Palmeiras e Botafogo se enfrentam neste domingo, a partir das 16h (horário de Brasília) no Allianz Parque, no jogo mais importante para o Verdão no campeonato até aqui. Se vencer, o time de Abel Ferreira cola no líder novamente, mas se perder pode ver a distância aumentar para oito pontos.
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+ Veja tabela e classificação do Brasileirão-2023 clicando aqui
Se hoje os dois clubes brigam pela ponta da tabela da Série A, 20 anos atrás a história era bem diferente.
Em 2003, Palmeiras e Botafogo disputaram a Série B e subiram para a elite após o Verdão ficar com o título e o Fogão com o vice do quadrangular final da ‘segundona’.
Muita coisa mudou daquele ano para os tempos de hoje e até o estádio Palestra Itália, que foi palco da ‘decisão’ da Série B de 2003, não existe mais.
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Aliás no quesito estádio ambos os times evoluíram muito em comparação com duas décadas atrás. O Verdão reformou o antigo Palestra e hoje joga no belíssimo Allianz Parque, enquanto o Botafogo que mandava jogos no Caio Martins, hoje é dono do Engenhão, estádio olímpico que foi construído para os Jogos Pan-americanos de 2007, no Rio de Janeiro.
O time do Palmeiras de 2003 tinha o ídolo Marcos no gol e uma leva de crias da base que foram importantíssimas pro título como Diego Souza, Alceu, Vágner Love e Edmilson. O elenco ainda contava com nomes importantes como Pedrinho, Muñoz e Magrão.
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Já o Botafogo tinha nomes como Sandro, Dill e Leandrão. O goleiro Jefferson também estava no elenco, mas era muito jovem no período e reserva de Max.
Na questão financeira muita coisa também mudou nesses 20 anos. O pobre Palmeiras de 2003 que precisava vender o almoço para comprar a janta, hoje é um dos times que mais faturam no Brasil e tem uma administração de dar inveja até nos rivais.
O Botafogo após penar muitos anos por problemas financeiros, agora também vive um bom momento muito pela compra do empresário John Textor, que agora é dono da SAF do clube e que já fez grandes investimentos desde que comprou o Botafogo.
Promessa de jogão no Allianz Parque e o Verdão defende uma invencibilidade de 31 jogos dentro do seu estádio e nove jogos diante de equipes cariocas.
Crystal Palace will no doubt be eager to put this hectic summer transfer window behind them.
Unfortunately, not even sealing a double whammy of successes in the FA Cup and Community Shield would be able to keep Eberechi Eze fixed at Selhurst Park, with the former Eagles attacking midfielder poached by fellow Premier League side Arsenal late on.
However, Palace could make the window look a tad more rosy very soon, with a verbal agreement now reportedly in place for Oliver Glasner’s men to sign this £17m attacker.
Palace verbally agree deal for £17m star
The Eagles might well still wave goodbye to Marc Guehi before the 7pm deadline, but there will be rays of positivity all the same regarding one incoming.
As has been reported by Fabrizio Romano, via X, Getafe ace Christantus Uche is now in London to seal a late switch to Palace, with a deal between the La Liga outfit and Glasner and Co. verbally agreed.
Uche has been subject to widespread interest from the Premier League this summer, with Wolverhampton Wanderers even close at one point to bringing in the £17m star.
But, it looks as if the Eagles will be the winners for his coveted signature after all, as Uche now dreams of forming a terrifying duo up top with Palace man of the moment Jean-Philippe Mateta.
How Uche and Mateta could link up
Mateta would get the ball rolling for his beloved side against Aston Villa last time out, as this calmly tucked away penalty then opened the floodgates to hand the visitors a comfortable 3-0 victory.
That bumps up the clinical Frenchman’s early-season total to three goals from six clashes, and with Uche soon to be by his side by all accounts, his overall tally of 49 strikes for the Eagles will surely just rise and rise.
