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Arsenal made it six wins from six in the Champions League on Monday night as Mikel Arteta’s men secured a 3-0 win over Club Brugge.

The Gunners tasted defeat against Aston Villa only a few days ago, but a much-changed team responded in emphatic fashion, with Noni Madueke and Gabriel Martinelli both on the scoresheet.

Madueke scored a fierce opening goal, running through the heart of the Brugge team before unleashing a devastating effort from outside of the box that crashed in off the bar.

His second, a header from close range, was a lot simpler but there was nothing simple about Martinelli’s strike.

The Brazilian cut inside from the left and bent the ball into the far corner to cap off a phenomenal 3-0 win on the road in Europe.

Understandably, Arteta was delighted with what he saw from his players.

Arteta raves over Arsenal's attacking performance

Martinelli and Madueke have both struggled with injury this term but certainly made their chance count in Belgium on Wednesday night.

Speaking to the press after the game, Areta waxed lyrical over the two wingers, saying: “Madueke and Martinelli were outstanding today, the level of threat and two finishes spectacular. Jesus back after 11 months, to see him perform in the manner he did was really positive.”

Perhaps the biggest positive for the Gunners was Gabriel Jesus’ return to the side. The Brazilian hasn’t been seen in the first team since suffering a horrific ACL injury against Manchester United back in January.

While the striker didn’t score, he managed more touches than the man he replaced, Viktor Gyokeres, despite playing just half an hour.

Arteta was ecstatic to see the forward back in action, saying: “For 11 months, he’s been fighting against another very difficult injury and to see him back with that smile, with that energy and with that quality in his first performance back with us is really impressive and we’re all delighted for him.

“You can see how much we love him! If he continues to perform in that manner, he will bring something else to the team and I am really happy to see that.”

Arteta praises underrated Arsenal star

While the forward line grabbed the headlines in Brugge this week, praise must be handed to the lesser-spotted Christian Norgaard.

The Danish midfielder has barely kicked a ball since signing from Brentford in the summer but more than took his chance on Wednesday, albeit in an unfamiliar role.

Due to injuries to Jurrien Timber, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes and Cristhian Mosquera, Norgaard played at centre-back and looked very solid, helping his team keep a clean sheet.

The manager was delighted with his performance, stating: “Christian Norgaard is someone who probably prepares the best out of all of them. He is somebody who makes us better every day. Any position, any condition, his attitude is always immaculate.”

Arsenal star was playing like Saka, now he's being treated like Smith Rowe

The incredible Arsenal talent could end up following Smith Rowe’s trajectory instead of Saka’s.

3

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

5 days ago

West Ham United are now planning to sign an “insane” Premier League striker in the January transfer window, as a replacement for Niclas Fullkrug.

Fullkrug set to leave West Ham in January

Sky Sports Florian Plettenberg revealed last month that Fullkrug wants to leave West Ham in the upcoming window, with the striker looking to make it into Germany’s World Cup squad next summer.

In truth, Nuno probably shouldn’t be too concerned if the German does depart, given that he has made a torrid start to the Premier League season, having failed to score in his opening eight matches.

Callum Wilson has now emerged as the first-choice option at centre-forward, and the Englishman has caught the eye at times, scoring two goals in his last three matches.

However, Wilson was unable to find the back of the net against Liverpool on Sunday, with the Hammers succumbing to a 2-0 defeat, and they are now looking to sign a new striker in the January transfer window.

That is according to a report from La Lazio Siamo Noi, which states West Ham have now identified Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee as a top target to replace Fullkrug next month.

The Irons are looking to cash-in on their £27m signing this winter, and they have already started offering him out to offer clubs, primarily to teams in the Bundesliga.

The 32-year-old would prefer to return to his home country, and if the Hammers do manage to get a sale over the line, there will be space to bring in a new forward, with Liverpool’s Federico Chiesa also of interest.

"Insane" Zirkzee returns to form against Crystal Palace

Zirkzee scored his first Premier League goal for nearly a year on Sunday afternoon, beating Crystal Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson with a tidy finish to ignite Man United’s comeback, which earned him high praise from Bruno Fernandes.

Scout Ben Mattinson has also praised the Dutchman in the past, describing him as “insane”, however, his goalscoring record should be a major concern for West Ham.

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The Hammers have made a bid for a new centre-forward, with their manager personally an admirer.

ByDominic Lund Dec 1, 2025

Much like Fullkrug, the 24-year-old has struggled in front of goal ever since arriving in the Premier League for £36.5m, netting just four goals in 38 top-flight games, and the Hammers should be able to find a much more prolific striker to replace the Germany international.

