'Very unfortunate' – Mikel Arteta reveals role he played in Chido Obi-Martin's Arsenal exit as new Man Utd star prepares to face Gunners this weekend

Mikel Arteta says it is "very unfortunate" that Chido Obi-Martin left Arsenal for Manchester United as the teenager prepares to face his old club.

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  • Obi-Martin swaps Arsenal for Man Utd
  • Set to face old club this weekend
  • Arteta says his exit was "very unfortunate"
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  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    The forward swapped the Gunners for United last summer and now he is already getting a chance in the first-team. Ahead of the north London outfit visiting Old Trafford on Sunday in the Premier League, Arsenal boss Arteta has revealed his role in the 17-year-old's exit; while also remarking on Ayden Heaven's similar move in January.

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    WHAT MIKEL ARTETA SAID

    He told reporters: "Obviously, when a player decides that the best pathway for him is to leave, there's not much you can do. Very unfortunate because we want to keep our players from the academy and to be very successful with the first team. But in that case, with Ayden (Heaven), we weren't able to do that. To persuade a player to stay a player has to be willing to be with us and commit to us and I don’t know specifically, both parties will feel very different about it. The reality is that he has decided to move and we have moved on from that. [He's a] Massive goal threat, an attitude and love to be inside the box and a capacity to score in many different ways. That was him."

  • THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Obi-Martin is a highly-rated youngster, evidenced by the fact he is already getting minutes at United this season. With all of Arsenal's injuries up front, keeping onto him may have been a smart move as he prepares to line up against Arteta's team.

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    WHAT NEXT?

    Obi-Martin, who is a Danish Under-18 international, will hope to add to his three United appearances during the visit of Arsenal on Sunday.

Chelsea could replace Nkunku with a "better version of Haaland" for £83m

It’s safe to say that Chelsea possesses one of the very best attacking departments in the Premier League, all thanks to the investment from owner Todd Boehly.

It’s handed current boss Enzo Maresca with all the tools to try and make his first season at Stamford Bridge one to remember after his appointment from Leicester City.

Cole Palmer is undoubtedly the biggest asset in his attacking unit, with the England international already registering 12 combined goals and assists in his first 11 league outings – looking to be worth every penny of his £40m transfer fee.

Cole Palmer for Chelsea

The other options consist of fellow big-money additions Mykhailo Mudryk, João Félix, Noni Madueke, Nicolas Jackson and Pedro Neto – with the latter registering his first Premier League strike in the recent meeting with London rivals Arsenal.

However, one other forward-thinking player could be edging closer to the exit door after a lack of minutes during the new campaign.

Christopher Nkunku could be on the way out of Chelsea

French forward Christopher Nkunku arrived at Chelsea last summer after the club activated his £52m release clause in his RB Leipzig contract – joining the club with high expectations after his 23-goal season in the Bundesliga.

However, injuries massively halted his progress during his maiden campaign in England, suffering a serious knee injury that ruled him out for the vast majority of 2023/24.

The 26-year-old has since recovered to be a part of Maresca’s side this season but has mainly been utilised as an impact player in the league – having to settle for starts in various cup competitions.

He’s only played 155 minutes of Premier League football but has managed ten goals in all competitions, with six of his efforts coming in the Europa Conference League.

However, according to French outlet L’Equipe, the attacker is growing more frustrated with his lack of minutes, prompting an enquiry over a potential move to join Manchester United in January.

It’s unclear whether the club would sanction any deal, or if it would be on a temporary or permanent basis, but they may allow him to move to Old Trafford should they secure a deal for an in-demand talent.

Chelsea could make a move for £83m talent

It’s no secret that Chelsea have been pursuing a move for a new number nine over the last couple of transfer windows, in an attempt to add depth and further improve Maresca’s attacking options.

Various names have been touted, but one has never seemed to quite go away – that being in the form of Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres.

The Sweden international has bagged 66 goals in his 68 appearances under new United boss Ruben Amorim, attracting interest from the likes of Arsenal as well as the Blues.

