Arsenal: Arteta has "two" more signings up his sleeve

Arsenal could potentially have "two more" signings to come this summer after deals for Declan Rice, Kai Havertz, and Jurrien Timber are all tied up, claims transfer insider Dean Jones.

Arsenal transfer news – who else are the club targeting?

Arsenal have already made a huge splash in the transfer window this summer, with their £105m bid for Declan Rice reportedly accepted by West Ham United, pending discussions over the deal's structure.

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The North Londoners have also just announced their first signing of the summer, German international Havertz, from cross-city rivals Chelsea.

The deal cost a reported £65m, which puts the dynamic midfielder second – soon to be third – on Arsenal's list of most expensive transfers ever.

However, Mikel Arteta hasn't neglected the defence as a €45m/48 (£39m/41) deal to bring Ajax's exciting Jurrien Timber to the Emirates looks to be coming to a successful conclusion, per transfers expert Fabrizio Romano.

In past windows, this would represent a stunning level of spending for a club synonymous with penny-pinching during the Emirates era, yet Edu and Co. might only be getting started.

What has Dean Jones said about Arsenal's transfer plans?

Jones was clear that despite the club already spending big this summer, he has heard information suggesting that they have plans to spend more.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, the journalist said: "I expect Arsenal to put their foot on the ball after they get these next two signings through the door. It's been an intense period trying to tie up Havertz, Timber and Rice, but they are in a very good place now, and my information is that more signings will be coming — but not just yet.

"They will start getting the players in for pre-season and then assess how, when and where they attack the market further. It wouldn't surprise me if there are two more to come — but not yet."

Before this summer, who were Arsenal's five most expensive signings ever?

The Gunners look like they are about to blow their previous spending records out of the water this summer, but who were the priciest players to don the famous red and white beforehand?

In fifth place is Gabriel Jesus, who joined the club from now title rivals Manchester City in the summer of 2022 for just £45m.

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The Brazilian enjoyed a great first season in North London, and had it not been for his knee injury at the World Cup, he would have likely ended the season on more than the 11 goals he did.

At number four, Alexandre Lacazette who arrived in 2017 from French outfit Lyon for a hefty £46.5m.

Despite ending his time at the club with a rather slender goal tally of just 54 goals in 158 Premier League appearances, the Frenchman was a player fans respected for his tireless hold-up play, and since his return to Lyon, he has found his scoring form again.

Ben White holds the third spot, the £50m man that had his fair share of detractors upon his move to the club in 2021, detractors that have likely changed their tune by now.

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The former Brighton & Hove Albion man played his first season for the club in his natural position at centre-half but was moved out to right-back upon the introduction of William Saliba, a position he has since flourished in.

Claiming the silver medal is former captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who cost the club £56m after joining in the January transfer window of 2018.

While things may have ended poorly for the former Dortmund star at the Emirates when he was in form, he was nigh unstoppable.

In just 163 games for the club, the Gabon international racked up 98 goals and 21 assists, forming a particularly potent duo with Lacazette.

Unfortunately, first place in this list goes to a player that has to be described as somewhat of a flop, Nicolas Pepe.

The Ivorian winger joined the Gunners from Lille in the summer of 2019 for a club record fee of £72m, and despite showing occasional glimpses of brilliance, he never reached the potential so many had hoped he would under Arteta.

Arsenal: "Special" player sends "ultimatum" to Arteta

Arsenal forward Folarin Balogun has issued Mikel Arteta "an ultimatum" regarding his future at the club, claims journalist Paul Brown.

Arsenal transfer news – what's going on with Folarin Balogun?

After an unbelievable season with Ligue 1 side Stade Reims last year, Arsenal have a decision to make regarding the future of the exciting American prospect.

The New York-born player has made it clear to the wider footballing world that after getting a taste for regular first-team football in France, he doesn't want to go back to being a backup option, nor does he want to spend another year on loan – he either wants the number nine spot in North London, or he wants to leave, permanently.

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While there was an assumption that this was how he felt after his comments about feeling "appreciated" upon switching his national allegiance to the US, it was made crystal clear after he spoke to reporters following a USMNT game.

"What I can say is that I definitely won't go out on loan again."