Uche’s La Liga numbers for Getafe (24/25)
Stat – per 90 mins*
Uche
Games played
33
Goals scored
4
Assists
6
Touches*
34.4
Accurate passes*
11.6 (67%)
Big chances created
7
Total duels won*
6.8
Stats by Sofascore
The £17m Nigerian already has a goal and assist next to his name this season from just three La Liga encounters, but it’s his consistent excellence last season in the testing Spanish top-flight that will be music to the ears of Palace – and Mateta in particular – with Uche picking up six assists, despite only averaging a low 11.6 accurate passes per clash.
Mateta often only needs a split second to wreak havoc himself, with a mere 22.6 touches averaged per league game across his standout 2024/25 offering for Palace in the Premier League, but a lethal 14 strikes would still arrive at his door, nonetheless.
Moreover, the one-time Wolves target often uses his strength to fire away goals, as seen in his high 6.8 duels won on average during his breakout campaign in Spain, with four strikes also coming his way to be branded a “defender’s nightmare” by scout Antonio Mango.
Of course, Mateta – coming in at a lofty 6-foot-4 frame – has also often used his brute power as an advantage, with Arsenal great Thierry Henry even going as far as to herald the Selhurst Park fan favourite as an “old-fashioned striker” for his physical approach.
Crystal Palace's Jean-PhilippeMatetacelebrates after the match
With Eze heartbreakingly gone, adding in Uche could get the Palace fanbase back on side, particularly if he goes on to get even more out of an already red-hot Mateta.
After Pino: Crystal Palace now in advanced talks to sign "intelligent" star
تحدث مدرب منتخب فرنسا، ديدييه ديشامب، في مؤتمر صحفي قبل مباراة آيسلندا، وعلّق على أزمة الفريق مع نادي باريس سان جيرمان بعد إصابات عثمان ديمبلي وديريزي دوي، اللذين أُصيبا يوم الجمعة ضد أوكرانيا،.
وسُئل كذلك على بيان باريس سان جيرمان الذي اشتكى فيه من إدارة الاتحاد الفرنسي لكرة القدم بسبب إصابات اللاعبين.
ونشرت صحيفة “آس” الإسبانية تصريحات ديشامب خلال المؤتمر الصحفي الخاص بمباراة فرنسا وآيسلندا والمقرر خوضها غدًا الثلاثاء، ضمن تصفيات أوروبا المؤهلة لكأس العالم 2026.
وحول ما إذا كان البروتوكول الطبي سيتغير بعد شكاوى باريس سان جيرمان، أفاد: “أنا مدرب منتخب وطني، ماذا تعني الشفافية؟ هذا ليس دوري، ما حدث قد حدث”.
وأضاف: “أنا حزين على ديمبلي وديزيري دوه، بالطبع، لأننا سنخسر لاعبين مهمين في مباراة الغد، هذا ما أقوله، نحن نتعامل باحترافية، كما نفعل مع جميع اللاعبين، مع مراعاة ظروف كل لاعب ومشاعره”.
وواصل: “للأسف، حدث هذا ويتعلق بلاعبين من باريس سان جيرمان، لتجنب المزيد من الأسئلة المشابهة، باريس سان جيرمان ليس منافسنا، خصمنا الوحيد هو أيسلندا، وهذا غدًا”.
اقرأ أيضًا | بـ3 دلائل.. ديشامب يرد على غضب باريس سان جيرمان بعد إصابة ديمبلي ودوي
وفيما يتعلق برد فعله على بيان باريس سان جيرمان، أشار: “لن أجيب على أسئلة كهذه بعد الآن، لن أخوض في تفاصيل محددة، أكرر ما أقوله، نحن نعمل بضمير حيّ ومنهجية، نجري محادثات بين الطرفين”.
وأكمل: “النادي لا يهم، البروتوكول هو كالتالي: جميع اللاعبين يتلقون العلاج في كليرفونتين، لم أقم باستدعاء ريان شرقي وويليام ساليبا عندما أجرينا صور الأشعة السينية لإصابتيهما”.
وحول ما إذا كان ضغط باريس سان جيرمان سيؤثر على تشكيلته غدًا، علّق: “ثم يتصل بي بايرن ميونخ وريال مدريد، أنا من يتخذ القرارات هذه مسؤولياتي، عندما يلعبون على مستوى الأندية… الجميع يرغب في اللعب، الإصابات عنصر أساسي بالنسبة لي عند اتخاذ القرارات”.