However, the latest update surrounding the striker’s future could play into the hands of Chelsea, with Sporting’s president confirming that if any side pays his £83m release clause and he wants to leave then he will leave the Liga Portugal outfit.

His goalscoring record in Portugal has led to comparisons to Manchester City’s Erling Haaland, with the pair undoubtedly two of the very best finishers in world football at present.

The duo have constantly topped their respective division’s goalscoring charts over the past couple of years, with former Dutch international Rafael van der Vaart claiming that Gyokeres is actually “a better version of Haaland”.

It may seem a crazy statement to make, but when comparing the duo’s respective stats from the Champions League this season, Gyokeres does appear to have the edge on the Norweigan in numerous key attacking areas.

How Gyokeres & Haaland compare in the UCL (2024/25)

Statistics (per 90)

Gyokeres

Haaland

Games played

4

4

Goals & assists

6

3

Goals scored per 90

1.3

0.9

Progressive carries

3.5

1.4

Progressive passes

1.5

0.6

Shot-creating actions

3.3

1.1

Take-ons completed

1

0.3

Stats via FBref

Whilst it would be yet another huge investment from Boehly to secure his services, it would allow his club to have that focal point that they have been craving.

The Swede is one of the most in-form strikers on the planet, with either a January or summer move for the 26-year-old massively boosting the Blues’ title-challenging credentials over the next couple of years.

Chelsea could sign their biggest talent since Palmer in £25m Caicedo clone

Chelsea are looking to sign another young talent and he’s just like Moises Caicedo.

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By
Angus Sinclair

Nov 12, 2024

Lamine Yamal gives mature response to question about racist abuse from Real Madrid fans as Barcelona wonderkid reveals stunning Clasico result affected his outlook

Lamine Yamal gave a measured reply when speaking about the racist abuse he received during October's Clasico against rivals Real Madrid.

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  • Yamal was racially abused by Real fans
  • Barcelona star tried to ignore chants
  • Wonderkid wants to focus on enjoying life
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  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    In a recent interview, Barcelona sensation Yamal delivered an impressive and composed response when asked about the racist abuse he faced during October's Clasico against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu, showing not only his mental resilience but also a level of wisdom beyond his years.

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    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Videos surfaced on social media showing 17-year-old Yamal, along with Raphinha and Ansu Fati, allegedly being subjected to racial abuse by some Madrid fans during Barcelona's 4-0 win. In response to the incident, Real Madrid launched an investigation, with Vinicius Jr. publicly condemning the abuse and expressing his solidarity with the affected players.

  • WHAT LAMINE YAMAL SAID

    In a recent interview with DAZN, Yamal was asked about the incident and how it had affected him. In reply, the youngster came up with a wonderful answer.

    "I think if we had lost, maybe I would have thought, 'Why are they saying this or that to me?' But in the end, it's about enjoying life," he said (h/t Mundo Deportivo).

    "When someone insults you, maybe they were raised that way or didn't receive the right values. Therefore, I think you should ignore it and move on."

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    WHAT NEXT FOR LAMINE YAMAL?

    Yamal was on song on Tuesday, in the second leg of the Champions League round of 16 against Benfica, setting up the opener for Raphinha before scoring a stunning curler to help Barcelona progress to the quarter-finals with a 4-1 aggregate win. Hansi Flick will be expecting more of the same from the teenager when the Catalans travel to the Metropolitano Stadium to take on title rivals Atletico Madrid in a top-of-the-table La Liga clash this Sunday.

Cristiano Ronaldo is 'only foreign player worth what he earns' in Saudi Pro League, claims country's former sports minister

A former Saudi Arabian sports minister has unleashed a withering assessment of the Saudi Pro League, claiming Cristiano Ronaldo is the only foreign player in the competition justifying their wages. Prince Abdullah bin Mosaad lauded Ronaldo's unparalleled ability to bring global exposure to the league. The 40-year-old extended his stay in the country when he signed a new two-year deal with Al-Nassr in the summer.

  • Former minister claims Ronaldo only player to justify wage

    Bin Mosaad served as the country's sports minister between 2014 and 2017, before Mohamed Bin Salman's administration began heavily investing in sports projects including the SPL.