With Arteta favouring Gabriel Jesus as the team's main number nine, a sale of the player is now probably the most likely outcome, and with the price tag reported to be only £35m by football.london, there are plenty of suitors.

According to FootballTransfers, West Ham United have made the signing of the American star a 'priority' this summer as they look to solve their goal-scoring problems.

Outside the Premier League, Leipzig are said to be keen on the player, as are Champions League runners-up Inter Milan and cross-city rivals AC Milan.

Adding to all the drama, Balogun recently Tweeted “It is time!” alongside an egg timer emoji before then deleting the post from social media.

What has journalist Paul Brown said about Folarin Balogun's situation?

Brown made it clear that a decision must be made regarding Balogun this summer and that decision has almost been forced upon the club by the player himself as he is desperate to be the main man somewhere.

Speaking to Football FanCast, he said: "He did kind of issue them with a bit of an ultimatum by saying that he does not want to go out on loan again next season. So, it was kind of a play me or sell me really statement from Balogun, as he has thrown the gauntlet down to Arteta, and it'll be interesting to see what he does."

How good was Folarin Balogun last season?

All of this attention and speculation has come about as a result of a fantastic season for the American last year.

In just 37 Ligue 1 appearances for Reims, Balogun scored a seriously impressive 21 goals and assisted another three, giving him a goal contribution on average every one-and-a-half games.

According to WhoScored, he averaged a rating of 6.90 across those 37 matches, making it perhaps unsurprising that Arteta referred to him as "special" earlier this year.

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The underlying numbers back up the Spaniard's assessment as well.

According to FBref, who compare players in a similar position across Europe's top five leagues, he sits in the top 7% for non-penalty expected goals, 9% for total shots, and 19% for touches in the opposition's penalty area.

It certainly looks like the US national team have a world-class talent on their hands, and whichever team takes him off of Arsenal's hands could have a bright future spearheaded by the American.

Wolves’ Max Kilman isn’t quite on Liverpool’s level

Wolverhampton Wanderers' Max Kilman just isn't of a good enough level to join a club like Liverpool this summer, Paul Machin believes.

The Reds are said to be keen on strengthening their back line, with David Lynch of Football Insider recently confirming the club's plans to add a centre-back before the start of next season, ideally, one who is comfortable playing on the left.

Having played on the left side of Wolves' centre-back pairing 37 times last season, Kilman is a name that makes a lot of sense and will likely be one that Jurgen Klopp's side has considered.

What is the latest Liverpool transfer news?

The Reds have plenty of work cut out for them in the transfer market, having to replace key figures like Roberto Firmino, James Milner and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain with all three departing after lengthy spells at the club.

The club has been linked to Manu Kone, after Fabrizio Romano detailed their intention to prioritise signing the midfielder over previous target Ryan Gravenberch.

Klopp's side have also been repeatedly linked with OGC Nice's Khephren Thuram, with the midfielder potentially set to leave the Ligue 1 side this summer.

One of the club's biggest tasks is to recruit a new centre-back, with a worrying lack of depth in the position threatening to cause them problems next season, but according to Mathin, Kilman isn't the level of player they should be recruiting.

What has Paul Machin said about Max Kilman?

While the Reds need a left-sided centre-back, Machin thinks they should aim higher than Kilman, and doesn't believe he's of the required level they'll necessarily need to add.

Speaking to Football FanCast, the Redmen TV host said: "I don't think he's of the level that Liverpool would be looking for."

Looking back at Liverpool's past business, Machin used the club's track record when recruiting from smaller Premier League clubs, and poaching their best players, to highlight why Kilman doesn't quite fit that profile, saying: "I think if Liverpool are buying players from the Premier League, they need to be the best player in that team. Or certainly in that class.

"You know, in years gone by, even recently, I think Alexis Mac Allister falls into that category, Virgil van Dijk falls into that category. Sadio Mane fell into it, and to some extent Adam Lallana too."

How does Max Kilman compare to Liverpool's current defenders?

One of the biggest problems Liverpool's defence has faced in recent years is the ability to stay healthy. The club has regularly been forced to chop and change their back line as various defensive personnel within the squad struggled with injuries.

