علق مصطفى محمد لاعب منتخب مصر الأول، على تأهل الفراعنة إلى نهائيات كأس العالم 2026، بعد الفوز على حساب جيبوتي في المباراة التي جمعت بينهما اليوم.
وحقق منتخب مصر الفوز على جيبوتي، بثلاثة أهداف دون رد، في المباراة التي أقيمت بالجولة التاسعة من عمر تصفيات كأس العالم.
وبهذا الفوز، حسم منتخب مصر، التأهل بشكل رسمي إلى نهائيات كأس العالم، المقرر إقامته العام المقبل في الولايات المتحدة الأمريكية وكندا والمكسيك.
طالع | نانت يحتفل بـ مصطفى محمد بعد تأهل منتخب مصر لنهائيات كأس العالم
وقال مصطفى محمد في تصريحات تلفزيونية عبر قناة “أون سبورت”: “الحمد لله فضل ونعمة مع اللاعبين الرجال، نستحق أن نصل لكأس العالم، إن شاء الله بعد ذلك يكون هذا الطبيعي للمنتخب”.
وأكمل: “نحن طموحنا الآن ليس التأهل لكأس العالم ولكن تقديم شيء مستحق هناك، ونحن لدينا طموح بالوصول لأبعد مرحلة في كأس العالم ونتوج بكأس أمم إفريقيا”.
وواصل: “شرف لأي لاعب أن يرتدي قميص منتخب مصر، وأنا أعطي 100% من مجهودي، نريد الطموح يكبر معانا من الشعب المصري، الفرحة الأكبر أن نصل لمرحلة بعيدة في كأس العالم”.
وأتم: “في كأس الأمم سنبذل قصارى جهدنا، والطبيعي أن نصل لأبعد مرحلة ونحارب حتى النهاية، وأقول لجماهير الكرة المصرية كلنا نتمنى أن نفرحكم دايمًا، ويلا نشجع مصر في كأس العالم”.
da supremo： Ahead of Vitor Pereira’s first summer in charge, Wolverhampton Wanderers are now reportedly moving to seal their move to sign a South American talent at their manager’s request.
Pereira already requesting Wolves incomings
da esoccer bet： With Matheus Cunha reportedly on his way to Manchester United this summer, it should come as no surprise that Pereira has requested attacking reinforcements in the coming months. Recent rumours have indicated that the Portuguese manager is a particular fan of Corinthians forward Yuri Alberto and has now asked Wolves to make a reunion happen between himself and his former star.
Yuri Alberto in 24/25
Record (via Transfermarkt)
Appearances
34
Goals
13
Assists
1
Having worked with the Brazilian before, Pereira will already know all about Alberto’s potential. At 24 years old, he has shown consistent promise at Corinthians over the years and only added to his goal tally this season – scoring 13 in 34 games.
The Portuguese manager also knows just how important it is to get recruitment right at Wolves in the coming months, having told reporters when asked about the summer transfer window back in April: “I expect to go with Wolves to the next level, the next step. This is what I’m thinking about.
“We don’t need a lot of money, we just need to make the right decisions and have a plan. My focus is on this team and trying to get the best results possible until the end of the season.
Yuri Alberto celebrates for Corinthians.
“Keeping almost all of the players (is important) because we have a very good group. I want to work for another level, I want to take the next step with this club.”
Signing South American talents seems to be the manager’s chosen route towards that next step, too, with another promising talent now reportedly on Wolves’ radar ahead of the summer window.
Wolves moving to seal Araujo deal
According to reports in Brazil, as relayed by Sport Witness, Wolves are now moving to seal their deal to sign Evertton Araujo, who has a release clause worth as much as €40m (£34m) at Flamengo. Whilst such a price may seem steep, reports suggest that Pereira has requested the arrival of the midfielder and the Midlands club have already made contact over a potential deal.
Pereira’s request should come as no shock and Wolves, themselves, are no strangers when it comes to signing Brazilian talents after welcoming Andre last summer.
Wolves now eyeing £14m Argentinian prodigy who's already met with Arsenal
He’s a wanted man.
ByTom Cunningham May 22, 2025
Described as “strong” and “composed” as well as “aggressive” by analyst Ben Mattinson, Araujo could go on and make the same impact as Andre if he followed him to the Midlands in the coming months. Wolves’ transfer strategy has seemingly taken them towards Brazil once again and that should be seen as no bad thing.