    The politician was speaking on Arab-language channel Al-Arabiya, when he was asked about his opinion on record-chasing striker Ronaldo. Bin Mosaad was effusive in his praise of the 40-year-old Portugal star, while also taking a swipe at his well-paid peers. 

    Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr in January 2023, after his second spell with Manchester United ended in acrimony. His high-profile switch to the Gulf state paved the way for a host of prominent players such as Karim Benzema, Sadio Mane and Riyad Mahrez to leave European football for the promise of higher wages.

    The former Real Madrid and Juventus star's stay in the kingdom was extended earlier this year, with Ronaldo signing an improved deal worth a reported $211m-per-year.

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    Ronaldo's global impact for Saudi Pro League praised

    "Ronaldo is the only foreign player worth what he earns because of the global exposure he brings to the league and the country. Many others are paid far more than they deserve," said Bin Mosaad.

    "The international renown that Ronaldo brings is unparalleled. He is the only foreign player whose impact justifies the level of his salary. No one else has done that for the league."

    Prince Abdullah's words reflect the fact that Ronaldo is more than simply a footballer in Saudi Arabia, he is a sporting icon and an ambassador for the SPL and the nation's push for sporting excellence as a whole. The levels of sponsorship and commercial revenue that the Portuguese frontman brings to the country are impossible to match, and, on top of all of that, he continues to do the business and justify his salary on the pitch, too.

  • Ronaldo continues to star in Saudi in twilight of career

    The 40-year-old stunned fans once again last weekend as he scored a stunning bicycle kick to put Al-Nassr 4-1 up on Al Khaleej in the Saudi Pro League. He has already struck 11 goals in 12 matches this campaign, backing up Prince Abdullah's claims. But even the great man Ronaldo himself concedes that he is reaching the latter stages of his illustrious career.

    He recently said: "I'm really enjoying the moment right now. As you know, in football, when you reach some age, you count the months very quick. I feel very good in this moment. I score goals, I still feel quick and sharp. I'm enjoying my game in the national team. But of course, let's be honest. What I mean by soon is probably one or two years."

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    Ronaldo counting down to World Cup

    Bin Mosaad's comments reflect the fact that Ronaldo is a global icon of the sort that the Saudi Pro League has never seen before and might never see again. He continues to appear head and shoulders above opponents and will hope to show his world-class ability again for what could be the last-ever time at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

    The Portugal captain has avoided a ban for the start of the competition, following the confirmation that his red card against the Republic of Ireland during the most recent international break will not carry over into the tournament. Next summer's edition is set to be Ronaldo's sixth World Cup, with the trophy representing the elusive major honour that the great man has failed to secure in his career to date. His red-hot form in Saudi will stand him in good stead as he aims to make a massive impact on the tournament.

Man City make contact to sign £40m+ star who is excited over Etihad move

Manchester City have made contact to sign a £40 million+ star who is excited about a possible switch to the Etihad, according to a new report.

The Blues are back in Premier League action this Saturday, as they welcome Tottenham Hotspur to the Etihad, looking to end their four-game losing run. Ahead of City’s return to action, there have been some developments over the future of Pep Guardiola.

Man City may have already sold their next Haaland for just £15m

Manchester City decided to cash in on their long-term Erling Haaland replacement.

By
Dan Emery

Nov 19, 2024

Pep Guardiola agrees to a new Man City contract

It was revealed by The Athletic’s Sam Lee on Tuesday evening that Guardiola has agreed to a new contract to stay as City manager. The 53-year-old’s current contract was due to expire at the end of the season, but he now looks set to remain at the Etihad for a little while longer.

The Spaniard has agreed a new one-year deal that has the option to be extended by another year, meaning he could stay at the club until 2027, and that would take him to over a decade at the club. Guardiola has won 18 trophies during his time as City manager, and an announcement is expected in the coming days about his new contract.

Guardiola will hope this news can put the focus back onto the team and the rest of the season, as they look to end this poor run of form that has seen them lose ground in the Premier League. As Guardiola’s future now looks to be resolved, Man City chiefs are turning their attention to what business they could conduct during January, as they have their eye on a new midfielder.

