Sunderland now lead West Ham in the race to sign a brand-new £22 million “magician” after making an approach, according to a recent report.

Sunderland plan to continue spending spree after passing £100m mark

The Black Cats got their pre-season underway over the weekend, beating non-league side South Shields 4-0 in what has been an epic summer for the club so far. Sunderland have added six new players to their squad already this summer, passing the £100 million mark, with midfielder Habib Diarra being the club’s most expensive capture so far.

Contact made: Sunderland prepare bid to sign £25m star who is open to move

The Black Cats are making plenty of impressive moves…

1

By
Sean Markus Clifford

Jul 13, 2025

Despite the heavy investment, the Premier League newcomers are not stopping there, as Sunderland are interested in signing Charlie Cresswell from French side Toulouse. The defender is already known in English football, after spending time at Leeds United, and now the Black Cats are keen to bring him back to England in a deal that could cost them as much as £18 million.

As well as looking to improve their central defence, Regis Le Bris and co are also looking at potential new goalkeepers, despite Anthony Patterson impressing last season. Sunderland have made contact with representatives of Aaron Ramsdale and are now preparing an offer to Southampton. The 27-year-old is said to be open to a move to the Stadium of Light, as he would remain in the Premier League, but it could cost Sunderland £25 million to get a deal completed.

Sunderland lead West Ham in race to sign new £22m "magician" after approach

The new arrivals may not even stop there, as according to L’Equipe, via Get French Football News, Sunderland have approached Leicester City over the signing of midfielder Bilal El Khannouss.

The report states that as well as the Black Cats, West Ham United and AS Monaco have made enquiries about signing the 21-year-old, who has just suffered relegation with the Foxes. However, it is Sunderland who are considered to be leading the race to sign El Khannouss.

The Moroccan international, who was dubbed a “magician” after his performance against Southampton last season, only joined Leicester last summer from KRC Genk. El Khannouss contributed to five goals despite the Foxes struggling all season at the bottom end of the Premier League.

El Khannouss is still under contract until 2028, and it’s been reported previously that the Foxes would be looking to get around £22 million should he leave during this transfer window. Sunderland have already added a couple of midfielders to their ranks this summer, but El Khannouss’ potential arrival could be another way the Black Cats try to fill the void left by Jobe Bellingham, featuring in an attacking midfield role or out on the wing if needed.

Newcastle United look to have beaten Tottenham to the signing of a talented young gem, having reportedly reached an agreement with him.

The latest on Newcastle's attacking situation

Alexander Isak’s Magpies future has continued to dominate the headlines in recent days, with Liverpool seeing a £110m offer for the Swede rejected on Friday.

Newcastle will now be bracing themselves for a second bid for Isak’s signature from the Premier League champions, but they are unlikely to budge until a replacement is sorted, rather than risking getting themselves into a mess.

That could potentially be RB Leipzig marksman Benjamin Sesko, with one report even claiming that the Magpies have beaten Manchester United to his signature.

Brentford attacker Yoane Wissa is another strong target, while Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins and Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson have also been mentioned as options.

At the other end of the pitch, Chelsea centre-back Axel Disasi has been linked with a move to St James’ Park, with a new defender hugely important for Eddie Howe this summer.

Newcastle reach agreement with young English ace

According to NUFC Blog, Newcastle have reached an agreement with West Brom teenager Muawiya Gjhanem, pipping Tottenham and others to his signature in the process. The Magpies have actually beaten several ‘big six’ clubs.

The midfielder will “soon arrive on Tyneside” to complete the transfer, with the Magpies continuing to “bolster their academy ranks” with top young English talent.

Not a lot is understandably known about Ghanem, given his age and vast lack of experience, but signing top emerging talent has to be seen as a priority for Newcastle, allowing them to build into the future.

The 15-year-old predominantly operates as a No.8 in midfield, and he could learn so much from afar if he was at the same club as the likes of Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali.

The report states that Ghanem has “been invited to England’s talent ID camps, showing he is very much on the Young Lions’ radar”, and it looks like the only way is up for him currently.

Better than Sesko: Newcastle eyeing £40m striker who's "turning heads"

Newcastle United are reportedly interested in signing a star who could be even better than Benjamin Sesko.

ByDan Emery Aug 3, 2025

The fact that Newcastle have seemingly pipped a number of big clubs to the Englishman’s signature speaks volumes about the strides they have made as a club in recent years, with young stars seeing them as an exciting place to move to.

