According to a Spanish source, Erling Haaland’s potential transfer to Manchester City is ‘a done deal’, as far as the Premier League champions’ hierarchy are concerned.
The Lowdown: City leading the race for Haaland
The Norwegian is expected to be one of the biggest transfers in football this summer, despite his contract with Borussia Dortmund not set to expire until the summer of 2024.
Pep Guardiola’s side have already been linked with the striker, with recent reports suggesting that the 21-year-old has agreed terms to join the Citizens, despite there also being interest from Real Madrid.
Following a fresh update, it is now believed that everyone at the club is increasingly confident that they have managed to win the race for Haaland’s signature, ahead of the Spanish giants.
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The Latest: Haaland deal reportedly ‘done’
When speaking on the Three Amigos Podcast (as relayed by Bernabeu Digital, via Sport Witness) about the forward’s transfer situation, Marca journalist Mario Cortegana said:
“There are people from Manchester City preparing everything they have to arrange for the process to go ahead.
“Everything is being prepared to get it done now. ‘Haaland is a done deal’, is the message from Manchester City.”
The Verdict: What a coup
The £135m-rated superstar has been an absolute machine for the Bundesliga outfit, where he has racked up an outstanding 108 goal contributions in just 87 appearances since arriving from Red Bull Salzburg midway through the 2019/20 campaign.
With City having not yet replaced Sergio Aguero since his departure, and Gabriel Jesus possibly leaving the Etihad at the end of the season, the current Premier League leaders may well be in need of someone new to lead the line.
Once dubbed a “powerful” player by Thierry Henry, it would be an extraordinary coup by City if they can sign the massively prolific Haaland pictured ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.
In other news… City are reportedly at the ‘top of the list’ in the race for one of their transfer targets
Tottenham Hotspur have made contact with Paulo Dybala regarding a switch to north London this summer.
What’s the talk?
That’s according to James Olley, with the ESPN journalist revealing on Twitter that Fabio Paratici has contacted the Juventus forward concerning a move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium upon the expiry of his current deal at the Allianz Stadium at the end of the season.
However, the journalist added that Arsenal, Manchester United and Newcastle United – along with unnamed clubs from Italy and Spain – have also been in talks with the 28-year-old, who is thought to be considering his options before deciding where his future lies.
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In his tweet, Olley said: “Arsenal, Tottenham, Man Utd & Newcastle have made contact with Paulo Dybala’s representatives over a summer move. Nothing at an advanced stage, just exploring the idea – player assessing his options (also interest from clubs in Italy and Spain).”
Conte would love him
Considering just how impressive Dybala has been for Juventus this season, and with the Argentina international will be available on a free transfer, it is easy to see why Conte would be interested in a deal for the attacker this summer.
Indeed, over his 25 Serie A appearances this term, the £36m-rated sensation has been one of Massimiliano Allegri’s standout performers, scoring nine goals, registering five assists and creating 10 big chances for his team-mates, along with averaging 3.7 shots and 1.4 key passes per game.
These returns have seen the £220k-per-week forward average a breathtaking SofaScore match rating of 7.48, not only ranking him as the Bianconeri’s best player in the Italian top flight but also as the third-best in the entire league.
As such, it is clear to see that Dybala would make a fantastic addition to the likes of Harry Kane, Son Heung-min and Dejan Kulusevski in the Tottenham attack. Therefore, we believe that Paratici must do all he can to land the 28-year-old as Spurs’ first summer signing ahead of the likes of Arsenal, Newcastle and Man United, with the Argentine sensation undoubtedly being a signing that Conte would love.
AND in other news: “Interested..”: Sky Sports journalist drops transfer update, Spurs supporters will love it
Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta could be ready to open his cheque book once again, with the Gunners eyeing a highly-rated winger for January.
Mikel Arteta’s league leaders, despite conceding a dramatic late equaliser away to Sunderland last weekend, are still the team to beat this season.
Before their trip to the Stadium of Light, Arsenal enjoyed a staggering run of eight consecutive clean sheets across all competitions — equalling their own club record set in 1903. During this historic period, they went 12 hours and 56 minutes without conceding a single goal, with Nick Woltemade coming as the last player to score against them all the way back in September.