Man City make contact to sign £40m+ Ederson

According to TEAMtalk, Manchester City have made contact with the agents of Atalanta’s Edersonin the last few days to get an understanding of his interest in a move to the Etihad. The 25-year-old has been with the Italian side since July 2022, and in his two-and-a-bit seasons at the club, he has become an important figure.

Ederson played 36 times last season in the league, scoring six goals in the process, as well as playing 12 games in the Europa League, as the Italian side claimed the European Trophy in Ireland. His importance in the side has continued into this campaign, as he’s started 16 of the 17 games he has played in all competitions.

This report states that City does hold a concrete interest in the Brazilian midfielder, and a move in January is being considered, as Guardiola wants to bring in a new midfielder given Rodri’s injury that was suffered earlier in the season.

Ederson’s Atalanta stats

Apps

107

Goals

9

Assists

3

The Blues have now made contact with the representatives of Ederson to get an understanding of his interest in a move to the Etihad. The midfielder is said to be “flattered” by the interest, and the idea of playing for Guardiola’s team “excites” him, but it could be a difficult deal to complete.

Atalanta are not willing to sell Ederson for anything less than €50 million, which is roughly £41 million, and their stance is said to be firm on this. Guardiola is a big fan of Ederson’s, but that valuation must be matched for a deal to be completed.

FIFA removes Club León from 2025 Club World Cup over multi-club ownership criteria, ruling to be appealed

FIFA Appeal Committee has decided that CF Pachuca and Club León failed to meet the criteria on multi-club ownership

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  • CF Pachuca, Club León "fail to meet criteria on multi-club ownership"

  • León did not accept FIFA's decision, will appeal the ruling

  • FIFA has not yet named a replacement for León in CWC

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    WHAT HAPPENED?

    FIFA announced on Friday that Club León will be excluded from the 2025 Club World Cup for failing to meet the multi-club ownership criteria outlined in Article 10, Paragraph 1 of the tournament regulations. Despite efforts to prove their operational independence, the club was unable to convince FIFA.

    In recent days, representatives from Pachuca and León held meetings with FIFA to argue that the two clubs operate independently, despite sharing some shareholders. However, FIFA ultimately ruled against León. Grupo Pachuca can appeal the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, as León had earned their spot by winning the CONCACAF Champions Cup.

    "No person or legal entity may control or exert influence over more than one club participating in the competition," reads article 10 of FIFA's 2025 Club World Cup ownership rules.

    It remains unclear which CONCACAF club will take the place of Club León in the upcoming tournament, with FIFA saying "the club to be admitted as a replacement to be announced in due course."

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    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    The champion of the CONCACAF Champions Cup, Club León, where Colombian James Rodríguez plays, was expelled from the 2025 Club World Cup on Friday for failing to meet the criteria on multi-club ownership. La Fiera shares Group D of the competition with Chelsea, Flamengo, and Esperance.

    According to FIFA, León's replacement will be announced soon, although the Liga MX club has stated that they will appeal the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (TAS). Costa Rica's Alajuelense has expressed interest in taking that spot, as they won the 2024 Central American Cup.

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    WHAT PACHUCA AND LEÓN SAID

    "We have just been informed by FIFA that one of the two teams: Pachuca and León, participants in the 2025 Club World Cup, will be excluded from the competition. We are dissatisfied with this decision, and we will appeal it to the highest levels, including the highest sports tribunal, as all the evidence and documentation proving our administrative and sporting independence were presented in a timely and transparent manner," the club said in a statement. "In our case, we will defend what was earned on the field in a fair, professional manner, and in accordance with the competition rules."

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    WHAT NEXT FOR CLUB LEÓN?

    While this case is being clarified, La Fiera will host Pumas on Sunday, March 30, in Matchday 13 of the Clausura 2025. The team coached by Eduardo Berizzo is in second place in the tournament with 26 points.

