Chelsea took a not-so-subtle dig at London rivals Arsenal after the Gunners were forced to use the Blues' socks in a damning defeat on Friday night.
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Prior to the start of the 2024/25 season, Arsenal fans will have been calling out for the club to sign a new striker.
Having narrowly missed out on Premier League glory in two consecutive seasons and not bought an established centre-forward since Gabriel Jesus’ arrival in 2022, a world-class striker could have been the missing piece to finally push them over the line and secure the title.
However, Mikel Arteta once again began the campaign with the same attacking options he had in the previous season – Jesus and Kai Havertz – leaving many questioning whether this would be enough to compete again.
Come January, when Jesus was ruled out for the remainder of the year with injury, it would seem this would prompt the Gunners into action in the transfer market.
But yet again, no move materialised, despite a few half-hearted efforts. And soon after Havertz was ruled out for the rest of the season in February, the club’s title challenge has unravelled before their eyes.
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The Gunners have missed out on some top players who could’ve made all the difference in their title run-ins…
By
Dominic Lund
Feb 11, 2025
Though it may now be too late, we have listed six strikers Arsenal could have signed in January to bolster their squad.
Ollie Watkins
Starting with the striker Arsenal came closest to landing in January, the Gunners made a last-ditch attempt to sign Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins. However, their advances were swiftly rebuffed by both the club and the player himself.
According to BBC Sport, Villa rejected Arsenal’s interest, as they had – and still have – no intention of parting ways with the 29-year-old striker.
Additionally, Watkins reportedly told Villa manager Unai Emery to turn down Arsenal’s offer, as he was determined to stay at Villa Park and continue his development with the Midlands club.
Since joining Aston Villa from Brentford for an initial £28m in 2020, Watkins has been a standout performer, registering 81 goals in 201 appearances for the club. His pace, work ethic, and clinical finishing make him a formidable striker, and he would have been a strong addition to Arsenal’s squad for the second half of the season and beyond.
Unfortunately for Arsenal, despite their interest, their approach was deemed insufficient to convince both Villa and Watkins to make a move. As a result, the Gunners missed out on one of the Premier League’s most reliable strikers, who remains a key figure for Villa moving forward.
Alexander Isak
It was highly unlikely that Arsenal could have secured Alexander Isak in January, as Newcastle United made it clear that they had no intention of selling the Swedish forward. Isak has been in sensational form this season, scoring 21 goals in all competitions, including the only goal in a 1-0 win over Arsenal back in November.
Despite the low chances of a move, if Arsenal had made the right offer, it wouldn’t have been entirely impossible to land the striker.
Isak doesn’t have a release clause in his contract, but according to The Sun, Newcastle reportedly may have been willing to let him go for a staggering £160m.
Of course, Arsenal were never going to pay that figure, nor is it likely that any club ever will, but if they did, they would have acquired one of the hottest and most talented strikers in world football.
At just 25 years old, Isak would not only have been a key addition to Arsenal’s attack for many years to come, but could have been the difference-maker in firing the Gunners to their first Premier League title in over two decades.
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Barney Lane
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Matheus Cunha
Another player heavily linked with a move to the Emirates in January, Matheus Cunha has been one of the Premier League’s standout performers this season, despite playing for a struggling Wolves side.
The Brazil international has scored 13 Premier League goals this campaign, many of which have been sensational, and his overall play has been a delight to watch. Cunha has impressed with his elegant dribbling, clever movement off the ball and ability to link up seamlessly with teammates.
He was also linked with moves to Manchester United and Tottenham, but with no bid incoming, Cunha stayed put at Molineux, signing a new four-and-a-half-year contract with the club. In an interview after the deal was completed, Cunha made it clear that he had no intentions of leaving Wolves anytime soon.
“I never think about leaving, honestly,” he said. “I am so happy to be here. I hope to continue doing good things.”
However, Cunha’s new contract does include a release clause of around £60m, which can be activated in the summer. If Wolves face relegation, it’s likely that the clause will be triggered, and Arsenal won’t be the only club vying for his signature once more.
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A look at every single player who is set to become a free agent at the end of the season.
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Ben Browning
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Marcus Rashford
Marcus Rashford’s long-standing association with Manchester United came to an end in January as the English forward joined Aston Villa on loan, with the Villans holding the option to sign him permanently for £40m in the summer.
Since the move, Rashford appears to have rediscovered the kind of form that once saw him hailed as one of the best young talents in world football. Most recently, he recorded two assists in Villa’s 2-1 win over Chelsea, further highlighting his resurgence under Unai Emery.
However, it could have been Arsenal reaping the rewards of Rashford’s revival rather than Villa.
According to Sky Italia journalist Massimo Marianella, the Gunners did indeed hold discussions with Manchester United about signing Rashford before he joined Villa. Despite these talks, Mikel Arteta ultimately decided against pursuing a deal for the 27-year-old.