Olympiacos, West Ham, Fulham, Atlético Madrid, Crystal Palace, Brighton, Burnley and Slavia Prague all failed to find a way past Arsenal until Dan Ballard, who once plied his trade in the Hale End academy, and Brian Brobbey finally ended their incredible defensive streak.
Arsenal 3-0 Nottingham Forest
Athletic Bilbao 0-2 Arsenal
Arsenal 1-1 Man City
Port Vale 0-2 Arsenal
Newcastle 1-2 Arsenal
Arsenal 2-0 Olympiacos
Arsenal 2-0 West Ham
Fulham 0-1 Arsenal
Arsenal 4-0 Atlético Madrid
Arsenal 1-0 Crystal Palace
Arsenal 2-0 Brighton
Burnley 0-2 Arsenal
Slavia Prague 0-3 Arsenal
Sunderland 2-2 Arsenal
Arteta has built Arsenal’s rock-solid title challenge off their imperious defence and exceptional threat from set pieces, with the north Londoners bagging 12 from dead ball situations so far this campaign — more than any other club in the top flight (12).
This also comes after Berta gave Arteta his full backing in the summer transfer window,
Arsenal ended last summer as one of England’s most lavish spenders, investing nearly £270 million into the squad and registering the highest net spend of any Premier League side. Kepa Arrizabalaga, Cristhian Mosquera, Piero Hincapie, Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, Eberechi Eze, Noni Madueke and Viktor Gyokeres were all brought in to bolster Arsenal’s title challenge, and Arteta is hoping to have the latter two back from injury to face Tottenham right after the international break.
While Eze can play on the left-wing, with Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard also standing out as key options, reports suggest that Berta could look to bring in another star man for that area of the squad in 2026.
Martinelli and Trossard face uncertain long-term futures at Arsenal with both of their deals expiring in 2027, and the club have been linked with AC Milan’s Rafael Leao as one of many potential targets for the left-wing.
According to the latest reports from Spain, they also maintain a serious interest in Lyon star Malick Fofana.
Arsenal preparing January move for Malick Fofana
The 20-year-old, who scored 11 goals and racked up six assists in all competitions for Lyon last term, commands a price tag of around £52 million with both Liverpool and Barcelona seriously considering a move as well.
Hansi Flick’s La Liga champions have already held talks with his representatives ahead of January, according to one Spanish media source, with it also being reported that Arsenal are preparing to battle Barca and Liverpool for Fofana’s signature in January.
Called a “magnificent” up-and-coming talent by members of the media, the Belgium international enjoyed a fine start to this campaign as well before suffering a recent ankle sprain.
Kevin De Bruyne even compared Fofana with star Man City winger Jeremy Doku, which is high praise considering the latter’s exceptional form this season, having just put Liverpool to the sword in a 3-0 rout at Eastlands.
His pace and directness is complemented only by his versatility, which will seriously appeal to Arteta, with Fofana able to play on the right-wing and at centre-forward when required.
The former Gent sensation would be a stellar option, but it would surely require one of Martinelli or Trossard to leave and free up space — giving Arteta a key decision to make given both of the super subs contributions this term.
Manchester United have been offered the chance to sign striker Dusan Vlahovic from Juventus for a much lower price than expected.
Particularly last season, much was said about Man United. The club endured what was, in terms of points return and league finish, their worst-ever Premier League campaign. Many of the club’s attacking options, such as Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee, struggled for form.
This, no doubt, contributed to their business ahead of the 2025/26 season. In what marked their first summer transfer window with Ruben Amorim as manager, the Red Devils signed Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko in what was a complete renovation of their attack.
The trio have since secured their places in the first team at Old Trafford, helping Man United record three successive Premier League wins for the first time under Amorim’s guidance before the draw at Nottingham Forest.
It would appear, however, that the Red Devils may look to further reinforce their attacking line in the upcoming January window.
Man United show interest in Vlahovic
As per TEAMtalk, Man United could pursue a move for Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic this winter. Such a transfer, however, would only be explored if there is first a departure. Zirkzee could leave, having lost his place in the first team due to both new signings and poor form.
