We are just one week into the Premier League season, and Arsenal already have a significant injury setback.

News broke yesterday afternoon that, after only just recovering from his hamstring injury that ruled him out of half of last season, Kai Havertz is out with a knee problem.

It’s not clear what the specific injury is, but it looks like the German will be out of action for some time, which is not what Mikel Arteta needs with a trip to Liverpool coming up.

However, there is some good news for the Arsenal faithful, as the club are being linked with an international star who could be the manager’s next Havertz.

Arsenal target their next Havertz

It has been an interesting summer for Arsenal so far this year, as just a few weeks ago, following Viktor Gyokeres’ arrival, spirits were high.

Transfer Focus

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

However, the sentiment in the fanbase took a nosedive this morning, mainly down to the news that Eberechi Eze looked almost certain to be heading to rivals Tottenham Hotspur.

Unsurprisingly, this mood was not helped by the Havertz update, although Arsenal have acted quickly to give supporters something to look forward to with the Gunners incredibly hijacking Spurs’ bid to sign Eze, now agreeing a move themselves.

Eze hasn’t been the only Premier League attacker on the club’s radar. According to a recent report from the Sun, which has claimed Arsenal are still very interested in Morgan Rogers.

The report has revealed that the Gunners are now ‘weighing up a dramatic swoop’ for the Aston Villa star, who is valued at around £80m.

It goes on to claim that while the North Londoners were already keeping tabs on the Englishman, the injury to Havertz has only ‘increased the likelihood’ that the club will go back into the market.

It’s a lot of money to spend on one player, but Rogers is an outrageously talented player and would be more than worth it, especially as he could be Arteta’s new Havertz.

How Rogers would be Arteta's new Havertz

So, the first thing to say is that, yes, Rogers and Havertz have not played in the same position over the last couple of seasons.

However, while that is not the primary basis of this comparison, there are a few other similarities that suggest the Englishman could be Arteta’s new version of the German.

For example, while we are on the topic of positions, they both share the trait of being versatile and playing where their managers want them to.

In the case of the Villa star, he’s spent much of his time at the club moving between attacking midfield and both wings and has even spent a little bit of time up top, which might come in handy at the moment.

The former Chelsea ace, on the other hand, has primarily spent time leading the line, but was originally a left eight when he arrived in North London, and even spent some time on the right last season.

The other key similarity is that, if this transfer goes through at the price reported, it would be another massive signing from a fellow Premier League side, and one that is challenging the European places.

Finally, both players are now full internationals, and while the former Bayer Leverkusen player has far more senior caps to his name, that would be expected given the age gap.

With all that said, there is another massive reason why Arsenal should be doing all they can to sign the former Middlesbrough gem: his output.

For example, in his 54 appearances across all competitions last season, totalling 4496 minutes, the Halesowen-born “machine,” as dubbed by The Athletic’s Jacob, scored 14 goals and provided 16 assists.

Appearances

54

Minutes

4496′

Goals

14

Assists

16

Goal Involvements per Match

0.55

Minutes per Goal Involvement

149.86′

That means the often “unstoppable” midfielder, as dubbed by former Liverpool defender turned pundit Jamie Carragher, was able to average a goal involvement every 1.8 games, or every 149.86 minutes.

Having that sort of output in this team could be the difference between another second-place finish and glory.

Ultimately, even before the injury to Havertz, Arsenal should have gone all out to sign Rogers, but now we know the German will be out for some time, the club should be solely focused on bringing the Villa star to the Emirates.

Fabrizio Romano: Arsenal could move for "interesting" target in £43m star

The Gunners have a potential late-window opportunity.

1 ByEmilio Galantini Aug 20, 2025

Chelsea are now expected to make an official offer for an “elite” player imminently, and they believe a €50m (£43m) bid will be enough to get a deal over the line, according to a report.

Blues set sights on new defender after Colwill blow

After winning the Club World Cup, things were looking up for the Blues heading into the new Premier League campaign, but they have now been dealt a major blow just one week before their opening match against Crystal Palace.