وعن العدد الكبير من المباريات، أوضح: “10% فقط من اللاعبين هم من يخوضون المباريات أكثر من غيرهم، وهم اللاعبون الدوليون، سلطة اتخاذ القرار تقع على الهيئات المختصة”.
وأتم: “كيليان مبابي قال لهم أن اللاعبين يفضلون خوض مباريات متتالية، فترة التعافي هي الأهم، فترات الاستراحة أصبحت أقصر فأقصر، سواء في الصيف أو في الشتاء”.
Glasgow Rangers are in talks to sign a new “highly-rated” player after manager Russell Martin gave the green light to an Ibrox transfer.
Rangers want more defenders as Aarons moves to Ibrox
The Gers will be looking to win just their second Scottish Premiership title in 15 years in Martin’s first season at Ibrox, and the 49ers Enterprises appear willing to back the new boss in the transfer window.
After already securing the services of midfielder Lyall Cameron from Dundee, Rangers swopped to sign Max Aarons on loan from Bournemouth, with a transfer officially announced on Wednesday.
The right-back spent the second half of the 2024/25 campaign on loan at Valencia and will now link up with Martin who knows Aarons from his time at Norwich City.
Talking after signing Aarons, Martin said: “Max is a player who I have always kept a keen eye on since he was emerging through the youth ranks while I was coming to the end of my time at Norwich as a player. He is a wonderfully talented player who is hungry to develop, improve and help deliver success for his side.
“We are pleased to bring him on board for this season, and I believe he will be a fantastic addition to the squad.”
After Aarons: Rangers open talks to sign £1m star who could be Kent 2.0
After signing Max Aarons, Rangers are in talks to repeat their Ryan Kent trick at Ibrox.
ByBen Gray Jun 25, 2025
Alongside the 25-year-old, Rangers also want to sign a new centre-back, with the future of Robin Propper up in the air. There have been claims the Gers have even accepted an offer from FC Twente for the Dutchman after only joining 12 months ago.
Leicester City’s Conor Coady has been linked with moving to Glasgow as Rangers’ centre-back signing, however, a new name has entered the frame.
Rangers in talks for Peterborough defender Fernandez
According to reports from Football Insider journalist Pete O’Rourke, Rangers have opened talks to sign 23-year-old centre-back Emmanuel Fernandez.
It is added that Martin has ‘given the green light’ to a deal, with the 6ft 4 defender making 42 appearances in all competitions last season, scoring five times.
Fernandez is under contract until 2027 and was wanted by Norwich in the January window, but it looks as if Rangers are the side making moves in the summer.
Emmanuel Fernandez Peterborough stats
Games
61
Goals
7
Yellow cards
8
Red cards
2
Trophies
2
Rangers have also been after Peterborough star Kwame Poku, who is out of contract at the end of the month, but it looks as if the winger may move elsewhere and not Glasgow.
Posh chairman Darragh MacAnthony hailed Fernandez as a “colossus” last season, while also calling him the club’s “best defender”.
O’Rourke has also called Fernandez “highly-rated”, and it looks as if a deal could be one to watch following the journalist’s update.
Newcastle United are in the hunt for a striker this summer and Eddie Howe may be growing in confidence that he can land a proven Premier League marksman, according to a report.
Newcastle United's search for reinforcements
Eddie Howe has become something of a recruitment specialist at St James’ Park, producing an excellent track record that means more additions become hits than not when convinced to move to Tyneside.
Hoping to continue that feat, Keith Wyness reckons Newcastle may sacrifice some stars to expand their potential to spend even with the threat of PSR being a live consideration to ponder.
Newcastle United managerEddieHoweapplauds fans after the match
He stated: “It used to be that when you sold a big player, you had loads of money to spend. Newcastle are going to have to work hard in this window.
“I think there will be some disposals. Sean Longstaff may have to move on, and there will be others going too. Anything that will allow Newcastle to spend as big as they can, they will do.”
That much may be true, but where do Newcastle plan to strengthen their arsenal? According to reports, Manchester City star Jack Grealish could move to Tyneside, potentially adding a sprinkle of European pedigree as the Geordies prepare for a return to the Champions League.