Having played in all but one of Wolves' Premier League games last season, Kilman demonstrated a level of availability that the Reds could value deeply, with Trent Alexander Arnold the only Reds defender to play as often as the 26-year-old.

The £15k-per-week Kilman's averaged more tackles per 90 minutes than Liverpool's Van Dijk over the previous campaign but did not manage to record more than that of Joel Matip (via FBref).

However, the Wolves ace did trump the Liverpool pair when it came to blocks per game and recorded a higher aerial duel win percentage than the Cameroonian defender, Matip.

£35m ‘Colossus’ Could Be Monchi’s First Aston Villa Signing

Aston Villa may have overperformed in the second half of last season, coinciding with the appointment of Unai Emery, but some of the players who helped them qualify for the Europa League might find that has come at a cost.

The Villans have inevitably been linked with a number of players in the early stages of the summer window, even more so following the confirmation of Monchi as their new transfer chief.

Youri Tielemans has already been brought in, and it may well be that Emery looks to strengthen at the back with a couple of new central defenders.

Villarreal and Spain star Pau Torres has long been touted as a target for Villa, while Football Insider claims Villa remain in the running to sign Manchester United skipper Harry Maguire, though they face competition from Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United and some overseas clubs.

What could Harry Maguire offer to Aston Villa?

Maguire's time at Old Trafford appears to be drawing to a close after losing his place in the side following Erik ten Hag's appointment at the start of last season.

The England international started just eight Premier League games in 2022-23, which is a massive drop from his previous three seasons at Old Trafford when starting 28, 34 and 38 top-flight matches.

Maguire hardly disgraced himself when called up by Ten Hag, though, and he continues to impress at the back for England, including in Friday's 4-0 Euro 2022 qualifying victory in Malta when playing a full part.

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Indeed, with 65.75 attempted passes per 90 minutes over the past 12 months, as per FBref, Maguire ranks in the top 17% of his positional peers across Europe's top five leagues, while he is in the top 13% for touches per 90 (1.27).

In the more defensive metrics, Maguire is in the top 11% for blocks (1.66 per 90) and top 12% for aerials won (3.01 per 90). In short, when Maguire plays he still impresses in multiple areas.

Described as a "colossus" by Simon Jordan in the former Crystal Palace chairman's role as a pundit for talkSPORT, albeit after also labelling the defender a "liability", United are reportedly holding out for a £35m fee for their skipper.

Those aforementioned qualities would work particularly well alongside fellow target Torres, who struggles aerially – he is ranked in the bottom 29% of defenders across Europe's top five leagues for duels won – but thrives in terms of taking the ball forward.

In fact, Torres is in the top 1% for progressive carries (2.24 per 90 minutes), top 4% for progressive passes (5.81) and top 3% for successful take-ons (0.77). Torres effectively performs well in areas Maguire perhaps lacks, making them a perfect pairing at the back for Emery.

That would spell bad news for Ezri Konsa and Tyrone Mings – Villa's best pairing at the back last season – but not many can argue against Maguire and Torres being an upgrade, particularly in the case of the latter.

For while Maguire's reputation may have nosedived, Villa Park could provide the platform for the centre-back to kick-start his career alongside a player Emery has described as being like no other.

Leeds United Could Appoint 46 y/o To Replace Sam Allardyce

Leeds United hiring ex-Norwich City boss Daniel Farke as their new manager at Elland Road is a 'possibility for sure', according to journalist Ben Jacobs.

What's the latest news involving Leeds United and Daniel Farke?

According to The Guardian, Farke, Carlos Corberan and Scott Parker are on Leeds United's managerial shortlist as they look to find the man to lead them into the Sky Bet Championship next term.

Brendan Rodgers had previously been the first choice of 49ers Enterprises, who have recently completed a takeover of the Yorkshire outfit; however, he looks to have passed on the chance to assume the reins at Elland Road in favour of a return to former club Celtic.

Farke was also under consideration for the Celtic job alongside Manchester City coach Enzo Maresca and Bodo/Glimt boss Kjetil Knutsen to replace Ange Postecoglou at Parkhead, as per The Daily Mail.

As per Leeds Live, former Liverpool icon Steven Gerrard was among the contenders to replace Jesse Marsch at Leeds United; nevertheless, he is poised to become the new manager of Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq, as per Romain Molina.