Abhishek Sharma hit 61 off 31, Tilak Varma struck 49 not out off 34, and India cruised to the highest score of the tournament, posting 202 for 5 without ever looking like they were breaking a serious sweat.Sri Lanka too, made no serious errors. In fact they caught well – Maheesh Theekshana and Dushmantha Chameera taking outstanding catches off their own bowling – while the groundfielding was in good shape. None of their bowlers leaked more than 15 runs in an over, and the frontline bowlers all completed their quota.And yet, India kept finding the boundary, first through Abhishek, before Varma and Sanju Samson set themselves up in the middle overs to hit 66 runs off 42 balls together. Wickets fell too, but such are India’s riches, and so in control were they of this innings, that dismissals did not lead to major hits to the scoring rate.Sri Lanka’s bowlers did pose threats. In fact, five bowlers took wickets. But none took more than one, and not a single bowler of the six used went at less than six an over. Whatever Sri Lanka threw at India, the India batters negotiated with measured aggression.

Match abandoned Scott Edwards finally won the toss and wanted Netherlands’ bowlers to, for once, bowl without dew around. But rain that fell as early as the fifth over ensured they had to contend with wet conditions anyway. They had bowled second in the first two T20Is of the three-match series and had lost both times.Netherlands fared better on Wednesday and managed to rein Bangladesh in after the first rain stoppage. But rain returned about two hours later to have the final say.Bangladesh posted 164 for 4 in 18.2 overs, in an innings replete with stoppages. Their captain Litton Das got off to a rapid start. There was a lull in the middle, before Jaker Ali and Nurul Hasan injected momentum at the death. Netherlands quick Kyle Klein travelled the distance, going for 53 in his four overs, but also picked up three wickets. None of that mattered in the end, and the no-result meant Bangladesh took the series 2-0, Netherlands’ consolation coming from avoiding a clean sweep.

A Litton knock of two moods

With the series already sealed, Bangladesh looked at the opportunity to rotate their players ahead of next week’s Men’s T20 Asia Cup. They rested both their openers, Pervez Hossain Emon and Tanzid Hasan, among the five changes to their XI, and Litton walked out to open. He made his intentions clear with a clinical assault against Daniel Doram’s left-arm spin in the third over. Litton launched a four over mid-off before ending the over with 4, 4, 6 – the second of them coming off an outside edge that evaded the keeper.The first stoppage came during the next over, after Litton deposited Klein over deep midwicket. One of the floodlights at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium had malfunctioned, and play was suspended for 11 minutes. Once play resumed, Litton hit two more fours, one each off Klein and offspinner Aryan Dutt, before rain arrived. He was on 42 off 16 then but couldn’t find his touch when play resumed 37 minutes later. When he was dismissed in the 15th over, he had scored only 31 off his last 30 balls.One of the characteristics of Litton’s 46-ball 73 was how well he held his shape while hitting big shots. Netherlands may have seen a lot less of this had Shariz Ahmad held on to a chance at deep midwicket in the fourth over when Litton was on 37. He was dropped again on 68 by Tim Pringle, but that did not cost Netherlands much.Litton Das scored 42 off his first 16 balls, and only 31 off his last 30•AFP/Getty Images

A glimmer of hope in Netherlands’ bowling

The Shariz drop came in Klein’s second over. It might have given him an inkling of how his evening would turn out. He bowled his heart out but struggled for consistency. Even with a dry ball, he slipped in a beamer in the fourth over of the game. By the end of that over, he had gone for 26 in two, and Bangladesh were 56 for 1.But Netherlands managed to pull things back after the rain break.Dutt and Pringle managed to extract purchase from the surface and kept even a set Litton in check. Towhid Hridoy’s patience ran out after he had scored just nine off his first 13 balls, and he holed out to long-on in an attempt to charge at Pringle. In the first 35 balls after the rain interval, Netherlands gave away just 28 runs and picked up a wicket.Bangladesh found the boundary in just four of the ten overs after their powerplay, and lost three wickets in that period. Then Nurul, playing his first T20I since the T20 World Cup of 2022, and Jaker joined forces to take 22 off the 18th over, bowled by Klein. They added 42 off just 23 balls before heavens opened again.

Sean Dyche was once part of a bust-up involving Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis, and his comments on the situation have now emerged after taking over as the Reds’ new manager.

Dyche takes the reins as Forest manager following Ange exit

Having proven his ability to come in and stablise clubs during his time with Everton, Dyche has now taken charge at Forest, following a disastrous spell under the helm of Ange Postecoglou, with the Australian failing to win in eight games and lasting just 39 days.