Nottingham Forest now want to sign £8.5m Spaniard if Elanga joins Newcastle
Nottingham Forest have now identified a player who could be seen as a replacement for Anthony Elanga.
ByBrett Worthington Jun 13, 2025
Brentford’s Mikkel Damsgaard is also wanted by Newcastle, demonstrating that they mean business in a summer that could produce a fair amount of incomings and exits in the North East.
Evaluating their forward line, the Geordies now have one of the Premier League’s hottest properties on their radar and confidence is growing over their chances of landing his services.
Newcastle United accelerate move for Joao Pedro
According to The Telegraph, Newcastle are confident they can strike a deal for Brighton & Hove Albion’s Joao Pedro as his future on the South Coast becomes increasingly uncertain.
The Brazilian forward is open to a move to the North East and is admired by Howe and his coaching staff due to a degree of versatility than can see him feature through the middle or on either flank.
Joao Pedro’s Premier League statistics in 2024/25 (Fotmob)
Shots
47
Shots on target
20
Chances created
30
Completed dribbles
29
Aerial duels won
42
Labelled “amazing” by Billy Gilmour, Pedro registered ten goals and seven assists in 30 appearances across all competitions this term as the Seagulls narrowly missed out on a place in Europe.
Internally, there is now a feeling that Newcastle can complete a deal to sign the former Watford striker, though there is still plenty of work to be done before that dream can become a reality.
Alexander Isak is the main man in attack for the Geordies. Nevertheless, Pedro is a force to be reckoned with at full flight and could be another dangerous asset against opposition domestically and on the continent.
It’s happened. It’s finally happened. Liverpool have agreed a deal with Bayer Leverkusen for the transfer of Florian Wirtz.
Though the saga feels to have dragged on somewhat over the past several weeks, sporting director Richard Hughes has been engineering a British-record deal, juggling other significant transfers besides.
While the minutiae still need to be sorted out, Liverpool have “verbally agreed a deal in principle”, reports transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, with a “move now imminent.”
Rumours pertaining to Luis Diaz’s summer sale are persisting, with Barcelona determined to get the deal over the line, and thus, the agreement has come at the perfect time.
Florian Wirtz – Career Stats by Position
Position
Apps
Goals
Assists
Attacking midfield
163
51
57
Centre-forward
11
4
4
Right winger
11
4
3
Left winger
9
2
3
Central midfield
5
0
3
Data via Transfermarkt
However, Wirtz isn’t really a wide player, even though his dribbling skills are among the finest in the business. Indeed, if the Colombian does go, FSG may need to dip their toes right back into the transfer market.
Why Liverpool want a winger
Diaz showcased his wonderful skills on international duty for Colombia. He scored a sensational solo goal, all fleet feet and party tricks to outplay the Argentine defenders, and perhaps reminded Liverpool fans that it would take some doing to find an upgrade.
Diaz is 28 and entering the next-to-last year of his Liverpool contract. Barcelona made a recent approach and were rebuffed, but their interest remains and Liverpool, while publicly stressing their desire to keep the winger, would entertain the right offer for sure.
It’s understood the Reds would entertain offers ranging between £60m and £70m this summer. Lowballers would find themselves incurring the wrath of Liverpool’s obstinance, with FSG willing to run down the South American’s contract, making use of the prime years of his career.
Liverpool forward Luis Diaz
However, if Liverpool do lose Diaz, they will need to find a replacement. Anthony Gordon’s name has floated about, but Slot and Richard Hughes seem to have an even better fit in mind.
Liverpool join race for star winger
As per Football Insider, Liverpool are interested in signing AC Milan’s Rafael Leao this summer; after the Serie A side’s wretched campaign, missing out on Europe, they may reluctantly sell.
With Liverpool’s scouts having kept a close eye on the 26-year-old, a deal may be forthcoming in the coming months, although a number of Premier League clubs – Arsenal have been namechecked – are also in the running. Milan would be looking to bank around £64m from the player’s sale.
Gordon has also been named as a potential option, but the Portuguese winger perhaps has a higher ceiling, and who better to help him reach it than Slot?
Why Liverpool want Rafael Leao
Ryan Gravenberch was crowned the Premier League’s Young Player of the Year for 2024/25, refashioned as he was into a deep-lying, counter-pressing number six.
