttler hails Abhishek's ball-striking as England succumb to record loss
Report – Abhishek shatters records and England in Mumbai
Stats – Abhishek blazes India's second-fastest T20I century
“We want to try and get to 250-260 regularly. And in trying to do that, there’ll be games where we’ll get bundled out for 120-130. And that is what T20 cricket is all about. And unless and until you don’t play that high-risk cricket, you won’t get those big rewards as well. Most importantly, I think we’re on the right track. Come those big tournaments, we want to still continue playing this way and we don’t want to fear losing anything.”India’s T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav echoed his coach’s comments, saying they will not veer away from their ultra-aggressive style of play.”I mean, this is what we’ve sat down and spoken about, what brand of cricket we want to play and we’re just sticking to it irrespective of what’s going to happen,” Suryakumar said at the post-match presentation. “And it is a high-risk, high-reward game. But at the end of the day, what’s working for us, we’ll be doing that.”Gambhir delivered a glowing appraisal of mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy, who ended the series with a chart-topping 14 wickets at an average of 9.85 and economy rate of 7.66.”I think his transformation from IPL to international T20 cricket has been phenomenal,” Gambhir said of Varun. “And this series was probably the benchmark as well because England is a high-quality side. They’ve got some really quality cricketers and the kind of surfaces we’ve played on – I think they were fantastic batting wickets and the way he’s bowled those tough overs has been phenomenal.”Varun Chakravarthy has become Suryakumar Yadav’s go-to bowler in T20Is•AFP/Getty ImagesSuryakumar was also impressed with Varun’s fielding. In Mumbai, he took two catches, including a tumbling grab running in from deep square leg to send back Harry Brook for two off four balls.”I mean, he’s one guy who’s been relentlessly working hard with our fielding coach [T] Dilip sir,” Suryakumar said. “And anywhere he gets an opportunity, he uses that time on the field during practice sessions. And it was good to see him putting his hand up and telling that ‘I want to field in the outfield today’. And you saw the results. That’s amazing.”Another major talking point in this series was India leaning heavily on spin and picking just one frontline fast bowler in each of the five T20Is. Gambhir explained that the team management wanted to pair Varun up with Ravi Bishnoi, to give themselves a stronger chance of striking in the middle overs, without compromising on batting depth.”I think having Bishnoi and Varun bowling in tandem was very important, especially in the middle phase,” Gambhir said. “We always knew that the kind of batting line-up England has, they will always come hard at us in the first six overs. But it’s that phase between seven and 15. Can we have those two wicket-taking options in the middle?”More importantly, we always wanted to have that No. 8 batter, even if he doesn’t face too many balls, just because of the kind of cricket we are playing. We want to try and go as hard as possible. Sometimes that cushion of having that No. 8 [batter] allows the top seven to go out there and play even more freely.”
Na tarde desta sexta-feira, na Academia de Futebol, o Palmeiras deu sequência na preparação para o duelo com o Corinthians, que acontece neste sábado (29), às 18h30, no Allianz Parque, pela terceira rodada do Campeonato Brasileiro. O Verdão soma quatro pontos na competição (com uma vitória sobre o Cuiabá e um empate com o Vasco). Dúvida é em relação aos titulares do Dérbi.
> Veja tabela e classificação do Brasileirão-2023 clicando aqui
Após uma hora de ativação muscular no centro de excelência, os jogadores treinaram ultrapassagens, cruzamentos laterais e finalizações. Na sequência, houve uma atividade técnica em dimensões reduzidas e, por fim, alguns atletas aprimoraram cobranças de faltas. O meio-campista Bruno Tabata, em transição física, novamente trabalhou com bola junto do elenco.
+ Todos os jogos do Brasileirão você encontra no Prime Video. Assine já e acompanhe o seu time do coração!
continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasPalmeirasEntenda como funciona o acordo do Palmeiras com a WTorre na divisão de receitas do Allianz ParquePalmeiras28/04/2023PalmeirasConvocado para a Seleção sub-20, Kevin agradece por oportunidade, e Palmeiras busca adquirir mais uma ‘fatia’ do jogadorPalmeiras28/04/2023PalmeirasPalmeiras tem quatro convocados pela Seleção Brasileira para o Mundial sub-20Palmeiras28/04/2023
Quem treinou sem restrições novamente foi Raphael Veiga, recuperado de lesão muscular. A tendência é que ele seja titular neste sábado, assim como Rony, que já havia retornado diante do Tombense. Desfalque mesmo é Marcos Rocha, que sofreu uma lesão na coxa esquerda. Seu substituto deve ser Mayke, que também voltou a jogar na última quarta-feira após ficar no DM.