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Jacobs has indicated that Farke joining Leeds United as their new boss is definitely a 'possibility' at Elland Road.

Jacobs told FFC: "It's a possibility for sure. I mean, you have to remember, at Leeds, the new ownership group 49ers Enterprises have only just completed their acquisition. It was always likely to be a case that new ownership would come in and then the managerial situation would be resolved and that is exactly what has happened."

Would Daniel Farke succeed as Leeds United boss?

Farke has the credentials to succeed in the Sky Bet Championship due to having previously enjoyed a fruitful time of things managing in the English second tier with Norwich City.

Looking over his spell in charge of the Canaries, the 46-year-old delivered two Sky Bet Championship titles in 2018/19 and 2020/21, as per Transfermarkt.

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Most recently of Borussia Monchengladbach, Farke was sacked at the end of 2022/23 following a disappointing tenth-placed finish in the Bundesliga, which could potentially pave the way for a return to English football.

Gladbach director Roland Virkus explained the decision by stating: "After intensive talks, we came to the decision with Daniel Farke to go our separate ways. We would like to thank Daniel and his team for all their work."

Now, Farke will hope to land the Leeds United managerial role, where whoever succeeds will work with interim football advisor Nick Hammond to identify new recruits following his appointment on a short-term basis this week at Elland Road.

Leeds Could Sign Rashford 2.0 In £20m Star Who’s Mustard

Leeds United have been relegated from the Premier League after three campaigns and must now heap the emphasis on crafting a team capable of forging an immediate path back to prominence.

It's been a shoddy, shambolic season at Elland Road and while gloom lingers over the club at present, rumours touting Coventry City forward Viktor Gyokeres to United might just bear fruit.

At least, that's according to Portuguese newspaper Record (via Sport Witness), who state that playoff finalists Coventry could be set to lose their star forward after falling to Luton Town at the final hurdle last month.

The outlet also claims that Sporting CP are interested in a deal, and while the Sky Blues are demanding £20m for the Swede, his proven mettle in the Championship could be just what the Whites need to return to the top next term.

Should Leeds sign Viktor Gyokeres?

Plummeting back into the Championship has been a bitter blow for Leeds who were fighting so hard to reclaim their position at the forefront of English football, but the mistakes of the past few seasons must now be rectified with diligent work in the summer transfer market.

Sam Allardyce might've left his position at the helm after a record-short managerial stint in the smouldering embers of Leeds' late-season travails, but the slate can now be wiped clean ahead of a new chapter.

And by signing Gyokeres, Leeds would wield a dynamic attacker that boasts a commendable record in the second tier, having scored 22 goals and supplied 12 assists from 50 matches this term to complement a previous haul of 18 strikes last year.

He's certainly got the opposition talking, with Blackburn Rovers defender Dom Hyam remarking: "I don't think he's got a ceiling to be honest. I think he's so good at what he does, his attributes are so rare as well.

"Obviously strikers have their qualities, but there's nothing he's bad at. He's good in the box, he's tall, he's big, he's strong, he's technically good as well. I think as long as he keeps grounded, which I know he will, I know him personally, yeah, I think he's got a massive career ahead of him."

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The 25-year-old could well emulate Marcus Rashford's role at Leeds' historic rivals Manchester United at Elland Road.

Indeed, the dynamic Coventry star ranks among the top 9% of forwards across Men's 'Next 8' divisions for rate of assists, the top 3% for shot-creating actions, the top 1% for progressive carries and the top 4% for successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref.

Rashford boasts a similarly impressive transitional prowess, with the £200k-per-week Red Devil ranking among the top 16% of forwards across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for shot-creating actions, the top 9% for progressive carries and the top 7% for successful take-ons per 90.

Pivotally, like the Man United talisman, the Swede possesses the tools to play in a wide role too, although certainly favours playing through the middle where more goal-scoring opportunities may present themselves.

Hailed as "mustard" by talkSPORT's Adrian Clarke, Gyokeres must be signed by Leeds, who will need to get it right this summer in order to ensure the return to the second tier does not result in a sink into obscurity once again.