Slot made his clock start ticking, a priceless success after FSG failed to convince the now Arsenal-bound Martin Zubimendi to leave his beloved mountains in the Basque Country (no bitterness at all from us Liverpool fans here).
Given the improvements Cody Gakpo underwent last term, Leao would be understood to want to leap at the chance to join Slot’s project.
AC Milan's RafaelLeaoduring the warm up
Praised for his “world-class ability” by analyst Ben Mattinson, Leao has been one of Italian football’s standout players for several years, hitting 12 goals and 13 assists across all competitions last season in spite of his side’s struggles.
In Serie A alone, Sofascore record that he has averaged 1.4 dribbles and key passes per fixture, as well as 4.5 successful duels per game.
Gordon’s no stranger to a combative sequence himself, but is it fair to say that Leao boasts more completeness in his application? Writer Theo Mwangi even went as far as to dub the Iberian native a “superstar” when he’s on his A-game.
Regressing in terms of output, Gordon might not have had the best year on Tyneside, but in 2023/24, he was awarded Newcastle’s Player of the Season award after notching 28 goal contributions across all competitions.
However, football is more than just goals and assists, especially for wingers (Diaz would be among the first to attest to that), and Leao has showcased across the past year a more robust and effective underlying skill set than that of his English counterpart.
Rafael Leao vs Anthony Gordon (past 365 days)
Stats (per 90)
Leao
Gordon
Goals
0.32
0.22
Assists
0.26
0.18
Shots taken
2.37
2.11
Shot-creating actions
4.13
3.73
Touches (att pen)
6.15
4.73
Progressive passes
3.58
3.62
Progressive carries
4.74
4.47
Successful take-ons
2.83
1.41
All data via FBref
Gordon might declare himself a “nightmare for anyone” he comes up against, but he needs to be more active and incisive with his natural skills, for Leao has thoroughly outstripped him since the beginning of the 2024/25 campaign.
Given that Newcastle would be looking for payment in the ballpark of £80m, it’s clear that Leao would be the better pick, cheaper and perhaps more suited to Slot’s intense playing style.
Both players need to hit richer veins of consistency to step up and become part of the true elite, but Diaz has been a bona fide success on Merseyside, and he’s not exactly blessed with the potency of Mohamed Salah.
FBref’s data has even drawn AC Milan’s star up as being a statistically similar player to Liverpool’s Colombian maverick, so replacing him with Leao seems like something of a no-brainer.
Liverpool have some thinking to do over the coming weeks. It’s worth reiterating that all this will only come into play if Diaz is sold – and if he is, there’s no better replacement out there than Leao.
He'd be better than Gyokeres: Liverpool hold talks to sign "the new Mbappe"
Liverpool are looking to sign a new striker in the transfer market this summer.
Liverpool’s search for a new striker has reportedly taken a fresh twist, with a new option now emerging who could provide Michael Edwards and FSG an alternative to Hugo Ekitike.
Liverpool linked with Hugo Ekitike move
It’s no secret that Liverpool are ready to spend big this summer, with Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez and Florian Wirtz already all likely on their way Anfield, but none of those will solve Arne Slot’s striker problem. Instead, to do exactly that, Edwards has reportedly set his sights on signing Eintracht Frankfurt’s Ekitike in a deal that Chelsea are also in pursuit of.
The Frenchman enjoyed an excellent season in Germany and will now reportedly cost any potential suitors as much as £84m. Whether Liverpool are ready to match that price tag is undoubtedly the big question. The Premier League champions are already preparing to spend a club-record fee to sign Wirtz whilst also splashing out on Kerkez and Frimpong. Add £84m onto that and Liverpool could find themselves spending more than ever this summer.
League stats 24/25 (via FBref)
Hugo Ekitike
Darwin Nunez
Minutes
2,563
1,133
Goals
15
8
Assists
8
2
Expected Goals
21.6
5.8
When looking at the numbers, it becomes clear as to why Frankfurt are demanding such a high price to sell Ekitike. That’s not to say there aren’t some concerns, though.