Ignored by Klopp: £32m Liverpool flop is now outscoring Salah in 2024

When we think of Jurgen Klopp, we think of brilliant white teeth, wide-stretched grin. A larger-than-life way about him that arrested the Red half of Merseyside and handed it the promise of something more.

But the revered German manager wasn’t all sunshine and daisies and feel-good factor and so on and so forth. He was ruthless. He built a dynasty from smouldering ashes, rid Liverpool of the rotted framework and birthed it anew.

Jurgen Klopp's ruthlessness

It’s fair to say that Klopp inherited a ramshackle side from Brendan Rodgers. Liverpool had not so much fallen by the wayside as been thrown into a ditch after the elated exploits of 2013/14, heralded by Luis Suarez.

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers.

Klopp needed to act. It became quite clear quite quickly that Anfield was in a figurative state of disrepair, with the money splurged from Luis Suarez’s serving only to get Rodgers sacked.

Arriving as a late starter in the 2014/15 season, Klopp bade his time, forgoing winter transfer activity and instead assessing his crop ahead of a concerted push the following summer.

Liverpool’s illustrious success over the past decade speaks for itself, but the man who made it happen did so by bringing in players of nascent brilliance and shaping them into world-beaters.

The flotsam was shifted. Jordan Ibe, Martin Skrtel and Joe Allen were hefted out right away, while Mamadou Sakho and Lucas Leiva moved on the following year. All one-time mainstays, all deemed incompatible with the new vision.

Former Liverpool defender Mamadou Sakho

Ah, we’ve missed Christian Benteke. This one didn’t end with a warm parting handshake.

Why Klopp got rid of Christian Benteke

Benteke joined Liverpool from Aston Villa for a £32.5m fee in 2015. The Anfield side had flattered to deceive in their first post-Suarez year and Rodgers was skating on thin ice. Some new firepower was needed.

Jurgen Klopp and Christian Benteke

The Belgian had produced some monstrous performances at Villa Park, and he was considered to be a reliable and powerful Premier League marksman, having scored 49 goals across 101 appearances.

He wasn’t terrible at Liverpool, but he didn’t fit Klopp’s vision and was passed over to Crystal Palace, Roberto Firmino and Daniel Sturridge providing Klopp, who engineered two of Europe’s most potent wingers, with the requisite quality.

Christian Benteke: Stats with Premier League Clubs

Club

Apps

Goals

Assists

G/A Rate

Crystal Palace

177

37

11

0.27

Aston Villa

101

49

12

0.60

Liverpool

42

10

6

0.38

Stats via Transfermarkt

At the time, Benteke said that Klopp “ignores” him, rarely starting him in the Premier League despite having supposedly registered an interest while he was at the Borussia Dortmund helm.

He’s ebbed and flowed since leaving, and it’s impressive that Liverpool actually managed to recoup £27m when selling him to Palace in August 2016.

christian-benteke-liverpool

While he wouldn’t touch the sides at the Merseyside outfit right now, it’s interesting to note that he’s actually outscoring Mohamed Salah.

Christian Benteke's performances in 2024

Plying his trade in the MLS for DC United, Benteke, now aged 34, is enjoying the twilit stage of his career. He’s enjoyed some return in 2024.

Across 33 appearances, the veteran has scored 25 goals and provided five assists across 33 matches, even outscoring the likes of Lionel Messi and Suarez, who he attempted to replace at Liverpool. He’s played more football, but it’s a mean feat nonetheless.

Benteke is even outscoring Salah, who has posted 15 goals and 12 assists across 21 matches under Arne Slot’s wing this season after notching just nine strikes during the latter half of Klopp’s swansong season, totalling 24 goals in all.

It’s a shame that it didn’t work out, but Liverpool have hardly failed to enjoy attacking riches since the Belgian’s departure and must view his rich year with fondness.

Imagine him & Salah: Liverpool keen on "one of the best CFs in the world"

Liverpool are still targeting reinforcements despite the superb start to life under Arne Slot.

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By
Ethan Lamb

Dec 4, 2024

'Harry Kane doesn't play' – Thomas Tuchel backed to drop England captain if he repeats Euro 2024 no-show at 2026 World Cup

Thomas Tuchel is being tipped to drop England captain Harry Kane if he fails to impress at the 2026 World Cup for the Three Lions.