>Quem é melhor: Palmeiras ou Corinthians? Veja votação jogador por jogador
Como de praxe nos jogos em casa e no período da noite, a comissão técnica deve promover uma atividade leve na manhã deste sábado para finalizar a preparação para o Dérbi no Allianz Parque.
Um provável Palmeiras para enfrentar o Corinthians é: Weverton; Mayke, Gustavo Gómez, Murilo e Piquerez; Zé Rafael, Gabriel Menino e Raphael Veiga; Dudu, Artur e Rony.
O Verdão não permite a entrada de jornalistas para acompanhar os treinamentos na Academia de Futebol. Assim, as informações são fornecidas pela assessoria de imprensa do clube.
>Palmeiras x Corinthians não terá transmissão na TV aberta; entenda o motivo
No retrospecto recente diante do rival, o Alviverde perdeu apenas um dos últimos 12 Dérbis que disputou. Como mandante, a última derrota do Palmeiras para o Corinthians foi em fevereiro 2019, ou seja, há mais de quatro anos. De lá para cá, apenas empates o vitórias jogando em casa.
The tournament could bring with it the unique prospect of players from India and Pakistan being team-mates
Firdose Moonda05-Nov-2024
The competition could turn Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammad Rizwan into team-mates•CREIMAS
The revival of the Afro-Asia Cup – a series of white-ball matches played between an Asian XI and an African XI – is on the cards according to the Africa Cricket Association (ACA). The continental body held its AGM on Saturday, where it appointed a six-person interim committee to restructure the ACA and increase the number of competitive opportunities for players on the continent.One of its aims is to reach out to other organisations, such as the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and explore cross-continental opportunities such as the Afro-Asia Cup. The tournament was only played twice before, in 2005 in South Africa and 2007 in India. A third edition, scheduled for 2009 in Kenya, never took place but almost two decades later, it may happen after all. Should the tournament take place again, it presents a unique opportunity for players from both India and Pakistan – who do not play bilateral cricket against each other currently – to be part of the same Asia XI team.”The Afro-Asia Cup, apart from the cricket, brings the much-needed financial input to the organisation, and the appetite is huge from both ends,” Tavengwa Mukuhlani, interim chair of the ACA, who is also the Zimbabwe Cricket Chair, said at a press conference. “We have had conversations with our counterparts within the Asia Cricket Council, and obviously our African contingents, they want the Afro-Asia Cup to be revived.”While ACC representatives did not respond to ESPNcricinfo at the time of publication about the return of the Afro-Asia Cup, it is learned that no formal request has been made to the ACC, neither has any discussion around this taken place at the body’s recent meeting in Malaysia. In 2005, the three-match ODI series was shared 1-1 after a rained-out final game, and in 2007, the Asia XI won all three matches.The 2005 Asia squad was captained by Inzamam-ul-Haq and included Rahul Dravid, Ashish Nehra and Anil Kumble while the 2007 Asia XI squad included MS Dhoni, Sourav Ganguly, Harbhajan Singh, Zaheer Khan, Yuvraj Singh, Virender Sehwag and Sachin Tendulkar alongside Mohammed Asif, Mohammed Yousuf and Shoaib Akhtar. At the time, relations between India and Pakistan were warm on and off the cricket field, and the two countries played regular bilateral cricket. The 2008 Mumbai attacks changed that equation, however, and the sides have played one white-ball bilateral series since, in 2012-13. They have only played in ICC events otherwise, with Pakistan traveling to India on a couple of occasions: India have not played in Pakistan since the 2008 Asia Cup.The ACA is also planning to launch a “mini version of the IPL,” according to CEO Cassim Suliman, called the Africa Premier League, though it remains in the planning phase. “We are planning to, after board approval, bring the Africa Premier League. That’s what we’re busy with at the moment on the sponsorship. Once that comes together, we will go to the board, the board will okay it, and then we will take it from there,” he said. “It’s the mini vision of the IPL. So we’re taking that concept of the IPL and driving that concept to ensure that everybody benefits in that aspect. As far as where we’re going to play, the board will decide. We’re going to look at facilities that are going to warrant spectator viewership. It’s still at the initial stage. Obviously, we want to do things right the first time to make sure we get the ball rolling on it. But the board will decide exactly who’s hosting and from there, we’ll take it to them from there. It’s going to be like the IPL format, but with a lower status and then we’ll grow it from there.”There is currently only one franchise tournament in Africa, South Africa’s SA20, but Mukuhlani was hopeful that a South African franchise could be involved in the Africa Premier League and committed Zimbabwean players to the proposed tournament. “The participation of South Africa and Zimbabwe gives context to the competition, and there is also the experience that the upcoming teams get from playing alongside players from South Africa and Zimbabwe,” he said. “So yes, we will participate.”