Vlahovic, who reportedly earns £375,000 per week in Turin, will become a free agent in July if he does not depart Juve at an earlier date, having been unable to negotiate a contract extension with the club. Were Vlahovic to remain, he would seemingly have to take a pay cut.
Having been called a “superstar” for his ability, Vlahovic would be available for just £17.5 million according to TEAMtalk, in no doubt due to his contract situation. Were Zirkzee to depart permanently, it would presumably provide Man United with the adequate funds to pursue Vlahovic. Even if the Dutchman left only on loan, it would free up a position within their first-team for the 25-year-old.
Given his lack of minutes so far this season, it can be presumed that Zirkzee has fallen down the pecking order. In Vlahovic, Man United would be signing competition for summer signing Sesko which, in turn, could benefit the Slovenian international.
Reportedly, Man United are “informed” of Vlahovic’s situation, but “that does not mean they will necessarily pull the trigger on the move” and whether a transfer materialises remains to be seen.
"Deadly" Man United academy star is another Bruno Fernandes
It wasn’t just incomings that Liverpool were focused on this summer and one Reds star has now revealed he had the chance to leave the club.
Liverpool's transformative summer defined by clever selling
Liverpool have been accused of standing still when crowned Premier League champions in the past, almost settling for what they had earned. This time, such accusations would be incredibly far-fetched. Sat atop their throne after becoming champions last season, the Reds have enjoyed a transformative summer — spending over £400m and ruthlessly selling a number of stars to fund it.
In came Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitike, Florian Wirtz , Giovanni Leoni and Jeremie Frimpong, and out went Harvey Elliott, Jarell Quansah, Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez , plus more. It was about as ruthless as it gets from Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes, who have created a side capable of enjoying an era of dominance at Anfield, keeping Liverpool second in the net spend pile despite breaking the British transfer record twice.
A lot has been made of Liverpool’s spending and why they’ve suddenly spent more than ever, but one look at their summer sales will provide an emphatic answer. They’re one of the smartest clubs in European football and that was on show for all to see in the summer window.
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ByAngus Sinclair Sep 5, 2025
The Reds didn’t just sell for any offer that came in, either. They were tactical. The likes of Nunez and Diaz were seen as players that should be moved on, but only for the right price, with the club even happy to let Diaz run his contract down rather than sell too soon for too little. Hughes and Edwards simply waited for that price to come before cashing in.
What Diaz’s move allowed them to do was also keep hold of another star, who has now spoken about interest from Bayern Munich.
Gakpo admits Bayern interest was "difficult"
Whilst it was Diaz that moved on in the end, the story could have been very different. Cody Gakpo has admitted that Bayern Munich “did come” in for his signature, but he chose to stay put at Liverpool in a “difficult” saga.
Ryan Gravenberch and Cody Gakpo for Liverpool
It’s a decision that would have been a relief to Arne Slot too, given just how emphatically the Dutchman has started the current campaign.
For all of Liverpool’s standout business, keeping hold of Gakpo will prove to be of underrated importance, with the Netherlands star signing a new contract that will keep him in red until 2030.
The winger has scored once and assisted twice in just four Premier League games this season and will be looking to keep hold of his place following the arrival of Isak on deadline day.
Manchester United have made surprise “contact” to sign a new striker who has been likened to Arsenal’s summer signing Viktor Gyokeres.
Man Utd sign Sesko after Gyokeres snub
In what has been a productive summer transfer window at Old Trafford, INEOS brought in Matheus Cunha from Wolves before landing Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford, two players who are set to feature heavily in behind a striker.
Attention then turned to a new centre-forward, and the Red Devils were linked with Gyokeres, who worked under Ruben Amorim at Sporting CP. The Sweden international only wanted Arsenal, though, and eventually got his move to the Emirates, opening his Premier League account with a brace against Leeds United.
United, meanwhile, splashed the cash on Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig in a deal worth more than £70m. The three marquee attacking signings have set INEOS back £200m, however, Sesko is still awaiting his first Premier League start and goal.
Man Utd "very optimistic" they'll sign £22m colossus "in the next two days"
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Rasmus Hojlund’s future is also up in the air at Old Trafford, amid rumours of a move to Serie A side Napoli which has resulted in United being linked with making another signing in the final third before the September 1 deadline.