Durham hope that Scott Boland’s arrival in the north east will provide them with a timely boost after their first match back in Division One of the County Championship was washed out without a ball bowled against Hampshire.Boland has been training at Chester-le-Street over the weekend – he had his Durham headshots taken on Monday – but did not arrive in time to be considered for selection in the opening round of games. He is now due to be available across formats until the end of July, and should make his debut on Friday against Warwickshire at Edgbaston.”He makes it another hard decision,” Ryan Campbell, Durham’s head coach, said. “We made some tough decisions ahead of this game: you would have seen Michael Jones and Bas de Leede miss out, which was a tough decision to come to. And now somebody else is going to miss out – if he’s ready to play.”
Durham will also welcome the England Test captain back into their squad at some stage in the coming weeks: “We’ve been sitting around over the past few days trying to figure out the rotation between our bowling unit and we’ve also got Ben Stokes to factor in at some point as well, which will change the balance to our squad,” Campbell said.There seemed to be a possibility of play on the final morning at the Riverside, but captains Scott Borthwick and James Vince shook hands after a midday inspection. The recent downpours at the ground have come after a winter of little respite for groundstaff up and down the country due to consistent rainfall.”After 30-odd years in the game, I don’t think I’ve sat through four days without play,” Campbell said. “I think everyone in England knows how much rain there’s been, even though it has been fine during the game. The one thing that people haven’t seen is the amount of rain overnight.”It’s disappointing, obviously. We wanted to test ourselves against a very good Hampshire team but we didn’t get that opportunity, so we’ll put the cue back in the rack, shake it off and head down to Birmingham… I think it’ll be a brilliant game against a really good side who have done well in Division One in recent times. We are ready to be tested.”Related
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Vince said that the main area of concern was the bowlers’ run-ups. “I must admit, when we turned up on Thursday and saw the ground, we did fear that this outcome would be a possibility,” he said. “Although it has not rained much in the days, the top-ups overnight have meant that the run-ups and the outfield couldn’t cope.”I think it has marginally improved today, but still the run-ups are still kind of muddy. I think after one or two overs it would have turned into mud and there would have been the danger there for the bowlers especially at this time of year. It’s incredibly frustrating but at the end of the day, you can’t do anything about it.”With there not being much rainfall during the days, it feels a bit odd. I don’t think I’ve actually played a [four-day] game where there’s actually not been a ball bowled. It feels like we’ve been up here for a long time and done very little.” Hampshire face Lancashire at the Utilita Bowl from Friday.
The campaign is still a month away from completion, although attention at Manchester United is swiftly turning toward the summer transfer window and the need to bolster Ruben Amorim’s ranks.
While it would be foolish for anyone of a United persuasion to be too optimistic regarding the impact of potential new signings, amid the club’s wretched recruitment record over the last decade or so, it is difficult to argue that this side is in need of major surgery once again.
With departures expected to reach double figures, ahead of next season, there is likely to be something of an overhaul at Old Trafford, with drastic improvement needed amid the Red Devils’ place in the bottom half of the Premier League table.
Erik ten Hag
Much could depend on whether or not Champions League qualification is secured, via Europa League glory, although regardless of what occurs on the continent, it looks as if the INEOS regime are already closing in on the signing of wantaway Wolverhampton Wanderers man, Matheus Cunha.
The latest on Man Utd's move for Cunha
It’s fair to say that Cunha can’t have done much more to catch the eye of those at Old Trafford this season. Indeed, during Wolves’ 2-0 win over United on Boxing Day, the Brazilian was simply sensational for the hosts, having scored directly from a corner, while also teeing up Hwang Hee-chan for the second of the day.
That was followed by the 25-year-old’s impact in Sunday’s 1-0 win for the Old Gold, as it was actually his surging run which earned the free-kick that Pablo Sarabia duly converted.
Now onto 14 league goals for the season, Cunha appears all but certain for a Molineux exit this summer – following prior January interest – having already outlined his desire to “take the next step” in his career.
Cunha stats
As widely reported, that ‘next step’ looks set to lead the former Atletico Madrid man to Manchester, with positive talks having been held regarding the forward’s potential contract at the Theatre of Dreams.
That move for the £62.5m sensation could represent the first piece of business in a potentially hectic summer for the Red Devils.