Turning towards an imminent Chuba Akpom alternative, Birmingham City’s move to sign an impressive Bundesliga striker is now reportedly “considered a done deal”.

Latest on Chuba Akpom

Ahead of Friday’s meeting between Ipswich Town and Birmingham to get the Championship campaign underway, the two clubs have been involved in a dramatic transfer chase for Akpom. The former Middlesbrough striker looked destined to complete a move to St. Andrew’s before Ipswich came calling to add a twist to the tale.

The transfer tussle is still going on, but if Akpom gets his wish then he will be off to Ipswich this summer. Whether Ajax grant their forward’s wish or simply choose the better offer is now the big question. Either way, no matter the club, Akpom looks destined to find himself on the pitch at St.Andrew’s on Friday.

Opening games rarely need added anticipation, but Akpom’s decision will certainly add fuel to the fire as newly-promoted Birmingham aim to make an instant statement against relegated Ipswich.

Looking ahead to the game, Birmingham boss Chris Davies told reporters: “We know what this place is like when it’s rocking. I have no doubt, that come 8pm on Friday night, it will be rocking, so I’m looking forward to it. Our job is to focus on our work, prepare for the game in the next few days, and then when it comes around be ready to go.”

Even if they miss out on Akpom, meanwhile, reports suggest that Birmingham may still have a fresh striker of their own to counter Ipswich’s potential transfer victory.

Ducksch to Birmingham "considered a done deal"

According to Sky Sports’ Florian Plettenberg, Birmingham City’s move for Marvin Ducksch is now “considered a done deal” after an agreement worth €2m (£1.7m) between the Blues and Werder Bremen.

Birmingham co-owner and former NFL superstar Tom Brady reportedly played a part in talks and was pushing to welcome Ducksch ahead of Birmingham’s Championship return.

At 31 years old, the German will add some vital experience to Birmingham’s frontline alongside young forward Jay Stansfield, whilst also handing Davies a proven goalscorer at the top level.

Related Bigger talent than Akpom: Birmingham City plot move for "fearless" PL ace

Birmingham City could sign a bigger talent than Chuba Akpom by winning the services of this Premier League starlet.

Posts ByKelan Sarson Aug 4, 2025

Praised as “dangerous” by Werder’s head of football, Clemens Fritz, Ducksch scored nine goals in all competitions last season whilst also creating a further 11 goals. With 20 goal contributions to see his name, it’s clear that the Blues are set to sign undeniable quality at a bargain price.

MatériaMais Notícias

A janela de transferências atual do futebol brasileiro fecha no próximo dia 20 para negociações locais. E o diretor de futebol do São Paulo, Carlos Belmonte, deu o tom da postura do clube nesta reta final: tudo pode acontecer, sejam chegadas ou saídas.

– Não estamos nem fechados para reforçar o elenco, para contratar e nem para o contrário, que seria vender. Estamos de olho e abertos a oportunidades como foi com Igor Vinícius que não se recuperou sem cirurgia e trouxemos o Raí Ramos para a posição – disse o dirigente, em entrevista à ‘Rádio Transamérica‘.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasListasVai começar o Brasileirão 2023! Veja os palpites da redação do LANCE!Listas13/04/2023São PauloCaio Matheus se recupera de grave lesão, mas ‘desce’ e volta para o Sub-20 do São PauloSão Paulo13/04/2023São PauloEscalação do São Paulo: Tricolor não vai pagar multa, e Erison vira desfalque para estreia contra BotafogoSão Paulo13/04/2023

+ Brasileirão 2023 vai começar! Veja quais são os elencos mais valiosos da competição

Além do lateral-direito Raí Ramos, citado nominalmente, o Tricolor também contratou nessa janela o meia Michel Araujo, que veio por empréstimo do Fluminense.

O clube, contudo, colecionou negativas. Nomes como o lateral-esquerdo Jamerson e o zagueiro Bernardo, de Guarani e Ituano, respectivamente, acabaram fechando com Coritiba e Fortaleza. Também houveram sondagens sobre o meia Gabriel Dias, que trocou o clube de Itu pelo Internacional.

– Sobre esperar mais jogadores… tentamos alguns, mas infelizmente não conseguimos. Temos um
ótimo elenco, com os jogadores que estão no departamento médico – definiu o técnico Rogério Ceni após o empate sem gols com o Ituano, em duelo válido pela terceira fase da Copa do Brasil, em pleno Morumbi.