In hindsight, that decision now looks questionable, particularly given Rashford’s impressive start to life at Villa Park. As the forward regains his form and confidence, Arsenal fans must be wondering if they missed a golden opportunity to bring a player of his calibre to the Emirates.
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Ross Kilvington
Jan 17, 2025
Jonathan David
Jonathan David has long been a target for Arsenal, thanks to his impressive performances in Ligue 1 and Europe for Lille.
Since joining the French side in 2020, the Canadian striker has made an undeniable impact, scoring 104 goals and providing 27 assists in 219 appearances and winning Ligue 1 in 2020/21.
This season alone, he has notched up 20 goals and 9 assists in just 36 games, proving to be one of the most lethal forwards in Europe.
According to the Mail, Arsenal explored the possibility of signing David in January, but despite reports suggesting that the 25-year-old could be available for a cut-price fee, no deal materialised. Lille were reportedly open to selling him for less than his market value in order to avoid losing him for free when his contract expires at the end of the season.
Fortunately for Arsenal, David has expressed his desire to make a move to the Premier League in the near future.
“My future? Focused on getting this great club back to Europe where it belongs. The rest will come,” he said, as per Sky Sports in March 2023. “Premier League? One of the best leagues in the world, why not?”
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Victor Osimhen
Victor Osimhen’s name is often linked with major transfers, and during the January window, reports suggested Arsenal made a push for the Nigerian striker.
Osimhen helped Napoli to their first Serie A title since 1990, but after being frozen out by manager Antonio Conte and failing to secure a permanent move away last summer, he joined Turkish side Galatasaray on loan.
Since then, he has impressed in Istanbul, scoring 20 goals in 25 games across all competitions, including six in seven games in the Europa League.
According to Football Insider, Arsenal made contact with Napoli for a potential late January move, but the transfer ultimately didn’t materialise and he remained at Galatasaray.
A player of Osimhen’s calibre would have been a major boost to Arsenal’s attack, and with Napoli reportedly keen to offload him, he could have been available for a relatively cut-price fee of around £55m – a bargain for someone of his quality.
However, Osimhen is not expected to stay in Turkey beyond this season, nor will he likely return to Napoli, which means his excellent form for Galatasaray will surely attract suitors, Arsenal included, again in the summer.
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Ross Kilvington
Nov 5, 2024
Former Liverpool defender Jose Enrique has tipped Jurgen Klopp's side to dominate the upcoming FA Cup clash against Manchester United.
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Arsenal boast a rich history littered with star-studded names, all of whom have contributed to their sustained stay at the apex of English football.
However, towards the back end of Arsene Wenger's stunning reign and as Unai Emery took his place, that position faltered.
The Spaniard endured a torrid period in charge, filled with media mockery and transfer missteps, resulting in his dismissal and returning them back to square one. David Moyes had proved just how difficult it could be to take the place of a departing legend, with the ongoing struggles felt at Manchester United still shrouding Old Trafford today.
So, that makes Mikel Arteta's efforts all the more impressive, having come in, acted with incision, and enjoyed a truly enthralling title battle last term with one of the greatest club sides in history.
They will be hoping to go one step further than their second-place finish this season, and are currently one of just two sides who remain unbeaten in the Premier League.
Looking back on their legends of the past, the Gunners will hope to inherit the spirit of their 2004 invincibles and emulate their unprecedented success. Although Thierry Henry stole the headlines for his offensive work, whilst Sol Campbell remained a rock at the back, it was Dennis Bergkamp who is remembered with similar fondness to the former, who is widely recognised as the club's and the division's greatest-ever player.
Having joined from Inter Milan in 1995, there was much excitement surrounding his arrival, as an experienced international star with his best years ahead of him.
The Gunners had endured a slump in the mid-1990s, and were seeking to emerge from it with success. The fleet-footed genius was expected to be a spearhead to provoke such change, and upon Wenger's appointment, that vision was realised.
He was promoted to be their most influential player, with much of their attacking play surging through his magic feet. This saw him earn praise in 1998, claiming the PFA Player of the Year Award, before going on to win three English league titles alongside four FA Cups.
Nowadays, Bergkamp is widely regarded as one of the most talented players of his generation, with the bulk of his success actually earned in north London. Wenger has remained one of his biggest fans years on, having first noted in 2003: "Dennis has made an immense contribution to the club, not only as a great player but also as a great example and he's shown that again.
"I can't believe how quickly he has scored his 100 goals as all of his goals have been sensational."
IH/ASA
That latter notion is one absolutely supported by his fine repertoire of finishes, the pinnacle of which came against Newcastle United in 2002.