Indeed, it has been revealed that Levi Colwill is set to spend the vast majority of the 2025-25 campaign on the sidelines as a result of an ACL injury.

The news will be particularly tough to take for Colwill, considering he has now established himself as a first-team regular for Enzo Maresca’s side, starting five games en-route to Club World Cup glory.

However, it is clear the Blues are now eager to bring in a replacement for the 22-year-old, and they are looking to move swiftly, with a report from Spain revealing they are expected to make an offer for Barcelona’s Ronald Araujo imminently.

Chelsea believe that a €50m (£43m) bid would be enough to tempt the La Liga champions into a sale, and an official proposal is now in the works, but there could be competition from some rival Premier League clubs.

£70m player tells Chelsea he wants to leave, agents have made it clear

He’s eyeing a summer exit from Stamford Bridge.

By
Emilio Galantini

Aug 9, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool and Manchester United are also named as potential suitors, with Spurs viewing Araujo as a key target, given that they value his leadership qualities and versatility.

"Elite" Araujo could be ideal Colwill replacement

Losing Colwill one week before the Premier League season is set to begin is far from ideal, but it is a good sign that Chelsea are being proactive in the transfer market to find a replacement, and the Barcelona defender could be ideal.

Lauded as “elite” by journalist Raj Chohan, the Uruguayan has proven himself at the top level over a sustained period, making 175 appearances for Barcelona, and the centre-back has continued to impress over the past year.

The Uruguay international ranks in the top 2% for aerials won per 90 over the past year, when compared to other centre-backs, and his passing ability could make him the perfect fit in a Maresca system.

Statistic	Average per 90
Passes attempted	77.74% (93rd percentile)
Pass completion %	91.8% (88th percentile)

The only concern over the signing of the 26-year-old will be the fact he has struggled injury-wise over the past few campaigns, missing large parts of the 2024-25 campaign.

Season	Games missed due to injury
2022-23	23
2023-24	8
2024-25	31

That said, Araujo is a proven centre-back at the top level, so it could be a risk worth taking for Chelsea, who urgently need to sign a centre-back.

AC Milan secured their second win of the Serie A season after a narrow 1-0 victory over Bologna. Mexican striker Santiago Giménez has yet to find the net for the Rossoneri, but head coach Massimiliano Allegri highlighted the forward’s contribution beyond goals. Milan now sit fifth on the Serie A table with six points.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Still goalless, but contributing in other ways

  Mexico international Santiago Giménez remains without a goal in the 2025-26 Serie A season, extending his drought to five matches after hitting the post on a one-on-one chance against Bologna.

  Despite the dry spell, Massimiliano Allegri highlighted the 23-year-old’s overall impact, calling it his strongest outing since joining Milan.

  “Santiago ran tirelessly, pressed high, and worked very hard. He missed two good chances, but he reached them because of his effort. I’m very pleased – it was his best game since I’ve been in charge,” Allegri told DAZN.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Allegri shows faith in Santi

  Cameras caught the coach embracing Giménez after substituting him. Since Allegri's arrival, the striker has started all three games for the Rossoneri.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Chasing European qualification

  The victory keeps Milan in the race for qualifying for European competition next season. Allegri admitted the objective remains a return to the Champions League, though he urged caution.

  “Our goal is to get back into the Champions League. It’s not easy, and we can’t get carried away, but I think we’re doing very well. Winning while keeping a clean sheet for the second match in a row was important. The team stayed compact in difficult moments, and that’s when we cannot fall apart,” Allegri said. 

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  WHAT NEXT FOR AC MILAN?

  AC Milan will visit Udinese next Saturday in Serie A action.

U.S. international Max Arfsten has reportedly extended his contract with MLS side Columbus Crew, ending speculation over the near future for the wingback. Arfsten was linked with a move away from Columbus, with Middlesbrough reportedly being the most interested club. Now the Crew secure a player whose stock is rising under USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino.