Man Utd readying offer for new midfielder
Alongside that interest in the Wolves ace, it would appear that United are also keeping a close eye on Ipswich Town starlet, Liam Delap, with the Englishman set to be available for £30m amid the Tractor Boys’ impending relegation.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Elsewhere, meanwhile, reports in Spain have suggested that Amorim and co could also go back in for a long-term target, in the form of Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong, with the Dutchman said to be ‘back on the Red Devils’ radar’.
As per the report, United are ‘willing to present a proposal’ in order to entice the LaLiga giants into a summer sale, with the Premier League said to be ready to ‘test the limits’ of Barca’s resolve.
Benfica's Kerem Akturkoglu in action with FC Barcelona'sFrenkiedeJong
The 27-year-old was famously linked with the Old Trafford side back in the summer of 2022, during Erik ten Hag’s first window in charge, albeit despite an agreement on a fee, a deal for the former Ajax midfielder couldn’t get over the line amid issues regarding personal terms.
There may be a feeling of De Jong’s chance having come and gone, although United should still jump at the opportunity to land such a statement signing.
How De Jong could fit in at Man Utd
There could well be a fresh look to Amorim’s 3-4-3 set-up next term, with a new goalkeeper and centre-forward seemingly set to be prioritised, while Cunha would likely line up in one of the two number ten berths.
The Wolves talisman has already thrived in a similar system under Amorim’s compatriot, Vitor Pereira, in recent months, with his overall record in England’s top-flight now standing at 39 goals and assists in just 77 games.
What the one-time RB Leipzig man will need, however, is quality service from those around him, hence why bringing De Jong into the fold could be a dream scenario.
Likely to operate as part of the midfield two – potentially alongside Bruno Fernandes or Manuel Ugarte – the Netherlands international is simply a master at progressing play, as emphasised by the fact that he ranks in the top 9% of European midfielders for progressive passes, and the top 16% for progressive carries per 90, as per FBref.
Also ranked in the top 1% for pass completion, the experienced metronome has rightly been lauded as “one of the best midfielders in the world” by former boss, Xavi Hernandez, ensuring he would be a worthy upgrade in Amorim’s ranks.
Non-penalty goals
0.12
Top 25%
Assists
0.12
Top 28%
Shot-creating actions
2.59
Top 36%
Passes attempted
82.09
Top 4%
Pass completion
93.8%
Top 1%
Progressive passes
7.17
Top 9%
Progressive carries
2.09
Top 16%
Passes into final third
9.20
Top 3%
Tackles (in attacking 3rd)
0.49
Top 10%
As stated, that forward-thinking ability that De Jong provides would ensure he is the ideal figure to pick out the likes of Cunha ahead of him, as indicated by the fact that he also ranks in the top 3% for passes into the final third, at an average of 9.21 per 90.
What also sets the 5 foot 11 maestro apart is just how effective he is at regaining possession too. As evidenced last season – considering he has only started seven league games this time around – De Jong averaged 2.2 tackles per game, having also recovered the ball 5.9 times per game in LaLiga.
For context, United’s ball-winning monster, Casemiro, has only recovered 3.9 balls per game in the Premier League this term – albeit while enjoying a far superior record with regard to tackles made (3.5).
For De Jong to then have such quality both in and out of possession would ensure he can comfortably cope in a midfield two, with United having the chance to acquire two players entering their peak years, in the form of him and Cunha.
After Cunha: Man Utd in talks to sign a "monster" upgrade on Delap
Man Utd could be set to land another sparkling forward this summer, alongside Matheus Cunha
AC Milan have told Chelsea how much they will need to pay to prise goalkeeper Mike Maignan away from the club.
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WHAT HAPPENED?
The Blues have made contact with Milan as Enzo Maresca aims to add a new goalkeeper to his squad this summer. According to Gianluca Di Marzio, the Rossoneri have told Chelsea they must pay €30 million (£25m/$34m) to sign Maignan this summer.
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
Chelsea may well be unwilling to match Maignan's fee as he has just one year left on his contract and, as things stand, will be available for free next summer. Yet the No. 1 position is of concern at Stamford Bridge due to doubts over both Robert Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen.
DID YOU KNOW?
Chelsea also had three goalkeepers out on loan last season and all are due to return in the summer. Mike Penders will head back to London from Genk, Doree Petrovic spent last season with Strasbourg, while Kepa Arrizabalaga enjoyed a good campaign with Bournemouth.