Man Utd make surprise Randal Kolo Muani "contact"
According to Caught Offside, Man Utd have made a surprise attempt to sign Randal Kolo Muani from Paris Saint-Germain.
The French forward is valued at €60m (£51m) by the Champions League winners and spent the second half of last season on loan at Juventus. The Serie A side are yet to reach an agreement to sign Kolo Muani once again, which led to the Red Devils exploring a move.
However, unfortunately for INEOS and Amorim, Kolo Muani is not open to an Old Trafford transfer. A source told Caught Offside:
The 26-year-old scored 10 goals in 22 appearances for Juventus last season, and has been compared to Gyokeres and other high-profile forwards by Football Transfers.
Ollie Watkins
Aston Villa
Alexander Sorloth
Atletico Madrid
Christopher Nkunku
Chelsea
Viktor Gyokeres
Arsenal
Ademola Lookman
Atalanta
Should Man Utd move Hojlund on, it’ll be interesting if the Red Devils explore a move for another striker after signing Sesko, but it looks as if that man won’t be Kolo Muani.
Whilst the focus has been on upgrading Ruben Amorim’s attacking options so far this summer, Manchester United have now reportedly joined the race to sign a £30m+ midfielder.
Man Utd face toughest Premier League start
After finishing 15th in a miserable campaign last time out, the last thing that Manchester United need is to be thrown into the deep end in the opening weeks of next season. Yet, with the 2025/26 Premier League fixtures released, Amorim is set to find out very quickly whether his side can finally swim or if they’ll sink once again under pressure.
After opening their campaign with the visit of Arsenal, Manchester United will then be forced to navigate a nine-game period which features games against Manchester City, Chelsea and champions Liverpool. If they were looking to ease their way into the season then, simply put, they may have to rethink their approach.
Of course, by the time that August arrives, those at Old Trafford will hope to have built a squad capable of navigating that difficult opening run. Already, INEOS have secured the arrival of Matheus Cunha and reports have claimed that they’re also confident about signing Bryan Mbeumo despite competition from Thomas Frank’s Tottenham Hotspur.
Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo
Both additions would go a long way towards transforming Manchester United’s attack, but Amorim will be well aware that his midfield also needs fixing. On that front, once again it seems as though INEOS are prepared to spend amid reports that United have joined the race to sign a want-away Serie A midfield this summer.
Man Utd battling to sign Davide Frattesi
According to reports in Spain, Manchester United are now battling to sign Davide Frattesi from Inter Milan this summer. The Italian giants reportedly value their midfielder at more than €35m (£30m) in what is an affordable price tag for INEOS to match in the coming months.
What should make any deal easier, meanwhile, is reports that Frattesi has expressed his desire to leave Inter this summer after starting just nine Serie A games last season. Whether that opens the door for the Red Devils to secure a cheaper deal is a question that Sir Jim Ratcliffe is likely to ask if Manchester United push on with their move to sign the midfielder.
Minutes
1,158
1,494
Progressive Carries
1.78
0.24
Tackles Won
0.62
0.31
Goals (total)
5
1
Described as “brilliant” by scout Antonio Mango, Frattesi would hand Manchester United another added boost going forward. The midfielder also has a knack for scoring goals in big games, having scored the winner against Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter-final and then the winner again in extra-time in the semi-final against Barcelona.
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For around £30m, Frattesi could prove to be quite the bargain for Manchester United, who would be landing an underrated midfielder with plenty of experience, including currently at the FIFA Club World Cup.
Newcastle United’s fantastic second half of the season ensured they will return to the Champions League in the 2025/26 campaign. Eddie Howe’s magnificent Magpies came fifth in the Premier League and managed to cling onto that final Champions League spot despite defeat on the last day of the season at home to Everton.
Since Boxing Day, the North Eastern giants looked like strong contenders for a top-five finish. They were fifth in the league just one day after Christmas, and never really looked like dropping out of that race in 2025.
With a huge season ahead, it will be an important few months for Newcastle to build a squad worthy of competing with Europe’s elite. Already, they have been linked with some elite-level players.