– O São Paulo não tem dinheiro para sair contratando todo mundo e infelizmente teve lesões graves, com muitas cirurgias. Infelizmente, alguns vão demorar dois, três, quatro, cinco, seis meses para voltar. Muitas vezes, você não consegue repor uma peça ou todas essas que estão afastadas por lesão. É uma infelicidade, e nós temos esse elenco para sermos bem competitivos em várias competições – completou o treinador são-paulino.

+ Confia os jogos, classificação e simule resultados do Brasileirão-23 na tabela do LANCE!

+ Confira jogos, classificação e simule resultados da Copa Sul-Americana-23 na tabela do LANCE!

+ Confira jogos, classificação e simule resultados da Copa do Brasil-23 na tabela do LANCE!

continua após a publicidade

Chelsea fans will be optimistic heading into the new Premier League season after watching their side lift the Club World Cup during an eventful summer.

Already, new signing Joao Pedro has stuck out by hammering home three goals from three games in the summer tournament, with the same excitement levels in the air regarding what Jamie Gittens could be capable of in the English game moving forward after his bumper £48.5m switch from Borussia Dortmund.

With the might of Arne Slot’s Liverpool in the way, it will be viewed as a tall order to expect Enzo Maresca’s men to be title-challengers.

However, Maresca and Co. could send ripples through the Premier League still by landing this in-demand talent who is touted to be available for an eye-watering £104m.

Chelsea in race to sign £104m star

Only the aforementioned title-winning Reds have splashed the cash more this off-season, with Liverpool spending a whopping £295.5m, which is £45m less than Chelsea’s own high amount of £250m.

Expect that spending to increase before September’s cut-off point, too, with £35m potentially forked out to snap up rising Ajax defender Aaron Bouwman amid Levi Colwill’s horrific ACL injury.

That is nothing when contrasted with Chelsea’s chase for coveted Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba, however, with that weighty £104m expected to be enough to tempt the 21-year-old to Stamford Bridge.

It won’t be that straightforward, though, with Caught Offside now reporting that the intense race for Baleba’s services also involves not just Chelsea, but Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City, Newcastle United, and Tottenham Hotspur.

Whilst it is further stated that a move for Baleba to join Chelsea this summer is unlikely, it would be quite the statement move to make if it were to suddenly accelerate into motion.

Why Baleba is a better signing than Simons

Snapping up the £104m-rated midfielder would surely be seen as a better signing than Xavi Simons joining the building, with Baleba already well-versed in what it takes to be a success in the Premier League, among other standout reasons.

That isn’t to say Simons wouldn’t make an instant impact if he were to swap RB Leipzig for the Premier League imminently.

After all, he hasn’t just amassed a hefty 77 goal contributions by fluke for both Leipzig and PSV Eindhoven, with his adaptability to play down the left flank – as well as through the middle as a number ten or down the right – gifting Maresca multiple options in the attacking positions.

However, there is no guarantee that Simons would be able to gain a spot in the Italian’s starting XI straight away, particularly if he was trying to usurp Cole Palmer, who managed to collect five more goals and assists last season than his Dutch counterpart.

Whereas, Baleba could stand more of a chance at making a name for himself in the holding midfield positions at Stamford Bridge immediately.

After all, the Cameroonian possesses a fierce effort such as the one above in his back pocket, which varies his game away from just being known as a solid midfield presence.

Moreover, he has also matched and even bettered the likes of Blues stalwarts Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez all across last campaign when assessing their respective numbers, lending credence to analyst Ben Mattinson’s claim that he is “one of the best midfielders in the Premier League.”

Total shots

1.49

0.54

1.62

Shot-creating actions

2.23

2.63

4.49

Attempted passes

44.44

58.93

58.03

Pass completion %

87.4%

89.7%

79.9%

Progressive passes

3.99

5.77

6.47

Progressive carries

1.45

1.15

1.83

Successful take-ons

1.12

0.78

0.79

Tackles

2.67

3.06

1.99

Interceptions

1.56

1.32

0.40

Blocks

1.59

1.32

1.31

Amazingly, despite being well-known for their anchor roles in the Chelsea set-up, over the last year, Baleba has actually trumped both Caicedo and Fernandez when it comes to interceptions and blocks registered per 90 minutes.