AFP
WHAT NEXT FOR CHELSEA
Chelsea look set for a busy summer transfer window as Maresca continues to shape his squad. Dario Essugo has already arrived from Sporting, while the Blues are hoping to complete a deal for Liam Delap. The club are also being tipped to offload as many as 13 players before the start of the new campaign.
Mikel Arteta has acknowledged it. Nuno Santo acknowledged it in midweek. The whole world knows what the issue is at Arsenal Football Club right now.
2024 saw a progressive year for the Gunners. The back end of last season was met with one defeat as they not only scored goals galore but were resolute defensively, ensuring the team’s title challenge went down to the Premier League’s final day.
They scored six at West Ham, five against Burnley, four versus Newcastle and six against Sheffield United during a run of four devastating matches at the back end of February and the beginning of March.
Arsenal manager MikelArteta on the touchline
How much difference a year makes? Now, the club can’t buy a goal for love nor money. Mikel Merino’s double is the only two goals Arsenal have scored over their last three games, subsequently losing 1-0 to West Ham and then playing out a 0-0 stalemate with top-four hopefuls Nottingham Forest.
So, where’s it all gone wrong?
How Arteta has tried to revive Arsenal's attack in 2025
Coming into the winter transfer window Arsenal knew they were a body light. Bukayo Saka’s hamstring injury suffered against Crystal Palace back in November ensured they were without their golden boy.
Still, Jason Ayto – their interim sporting director – and the club’s ownership didn’t appear to be in a great hurry. That was, until, Gabriel Jesus was ruled out for the season having sustained an ACL injury in the FA Cup.
With the Brazilian down and out, Arsenal now arguably needed two attackers. Rumours came and went. A move for Alexander Isak was never going to materialise and it was thought as though getting long-term target Benjamin Sesko out of RB Leipzig in January was going to be a tough ask. They may still pursue the Slovenian in the summer but that will be too little too late as far as 2024/25 is concerned.
The window ended with no one arriving. Fans groaned, fans moaned, fans gesticulated aggressively at the Emirates Stadium. Then came the biggest blow of all. Kai Havertz. The man who Arteta claimed that “his robustness and his availability is unbelievable.”
It would appear as though that was a cursed comment. Just a week later, during Arsenal’s warm weather camp in Dubai, the German suffered a hamstring injury. He’s now out for the season too.
All of a sudden, with Gabriel Martinelli also on the sidelines, the Gunners were now down to bare bones. So, what’s been the solution? Arguably, there hasn’t been one.
Against Leicester, it was a front three of Ethan Nwaneri, Leandro Trossard and Raheem Sterling. Nwaneri was a menace, providing chance after chance and rattling the post in the second half. Trossard was ineffective up top and Sterling was withdrawn for Mikel Merino. Imagine that.
Merino, however, was the saviour. He scored twice courtesy of delicious assists from Nwaneri and Trossard. Since then, Arsenal have been toothless.
The idea of fielding the Spaniard up top, a player with a similar wirey build to Havertz certainly makes sense but he’s not a centre-forward, far from it.
Against Nottingham Forest, we even saw left-back Riccardo Calafiori drifting into central pockets in offensive zones, notably rattling the woodwork with a fine first-half effort. His erratic defending, however, saw him withdrawn at the break.
So, this will probably be the story for the rest of the season. How they must rue selling some of their finest Hale End talent? Hindsight is a wonderful thing, of course, but there’s one who now happens to be outscoring the aforementioned Isak…
Arsenal must regret selling Hale End superstar
Hale End has proven to be a consistent production line for Arsenal in recent years. It was Saka and Emile Smith Rowe who saved Arteta when he first arrived in N5 and now he’s getting the same level of performance from two further Hale Enders; Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly.
Where Are They Now
Your star player or biggest flop has left the club but what are they doing in the present day? This article is part of Football FanCast’s Where Are They Now series.
Sadly, the Gunners have already cashed in on a player making greater strides than both of them this term.
That happens to be Mika Biereth. You’ve all heard of him now, but you probably didn’t while he was learning his trade in the academy set-up.
Signed from Fulham, the centre-forward walked straight into the U21 side where he scored 12 times in 26 outings. Those numbers are hardly awe-inspiring.
There were a number of loan spells during that time, featuring for Dutch side RKC Waalwijk and enjoying a fruitful time at Motherwell and Sturm Graz last term, scoring 15 times and supplying nine assists across his spells with both clubs in 2023/24.