Just as you thought Arsenal’s start to the summer was quiet, they have roared into life over the last fortnight to welcome in a batch of new acquisitions.
Kepa Arrizabalaga has signed from Chelsea (yes, another one), Christian Norgaard has arrived from Brentford and the headline addition so far has been £55m Martin Zubimendi.
The trio have already got to work during the club’s warm weather training camp in La Manga and it’s not long now until the Gunners head to Asia, more specifically Singapore, for their pre-season tour on July 19th.
Before then, Mikel Arteta will hope for more new faces. Here’s the latest on that.
Arsenal's summer transfer window: the latest
This could be a busy old week for Andrea Berta and Co as he aims to bring in a few more fresh signings before that trip to Singapore.
The first is set to be Noni Madueke. Whether you like it or not, the Chelsea winger is due to be announced as an Arsenal player this week after undergoing a medical this weekend.
According to Henry Winter, he looks set be followed through the door by Valencia centre-half Cristhian Mosquera. A deal had gone quiet over recent weeks, but the journalist shared that things should be wrapped up soon.
And then there’s the centre-forward, the elusive striker. Will Viktor Gyokeres finally head to the Gunners?
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Well, things are becoming rather toxic between him and Sporting at the moment. The Swede has regularly told his club that he will never play for them again and has made it clear he won’t attend pre-season training.
Sporting president Frederico Varandas, has since hit back at the striker, saying: “If they [Arsenal] don’t want to pay Viktor’s fair market value, we’re very comfortable with that for the next three years. This strategy is also making it more complicated for the player to leave. Nobody is above the interests of the club. Whoever they are. We’re calm. Everything will be resolved with the market closing, a hefty fine and an apology to the group.”
Sporting CP's ViktorGyokereskisses the trophy as he celebrate after winning the Taca de Portugal
Sky Sports reports that the Portuguese giants are looking for around £69m, add-ons included. Despite the war of words here, the former Coventry star is still confident of getting his move, so much so that he expects to be in London this week.
That’s according to journalist Graeme Bailey, who said: “Gyokeres considers his Sporting career over, having agreed personal terms with Arsenal. Sources have also told me that he hopes to be in England early next week to complete his move.”
The impact Viktor Gyokeres could have at Arsenal
In recent years, it’s safe to say that Arsenal haven’t exactly got their squad building 100% nailed on.
They’ve signed good players, of course, but since Arteta became Arsenal boss, he has only signed six attackers; Raheem Sterling, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, Leandro Trossard, Willian and Marquinhos.
It’s hardly an illustrious list of names and therefore, the signing of Gyokeres could transform this Arsenal side.
Let’s cast our minds back two years a moment. In the same week of the 2023 summer window, Declan Rice was putting pen to paper on a club-record £105m move at the Emirates Stadium and Gyokeres was completing his switch from Coventry to Sporting.
Since then, the duo have become two of the best players on the continent. Rice has totally transformed this Arsenal team and it was his performances that propelled them towards the Champions League semi-finals.
No one will forget that night in north London when Arsenal hit three past Real Madrid. Rice was the hero, scoring two stunning free-kicks. It felt like his transfer fee had been paid back in one night, if it hadn’t already.
Rice went on to dazzle in the Bernabeu too, with Rio Ferdinand noting that the England international “stood up against the holders of this trophy” and “ran the show in both games”. The former defender exclaimed that the midfielder has now “put himself in another bracket.”