Boasting the highest number of successful take-ons when weighed up head-to-head, too, landing the 21-year-old might just gift the Blues some youthful exuberance in the middle, with Mattinson further labelling Baleba as “exceptional” for his well-rounded approach centrally.

Winning his services against all the odds really feels as if it would be a summer pick-up that would send shockwaves through the division as Chelsea aim to be bombshell title hopefuls.

On the contrary, with Gittens already in through the door from the Bundesliga, and with Palmer fresh off a goal-and-assist laden Club World Cup, Simons might be an unnecessary splurge of money, as the Blues roll ever closer to the window slamming shut.

Chelsea reduce asking price for player by 70 per cent amid Saudi interest

The Blues are prepared to sanction a cut-price deal.

1 ByEmilio Galantini Aug 10, 2025

The India fast bowler has not played for India since November last year

ESPNcricinfo staff08-Dec-20245:06

Rohit: Have to be very careful with Shami

Rohit Sharma has said the “door is very much open” for Mohammed Shami to join India’s Test squad in Australia, but reiterated caution over his fitness.Speaking after India’s ten-wicket loss in the second Test in Adelaide, Rohit said: “We are just monitoring him because while playing Syed Mushtaq Ali, he got some swelling in his knee, which hampers his preparation to come and play a Test match. We want to be very careful, we don’t want to bring him here, he pulls up sore or something happens.”We want to be more than 100% sure with him because it has been a long time. We don’t want to put pressure on him to come here and do the job for the team. There are some professionals monitoring, we will take a call based on what those guys feel. They are the ones watching him every game, how he pulls up after the game, after bowling four overs, standing for 20 overs. But the door is open for him to come and play anytime.”Shami has not played for India since the 2023 ODI World Cup final in November last year, after which he had surgery in February for an ankle injury. After suffering a few setbacks during his recovery process, Shami finally returned to action in November this year, taking seven wickets for Bengal in a Ranji Trophy match against Madhya Pradesh.Since then Shami has played seven games in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, taking eight wickets in 27.3 overs. While there has been no official confirmation that he has been given the go-ahead to fly to Australia, it is expected that he will join the squad at some stage if there are no further setbacks.

فشل الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي مانشستر سيتي في تحقيق فوز مهم على حساب موناكو الفرنسي في المباراة التي جمعتهما ضمن منافسات دوري أبطال أوروبا.

وواجه مانشستر سيتي فريق موناكو الفرنسي على ملعب “لويس الثاني”، ضمن منافسات الجولة الثانية من مرحلة الدوري لبطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا.

واستمر غياب عمر مرموش، لاعب الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بمانشستر سيتي بسبب الإصابة التي تعرض لها خلال توقف سبتمبر الماضي في مباراة بوركينا فاسو.

وشهدت المباراة تقلبات كثيرة ومثيرة إذ تقدم مانشستر سيتي في النتيجة عن طريق هالاند في الدقيقة 15 بعدها تعادل موناكو سريعًا عن طريق تيزييه في الدقيقة 18.

وأضاف هالاند الهدف الثاني له والثاني لصالح فريقه في الدقيقة 44 من عمر الشوط الأول، واستمرت النتيجة حتى الدقيقة 90 عندما احتسب الحكم ركلة جزاء لصالح موناكو بعد العودة إلى حكم تقنية الفيديو، سددها إريك دير. موعد مباراة مانشستر سيتي وبرينتفدورد في الدوري الإنجليزي

ومن المقرر أن يخوض مانشستر سيتي مباراته القادمة أمام برينتفورد ضمن منافسات الجولة السابعة من بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

ويحل مانشستر سيتي ضيفًا على برينتفورد مساء يوم الأحد المقبل في تمام الساعة السادسة والنصف مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة ومكة المكرمة.

Real Madrid have been handed hope in their pursuit of challenging the state of refereeing in Spanish football. According to MARCA, it is understood that the Video Assistant Referee from Saturday's game between Real Madrid and Real Sociedad, as well as on-field referee Gil Manzano, will have to bear the consequences after the controversial sending off of Dean Huijsen.