Mika Biereth’s form in 23/24
Team
Motherwell
Sturm Graz
Appearances
15
22
Minutes
1045
1624
Goals
6
9
Assists
5
4
Stats via Transfermarkt.
Truth be told, Arsenal have been pretty rubbish at loaning out players and growing their value but they were able to do so on this occasion, eventually selling the Denmark youth international last summer to Sturm Graz for just £4m.
After a first half of the year where he lit up Austrian football once again, bagging 11 league goals in 16 games and two Champions League goals, he was on the move again.
Over the winter, Monaco came calling, paying £10.8m for his signature which looks like an absolute bargain considering his form now.
In the words of former GOAL reporter Robin Bairner, the 22-year-old’s “form continues to be absolutely crazy” having scored ten times in seven games including three remarkable hat-tricks.
That makes him the joint-most prolific player in Europe’s top five leagues throughout 2025. He’s been so good that he’s outscoring the aforementioned Isak and Liverpool’s man of the moment, Mo Salah.
Top scorers in 2025: Europe’s big 5 leagues
Player
Games
Goal tally
1. Ousmane Dembele
7
10
2. Mika Biereth
7
10
3. Mateo Retegui
8
9
4. Jean Philippe Mateta
8
8
5. Serhou Guirassy
9
8
6. Mohamed Salah
10
8
7. Patrik Schick
9
7
8. Alexander Isak
7
7
9. Harry Kane
9
7
10. Chris Wood
8
7
Stats via Transfermarkt.
It’s safe to say that Biereth’s tale is a fascinating one. At Arsenal, he wasn’t generating much hype but there was clearly a talented goalscorer there.
To cash in for just £4m, in hindsight, was a mistake, but very few at Colney will have expected the young Dane to flourish quite as he has done now.
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The prolific youngster deserves his first start amid Mikel Merino’s inclusion as a striker for Arsenal.
A few weeks ago, Hamza Igamane was all the talk at Glasgow Rangers. Not only delivering on the European stage, with four goals across six games, but the youngster began to show his worth domestically.
Between December 4 and January 15, Igamane scored nine goals in the Premiership, including a brace against Motherwell to salvage a draw, before netting a wonderful hat trick against Hibernian, although more points were dropped by the Light Blues.
Hamza Igamane
Since then, however, he has looked poor. Philippe Clement will be hoping the Moroccan striker can return to his best over the next couple of weeks.
Hamza Igamane's stunning debut season
As mentioned, Igamane has saved his best displays for the European stage. A double against Nice was impressive, but the way he took his goal against Tottenham Hotspur in December was perhaps even more so.
Reportedly, Everton sent scouts to watch the 22-year-old in action against the Premier League side, and it looked as though they might be weighing up a January bid for the striker.
Nothing came of it, but over the previous few weeks, his performances have been rather muted. Could he be affected by the recent interest shown in him from down south?
In the Europa League, Igamane scores once every 91 minutes, while he also has a goal conversion rate of 36%. It is no wonder clubs are showing plenty of interest in the player.
Domestically, Igamane averages three shots per game, while creating five big chances, averaging one key pass and succeeding with 1.3 dribbles per match in the Premiership.
These statistics are excellent, especially considering plenty of eyebrows were raised following his signing from AS FAR last summer, costing the Gers around £1.7m.
Eight months later, he could turn out to be one of the best pieces of transfer business the club has conducted in the previous few years.
One that got away
There is no doubt the Light Blues will make a stunning profit on the centre-forward. The question is, when is the right time to sell him?
Depending on his performances over the next few months, this summer could see a flood of bids arrive for the African sensation, especially with a few more goals under his belt.
Over the years, the Gers have been forced to sell some of their finest players in order to remain financially stable.
However, they have also missed out on a fair few players who have since gone on to bigger and better things. Joey Veerman was wanted by Steven Gerrard during his spell as manager, and now he is shining for PSV Eindhoven.
Another player who the Gers were reportedly keen on a couple of years ago is now attracting interest from some of the biggest clubs in the world after an incredible couple of seasons.
Sporting CP's ViktorGyokeres
Viktor Gyokeres has been wonderful during his time at Sporting CP. Might the Ibrox side have secured his signature at one time, however?