As Robert Pires fired a ball infield, slightly behind his magic teammate, the former Ajax superstar would take the deftest of touches around the onrushing Nikos Dabizas, pushing the ball left as he spun right. His grace would then turn into strength, fending off the desperate defender to finish coolly past Shay Given.
If one moment could sum up Bergkamp's Arsenal career, it would be that goal. Merely a footnote in his stunning spell at Highbury, he will forever be remembered as a legend by the Gunners faithful.
However, there was actually a moment during that lull at the end of Wenger's reign where they nearly captured a successor, and arguably an improvement on the magisterial maestro.
After all, for all the skill and elegance of the 79-cap gem, he cannot compare to the pure supreme efficiency of Karim Benzema – who was the subject of interest from those at the Emirates in 2015, with even a £48m bid having been mooted at the time.
Wenger would be the man to admit their transfer failure, speaking to beIN SPORTS regarding their interest in the Frenchman, who went on to become a legend in his own right at Real Madrid.
With the former Lyon man having grown into one of the world's finest marksmen, the competition for a starting spot remained fierce with Gonzalo Higuain at the Bernabeu, which the legendary tactician had been made aware of.
Wenger would outline that in his interview when asked if he had tried to sign the forward: "Yes, because he was in competition with Higuain for a while. It was Higuain for three games, three games for Benzema. He played the game based on passing and connections, so he was an ideal player up front.
|
Karim Benzema's years after failed 2015 AFC move |
Appearances |
Goals |
Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
|
2022/23 (La Liga) |
24 |
19 |
3 |
|
2021/22 (La Liga) |
32 |
27 |
12 |
|
2020/21 (La Liga) |
34 |
23 |
9 |
|
2019/20 (La Liga) |
37 |
21 |
8 |
|
2018/19 (La Liga) |
36 |
21 |
7 |
|
2017/18 (La Liga) |
32 |
5 |
11 |
|
2016/17 (La Liga) |
29 |
11 |
5 |
|
2015/16 (La Liga) |
27 |
24 |
8 |
"He’s a striker who makes people around him better and sometimes you have strikers who score goals but they make players around them worse. He’s not one of them. If you put Benzema in the team, I would want to play with him."
As that link between the defence and attack, immediately the Bergkamp comparisons could emerge. However, the Dutchman could not compete with the goalscoring figures posted by the 97-cap finisher, who now plies his trade in Saudi Arabia.
Benzema's talent really needs no explaining, but to compare him with Bergkamp is to truly emphasise the true levels of his brilliance.
After all, merely sticking around at Real Madrid for 14 years is enough to outline his quality, as few boast such longevity at the pinnacle of football. The 35-year-old would feature 648 times for Los Blancos before his departure in the summer, having scored 354 goals and assisted a further 165.
Not only was he a mainstay across one of the club's most successful periods, leaving having won five Champions Leagues and four La Liga titles among numerous other domestic honours, but he also stepped up in Cristiano Ronaldo's departure, going on to win the Ballon d'Or for his outstanding 2022 performances.
Journalist Zach Lowy would even outline his performances with Lyon during the start of his career as "the making of a legend", which was a notion certainly supported by these figures.
Meanwhile, for all his talents, Bergkamp would only manage 267 goals and 132 assists across his entire career, figures that Benzema surpassed for one club alone.
The 6 foot 1 marksman could have proved revolutionary for Wenger during a period where the title was there for the taking, and had he moved to the Emirates, perhaps they would have been the recipient of his golden years.
As such, they were forced to endure a quality of player that cannot lace Benzema's boots, with some of their finest-ever stars failing to come close to the levels of the current Al-Ittihad ace.
Chelsea midfielder Romeo Lavia has been ruled out action for the remainder of the season due to a thigh injury.
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Tottenham Hotspur have been linked with a takeover by Sheikh Jassim, and a reliable journalist has now shared what he’s heard on a deal possibly taking place in the Premier League.
Back in 2001, ENIC Group bought a stake in the club from Alan Sugar and have been at the helm alongside Daniel Levy ever since, but with supporters having previously protested for both parties to walk away, the future of the hierarchy has often been uncertain.
The Lilywhites chairman has, in the past, admitted that whilst he’s not actively looking to do business, that he would be willing to sell a stake in the club if the right offer was to come along, therefore alerting potential suitors that there could be an opportunity up for grabs.
According to The Mirror, Jassim could turn his attention to Ange Postecoglou’s side having pulled out of the race to make an investment in Manchester United, but despite recent rumours, the following news would appear to shut down any claims that the businessman has his eye on tabling a proposal to the outfit in N17.
Speaking to GiveMeSport, CBS reporter Ben Jacobs shared a takeover update on Tottenham and commented on the club’s links to Jassim:
"There's been links with Spurs and Inter. And again, I'm told that at this stage, there's been no discussions for either of those clubs either. So there's no guarantee that Sheikh Jassim has a burning hole in his pocket to buy a football club.