• Getty Images
  

  Staying in Ohio

  An invaluable member of the Crew, Arfsten has also become a rising player in the USMNT setup. He received his first cap under Pochettino in January and played in 12 matches overall in 2025. 

  The Crew reportedly ensured that they'll retain a homegrown player who has a good chance of making next year's World Cup roster. Arfsten is also in the midst of another banner year for the club, having four goals and six assists in 26 games.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  A growing trend

  The U.S. Gold Cup roster featured 15 MLS players, reflecting a growing trend of U.S. internationals choosing to extend their futures in the league or return after stints abroad. 

  Goalkeeper Matt Turner rejoined the New England Revolution on loan, while Paxten Aaronson signed with the Colorado Rapids after a season at Utrecht. Homegrown talents such as Matt Freese and now Max Arfsten have also opted for new deals with their MLS clubs instead of testing the waters in Europe.

• Growing USMNT influence

  According to U.S. Soccer Players, there are 86 players with at least one U.S. cap in MLS. 

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  Big matches ahead for the Crew

  The Crew, uncharacteristically, find themselves scrapping to stay in the playoff chase after being one of the Eastern Conference's perennial contenders under manager Wilfried Nancy. They sit eighth in the conference and have a pivotal match against No. 9 team, the Chicago Fire, on Saturday. 

India batter backs the next generation to carry forward the strong performances in ICC tournaments

ESPNcricinfo staff09-Mar-2025Virat Kohli believes India have a squad “ready to take on the world” for the next eight years, following their victory in the Champions Trophy final against New Zealand in Dubai.”When you leave, you want to leave the team in a better place, I feel we’ve a squad that’s ready to take on the world for the next eight years,” Kohli said on the broadcast after the game. “Shubman [Gill] has been outstanding, Shreyas [Iyer] beautiful, KL [Rahul] has finished games, and Hardik [Pandya] has been superb with the bat.”Kohli said the Champions Trophy triumph somewhat made up for India’s Test series loss in Australia. “It’s been amazing. We wanted to bounce back after a tough Australian tour, and wanted to win a big tournament, and we ended up doing that. So it’s an amazing feeling.”Related

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Standing beside Gill during the celebrations, Kohli was asked for his thoughts on leaving the dressing room a better place when he eventually finishes up. “There’s so much talent in the dressing room,” he said. “They’re trying to take their game further and we [seniors] are just happy to be of help, sharing our experience and that’s what makes this Indian team so strong.”These are the things you want to play for [titles], playing under pressure and putting your hand up. The whole team, everyone has put their hands up sometimes or other during the course of the tournament. Everyone has put up impactful performances, we’ve been part of an amazing team, the amount of work we’ve done in the practice sessions, it feels great.”Kohli had words of appreciation for New Zealand. “Amazing, we’ve always been in awe with what they can do with the limited number of players they have had over the years, and just maximise their talent,” he said. “Every time we played against them in big games, we knew they were going to come with a set plan. No team in world cricket executes plans as well as they do.”Every fielder knows where the bowler is going to bowl, you can sense it, they’re all attacking the ball, they know the bowler is going to be accurate. Credit to them for being the most consistent team in the last few tournaments. The reason for that is the immense belief in their skills, and the amount of talent they have they utilise that to the maximum.”They’re easily the best fielding side in the world, a huge shout-out to them. They continue to display why they are one of the top teams in the world. Again, a great campaign. It’s sad to see a very good friend [Kane Williamson] on the losing side, but I’ve been on the losing side a couple of times when he has been on the winning side, so only love between us.”

Heading into this transfer window, Manchester United had two main objectives: bringing in new players who could elevate the squad and remove those who Ruben Amorim deemed surplus to requirements.

The club has had mixed success with this. In terms of incomings, they filled target positions with the high-profile signings of Slovenian striker Benjamin Sesko and Premier League-proven duo Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo. In terms of outgoings, the club hasn’t been quite as successful.

Excluding players whose contracts have expired, the only major departure has been Marcus Rashford to Barcelona, but that is only a loan deal with an option to buy. United may face a repeat of the situation they had with the Jadon Sancho to Chelsea loan deal, where they had hoped he would join the London club permanently, but he ended up back at Old Trafford at the season’s end.