Well, if Rice was one piece of the puzzle that was missing, then Gyokeres could be the final piece that completes the jigsaw. He could be the Rice-like signing that catapults this Arsenal team to greater things, and by greater things, we mean finally winning a trophy.
Arteta may have the FA Cup to show for his efforts, but the Premier League and Champions League continue to elude him.
Rice has now taken Arsenal close but Gyokeres could help across the finish line. Why? Well, he’s one of, if not the best centre-forwards in Europe right now.
Gyokeres through the years
Season
Games
Goals
Assists
2020/21
34
5
1
2021/22
47
18
5
2022/23
50
22
12
2023/24
50
43
15
2024/25
52
54
13
Stats via Transfermarkt.
Forget Alexander Isak, forget Erling Haaland, what the Swedish powerhouse has done over the last two years is nothing short of remarkable.
In 2023/24, the striker bagged 43 goals in 50 outings and went even better throughout the latest campaign, netting a stunning haul of 54 goals in 52 appearances.
It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that that tally is pretty damn good, and considering how Arsenal struggled in offensive areas of the pitch last season, he could be game-changing.
Arteta’s side didn’t lack creativity. No player registered more expected assists per 90 minutes in the Premier League than Bukayo Saka in 2024/25. As a club, they had the sixth-highest number of shots in the division and produced the fifth-most key passes.
However, despite that, they found it difficult to put the ball in the net. For the first time since 1923/24, the Gunners failed to find a player who scored double figures in the league.
As a result, signing a man who has scored 97 goals at club level over the last two campaigns ought to fix the problem.
Gyokeres might not be a club-record move like Rice was but his impact on the field of play is likely to be just as significant. Dare we smell another Arsenal title charge? Time will tell.
Eze's dream CF: Arsenal in talks to sign £69m "monster" & it's not Gyokeres
Arsenal could still change their mind on Viktor Gyokeres.
After missing out on Joao Pedro to Chelsea, Newcastle United have reportedly turned their attention towards an instant alternative who scored 27 goals last season.
To say it’s been a disappointing summer for Newcastle thus far would be a major understatement. The Magpies first missed out on Dean Huijsen, then saw their bid rejected for Anthony Elanga and have since watched on as Pedro chose Chelsea instead of a move to St James’ Park. Going three for three for transfer failures, the Magpies will be desperate to secure at least one top target in the coming months.
To that end, there will be some relief around Tyneside that James Trafford is still on his way. The Burnley shot-stopper, like Elanga and others, has been a top target for quite some time. On this occasion though, the Magpies are set to get their man.
Whilst Trafford will offer Eddie Howe an instant upgrade on Nick Pope, what he will not end is Newcastle’s search for attacking reinforcements.
Once again, they simply must go again in pursuit of fresh options. The money is there for PIF to spend this time around after PSR struggles forced Newcastle to take a step back in the past and now they must back Howe with alternative targets.
The next Gordon: Newcastle have made contact to sign "special" £40m star
Newcastle are seeking to bolster their ranks ahead of their return to Champions League football
2 ByRobbie Walls Jun 29, 2025
Those around St James’ Park will be frustrated with how this summer has gone so far, but it’s far from over. Missing out on Pedro would even be a blessing in disguise if Newcastle now go and sign one particular forward as an excellent alternative.
Newcastle battling to sign Samu Aghehowa
According to O Jogo, as relayed by Caught Offside, Newcastle are now battling to sign Samu Aghehowa from FC Porto this summer. The former Atletico Madrid forward enjoyed a clinical debut season in Portugal and has attracted plenty of interest from the Premier League as a result. As has been the case with in-form forwards all summer, however, he will cost a hefty price.
Porto are in no mood to lose their star at a cut-price and will reportedly demand that his €100m (£85m) release clause is triggered if they are to bid farewell this summer. Having had bids around the £50-60m mark rejected for other targets already, that fee may not be a problem for Newcastle who will be getting more and more desperate to land key reinforcements.
Starts
30
27
Goals
19
10
Assists
3
6
Expected Goals
14.1
8.1
Dubbed a player with “elite potential” by analyst Ben Mattinson, Aghehowa would turn any Pedro failure into an instant afterthought at Newcastle if he arrived this summer. With 19 league goals and 27 goals in all competitions last season, the Spain international would be worth every penny of his £85m release clause.