It’s been an interesting summer for Arsenal so far this year.

Off the pitch, things have gone about as well as fans could have expected, with Jurrien Timber and Gabriel Magalhães back from their injuries and Andrea Berta making several sensational signings.

For example, the additions of Noni Madueke, Christian Norgaard and Cristhian Mosquera have massively improved the depth of Mikel Arteta’s squad, while Martin Zubimendi and Viktor Gyokeres have the potential to be transformational in the starting lineup.

However, with two losses on the bounce, the action on the pitch has been less encouraging, and particularly against Villarreal, the team struggled to get the most out of the Swedish marksmen.

Fortunately, the club could help solve this problem by going back in for a Premier League star they’ve been linked with earlier in the window, someone who’d get Gyokeres firing right away.

Transfer Focus

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

Arsenal need to get the most out of Gyokeres

It’s not hard to understand why Arsenal decided to spend around £63.5m on Gyokeres this summer, as last season saw them score 17 goals fewer than Liverpool in the league, and the former Sporting CP star is a lean, mean goalscoring machine.

For example, in just 52 appearances for the Portuguese side last season, totalling 4248 minutes, the Stockholm-born “powerhouse,” as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, found the back of the net a staggering 54 times, and provided 13 assists to boot.

That means the 27-year-old superstar averaged 1.28 goal involvements every game, or one every 63.40 minutes, which is nothing short of miraculous.

Yet, while he certainly wasn’t bad against Villarreal yesterday evening, fans weren’t able to see him open his account, nor did he look particularly dangerous either.

However, we wouldn’t blame him for that, as he managed to keep the one shot he took on target, was successful in 100% of his dribbles, and wasn’t credited for missing any big chances.

Minutes

63′

Shots on Target

1

Shots Blocked

1

Dribbles (Successful)

2 (2)

Touches

14

Ground Duels (Won)

4 (3)

Was Fouled

1

Clearances

1

Instead, the problem lay more with his teammates, as neither Ethan Nwaneri nor Martin Odegaard created a single big chance for him from the midfield, and only two were created from the rest of the squad.

In short, Arteta needs the rest of his team to create more chances for Gyokeres, and while that might happen during the season, the club could make it more of a sure thing by signing someone they’ve already been linked with this summer: Morgan Rogers.

How Rogers could get Gyokeres firing

Yes, while he might not be a player too heavily linked with Arsenal at this moment in time, Rogers was touted for a move to the Emirates several times earlier this summer.

While it would likely be a complicated transfer to get over the line, and a very expensive one at that – some reports have priced him at £100m – it would be one worth fighting for, not only for the Englishman’s own ability, but the impact he could have on Gyokeres as well.

The first and most crucial reason he’d be able to get the Swede firing is down to his impressive output.

Appearances

54

Minutes

4496′

Goals

14

Assists

15

Goal Involvements per Match

0.53

Minutes per Goal Involvement

155.03′

For example, in 54 appearances last season, totalling 4496 minutes, the Halesowen-born “machine,” as dubbed by The Athletic’s Jacob, managed to score 14 goals and provided 15 assists for good measure.

That means the often “unstoppable” 23-year-old, as dubbed by former Liverpool defender turned pundit Jamie Carragher, maintained a goal involvement every 1.86 games, or every 155.03 minutes, which is a supremely impressive effort, only made more so by the fact he played against sides like Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich and Juventus in the Champions League.

Now, just imagine how devastatingly effective the former Sporting marksman could be next season, playing ahead of, or alongside, someone as dangerous as the Villa ace.

Moreover, FBref ranked the England international in the top 3% of attacking midfielders and wingers in the Premier League last season for long pass completion and the top 7% for through balls, per 90.

These metrics are particularly important and suggest he would be an especially useful teammate for the former Coventry City star, as the goalscoring monster spends most of his time in and around the penalty area, and takes almost all of his shots there as well, meaning he needs his teammates to feed him the ball.

Ultimately, it would be an expensive and ambitious transfer to pull off, but due to his ability and the impact he could have on Gyokeres, Arsenal should do what they can to sign Rogers this summer.