As impressive as the former Paris Saint-Germain was throughout the season, scoring 15 goals and creating another eight, he significantly underperformed when it comes to expected goals and Liverpool simply cannot afford to splash out on another wasteful finisher after Nunez.
Liverpool now also open talks to sign "fantastic" £50m winger after Wirtz
Liverpool are closing in on Wirtz.
ByTom Cunningham May 30, 2025
For £84m, the Reds must be investing in a clinical striker. With that said, instead of Ekitike, Liverpool could yet target a cheaper alternative this summer who has already got an Anfield goal to his name.
Liverpool considering Goncalo Ramos swoop
According to Sam McGuire for Anfield Watch, FSG and Liverpool are now considering a move to sign Goncalo Ramos from PSG this summer. The Portugal international has often been used from the bench by Luis Enrique in France and may now seek a starting place elsewhere.
Given that he’s likely to be valued at around €65m (£55m) as PSG aim to recoup what they initially paid, Ramos would also be a cheaper option than Ekitike.
League stats 24/25 (via FBref)
Hugo Ekitike
Goncalo Ramos
Minutes
2,563
1,066
Goals
15
10
Assists
8
3
Expected Goals
21.6
13.6
Whilst Ramos has underperformed on expected goals, he has been better in that regard than Ekitike, who has underperformed by over six goals. It’s also worth noting that, despite playing the equivalent of almost 12 games in Ligue 1, the PSG forward scored 10 goals throughout the campaign.
Dubbed “prolific” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, Liverpool have seen Ramos’ goalscoring prowess for themselves in the past when he netted a penalty in the Anfield leg of PSG’s Champions League win against the Reds in March, whereas he also scored at Anfield for Benfica in 2022.
This summer will be pivotal for Leeds United in their ambitions of maintaining their Premier League status, building on the excellent work conducted this campaign.
Daniel Farke’s side claimed the Championship title in 2024/25, registering a staggering 100 points and finishing above rivals Burnley on goal difference, with both teams returning to the top-flight.
However, the last six teams to achieve such a feat have all suffered immediate returns to the second-tier, with the Whites hoping to buck that trend next season.
Daniel Farke
If they are to succeed in their quest, additions will be key, needing to hand Farke the tools to strengthen his squad and have the best possible chance of surviving the drop.
With the summer window rapidly approaching, work has already started behind the scenes to identify numerous talents who could improve the squad at Elland Road.
The latest on Leeds’ hunt for new signings this summer
All areas of the pitch are set for investment at Leeds this summer, with depth and quality needed if the club are to establish themselves in the top-flight next year.
Lennon Miller, Kasper Dolberg and James McAtee have all been touted with a switch to Yorkshire, but as of yet, no deal has yet been agreed, but that could all change during the off-season.
Manchester City's JamesMcAteeduring the warm up before the match
However, a new name has been mentioned over the last couple of days, with Southampton’s Mateus Fernandes on their radar, according to Alan Nixon.
His report claims that the Whites are considering a move for the 20-year-old talent, who’s valued at £30m after the Saints were relegated back to the Championship.
He also states that the hierarchy sees him as a classy playmaker who could provide added quality to the side, but could face competition from Crystal Palace and Aston Villa for his signature.
Why Fernandes would be a better signing than Doucoure
Over the last few days, Leeds have also been touted as a potential destination for departing Everton star Abdoulaye Doucoure, after he confirmed he would be leaving at the end of his contract.
Abdoulaye Doucoure
The Malian, who’s spent the last five seasons at Goodison Park, may stay in the Premier League with the Whites, offering an experienced option in what’s likely to be a relegation battle.
At 32, the midfielder has registered just shy of 300 appearances in England’s top-flight, registering 36 goals along the way, having the tools to add to the attacking department.
However, if Farke is targeting options for the number 10 position at Elland Road, there’s no denying that Fernandes would be a better and younger option for the club.
When comparing the pair’s respective stats from the current league campaign, the Portuguese youngster has massively bettered Doucoure in numerous key areas, showcasing what a superb addition he would be in Yorkshire.
Fernandes, who’s been labelled “exceptional” by analyst Ben Mattinson, may have notched the same number of goals and assists, but has produced a higher shot-on-target rate – handing an added goal threat to the Whites as a result.