While there is still time left in the transfer window, the club are attempting to move on several more players, and they are currently engaging in negotiations with one club to sign two United players.

Roma want Malacia Sancho double deal

After previously having difficulty finding suitors for him, Manchester United are now receiving concrete interest for Tyrell Malacia. United spent £12.9 million on Malacia in 2022, and since then, he has been forced to miss 500 days and 70 of United’s matches through injury.

When Malacia was first available for Amorim after his injury, the manager expressed that he was “really happy with him”, but all parties now appear to want to part ways.

Fabrizio Romano has reported that during AS Roma’s talks with United about signing Sancho, they have now also inquired about the possibility of signing the Dutch left-back.

Currently, the club-to-club negotiations appear to be further along with Sancho, as United have had a bid from Serie A giants Roma, whereas the personal side of things is further along with Malacia, as the 26-year-old is reportedly keen on the move to Italy, whereas there’s currently no word on Sancho’s stance.

Malacia had spent the back half of last season on loan at PSV, and the Dutch side had the opportunity to activate a buy option worth £8.5 million, but they declined to do so.

Amorim's new left-back plan

United’s left-back situation has been an issue for several years. Luke Shaw has been the primary left back when fit, but rotation options such as Malacia and Alex Telles have failed to impress. Due to a long-term injury to Shaw last season, Diogo Dalot played large portions of the season at left back, despite him preferring the right-hand side.

The signing of Patrick Dorgu in January and the promotion of Harry Amass to the first team were the first stages of United’s new left-back plan. This season is likely to see Shaw play as one of the three centre-backs, as he won’t need to make explosive overlapping runs as often, and it should allow him to maintain a better level of fitness.

Amorim likes to employ wing-backs that operate along the breadth of the touchline, and given his pace, defensive attributes and passing ability, Dorgu will likely be the first choice left back for the season.

Rotating with him will either be Amass, who may go out on loan to Sheffield Wednesday, or new signing Diego Leon, who the club had planned to loan out before he impressed staff with his preseason performances and attitude.

Henriques takes 2 for 31 and makes 71 not out while Dwarshuis bags 4 for 39 as NSW move to the top of the One-Day Cup table after a seven-wicket bonus point win over Tasmania

AAP and ESPNCricinfo staff05-Feb-2025

Moises Henriques took 2 for 31 and made 71 not out off 83 balls•Getty Images

New South Wales secured an important One-Day Cup bonus point as Moises Henriques guided his side to a commanding seven-wicket win over Tasmania in Launceston.Chasing 206 for victory, the visitors always looked in control on Wednesday as Henriques delivered an unbeaten 71 from 83 balls. They reached 209 for 3 in just 38.3 overs, locking in the additional point that put them on top of the table with two regular-season matches left to play.Matthew Gilkes (46 off 63) and Oliver Davies (40 not out off 36) also delivered with the bat for the Blues. Davies produced a highlight when he smashed Aidan O’Connor over the UTAS Stadium roof.Josh Philippe set the tone for the NSW run chase, belting six boundaries in his 30 off 22 deliveries. He looked in fine touch before attempting to leave a rising Gabe Bell delivery that cannoned off his elbow and back down onto the stumps. Bell took 3 for 29 from 10 overs while the rest of the attack went wicketless while copping a battering from the Blues batters.Henriques’ composed knock included five fours and two sixes, and came after he earlier removed both Tasmania openers and finished with bowling figures of 2 for 31 from eight overs to help NSW bowl out Tasmania for 205 after NSW sent the hosts in to bat.Ben Dwarshuis also shone with the ball, claiming 4 for 39 from 8.1 overs including key middle-order wickets that slowed Tasmania’s progress.Caleb Jewell (37 off 42) and Jake Doran (34 off 62) were among the five batters who got starts for Tasmania, but none went on with the job.NSW quick Liam Hatcher provided a comical moment in the field when he fumbled a regulation catch at deep square-leg, stuck out a right boot to keep the ball alive and kicked it back up into his hand.The schoolyard hacky sack-style move was followed by a clumsy somersault after Hatcher had grasped the catch, which removed Raf MacMillan off Dwarshuis’ bowling, and was greeted by laughter from teammates.Both sides are back in One-Day Cup action on Thursday next week, with NSW taking on Queensland in Brisbane and Tasmania hosting Victoria in Hobart.