A dream for Saka: Arsenal plot move to sign "world-class" £43m sensation

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ByJack Salveson Holmes Aug 6, 2025

Captain Alyssa Healy is still with the squad but her team is sweating on her fitness too

Valkerie Baynes13-Oct-2024

Tayla Vlaeminck was injured on the fourth ball on her T20 World Cup return•ICC/Getty Images

Australia quick Tayla Vlaeminck will miss the remainder of the women’s T20 World Cup after she was injured during their previous group-stage game, against Pakistan on Friday. She has been replaced in the squad by Heather Graham.Alyssa Healy, Australia’s captain, is still with the squad but her team is sweating on her fitness too, after she suffered a right-foot injury while batting in the same match.Healy was ruled out of Australia’s final group-stage game against India in Sharjah on Sunday and will continue to be assessed over the coming days. Tahlia McGrath was set to captain Australia against India in Healy’s absence, with Ellyse Perry acting as vice-captain.Vlaeminck dislocated her right – bowling – shoulder while trying to stop a boundary in the first over of the match in Dubai. Running back from short third to cut off a shot from Muneeba Ali, Vlaeminck slid but her knee got stuck in the turf as she reached for the ball and flicked it back before tumbling over the rope, crying out and clutching at her shoulder as she did so.She had come into the side for the big-hitting Grace Harris, adding pace in what Healy described as an “impact for impact” swap in Australia’s first match of the tournament at the ground, having opened their campaign with wins against Sri Lanka and New Zealand on a slower pitch in Sharjah.It was Vlaeminck’s first World Cup match since 2018 and the second in a career punctuated by serious injuries – including two ACL injuries, a twice-dislocated left shoulder, and stress fractures to her foot.Healy and Vlaeminck both underwent scans on their respective injuries on Saturday.Graham, a right-arm seam bowler, has played five T20Is and one ODI with career-best figures of 4 for 8 in the shortest format during Australia’s tour of India in 2022.While available for selection against India, Graham was not included in the playing XI.

Andre Onana has been torn apart on social media after the Manchester United flop cheaply gave away a goal in Cameroon's 1-0 loss to Cape Verde.

Cameroon lose to Cape VerdeOnana meekly concedes goalMan Utd keeper slammed onlineFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Cameroon fell to a surprise World Cup qualifying loss thanks to Dailon Livramento's solo effort. The 24-year-old raced through on goal but instead of closing him down, Onana was beaten all too easily on Tuesday. That led some to brand him the "worst goalkeeper alive" on X.

AdvertisementWHAT THE FANS ARE SAYING

@jboy2442 wrote on the social media platform, "Onana is truly the worst goalkeeper alive. The goal he just conceded for Cameroon is so bad. He doesn’t come off his line and close the angle; he stays in goal until the striker is 2 feet away."

@NaijaBallBoy tweeted, "To me, this speaks of a serious decline in self-confidence. That dive was utterly reactive and had no intent in it beyond 'just getting down'. It would've been smarter to come off his line to close the striker down as much as he could once the last man was beaten."

@cfc_danielss commented, "Sometimes I don't know what's happening to Onana, just come out of your line to narrow the post a bit. This is basic goalkeeping techniques na ha."

@Ben_jiSam put, "Onana socks gimmick after conceding kills me every time," and @Ed_theRed0 mused, "Even a semi-pro keeper will charge at the striker in this situation, this guy just stood there like it was a penalty."

Finally, @OgunodeOluwafe1 quipped, "Water is wet, Onana pulling his socks after conceding a goal."

AFPTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Two years on from Onana swapping Inter for United, one of the biggest clubs in the world, the 29-year-old's career is looking far less rosy. He is surplus to requirements at United after the arrival of Senne Lammens and is set to join Trabzonspor on loan. It seems the Cameroon international is suffering something of a confidence crisis.

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WHAT NEXT?

Onana looks set to join the Turkish team before the Super Lig's transfer window shuts on Thursday. He will hope he can recapture the form that led United to fork out £47.2 million ($64m) for his signature more than two years ago.

Manchester United full-back Patrick Dorgu admitted that he was shocked to see compatriot Rasmus Hojlund leave the club this summer. The Danish forward left for Napoli on loan on the deadline day after being deemed surplus to Ruben Amorim's needs. The loan deal also gives Napoli a chance to sign the striker permanently next summer for a fee of €44 million (£38m/$51m).

• Dorgu was shocked to see Hojlund leave United
• Joined Napoli on a loan deal on deadline day
• Hojlund fell out of favour under Amorim

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• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The writing was on the wall for Hojlund once United spent heavily to reinforce their attack this summer, including the big-money signing of Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig. Once Sesko was signed, it was clear that Amorim would make the Slovenian his first-choice No.9 and Hojlund would fall in the pecking order. 