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  • Tuchel aiming for World Cup glory with England
  • Kane currently skipper of Three Lions side
  • Bayern star warned he could be dropped by his new boss
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  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    New England manager Tuchel is being tipped to make some bold decisions as he aims for World Cup glory with the Three Lions. The German has replaced Gareth Southgate in the hotseat and made a winning start to his tenure with the England team, overseeing wins over Albania and Latvia in World Cup qualifying.

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    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Kane was on target in both of Tuchel's first two matches in charge of England to take his tally to 71 goals in 105 appearances for the national team. The Bayern star may be England's all-time record goalscorer but has been warned he's not guaranteed a place in the starting XI at the World Cup, should England qualify, by former Arsenal and England star Paul Merson.

  • WHAT HAS BEEN SAID

    Merson said on Sky Sports: "I think last year. I think if that's Tuchel next year at the World Cup and Harry Kane is like he is. Harry Kane doesn't play. It's as simple as that. Tuchel will make that decision. If he's like he was at the Euros and he's struggling. He [Tuchel] is here for one reason. He's here to win the World Cup. He has 18 months that's what he's here for. He won't care if he upsets people."

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    WHAT NEXT FOR KANE

    Kane will be hoping to end his trophy curse with Bayern Munich before linking up with England again. The Three Lions face Andorra next in World Cup qualifying in June and then take on Senegal in a friendly.

Arsenal ready to approve conditional January exit as reps travel for talks

Arsenal are ready to give the green-light for a squad member to leave the club in January as representatives travel abroad for talks, but the transfer will only be approved by Mikel Arteta’s side on one crucial condition.

Arsenal cruise to 3-0 win over Monaco in the Champions League

The north Londoners enjoyed a terrific night back in the Champions League on Wednesday, cruising to a 3-0 win over AS Monaco and ending their barren run without a goal from open play since late November.

Arsenal believe £352k-per-week striker is Arteta's "ideal" next signing

The Gunners are convinced he could “raise the team’s level”.

1

By
Emilio Galantini

Dec 11, 2024

It was a convincing display by the Premier League title hopefuls against elite opposition, with Bukayo Saka’s brace and Kai Havertz’s neat little finish at the near post cementing a vital three points for Arsenal on Europe’s biggest stage.

Arsenal could’ve had many more, with out-of-form striker Gabriel Jesus squandering two golden chances in on goal, but it was a very positive night for Arteta who watched his side create plenty of openings against a team challenging Marseille and PSG for the Ligue 1 title right now.

Arsenal’s next five Premier League games

Date

Everton (home)

December 14

Crystal Palace (away)

December 21

Ipswich Town (home)

December 27

Brentford (away)

January 1

Brighton (away)

January 4

That being said, Arteta sent a clear message to his players about being more clinical in front of goal.

“We have a massive responsibility,” said Arteta on Arsenal’s conversion rate.

“I cannot kick the ball but we can coach them, we can teach them and sometimes they have to take a step back as well, it’s a decision they have to take. They cannot be thinking about what they have to do, what we’ve told them as well. We try to provide the right information and right tools so they can understand the defence, understand the keeper a lot of things that we work on, and after that it’s their execution. It’s a difficult thing to do in football but they have a lot of talent to deliver that.”

Monaco had chances of their own to get on the scoresheet, but luckily for the Gunners, previously out-of-favour centre-back Jakub Kiwior slotted next to William Saliba nicely, with the home side keeping them at bay.

The Poland international has come in for Gabriel Magalhaes in recent weeks, starting against both Man United and Fulham, with Kiwior proving a very useful asset in the absence of both Gabriel and Riccardo Calafiori.

Kiwior has been linked with a move to Italy regularly, and you’d think his new-found place in Arteta’s starting line-up would nullify those claims, yet reports continue to surface.

Arsenal ready to green-light January exit for Jakub Kiwor on one condition

However, despite his importance recently, Italian newspaper Il Mattino claims that Arsenal are ready to green-light a loan move for Kiwior in January – but it is conditional.