Celtic Could Revive £16k-p/w Magician With 4-2-3-1 Coach

Celtic are on the lookout for a new head coach after Ange Postecoglou officially left the Scottish giants to join the Premier League on Tuesday.

The 57-year-old has put pen to paper on a deal with Tottenham Hotspur in England and this now pushes Peter and Mark Lawwell and Dermot Desmond into the market to bring a manager in to replace the Australian.

A number of bosses have already been linked with the vacancy and one man who is reportedly in the running for the job is ex-Leeds United coach Jesse Marsch.

The 49-year-old, who won two Austrian Bundesliga titles in two seasons with RB Salzburg earlier in his career, could revive a current Celtic outcast back to his former glory if the Hoops decide to appoint him heading into next term.

How did David Turnbull perform this season?

Parkhead attacking midfielder David Turnbull endured a difficult 2022/23 campaign as the Scotsman only started six games in the Scottish Premiership and zero times in the Champions League.

He made 27 appearances as a substitute in the two competitions combined but his lack of starts limited the impact that he was able to make in the final third. The gem ended the season with four goals and six assists in the league and in Europe combined, which shows that the ace was unable to make regular contributions in attack.

Turnbull is a number ten by trade and did not fit in with Postecoglou's 4-3-3 system, which required him to play as an eight or out wide, and thus could be revived by Marsch's preferred 4-2-3-1 set-up that would allow him to play in the hole behind a centre-forward.

Former Leeds United coach Jesse Marsch.

The American's formation would provide the 23-year-old with two holding midfielders behind him to offer defensive protection and allow the ace to push forward to link up with the two wingers and striker to create and score goals at the top end of the pitch.

Celtic's Scotland international predominantly played as a number ten for Neil Lennon in the 2020/21 campaign, before Postecoglou's arrival, and enjoyed a terrific year in the Premiership, which the Australian later described as "outstanding".

The £16k-per-week magician averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.47 and contributed with nine goals and six assists in 30 starts. He also created 12 'big chances' for his teammates and made 2.9 key passes per match, which is more than any Celtic player averaged in the league this year.

Therefore, Marsch, whose style was described as "aggressive" by journalist Josh Bunting, could revive the Hoops wizard by making him the attacking midfielder in his 4-2-3-1 system, which could allow the ace to thrive and get back to regularly scoring and creating goals in the Premiership.

Aston Villa In Talks Over Signing £163k p/w Ace

Aston Villa are in talks with the agent of the Real Madrid midfielder Marco Asensio over a potential summer transfer to the Premier League.

How much does Asensio earn?

It was a season to cherish for Villa with the arrival of Unai Emery seeing their fortunes change dramatically as their relegation fears turned into European ecstasy.

Although Villa have finished in the European spots, they still need to qualify for the Europa Conference League.

However, on the back of their showings this season, there will be a lot of confidence oozing out of this current Villa side.

But with potential European football to consider, the Spanish manager may be hoping to add further quality and strength in depth over the coming months.

And it seems they are already looking to address the extra quality with the links to the likes of Asensio who is expected to depart Real Madrid this summer.

Indeed, the £163k-per-week star is believed to be subject of interest from the Premier League side who have held talks with Jorge Mendes ahead of the summer window.

And speaking on his Here We Go podcast, the Italian journalist has shone some light on the latest surrounding the Spaniard's future:

"His agent, Jorge Mendes is speaking to Aston Villa to Paris Saint-Germain, where Luis Campos was already informed of the situation of Asensio last summer then in January, he's always been around this Asensio situation and Italian clubs. But Aston Villa and PSG looks like they are really determined to sign Marco Asensio."

How old is Asensio?

The 27-year-old is expected to become a free agent over the coming weeks which will allow him to depart the Bernabeu as a free agent.

And whilst he still has plenty of years left in the tank, he would arrive at Villa Park with plenty of experience playing at the ver top level.

Indeed, the Spaniard has played a whopping 285 times for Madrid across all competitions and 59 of those games have come in Europe's elite competition.

However, this could potentially raise some concern as to whether Villa may prove the most desirable option for Asensio over the coming weeks/months with Paris Saint-Germain said to be showing an interest.

The Ligue 1 champions would be able to offer Asensio the ability to showcase his talent in the elite European competition, whereas, Villa still need to qualify for Europe's third-tier competition.