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  However, despite Sesko's arrival, Hojlund was determined to compete and fight for his place in the team. He was reluctant to move out of Old Trafford, but finally completed the deadline-day loan move. The Denmark international's departure came as a surprise to his compatriot Patrick Dorgu, who joined the club in January.

• WHAT DORGU SAID

  Speaking to , Dorgu said: "That's how it is in football. You never know when it's your turn to move on. We knew it would happen to Christian, but it was perhaps a bigger shock that Rasmus had to move on. I talked to him a lot during the process and could sense which way it was going. Hopefully, we will now see each other every time on the national team.

  "I have been very happy to be team-mates with Christian and Rasmus. It was a big plus for me that they were at the club when I joined. That way it was easier to become part of the squad. But it was in no way decisive for my choice of Manchester United. I was thinking much more about the coach’s plans and ideas with me when I had to make the decision."

  He added, "I travelled alone to Italy when I was 17. I am also alone in Manchester and I am fine that way. You become incredibly strong mentally when you travel alone so early, because you have to make a lot of decisions. I am sure that mental strength has also helped me on the pitch."

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• AFP
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR HOJLUND?

  Hojlund and Dorgu are currently with the Denmark national team and will be next seen in action on September 8.

The Thomas Frank era got off to an agonising start as Tottenham Hotspur fell short against Paris Saint-Germain on penalties, but there was much to admire from a spirited and, for the most part, organised north London outfit.

There was a lot to like, but Spurs fell short against the continent’s finest outfit, who clambered back from a two-goal deficit in the late stages. Lots to like, but work to be done, with the need for an attacking midfielder accentuated by the loss.

James Maddison’s injury is a tough one to take. Certainly, the Three Lions playmaker has been left stricken given the promising nature of Tottenham’s season ahead, with the World Cup then on the horizon across the pond.

Looking at the situation through a pragmatic lens, Spurs’ need for an attacking midfielder has been heightened. Dejan Kulusevski is still recovering from a patella injury, and the controversial failed bid for Morgan Gibbs-White preceded Maddison’s return to the infirmary.

With Heung-min Son having completed a £20m transfer to LAFC in the United States, signing Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze feels like something of a no-brainer, with that deal in the works. Well, insofar as Tottenham must remain apace with Arsenal in the battle.

But though Frank’s side showed great promise against PSG on Wednesday night, it’s clear that the club are calling out for more than just the arrival of a Maddison replacement, with a deal for Manchester City’s Savinho being chased too.

The latest on Savinho to Spurs

With Son gone and Eze operating frequently from the middle, thrusting forward with electric strides, completing a deal for Savinho feels important.

The Brazilian, 21, joined Pep Guardiola’s side from French club Troyes for around £31m last summer, and he registered 13 assists across 48 matches last term, albeit only scoring three times.

But there’s a lot to like, and Tottenham have opened talks for the rising talent as City pursue a deal for Real Madrid’s Rodrygo.

Savinho’s lack of bite in the final third is equalised by his snappy physicality and natural creativity. The goals will come, especially if he heads down N17 to work under Frank’s tutelage.

Savinho, who can play across both flanks, would be a fantastic addition, but with Man City holding out for a £67m fee, Daniel Levy and his coterie appear to have earmarked an exciting alternative.

Spurs have made bid for new winger

As per Spanish sources, Tottenham have seen an offer rejected for Real Sociedad winger Takefusa Kubo, worth somewhere in the region of €40m (equating to £34m).

Transfer Focus

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

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The sought-after Japan international believes Sociedad’s ambitions do not match his own, with Spurs hoping to entice him over to London, offering the promise of Champions League.

Daniel Levy will be keenly aware of rival English interest: Bournemouth, Everton, and West Ham have all placed bids of their own, and AC Milan are now emerging as suitors too.

With such thick competition for Spurs’ Savinho alternative, Kubo’s outfit want his €60m (£51m) release clause paid in full.

What Takefusa Kubo would bring to Spurs

Savinho has proven that he has what it takes to impress in the Premier League, with Manchester City expert Steven McInerney remarking that he’s “on the precipice of being a world-class footballer.”

However, £67m is a tall order for a young winger who only scored one league goal for one of the most dangerous attacking outfits in the world last season, and Kubo could be an exciting alternative who might even prove the better pick.