Rangers's pursuit of Viktor Gyokeres
Towards the end of the 2022/23 season, it was clear Michael Beale required some added quality in his attacking department, especially if he wanted to end Celtic’s domestic dominance.
Sporting CP's ViktorGyokerescelebrates scoring their third goal
According to Football Insider, the club were reportedly interested in Coventry City hitman Gyokeres and even made a move to land his signature after lodging an enquiry. The Swedish sensation had scored 21 goals in the second tier and they would go on to lose the playoff final to Luton Town.
This form didn’t go unnoticed as many clubs chased his signature, especially as the Sky Blues failed to secure promotion, it was evident that the striker would be on the move.
Dubbed as “unplayable” by his teammate at Coventry, Maxime Biamou, Gyokeres made the move to Portugal, joining Sporting.
Whether or not Rangers had a chance of luring him to Ibrox back in May 2023, there is absolutely no chance they will be able to sign him now.
The striker is arguably one of the best in Europe.
Viktor Gyokeres’ stats in Portugal
One thing is certain, the club will make a significant profit on the former Coventry hitman when they do decide to cash in. Sporting paid €24m (£20m) which would have been way out of the Light Blues’ price range anyway.
Since then, he has scored an incredible tally of 77 goals across just 85 games for the Liga Portugal side, spearheading them to the league title during his maiden campaign at the club.
Comparing Viktor Gyokeres & Hamza Igamane (domestic stats only – 24/25)
Metric
Igamane
Gyokeres
Goals
9
22
Assists
1
3
Big chances created
5
7
Shots per game
3
4.2
Goal conversion percentage
15%
27%
Stats via Sofascore
With three months left of the 2024/25 campaign, Gyokeres has already notched 34 goals in 35 matches, a truly astounding strike rate that puts a lot of strikers to shame.
Compare this to Igamane, who has netted 13 goals in 30 matches, and it proves just how big a gulf there is between the two forwards.
While it was always unlikely he would move to Glasgow, Rangers’ recent woes would surely have subsided had they been able to call upon the talents of Gyokeres, no doubt about that.
Viktor Gyokeres’ current market value
It comes as no surprise to hear that Gyokeres is attracting plenty of interest from the biggest clubs in Europe.
The likes of Liverpool, Manchester United, Barcelona and Arsenal have all been linked with a move for the Swedish star over the previous few months.
This summer could be the chance to finally lure him away from Portugal, although it might take a massive fee to do so.
Indeed, according to journalist Ben Jacobs, Gyokeres’ price tag has dropped from €100m (£83m) to €70m (£60m), which could please certain clubs, that’s for sure.
It is clear that Rangers made a huge blunder in not trying to work out a deal to bring the “powerhouse” striker – as hailed by analyst Ben Mattinson – to Ibrox back in 2023, especially considering how wonderful he has been since.
It might have cost a club-record fee, but considering the form he has shown over the previous 18 months, Gyokeres would have raked in a gigantic profit for the Gers.
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Rangers manager Philippe Clement faces an uncertain future
While there is a strong chance that this season is another that ends without any silverware, Arsenal have an exceptionally talented squad.
When fit, Bukayo Saka is one of the most dangerous wingers in world football, and now, in Ethan Nwaneri, he has a genuine understudy who looks like he could reach the same level a few years from now.
In the middle of the park, an inform Martin Odegaard can be near enough unplayable while Declan Rice continues to run games from central or defensive midfield.
Arsenal manager MikelArtetacelebrates after the match
Finally, the team’s strongest area, the defence, is bursting with world-class talent, but without a doubt, the jewel in the crown is William Saliba, and based on recent reports, the club are now looking to sign someone who could be the next version of the Frenchman.
Arsenal transfer news
According to a recent report from Caught Offside, Arsenal are one of several teams interested in signing Ajax defender Jorrel Hato.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
In fact, alongside the Gunners, the report has revealed that Real Madrid, Chelsea, and Liverpool are all preparing to make an offer for the youngster this summer.
How much the defender might cost is not mentioned in the report, but his final price tag varies dramatically, with some stories claiming he could be available for as little as £25m, while others suggest he’d cost around £40m.
Ajax Amsterdam's JorrelHatocelebrates after the match
It could be a complicated and potentially costly transfer to get over the line for Arsenal, but given Hato’s impressive ability and immense potential, one well worth pursuing, especially if he can be the next Saliba.