Newcastle’s latest summer targets
There is a report from one Spanish news outlet that links the Magpies to four players this summer. One of those includes Real Madrid attacker Rodrygo, who could be available for as little as £67m. Former Manchester City winger Ferran Torres, now at Barcelona, is also linked.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
However, one of the most concrete links for Newcastle right now comes from CaughtOffside. They suggest that the North East side are targeting a move for Paris Saint-Germain attacker Lee Kang-in. They are thought to be one side who have ‘made contact’ for the South Korean attacker.
The key phrase there is one of, because the Magpies are set to fight seven other sides across Europe. They include Spanish side Atletico Madrid and Premier League rivals Manchester United and Arsenal.
Lee Kang-in for Paris Saint-Germain
Interestingly, the Gunners were linked with Lee by The Athletic back in January, who reported his transfer fee as £36m, double what the French side paid for him. Perhaps it will be a similar fee this summer, too.
Why Lee would be a good signing
It has perhaps been a slightly frustrating season for Lee in the French capital. He has struggled for regular opportunities, given he is fighting to break into an attack that includes Ousmane Dembele, Desiré Doué and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
Paris St Germain'sLeeKang-in, Paris St Germain's Nuno Mendes and Paris St Germain's Achraf Hakimi
He has played 30 games in Ligue 1 in the 2024/25 campaign, scoring six goals and registering the same number of assists. Crucially, Lee has played just 1667 minutes in the top flight of France, the equivalent of just 18 full games. 12 goals and assists in 18 games is a superb return.
One of the standout features about Lee’s game is his versatility. Luis Enrique has been able to rely on him in numerous positions this season. He has played 13 times as a right-winger, 12 times as a number ten, six games as a centre-forward and even once at right-back.
If the Magpies did sign Lee this summer, they would surely hope he could have the same impact at St James’ Park that their last midfield signing from Ligue 1 has done.
Bruno Guimaraes has been a revelation in midfield since his £30m move from Olympique Lyon in 2022.
He has amassed an impressive 154 appearances in that famous black and white shirt, scoring 22 goals and registering 24 assists in that time.
At the start of his time in the North East, he said he had ambitions of becoming a “legend” at the club. After helping to deliver the Carabao Cup this season, he may well have reached that level.
Interestingly, talent scout Jacek Kulig said he believes Lee can become a “future legend” of football, further drawing parallels between the pair. If he can have any sort of similar impact on the club as Guimaraes, it would have been a successful transfer.
There are some standout underlying stats on FBref for Lee, which indicate he could become a key player for Newcastle. For example, he averages 7.69 progressive passes and 5.19 shot-creating actions per game, which rank him in the top 3% and 1% of midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues, respectively.
Goals and assists
0.51
96th
Key passes
3.08
99th
Progressive
7.69
97th
Shot-creating actions
5.19
99th
Progressive carries
2.91
96th
Take-ons completed
1.56
97th
The last time Newcastle bought a midfielder from Ligue 1, it turned out to be one of the best signings they have made in recent memory. They will surely hope that, if Lee joins, he can be the second coming of Guimaraes in terms of impact on the club.
At just £36m, this could be the bargain of the summer for the Magpies, if Howe and co can get this deal over the line.
Bigger talent than Delap: Newcastle set to bid for “special" £59m sensation
Newcastle are looking for a new addition to their attack
Incoming Rangers owners, the 49ers, are now plotting the statement summer signing of a “very talented” Brazilian, according to a report.
Gers stepping up summer transfer plans
There is still a lot of uncertainty at Ibrox, with the 49ers still yet to identify a permanent replacement for interim boss Barry Ferguson, although there have been some recent developments in the pursuit of a new manager, with an offer being submitted for Davide Ancelotti.
Davide Ancelotti
Should Ancelotti be appointed, the Real Madrid assistant is likely to have a big say in the Gers’ summer transfer business, but potential targets are already being identified, with recruitment chiefs looking to bring in players capable of bridging the gap to Celtic next season.
Scouts have been sent to watch Evagoras Charalambous in action for Anorthosis Famagusta, with the Light Blues keen on a new striker, while they are also expected to make a bid for Estoril defender Kevin Boma at the opposite end of the pitch.