• Madrid find respite as CTA set to intervene

  According to a report from , CTA (Technical Committee of Referees in Spain) will review Huijsen's sending off in the 32nd minute at the Anoeta on Saturday, during Real Madrid's 2-1 win over Real Sociedad. The decision raised immediate concerns within the CTA. The episode is expected to be addressed publicly this week, with the error likely to be acknowledged. Particular scrutiny is being placed on referee Figueroa Vazquez, not for the decision itself, but for his failure to intervene via VAR and allow on-field referee Manzano to review the play. As a result, Vazquez is expected to be sidelined temporarily, as the CTA conducts a formal analysis of the incident.

Advertisement

• AFP
  

  Madrid preparing a report on refereeing errors for FIFA

  In the aftermath of the game, Real Madrid TV, the club's official media channel, confirmed that the 15-time European champions would take the matter to FIFA, the highest authority of football in the world, by submitting a report in the form of all errors compiled from the current season and the last season. Madrid, per the announcement, will urge FIFA to "take good note of what is happening in Spanish football with regards to refereeing."

• Reforms to refereeing in Spain already underway

  Back in June, it was revealed that RFEF (Spanish football federation) had fired the entire refereeing committee amid mounting pressure from clubs demanding a major overhaul in the way officiating is conducted in Spain. Changes have, practically, already started taking place. Indeed, referees in Spanish football are assessed after each match by up to three evaluators, including the stadium delegate and CTA’s technical directors. While the merit-based ranking system is still developing, it’s already shaping referee assignments. The revamped CTA has introduced transparency-focused reforms, requiring referees to take responsibility for mistakes, some of which have led to enforced rest periods. Though not all changes are popular, officials recognize their duty to maintain accountability and openness with clubs.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

• Who are Madrid's next opponents?

  After maintaining a spotless record in La Liga's opening four fixtures, Madrid will be aiming to carry the momentum in the continental arena. They are set to host Marseille in the Champions League opener on Wednesday in what could be head coach Xabi Alonso's sternest test so far in the 2025-26 season.

In an attempt to kickstart what has been a quiet summer transfer window, Aston Villa have now reportedly entered the race to sign a Bundesliga winner ahead of rival interest from West Ham United.

Aston Villa's difficult summer

When they failed to defeat Manchester United to secure Champions League football on the final day of the season, it was always going to be a difficult summer for Aston Villa. Their European fortunes ensured that they would have to face up to their PSR struggles and endure a window without spending big unless a number of stars went in the other direction.

To that end, the Villans have so far prioritised keeping hold of current stars rather than going in search of fresh faces. There has been interest in both Ollie Watkins and Emi Martinez, for example, but the stance in the Midlands has remained ‘not for sale’. Whether that changes as Villa become desperate to act in the market remains to be seen, however.

The signings that have arrived, meanwhile, are young centre-back Yasin Ozcan, who is unlikely to break into Unai Emery’s best side at this stage, and backup goalkeeper Marco Bizot. To say Villa’s window has so far lacked excitement would be an understatement.

With a month remaining until the window slams shut though, that could yet change. The transfer rumours are still coming thick and fast even as those at Villa Park look to navigate PSR.

Among those mentioned has been Lois Openda. The RB Leipzig forward, whether in years to come or this summer if Manchester United get their wish, would be the perfect replacement for Watkins and an excellent signing.

The same can be said for another Bundesliga star too, as Aston Villa set their sights on getting their summer up and running at long last.

Aston Villa firmly in the mix to sign Adli

As reported by Caught Offside, Aston Villa are now firmly in the mix to sign Amine Adli from Bayer Leverkusen this summer. The 25-year-old attacking midfielder reportedly wants to leave the German club in search of consistent minutes and, although West Ham hold concrete interest, Villa could yet hijack the Hammers’ move.

Duran 2.0: Aston Villa in contact with “one of the best strikers in the PL”

Aston Villa have an opportunity to land their next Jhon Duran by signing this attacking menace.

By
Kelan Sarson

Aug 1, 2025

Valued at around €25m (£22m), Adli’s arrival would likely keep Aston Villa within the lines of PSR whilst handing Emery a much-needed boost in the form of a Bundesliga winner.

Labelled a “sensational talent” by U23 scout Antonio Mango in 2022, Adli still has every chance of reaching that level again by joining Aston Villa and Emery. The midfielder has experience at the very top level as a title winner and, at just £22m, could quickly become an undeniable bargain this summer.

Ahead of the opening weekend of the Premier League campaign, Arsenal fans will possess a cautious sense of optimism ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

Mikel Arteta’s side have finished as runners-up in each of the last three years, hopefully going one better this season after making numerous key additions during the summer window.