A high-speed and nimble winger, Kubo is typically housed on the right flank, though like Savinho, his dynamism lends itself to roles across the frontline.

And his desire to leave Real Sociedad bespeaks his ambition. Despite maintaining a steady creative presence for the Basque side last year, he was let down by his teammates, finishing 11th in the league and creating only 42.5 xG (expected goals), via FBref.

In spite of this, Kubo, who has been described as a “special talent” by journalist John Bunting, enjoyed a promising individual campaign.

League Stats 24/25 – Kubo vs Savinho

Stats (*per game)

Kubo

Savinho

Matches (starts)

36 (27)

29 (21)

Goals

5

1

Assists

0

8

Shots (on target)

1.2 (0.4)

1.9 (0.7)

Big chances missed

2

6

Accurate passes

18.4 (77%)

23.0 (87%)

Big chances created

9

11

Key passes*

1.3

1.6

Dribbles*

2.1

1.8

Tackles + interceptions*

1.4

1.0

Duels (won)*

5.3

3.6

Data via Sofascore

Like Savinho, Kubo hasn’t established himself as a free-scoring wide forward yet, but there’s no question that he’s the more clinical of the two.

The Japanese’s flaw in the final third is that he doesn’t work himself into space with enough regularity, instead hugging the touchline and creating for his teammates.

Savinho does this too, of course, and it’s worth drawing attention to the fact that Kubo failed to register even one assist in La Liga last year. However, his underlying playmaking numbers suggest that he has what it takes to enrich Tottenham’s attacking fluency and build-up play.

Ultimately, Frank’s proven record with wingers, taking talented players and fashioning them into stars, suggests that both Savinho and Kubo could go from strength to strength under his leadership.

But, in all likelihood, Tottenham can only sign one. And if that is indeed the case, Kubo has the skill set and the hunger to prove himself at the highest level, having only featured eight times in the Champions League and having yet to reach the potential that was recognised from an early age.

Spurs’ initial offer suggests their interest is genuine, and if Man City stand unwavering on their £67m valuation, he is the winger to go for.

Related Dream Maddison replacement: Spurs chasing incredible £30m Eze alternative

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Posts ByEthan Lamb Aug 13, 2025

Perth Scorchers 126 (Mooney 44, Halliday 41, Gardner 4-21) tied with Sydney Sixers 126 for 7 (Perry 67, King 3-21)
Super over Sydney Sixers 15 for 0 tied with Perth Scorchers 15 for 1Perth Scorchers edged into the WBBL finals frame with a dramatic Super Over tie against Sydney Sixers with Mikayla Hinkley hitting Ashleigh Gardner’s last ball for four to again tie scoresGardner had taken four wickets as Scorchers stumbled to 126 all out from 19.2 overs. Sixers then fell one run short of a regulation win despite Ellyse Perry’s fine 67 from 53 balls.Related

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In the initial super over, Perry smacked a six and a four as Sixers made 15 for 0 from Amy Edgar’s spin bowling. Gardner removed Beth Mooney with a sharp return catch in the reply, although replays suggested the ball may have been ground, before Hinkley provided the final drama.Both sides received one point, which lifts Scorchers (nine points) from fifth to fourth, while Sixers (eight points) remain in sixth spot.Perry starred with the bat and Gardner did likewise with the ball – she took 4 for 21 as Scorchers dramatically lost their last 9 for 31After Gardner claimed her first wicket in the second over of the innings, Beth Mooney and Brooke Halliday produced a fruitful partnership.The duo took the score to a solid 72 for 1 after 10 overs, but 23 runs later Halliday became Gardner’s second victim, ending an 85-run stand with Mooney. Halliday’s dismissal triggered the slide. Mooney followed in the next over, and from then only Sophie Devine reached double figures.Perry paced the chase, posting her half-century from 42 balls. But the skipper was caught on the long-off boundary from the bowling of Alana King in the 18th over, and the legspinner struck again next ball, trapping Maitlan Brown leg before wicket.That left Sixers needing 20 from 15 balls, and the equation was 12 runs to win from the last over delivered by Edgar, who conceded 11.Edgar was summoned to bowl the super over and Perry smashed a six and four. Gardner then conceded the same amount, with Hinkley unbeaten on 14 from four balls – three of which she hit to the boundary.