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According to a report from TEAMtalk, Rangers are also keen to bolster their options in the engine room this summer, with the 49ers now plotting the statement signing of Troyes midfielder Metinho to mark the start of a new era at Ibrox.
The central midfielder has spent part of the 2024-25 campaign on loan at FC Basel, where he has caught the eye, and there is a feeling a summer deal could be possible for the relatively low fee of £4m, or potentially even less, as his contract is due to expire next summer.
The 49ers are looking to bring in young players with high potential, who can kick on at Ibrox and be sold for a profit at some point down the line, and they believe the 22-year-old fits the bill.
"Very talented" Metinho likened to Pogba
Such is the Brazilian’s potential, he was once likened to ex-Manchester United man Paul Pogba by former Fluminense academy director Marcelo Veiga, who said: “People joke and sometimes call him Pogba due to his style, his appearance and because he plays with his head up.”
The Congo-born maestro has also impressed football talent scout Jacek Kulig, who once described him as “very talented”, and he has particularly caught the eye with his dribbling ability over the past year, while also ranking highly on some defensive metrics.
Statistic
Average per 90
Progressive carries
3.49 (99th percentile)
Successful take-ons
1.83 (98th percentile)
Interceptions
1.33 (76th percentile)
Clearances
3.16 (97th percentile)
As such, the South American is clearly a well-rounded player, who just needs to add more goals to his game to be a complete midfielder, having failed to find the back of the net this season.
Regardless, Metinho is clearly a promising midfielder, who could make an instant impact at Ibrox, so it is exciting news that Rangers could look to snap him up for a relatively low fee in the summer transfer window.
Aston Villa had an ideal chance to reach their first FA Cup final in a decade at the weekend. With Crystal Palace standing in the way, Unai Emery’s men let the occasion overawe them as the club slumped to a 3-0 defeat at Wembley.
Having been knocked out of the Champions League by PSG just 11 days prior, the FA Cup represented the last chance for the club to end a near 30-year wait for a major trophy.
Despite the result, Emery must gather his men for the crunch tie against Fulham this afternoon. A win is a must if the Midlands side wants to play in Europe’s premier club competition next term.
The Spaniard will certainly be making a change or two, especially in his attacking department…
Why Ollie Watkins should be dropped for Aston Villa
Ollie Watkins started the semi-final against Palace, yet delivered one of his poorest performances in a Villa shirt.
Ollie Watkins
In a game of such high magnitude, the striker completed only eight passes throughout the match and lost possession seven times.
He failed to even register a single shot against the Eagles, while also failing with both his dribble attempts and winning just one of his seven duels.
Goals
15
Assists
7
Goal conversion percentage
19%
Shots per game
2.3
Big chances created
6
Big chances missed
24
It was a performance that the Englishman will be keen to forget, that’s for sure. Marcus Rashford looks certain to miss the rest of the season due to a hamstring injury, otherwise, he may well have started against Palace.
This leaves the door ajar for another January signing to be unleashed against the Cottagers today – Donyell Malen.
The Aston Villa star who could replace Watkins
It’s safe to say that Malen hasn’t quite enjoyed the start to life many expected of him after his £20m move from Borussia Dortmund in the winter transfer window.
Chalkboard
Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.
Indeed, across 14 games for the club, he has started just three times, scoring three goals in the process.
He might not start often, but Malen has recorded a goal conversion percentage of 25%, showcasing his finishing abilities.
Furthermore, he averages 1.1 shots per game as well as scoring once every 96 minutes. Perhaps he offers more coming off the bench against tired legs, but with Watkins performing so poorly last week, it is now time for Malen to shine.
When compared to peers across Europe’s big five leagues, the Dutchman ranks in the top 11% for touches inside the opposition penalty area (6.44) and in the top 1% for non-penalty goals (0.71) per 90 over the previous 365 days.
This suggests Emery must not have any reservations about unleashing him in the starting XI, that’s for sure.
Dubbed “very dangerous” and “extremely fast” by his former teammate, Mario Götze, the former Dortmund man has plenty to offer Villa over the next few weeks.
Having scored three Premier League goals since the start of April, another one or two this afternoon would help Villa get over the FA Cup disappointment and spearhead their charge towards a top-five finish.
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