The hierarchy have backed him in the transfer window, solving a problem position by landing striker Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting CP after he scored 54 goals in the recent season.

Other areas of the pitch have also been subject to investment, with Martin Zubimendi and Cristhian Mosquera arriving at the Emirates and bolstering the midfield and defence departments, respectively.

However, despite the heavy spending in recent weeks, another player has consistently been on their radar – in the form of Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze.

The latest on Arsenal’s hunt for Eze

Throughout the summer window, the 27-year-old attacking midfielder has been heavily mentioned over a move to join Arsenal, subsequently improving the options at Arteta’s disposal.

However, they face stiff competition from North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur, who have also been credited with an interest in his signature during the off-season.

Thomas Frank’s side have been in talks with the English international, with both sides looking to take advantage of the £60m valuation placed on his head by Eagles boss Oliver Glasner.

In recent days, it’s been reported that the Gunners could walk away from negotiations in the coming days, currently seeing his asking price as out of range, given the money already splashed this summer.

He’s not the only midfield star in their sights between now and the September 1st deadline, potentially seeing a move open up for a top-level European star.

Arsenal’s hunt for another midfielder this summer

Earlier on in the summer window, Arsenal were one of various Premier League sides linked with a move to land PSG youngster Warren Zaire-Emery ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

However, no deal could be reached for the Frenchman, unsurprisingly given the Ligue 1 side’s asking price, which saw a £100m price tag mooted.

He’s not the only European star who’s appeared on the Gunners’ radar as of late, with Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong also in their sights, according to one Spanish outlet.

Their report states that Arteta’s side are closely monitoring a move for the Dutch international, who only has one year remaining on his current contract with the LaLiga giants.

It also states that with no new deal yet on the horizon, the 28-year-old could be open to exploring a move this window, resulting in a £35m asking price being raised.

Why Arsenal’s latest target is a bigger talent than Eze

Missing out on Eze would be a bitter blow for the Arsenal fanbase, especially given the huge rumours linking him with a move to the club over recent months.

Their misery would undoubtedly be compounded if the player himself were to move to Spurs, which would see the Englishman certainly make Frank’s outfit a stronger one.

However, it’s important that the Gunners don’t overspend this summer and pay over-inflated transfer fees – with other serious quality available in the current market.

A deal for De Jong could provide just that, possessing years of experience of operating at the very top-level of European football – something which will be vital if the club are to reach the next level.

Whilst the pair operate in slightly different positions, the 28-year-old has proven in Spain over recent years that he is a leading talent in the box-to-box area – able to add further quality into the heart of Arteta’s side

.

His underlying stats from the 2024/25 campaign highlight the quality he would add to the first-team squad, able to have a major say on their success at either end of the pitch.

According to FBref, De Jong, who’s been labelled “world-class” by Simone Inzaghi, ranked in the 99th percentile for passes completed (94%) and 97th percentile for progressive passes (9.5).

Frenkie de Jong’s stats for Barcelona (2024/25)

Statistics (per 90)

Tally

Games played

26

Goals & assists

4

Pass accuracy

94%

Progressive passes

9.5

Shot on target accuracy

60%

Passes into final third

11.1

Carries into final third

3.1

Tackles won

1.5

Interceptions made

2.4

Stats via FBref

Such numbers could allow him to pick out the likes of Gyokeres within the final third, allowing the Swede to have a huge impact during his maiden campaign in North London.

Despite featuring in a deeper position than Eze, he has still showcased the threat he possesses in front of goal, achieving a 60% shot on target rate – putting him in the 99th percentile of all midfielders in Europe.

Out of possession, the former Ajax star has also impressed, winning 1.5 tackles per 90 and making 2.4 interceptions – able to break up the player before progressing the ball into dangerous areas.

Whilst another attacking-minded player is still high on the club’s shortlist, a deal for De Jong is one the hierarchy simply can’t pass up between now and the transfer deadline.

If he can replicate such talents in England, he would be a bargain transfer and one that can still help the club in their quest to end their two-decade wait for a top-flight title.

Related Arsenal could seal a better signing than Gyokeres & Eze in £100m sensation

Arsenal could land a better player than Eze & Gyokeres in sensational talent.

Posts ByJack Salveson Holmes Aug 16, 2025