Despite a lack of recent success, Tottenham Hotspur have splashed the cash in recent years, bringing in a number of players for £30m or more.

Numerous managers have been backed in the transfer market, with a plethora of stars being attracted to the project on offer in north London. But who is Spurs’ record arrival? We’ve taken a look at Tottenham’s 10 most expensive signings.

Rank

Player

Fee

Signed from

Year

Dominic Solanke

£65m

Bournemouth

2024

Tanguy Ndombele

£62.8m

Lyon

2019

Richarlison

£60m

Everton

2022

Mohammed Kudus

£55m

West Ham

2025

Xavi Simons

£52m

RB Leipzig

2025

Brennan Johnson

£47.5m

Nottingham Forest

2023

Micky van de Ven

£43m

Wolfsburg

2023

Cristian Romero

£42.5m

Atalanta

2021

Davinson Sanchez

£42m

Ajax

2017

Archie Gray

£40m

Leeds United

2024

Pedro Porro

£40m

Sporting CP

2023

James Maddison

£40m

Leicester

2023

Mathys Tel

£30m

Bayern Munich

2025

Moussa Sissoko

£30m

Newcastle

2016

Sergio Reguilon

£27.5m

Real Madrid

2020

Giovani Lo Celso

£27.2m

Real Betis

2020

Steven Bergwijn

£26m

Ajax

2022

Roberto Soldado

£26m

Valencia

2013

Erik Lamela

£25.8m

Roma

2013

Dejan Kulusevski

£25.6m

Juventus

2023

Here’s a detailed look at Tottenham’s 10 most expensive signings… 10 Archie Gray £40m from Leeds United

Archie Gray appears to be a star in the making which resulted in Ange Postecoglou and Spurs spending big on his services from Leeds United in 2024.

As part of a deal for the youngster, Leeds signed Joe Rodon, but it looks as if a total package for Gray cost up to £40m.

9 Davinson Sanchez £42m from Ajax

Centre-back Davinson Sanchez was a club-record signing when he arrived from Ajax for £42m in 2017.

Mauricio Pochettino was the man in charge when Sanchez moved to England and the Colombia international made more than 200 appearances for the club before leaving for Galatasaray in 2023.

8 Cristian Romero £42.5m from Atalanta

Another defender who cost Spurs big money is Cristian Romero, who arrived from Atalanta in 2021.

The Argentinian has shone for club and country, winning the Copa America and being voted Serie A’s best defender, which prompted Tottenham to spend £42.5m.

Daniel Levy may well have overseen things, but it was perhaps the best thing Nuno Espirito Santo did for the club during his short spell in charge.

7 Micky van de Ven £43m from Wolfsburg

Centre-back Micky van de Ven, who made the move to north London in 2023, signed from Wolfsburg for just under an initial £35m, with the total fee potentially rising to £43m.

He quickly impressed in the Premier League with his pace and power at the back, and all going well, Van de Ven will at least be with Spurs until 2029.

6 Brennan Johnson £47.5m from Nottingham Forest

A deadline day signing in September 2023, Brennan Johnson cost Tottenham £47.5m from Nottingham Forest.

The Wales international, capable of playing anywhere across the front three, signed a contract through to 2028 and will be hoping to repay that fee over the coming years.

5 Xavi Simons £52m from RB Leipzig

After missing out on Eberechi Eze to rivals Arsenal, Spurs then moved to hijack Chelsea’s deal for Xavi Simons in the summer of 2025.

The Dutch attacker signed a five-year deal at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and took the number 7 shirt after Heung-min Son left for the USA.