But one thing which may work in their favour is having Emery in the dugout as their manager with the Spaniard potentially proving a real plus point in Villa's approach.

The 51-year-old was hailed by Gary Neville earlier in the season with the Sky Sports man suggesting the Spaniard was viewed as a "god" back in his homeland.

If this is the case, could this make Villa a real option for Asensio this summer?

Aston Villa to miss out on Boubacar Kamara

Aston Villa have been hit with a potential setback in their hunt for Marseille’s star midfielder, Boubacar Kamara.

What’s the word?

That is according to reports in Spain, via Birmingham Live, who claim that La Liga giants Atletico Madrid are set to “close” a deal for the 22-year-old.

Kamara is set to become a free agent in the summer, with Villa touted as one of the potential clubs vying for his signature, in what was seemed to be an open race between Gerrard’s side and Atletico Madrid.

Though, according to the report, it looks as though the France starlet has signed a pre-agreement with Simeone’s side ahead of this summer’s transfer window.

Supporters will be gutted

The saga surrounding Kamara’s future, amidst interest from Aston Villa, has seemingly circulated for months. And with Gerrard looking to strengthen in the holding midfielder position, it will come as a big blow to not only him, but the Villa faithful.

Kamara boasts some serious numbers this season, so it is not wonder as to why Villa have been chasing the signature of the 22-year-old.

In comparison to Douglas Luiz, Kamara outdoes the Brazilian in the majority of metrics. The Frenchman’s passing stats are a particular standout, with his 72.09 average passes completed per 90 at a completion rate of 79.23% massively outdoing that of Luiz’s measly total of 39.69 passes per 90, with an average of 83%.

Whilst their defensive metrics are similar, with Kamara just pipping Luiz overall, it is his ability in possession that would make him such a good asset for a Villa side who look to dominate the ball, but have struggled somewhat this season – as can be seen from their rank of 14th place in the average possession charts, with just 46.2% possession averaged across 36 games.

Kamara’s average of 89.51 touches make him a metronome in the engine room, with his 60.54 carries better than the likes of Declan Rice, who has averaged 48.61 per 90.

Villa will be gutted at what will seem like a missed opportunity for NSWE to bag a star who displays potential akin to world-class.

In other news: “His priority..” Romano drops exciting transfer claim, it’s great news for Aston Villa 

Tottenham: Source makes exciting Pau Torres transfer claim

Tottenham Hotspur may have been given a real boost in their quest to bring colossal Villarreal defender Pau Torres to the Premier League.

The Lowdown: Spurs in Torres chase…

The Spain international, as he’s admitted to the media, rejected the chance to join Spurs last summer – choosing to stick it under Unai Emery due to their presence in the Champions League.

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However, The Daily Mail claimed earlier this week that the Lilywhites and transfer chief Fabio Paratici could come back in for the 25-year-old after being given encouragement by his change in stance.

It is now believed that Torres is ‘ready to leave’ Villarreal in a possible boost for Antonio Conte’s side.

Now, sharing another update, a Football Insider ‘source’ has lifted the lid on yet another cause for optimism over signing the central defender.

The Latest: Emery gifts discount?

According to their information, there is now growing ‘confidence’ at Hotspur Way that Villarreal will sell Torres to Spurs for a bargain price.

Spurs insiders are allegedly operating under the belief that Paratici could seal the centre-half’s signing for £10 million less than his asking price – £45 million instead of his £55 million clause specifically.

This is due to the La Liga side’s financial problems with last season’s Europa League winners apparently needing to raise cash through player sales.

The Verdict: Time to move?

Called a would-be ‘great signing’ for Spurs by journalist Pete O’Rourke, his national team partnership with Aymeric Laporte at the Euros last summer prompted ‘sensational’ praise from manager Luis Enrique.

He’s continued his good form well into 2021/2022, winning more aerial duels per 90 and playing more minutes than any of his teammates – standing out as a really pivotal player for Emery (WhoScored).

Even for £45m, Torres would arguably come as a snip for Spurs.

In other news: ‘Hope for a miracle…’ – Journalist shares what Conte has now ‘told Tottenham’, find out more here.