"Sources indicate that this was about Manchester United, rather than finding a club, and if Qatar therefore are to invest in another big club, through whatever means, I'm not convinced that it will be specifically Nine Two Foundation and Sheikh Jassim."
Whilst Tottenham supporters previously wanted to see the back of ENIC and Levy, Postecoglou has certainly improved the club’s form on the pitch since taking to the dugout, which has most definitely eased the pressure of the board who had come under criticism for poor performances in the past.
In the league alone, Spurs have won six and drawn two of their opening eight fixtures and are one of only two teams, alongside North London rivals Arsenal, to remain unbeaten in the division, and here is how their first group of matches have played out so far:
|
Tottenham – Victories |
Tottenham – Draws |
|---|---|
|
Manchester United (2-0) |
Brentford (2-2) |
|
Bournemouth (2-0) |
Arsenal (2-2) |
|
Burnley (5-2) |
|
|
Sheffield United (2-1) |
|
|
Liverpool (2-1) |
|
|
Luton Town (1-0) |
Due to the remarkable start to the season, Jassim or any potential investor taking to the helm isn’t a necessity, but the increased funds that would be available could certainly help the club to be more competitive in the market when it comes to the boss securing his first choice transfer targets over his rivals in the top-flight. So, whilst there isn't any activity now, this could be one to watch in the near future.
World Cup winner Emi Martinez has explained why there has been no desire on his part to secure a marquee transfer away from Aston Villa.
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USMNT hopeful Timothy Tillman scored an early goal as LAFC edged out the LA Galaxy in a MLS derby clash on Saturday.
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Tottenham Hotspur have long ebbed and flowed from the desired standard, and while Mauricio Pochettino's reign at the club is fondly remembered, the Argentinian's leadership did not bring home silverware.
His dismissal marked the beginning of a series of sackings, four in as many years, before Spurs chairman Daniel Levy appointed Ange Postecoglou in the summer, who has now got the club in the ascendancy in the Premier League.
The Australian gaffer has been superb in his implementation on the pitch and equally impressive in his summer transfer business, having ditched the deadwood and bolstered his side with some exciting acquisitions.
Among the departees was Davinson Sanchez, who once arrived for a lofty fee and with the world at his feet only to never quite harness his potential in north London.
Pochettino signed Sanchez from Ajax in 2017 for a club-record £42m, surpassing the previous record signing of Moussa Sissoko by some £12m, with his erstwhile boss hailing him as a "beast".
The powerful centre-back had enjoyed a prodigious introduction to life on the major stage and won the Dutch side's Player of the Year award prior to his move to English shores.
Earning £65k-per-week in London, the 57-cap Colombian completed a total of 207 appearances during his time as a Lilywhite, scoring five goals and providing one assist, though he declined during his stay and is now worth just £12m, according to Football Transfers.
Jamie O'Hara even branded him "one of the worst players" he had seen in the Spurs backline, and the fact that he only started eight league matches last season despite Tottenham's struggles says it all regarding his importance and reliability.
Sold to Galatasaray in the summer for roughly £13m, Sanchez has now rediscovered his best form and is thriving in the Turkish Super Lig, with renewed creativity contributing to a rather special result.
As per Sofascore, Sanchez has been in stellar showing in the league this term, starting five games, scoring one goal, completing 84% of his passes, making 2.2 interceptions, 1.8 tackles, 2.8 clearances and, staggeringly, 9.4 ball recoveries per game.
Against Manchester United in the Champions League, the 6 foot 2 colossus produced a stunning display to secure an unlikely victory at the Theatre of Dreams, earning two assists, making two key passes and displaying his defensive skill by forging six clearances.
From that match alone, Sanchez doubled his entire assists tally as a Tottenham player and even now boasts a higher seasonal tally than Spurs right-back Pedro Porro, who has been hailed as "one of the best passers" at the club by reporter Alasdair Gold.
Porro has played nine times this season and earned one assist, ranking among the top 11% of full-backs across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for shot-creating actions and the top 17% for assists per 90.
In comparison, the 27-year-old Sanchez ranks among the top 1% of central defenders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for assists made per 90, as per FBref, showcasing the efficiency of his creative touch.
Porro, of course, is hardly flattering to deceive this term and looks a real marauding force on the right wing, but Sanchez's renewed attacking ingenuity has been pivotal for success in matches such as the one at Old Trafford for the Istanbul giants.
Whether Tottenham actually made a mistake in letting Sanchez go is probably untrue, but the natural ability is clearly there and a new coach and fresh regime under Postecoglou could have restored the 'beast' inside.
Sadio Mane made amends for his penalty miss by scoring an outrageous solo goal to inspire Al-Nassr to a 3-1 win in the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo.
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