4 Mohammed Kudus £55m from West Ham

Another marquee arrival following Spurs’ Europa League triumph in 2025 was Mohammed Kudus.

Signed from London rivals West Ham, Tottenham forked out £55m for the Ghanaian winger and handed him a six-year deal on £150,000-a-week.

3 Richarlison £60m from Everton

After eye-catching spells in England with Watford and Everton, Tottenham decided to spend an initial £50m on Richarlison in 2022, with his transfer potentially totalling £60m including add-ons.

The Brazilian’s first season was a struggle, scoring just once in 27 Premier League games. However, he has shown glimpses of brilliance in north London and is under contract until 2027.

2 Tanguy Ndombele £62.8m from Lyon

Midfielder Tanguy Ndombele became Tottenham’s record signing when he joined in 2019, but his move from Lyon didn’t work out.

Signed by Mauricio Pochettino just months before the Argentinian manager was sacked, it proved to be a poor misjudgement from the Spurs boss.

The Frenchman signed a six-year contract and cost a whopping £55m, while his deal could have reached £62.8m with add-ons. However, after making 91 appearances and struggling in England, Ndombele had his contract terminated in 2024.

1 Dominic Solanke £65m from Bournemouth

Tottenham’s record signing is striker Dominic Solanke, who arrived from Bournemouth in the summer of 2024.

The former Chelsea and Liverpool attacker could end up costing £65m with add-ons, with Solanke under contract until 2030.

حقق منتخب المغرب تحت 20 عامًا، تأهلًا تاريخيًا إلى دور نصف النهائي من بطولة كأس العالم للشباب بتشيلي، بعد الفوز على أمريكا، في المباراة التي أقيمت بينهما، مساء الأحد.

والتقى منتخب المغرب مع أمريكا، في إطار مواجهات دور ربع النهائي من منافسات بطولة كأس العالم تحت 20 عامًا.

واستطاع منتخب المغرب أن يحقق الفوز على أمريكا، بثلاثة أهداف مقابل هدف، ليتأهل إلى دور نصف النهائي من مونديال الشباب.

وكان منتخب المغرب تقدم بالهدف الأول عن طريق فؤاد زهواني في الدقيقة 31، وتعادل منتخب أمريكا في الدقيقة 45+6 من نهاية الشوط الأول بهدف سجله لاعبه كول كامبل من ركلة جزاء.

طالع | موتسيبي يوضح موقف كاف من سحب تنظيم كأس أمم إفريقيا من المغرب

وعاد منتخب المغرب ليسجل هدفه الثاني أمام الولايات المتحدة، عن طريق مدافع المنتخب الأمريكي جوشوا ويندر بالخطأ في مرماه.

واختتم منتخب المغرب الثلاثية، عن طريق اللاعب جسيم ياسين في الدقيقة 87، لتنتهي المباراة بتأهل تاريخي ومستحق لـ أسود الأطلس، كما فعلوا الكبار في نسخة كأس العالم 2022 بقطر، عندما تأهلوا إلى نصف النهائي ومن ثم تحقيق المركز الرابع في البطولة. أهداف مباراة المغرب وأمريكا اليوم في كأس العالم للشباب

وبهذا الفوز، ينتظر منتخب المغرب الفائز من مواجهة فرنسا والنرويج، لمواجهته في الدور قبل النهائي من بطولة كأس العالم للشباب.

منتخب المغرب كان قد تأهل إلى دور ربع النهائي، بعد تصدر مجموعته برصيد 6 نقاط، متفوقًا على البرازيل وإسبانيا والمكسيك، وفي مباراة دور الـ16 استطاع الفوز على كوريا الجنوبية 2-1.

With Alexander Isak’s future still unresolved, Newcastle United are preparing for life without their Swedish talisman.

The drawn-out saga has left Eddie Howe’s side in urgent need of a solution, and Isak has made it clear he has no intention of reintegrating with the squad if a move fails to materialise before the transfer window closes.