His underlying stats are just as impressive, completing more progressive passes and more passes into the final third, subsequently handing Farke an added dimension of creativity.
How Fernandes compares to Doucoure in the PL (2024/25)
Statistics (per 90)
Fernandes
Doucoure
Games played
36
32
Goals & assists
5
5
Shot-on-target accuracy
33%
29%
Progressive passes
4.5
2.9
Progressive carries
2.5
1.4
Passes into the final third
3.1
1.5
Take-ons completed
1.6
0.8
Carries into the final third
2.3
0.9
Stats via FBref
The Saints star has also completed more take-ons and made more carries into the penalty area, enabling other attackers around him to bolster their own tallies.
£30m may be a huge sum for a player who’s been relegated from the Premier League, but he’s shown that he has the skill set to thrive if given another opportunity in the top flight.
His tender age allows for a huge room for improvement in the years ahead, potentially becoming a vital cog in any future success at Elland Road should he make the big-money switch this summer.
Better signing than Vardy: Leeds make move for "extraordinary" £13m CF
While signing a new centre forward is top of new sporting director Andrea Berta’s wishlist at Arsenal this summer, the need to strengthen in other areas of the pitch is also strong.
The Gunners have been severely hamstrung – pardon the pun – by injuries this season, notably in their forward line.
Though, there’s also been a huge degree of inconsistency, chiefly at left wing where Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard have scored just eight goals each in the Premier League.
Arsenal's GabrielMartinellicelebrates scoring their second goal
So, where will Mikel Arteta and Co turn to in their bid to add an extra dose of spice to their attack?
Arsenal chasing big-money winger
For over a year now, Arsenal have been exploring a move for Spanish winger Nico Williams.
The Bilbao star dazzled at the European Championships last summer, famously scoring a goal in the final against England.
However, after no club signed him last year, interest hasn’t dampened in the young forward. He reportedly dreams of a move to Barcelona but their finances are still extremely tight. As a result, English clubs like Arsenal and Chelsea have both been interested.
If the Gunners have room for a pricier addition, perhaps AC Milan’s Rafael Leao could be their man.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Arsenal have been linked with a move in the past but their interest is now ramping up ahead of the summer, with Football Insider reporting that they are now ‘working on signing’ the Portuguese sensation.
One problem could be the player’s release clause which currently stands at an almighty £145m according to claims in Italy.
How Rafael Leao compares to Nico Williams
While Williams is quite clearly one of the most exciting young wingers in the game right now, there is an argument to suggest that his output needs improving.
This feels like a player simply ready to explode in a better side but the fact remains that he has only scored five times in LaLiga this term and 11 in all competitions.
Athletic Bilbao'sNicoWilliamscelebrates scoring their third goal
If Arsenal are looking to add more goals to their side then perhaps Leao, despite a heftier price tag, would be a more exciting candidate here.
Described as a “superstar” by scout Jacek Kulig, he may have only scored one more than Williams in 2024/25, but he’s got a history for finding the net with consistent regularity, now reaching double figures in each of the last four campaigns. On that evidence, it’s no surprise to see that data analyst Ben Mattinson noted that he is “clinical off both feet.”
Leao vs Williams since 2023/24
Stat (per 90 mins)
Leao
Williams
Goals
0.32
0.22
Assists
0.32
0.34
Shot on target %
39%
35%
Key passes
2.18
1.85
Progressive passes
3.91
2.89
Shot-creating actions
4.62
4.96
Succesful take-ons
2.53
3.21
Take-on success %
48%
40%
Progressive carries
5.27
5.52
Stats via FBRef (league only).
When diving deeper into the numbers, the play style of each winger becomes clearer. They are both ‘carry-first’ attackers, driving at players and committing their full-back. This is what Arsenal need more of in the final third so that’s one box ticked.
Williams registers more take-ons but it’s actually Leao who appears to be more effective in one-on-one situations, registering a higher success rate.
Crucially, while the Milan sensation is a goalscorer, he’s also creative and in this Arsenal team he could take his assist numbers to the next level considering he actually ranks higher than Williams for key passes over the last two seasons.