The former Everton man’s first day on the training ground was Tuesday, with the new boss commencing preparations for Thursday’s tough test in the Europa League, as the Tricky Trees take on FC Porto at the City Ground.

Speaking after his return, the 54-year-old made it clear that he has a lot of love for his former club, saying: “I’ve often spoken about my affection for the Club, having started my career here under the great Brian Clough. I didn’t quite make it to the first team, but I have such fond memories from around the place — and hearing the boss’ voice in the distance.”

However, it remains to be seen how the ex-Nottingham Forest youth player finds working with Marinakis, given that the owner’s public falling out with Nuno led to the Portuguese manager’s departure earlier this season.

The Forest owner is known for his fiery temper, having been seen arguing with Nuno on the pitch near the end of the 2024-25 campaign, and The Sun report he was part of a bust-up involving Dyche after Burnley’s Europa League match with Olympiacos in 2018.

Heading into half-time at 1-1, Marinakis reportedly confronted the referees in the tunnel. Shortly after the break, Olympiacos restored their lead and Burnley’s Ben Gibson was sent off, leaving Dyche fuming.

The former Burnley manager’s comments from the time are eye opening: “I don’t know how many people ran on the pitch and surrounded the referee and linesman. The feel of the game changed in the second half, you’re left scratching your head.

“At half-time, there were plenty of people waiting for the ref in the tunnel.

“It wasn’t just the bench, it was people from the offices, even the tea lady! That’s a joke, of course, but it felt like everyone was piling on.”

Dyche has big task on his hands at Forest

Marinakis will no doubt be very frustrated Forest have been unable to kick on since sealing a return to Europe last season, especially considering how much he backed Nuno in the summer transfer window, spending around £206m.

However, having failed to win since the opening day of the campaign, the Tricky Trees have to be considered relegation candidates, with home defeats against a struggling West Ham United side and newly-promoted Sunderland particularly concerning.

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Dyche is known for making a statement in his first match in charge of a new club, however, defeating then league leaders Arsenal 1-0 in his opening game as Everton boss, and the new Forest manager will be hoping for a similar start against Porto on Thursday.

Chelsea hasn’t always been viewed as the perfect environment for youngsters to thrive in.

Indeed, both Jamal Musiala and Declan Rice spring to mind as notable examples here, with both world-class players once part of the Blues academy set-up as wide-eyed starlets, before having to make an unbelievable name for themselves away from the stifling nature of Cobham.

Thankfully, this negative image the Premier League giants once had attached to them seems to be changing in real time, with Estevao arguably a Musiala-style talent in the making for Enzo Maresca right now.

Estevao's blistering form since moving to Chelsea

It had been a long time coming for the Brazilian to announce himself in West London.

Indeed, way back in the summer of 2024, Chelsea unveiled that they had forked out an initial £29m to land the hotly-tipped 18-year-old, with suggestions even coming from scout Jacek Kulig – despite Estevao still being just a teenager at Palmeiras – that he was a “world-class” prospect.

Kulig’s comments don’t look so far-fetched now, with Estevao going to become the youngest Brazilian to ever score a winning goal in the Premier League when he was in the right place, at the right time, to break Liverpool hearts, just before the international break.

He hasn’t downed tools over the break, either, with a quickfire brace against South Korea, handing his nation a comprehensive 5-0 win.

Having averaged just 44 minutes of Premier League action this season from four starts, the 18-year-old ace will surely be hunting for more consistent moments in the Blues senior mix moving forward.

He looks every bit a phenomenal player in the making and more top-drawer performances are likely to make him a guaranteed starter for Maresca, even when Cole Palmer returns.

Estevao isn’t the only rising gem Chelsea has smartly acquired, though.

Indeed, Geovany Quenda is set to be the next hyped up youngster to move to Stamford Bridge in the summer of 2026, having amazingly scored in the Champions League this campaign for Sporting at just 18 years of age.

Yet, Quenda and Estevao must watch out. Chelsea’s pool of young attackers extends beyond them.

Chelsea have another "future Ballon d'Or winner"

Quenda will be hopeful that he can instantly make waves in the Chelsea first-team, like his South American counterpart, considering he already has four goals and 12 assists next to his name in the senior mix in Portugal.

But, there is another youngster being spoken about with great regularity and that’s breakout striker Dastan Satpaev.

While Quenda will likely be a name that rings a bell to the average football supporter, the five-time Kazakhstan international’s insane journey with Kairat Almaty might not be so well known.