Why Hato could be the next Saliba
Now, we know that comparing a young defender who can thrive as a full-back or centre-back still playing in the Eredivisie to someone like Saliba, who is considered to be one of the best centre-backs in the business and has proven himself in the Premier League, might sound absurd.
Nevertheless, there are some key similarities between the pair.
The first is that, like the Frenchman before he joined Arsenal in 2019, there is an awful lot of hype, excitement and expectation about what Hato could develop into in the coming years.
For example, respected football analyst Ben Mattinson has described the teenager as an “exceptional athlete” who has “the potential to be an elite lockdown full-back”, while U23 scout Antonio Mango simply described the defender as an “insane” prospect and talent scout Jacek Kulig went a step further, dubbing him “one of the most talented CBs of his generation in Europe.”
On top of that, the Rotterdam-born gem has also been named in ninth place, ahead of Archie Gray, on GOAL’s 2025 NXGN list, which looks at the most exciting young players born on or after January 1st 2006.
Appearances
103
Starts
94
Minutes
8457′
Goals
4
Assists
9
Goal Involvements per Match
0.12
Minutes per Goal Involvement
650.53′
Points per Game
1.86
Moreover, this belief that the Dutchman is going to be something special is why the Gunners are set to have some serious competition for his signature this summer, as they did when both Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur tried to sign Saliba before they got their hands on him.
Finally, if the North Londoners were able to get their hands on the Ajax star this summer, then like the Frenchman in 2019, he’d be making the big move before he was even 20, as he’ll still be a teenager until March 7th next year.
Ultimately, Arsenal already have a sensationally talented defence, with Saliba at the heart of it, and while it could be a complicated transfer to get over the line, they’d only be making it even better by signing Hato at the end of the season.
Arsenal struck gold on amazing star worth more than Trossard & Lewis-Skelly
da dobrowin： Tottenham Hotspur are now “in the running” to sign a “freak of nature” midfielder this summer, having conducted scouting missions this season, according to former scout Mick Brown.
Spurs eyeing move for midfielder
da apostaganha： Tottenham’s midfield has looked solid at times when everyone is fully-fit, with the trio of James Maddison, Rodrigo Bentancur and Lucas Bergvall performing well in the recent 1-0 victory against Manchester United in the Premier League.
Maddison bagged the winner in the narrow victory over the Red Devils, which saw the Lilywhites rise to 12th place.
However, Ange Postecoglou clearly feels some additional depth is required, given that the manager has been left short on midfield options at times this season due to the injury crisis he has had to deal with.
Several targets have been identified by Spurs, with the likes of Palmeiras’ Richard Rios and Real Betis’ Johnny Cardoso on the shortlist, and there is now a feeling they are also keen on signing one of the Championship’s stars.
Manager stalls new contract after Tottenham express interest in hiring him
Ange Postecoglou has been under serious pressure in recent weeks.
ByEmilio Galantini Feb 15, 2025
In a recent interview with Football Insider, ex-scout Mick Brown stated Tottenham are one of the clubs keeping a close eye on Sunderland’s Jobe Bellingham, who could leave this summer if the Black Cats receive a big offer.
“Crystal Palace and Tottenham have had scouts watching him this season so they’ll be two of the teams in the running if he is going to leave. So it’ll be up to them to assess whether he’s ready to make that jump.
“From a Sunderland point of view, knowing the way the owners want to operate, I think if they get a huge bid for him then they’ll let him go.“
Sunderland'sJobeBellingham
Amid links to Arsenal last month, the Sunderland star was thought to have a price tag of £20m, but the asking price could theoretically rise if he continues to impress over the course of the next few months.
Bellingham emerging as key player for Sunderland
The Black Cats are pushing for promotion to the Premier League this season, and the 19-year-old has established himself as a key player, making 28 appearances in the Championship, during which time he has picked up four goals and three assists.
Not only is the teenager a threat going forward, but he has also done a stellar job defensively over the past year, ranking in the 90th percentile for aerials won and the 87th percentile for clearances, when compared to his positional peers playing at a similar level.
Fellow Sunderland midfielder Dan Neil has lauded his teammate in the past, saying: “He’s an absolute freak of nature, physically. I have never seen a 17-year-old that size. Technically, he is a top, top, player as well.”
As such, it is exciting news that Tottenham could be in the race to sign Bellingham in the summer, and they should continue to monitor his performances between now and the end of the season.