That leaves Newcastle facing a race against time, especially with their opening Premier League fixture against Aston Villa fast approaching and a Champions League campaign on the horizon.

Their summer business so far has bolstered other areas – Anthony Elanga has arrived from Nottingham Forest, Malick Thiaw from AC Milan, and Aaron Ramsdale from Southampton on loan – while a £40m deal for Aston Villa midfielder Jacob Ramsey is close.

Yet Howe has admitted concern over numbers in midfield after Sean Longstaff’s sale to Leeds United and Joe Willock’s pre-season injury, and the need for a commanding presence up front is now just as pressing.

Boom Boom Shake the Room: Newcastle identify new leading target

Alternative options such as Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins and Porto’s Samu Aghehowa have been discussed, but Newcastle appear to have settled on one standout name.

A forward whose profile draws inevitable comparisons to one of the club’s most popular modern strikers.

Transfer Focus

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

According to reports on the continent, Newcastle have identified Jean-Philippe Mateta as their top target should Isak depart.

Owing to this interest and Mateta’s rising stock, Palace have set an asking price of around £40m to let the “goal-scoring machine” go.

Standing at 1.92m, the 28-year-old France international offers a physical profile ideally suited to the Premier League.

He arrives in the box with purpose, relishes aerial duels, and can occupy defenders in a way that opens space for those around him.

His record last season – 14 goals and two assists in 37 Premier League appearances – reflects his consistency across the campaign, with sharp finishing complemented by link-up play.

For Newcastle, his combination of goals, presence, and experience at the top level makes him the kind of striker who can instantly adapt – crucial for a side that cannot afford a bedding-in period so close to the start of the season.

Shades of Salomón Rondón

It’s impossible to discuss Mateta’s potential arrival without drawing parallels to Salomón Rondón, who arrived at St James’ Park on loan from West Brom in 2018 at the same age and in similar circumstances.

Like Mateta, Rondón was a big, strong centre-forward who led the line with a mixture of power, tenacity, and underrated technical ability.

Appearances

130

167

Goals

38

36

Assists

9

15

Rondón’s lone season under Rafa Benítez remains one of the most fondly remembered campaigns by Newcastle fans in recent years.

He scored 11 goals in 32 league appearances, won 146 of his 380 aerial duels, and made himself a constant outlet for long balls and crosses.

His hold-up play brought others into the game, and his partnership with Ayoze Pérez was a driving force behind Newcastle’s survival.

A threat from set pieces and a defensive presence when called upon, making 38 clearances from such situations.

His creative contribution was notable too, registering six assists and often providing the final ball after holding off multiple defenders.

That all-round impact saw him named Newcastle’s Player of the Year in 2019, the first forward to win the award since Alan Shearer in 2003.

Mateta offers a similar skill set.

According to FBref, he ranks in the 72nd percentile for progressive carries per 90 (1.53), 77th percentile for non-penalty expected goals per shot (0.18), and 68th percentile for passes into the final third (1.16).

Perhaps most impressively, he sits in the 94th percentile for successful take-ons that lead directly to a goal (0.10 per 90), showing that for all his physical strength, he also has the technical skill to beat his man and create decisive moments.

While Rondón thrived on Benítez’s structured approach, Mateta could benefit from Howe’s quicker, more transition-heavy style.

Using his frame to win duels high up the pitch and his mobility to get on the end of cutbacks from the likes of Gordon and Elanga.

The timing is another echo of 2018. Back then, Newcastle needed a ready-made forward to slot in and deliver instantly.

Now, with Isak seemingly determined to dig his heels in and the season about to begin, the requirement is just as urgent.

Mateta’s experience in the Premier League means he could hit the ground running, avoiding the adaptation period often needed for strikers arriving from abroad.

At £40m, he would be a significant investment, but one that could pay immediate dividends in goals and physical presence.

For a club aiming to compete on multiple fronts, having a striker who can shoulder the attacking burden could make all the difference.

If Howe does get his man, Newcastle supporters might once again find themselves cheering for a number nine whose blend of goals and graft embodies the club’s fighting spirit.

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