AC Milan's RafaelLeao
Ultimately, Berta will have to be wise with how he spends the Kroenke’s cash this summer and thus, Leao may not be possible. However, if they are able to sign a striker and still raise additional funds, the 25-year-old should be the man they go for on the flanks.
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While it could still end in an incredible crescendo of Champions League glory, it wouldn’t be amiss to describe this season as something of a disappointment for Arsenal.
Mikel Arteta’s side were terrible in both the FA Cup and League Cup, and are now at risk of losing their grasp on second place in the Premier League.
Moreover, while the team has underwhelmed as a collective, there have been several players who’ve simply not reached the standards set in the last couple of years, such as Martin Odegaard.
So, with this in mind, it’s not all that surprising to read recent reports linking the club to someone who could be an upgrade on the Gunners captain.
Arsenal transfer news
Before we get to the player in question, it’s worth looking at some of the other midfield stars linked with Arsenal in recent months, such as Frenkie de Jong and Kevin De Bruyne.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
The former has been enjoying a stellar campaign with Barcelona and remains on track for a historic treble-winning season with the Catalan club, so while he’d be an exceptional addition to the club, we imagine he’d cost a king’s ransom, even with reports coming out about his contract talks stalling.
In contrast, we now know Kevin de Bruyne will be leaving Manchester City in the summer, so if Arteta can work his magic, he might just be able to convince the mercurial Belgian to join his former title rivals, and with 14 goal involvements in 36 games this season, he’d still be a useful player to have in the squad.
Manchester City's KevinDeBruynecelebrates after the match
However, knowing the North Londoners might want to make sure they keep the team young and hungry, which could explain the recent links to Brahim Diaz.
According to a recent report from Spain, Arsenal have identified the Moroccan international as a ‘top priority’ ahead of the summer and that Arteta really wants the club to sign the player he worked with at Manchester City.
The story claims that Real Madrid are willing to let the player leave for a convincing offer, while stories from earlier this year suggest that they’d be after a fee in the region of €60m, which is about £51m.
It would be a costly deal to get over the line, but one worth pursuing, as he could be a perfect upgrade on Odegaard.
How Diaz compares to Odegaard
So, if Arsenal get their man this summer, and he comes in to play more of a midfield role, he’d be in direct competition with Odegaard for that creative number ten role.
With that said, who comes out on top when we compare them?
From a pure output perspective, it is the “incredible” Real ace, as dubbed by Pep Guardiola, who emerges victorious, but only when we look at the minutes-to-goal involvement ratios.
For example, in 49 appearances, totalling 2058 minutes, the Moroccan international has scored six goals and provided seven assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 3.76 games, or far more consequently, every 158.30 minutes.
In contrast, the Norwegian maestro has scored five goals and provided 11 assists in 41 appearances, totalling 3162 minutes, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.56 games, but more importantly, every 197.62 minutes.
Real Madrid'sBrahimDiaz, Raul Asencio and Rodrygo celebrate their second goal
What about when we take a look under the hood and at their underlying numbers, then? Is it another minor victory for the Champions League winner?
Well, it’s actually a relatively comfortable one for the 25-year-old, as he comes out ahead in most relevant metrics, including but not limited to expected and actual non-penalty goals plus assists, shots and shots on target, passing accuracy, goal-creating actions, successful take-ons and more, all per 90.
Diaz vs Odegaard
Statistic
Diaz
Odegaard
Non-Penalty Expected G+As
0.57
0.37
Non-Penalty G+As
0.42
0.34
Progressive Passes
4.62
10.1
Progressive Passes Received
6.99
6.08
Progressive Carries
2.66
3.46
Shots
1.89
1.82
Shots on Target
1.05
0.55
Passing Accuracy
86.7%
82.9%
Key Passes
1.40
2.41
Shot-Creating Actions
3.57
4.86
Goal-Creating Actions
0.84
0.59
Tackles Won
1.26
0.46
Interceptions
0.28
0.17
Blocks
1.12
0.21
Successful Take-Ons
1.54
0.97
All Stats via FBref for the 24/25 League Season
Ultimately, while Odegaard remains a talented player, Diaz has outperformed him in just about every metric this season, and if Arsenal can sign him in the summer, they should.
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