The outlet, via Calcio Napoli, writes that agents have travelled to Italy for talks this week to “lay the foundations” of a potential transfer, with Serie A title contenders Napoli looking to reinforce Antonio Conte’s backline for the second half of 24/25.

Arsenal “will say yes” to Kiwior joining Napoli on a temporary deal, but the deal must include an obligation to buy the 24-year-old outright, linked to him making a certain number of appearances under Conte.

In any case, Kiwior’s potential departure to Napoli is described as entirely plausible, and it will be interesting to see if Arsenal would sign a replacement for him in the winter.

Caicedo 2.0: Chelsea want to sign "one of the most exciting DMs in Europe"

Chelsea’s midfield trio of Moises Caicedo, Roméo Lavia and Enzo Fernández cost a combined £248.2m according to Transfermarkt fees, and they are all beginning to show why they were acquired by the Blues.

Enzo Maresca has found ways to utilise all three of his star midfielders, making tactical tweaks based on the opposition to give Chelsea the best possible chance of winning each game.

Fernández brings such a high level of passing quality, Caicedo is an all-action midfielder who mops up the danger, and Lavia adds extra physicality and press resistance in midfield when it’s needed.

But Chelsea are reportedly interested in another midfielder who could help to cover Lavia, who has found himself suffering from frequent injuries in the past few seasons.

Chelsea looking at young midfielder

According to reports from The Sun, Chelsea are interested in Sporting midfielder, Dario Essugo, who is currently out on loan with Las Palmas in La Liga.

The reports also state that Leeds United are pursuing a deal for the midfielder, which means Chelsea will have to act fast if they want to ensure Essugo chooses the Blues over guaranteed minutes at Leeds, who are likely to be promoted to the Premier League next season.

The 19-year-old has made 11 appearances for the Spanish outfit this campaign, scoring once, contributing to two clean sheets, and totalling 911 minutes played.

Transfer Focus

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

How Essugo compares to Chelsea's midfielders

Caicedo has had an excellent start to this campaign, establishing himself as a key figure for Maresca in central midfield and even at right-back as an option. The Ecuador international has made 18 appearances in all competitions, scoring once, providing three assists, and totaling 1,528 minutes on the field.

Minutes have then been shared between Fernandez and Lavia in midfield alongside Caicedo, with the Argentine making 20 appearances in all competitions, scoring three goals and providing eight assists. Meanwhile, Lavia has made ten appearances but provided just one assist.

So, how does Essugo compare to this?

Essugo vs Caicedo, Lavia & Fernandez

Stats (per 90 mins)

Essugo

Caicedo

Lavia

Fernandez

Goals + Assists

0.10

0.19

0.19

0.78

Progressive Carries

0.87

0.96

0.38

1.15

Progressive Passes

4.56

5.10

3.21

5.65

Key Passes

0.58

1.08

1.13

2.06

Passes into Final Third

4.08

6.37

5.66

5.27

Tackles

2.82

3.12

2.83

2.90

Blocks

0.97

1.15

1.13

1.37

Interceptions

2.14

1.72

2.08

0.57

Recoveries

5.44

5.92

4.53

4.89

Stats taken from FBref

You can instantly see how Esssugo is similar to Caicedo in profile when analysing their metrics alongside each other. They are both making over five ball recoveries per 90, making 2.8+ tackles per 90, and 1.7+ interceptions per 90. But alongside their defensive acumen, they are also progressive on the ball, especially with their passing into the final third.

Fernandez is a different type of profile, providing more key passes per 90 and being more of a playmaker for the side, whilst Lavia brings a bit of everything to the team, also being the most natural number six or holding midfield type, rather than a box to box.

Moises Caicedo celebrates for Chelsea

Essugo has been labelled as one of the “most exciting DMs in Europe” by scout Jacek Kulig, and by adding him alongside the likes of Caicedo, Lavia and Fernandez, Chelsea would have the best midfield depth in the league. That’s if they don’t already.

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By
Barney Lane

Jan 2, 2025

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