But, with a ridiculous 45 strikes across all age groups at the Premier Liga side – who are even in the Champions League this season – Chelsea swooped in to capture him in February, with Satpaev set to remain in his native country until he turns 18.

Games played

74

Age

17

Goals scored

45

Assists

18

Champions League appearances

9

Maresca and Co will just be praying that Satpaev can keep up this electric form for the time he remains in Kazakhstan, with Estevao going on to bag a whopping 12 goals for Palmeiras earlier this year, before coming over to England looking calm ahead of the pressures of attempting to cut it in the Premier League.

Much like Estevao, who has been tipped to reach dizzy heights already with his world-class shouts, Satpaev has also been boldly declared as a “future Ballon d’Or winner” by one analyst, off the back of his frightening record for Kairat.

Of course, the Premier League is a different beast altogether from what the teenager is currently used to.

But, his soon-to-be teammate at Chelsea is yet to look fazed by the challenge ahead of him after maturing more at his boyhood club, with Satpaev desperate to follow in his esteemed footsteps when he takes that next scary leap.

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ByDominic Lund Oct 13, 2025

Nottingham Forest are set to embark on a new era under Ange Postecoglou, though their newly-appointed boss has been dealt a serious injury blow at the City Ground.

Ange Postecoglou set to get to work at Nottingham Forest

Tottenham Hotspur and Celtic fans will attest to the notion that Nottingham Forest fans will experience an exciting rollercoaster under Postecoglou’s stewardship. Still, his trophy-winning exploits at both have created an intriguing dynamic on the River Trent.

Speaking after his arrival to replace Nuno Espirito Santo, the Australian has made it clear he feels the Tricky Trees have a squad capable of competing on all fronts while he is in charge.

Intriguingly, Nottingham Forest star Jota Silva is set for Besiktas in a deal that could be worth over £17 million by next summer, offering an early boost to the coffers ahead of 2026.

After a mixed start to the campaign, the Tricky Trees will have designs on creeping up the Premier League table, and there will be plenty of positivity among supporters that they can begin to strike up a run of results.

However, Postecoglou may now have suffered a blow upon entering the dugout as one of his players could be out until the New Year with an injury concern.

Nottingham Forest see Ola Aina sustain serious injury

According to National World, Nottingham Forest star Ola Aina has been ruled out for around three months due to a hamstring injury, signifying that he may not return to the pitch until 2026.

John Percy described it as a “big early setback” for Postecoglou, and addressing his status, Postecoglou stated before his side faced Arsenal:

Ange must now unleash Nottingham Forest star who "spelt the end for Nuno"

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ByJoe Nuttall Sep 12, 2025

The Nigeria international has featured in all of Nottingham Forest’s Premier League fixtures until this point. However, it may now be over to Nicolo Savona to take over the mantle while he works his way up to full fitness.

Postecoglou had to deal with widespread injury concerns at Tottenham last term, so if anything, the Australian boss will hope this is an isolated setback.

This season feels like a do-or-die for Mikel Arteta and Arsenal.

The Spaniard has done a brilliant job of taking the club from mid-table mediocrity to perennial title challengers in five years, but he now needs to get the team over the finishing line.

Fortunately, even with the absurd number of injuries they’re already facing, the Gunners now have a squad full to bursting with brilliant players, like Eberechi Eze, who could help them win the Premier League or Champions League.

Interestingly, though, while Arsenal should be delighted to have the Crystal Palace star on the books, one of their former players is currently performing just like him.

The problems Eze solves for Arsenal

Now, while there are undoubtedly other things he brings to the table, there are two main ways Eze can help Arsenal, and they are somewhat interlinked.

Firstly, the Gunners ended last season with 17 fewer goals scored than champions Liverpool, and therefore needed to go out and sign a serious attacking threat in the summer, like the former Palace star.

For example, in 43 appearances last season, totalling 3,303 minutes, the England international scored 14 goals and provided 11 assists.

Appearances

43

Minutes

3303′

Goals

14

Assists

11

Goal Involvements per Match

0.58

Minutes per Goal Involvement

132.12′

That means he averaged a goal involvement every 1.72 games, or every 132.12 minutes, and the fact that he was able to do so in a mid-table side is even more encouraging.

This links to the other main way in which the Greenwich-born star could help the Gunners: his positional versatility.

On top of being proven in the number ten role, the former QPR gem is more than capable of playing off the left.

Not only will this give Arteta more tactical flexibility in games, but it also means the 27-year-old will be able to provide genuine competition for Gabriel Martinelli and Martin Odegaard, two players who underperformed last year.

In all, Eze looks like an excellent signing for Arsenal, even though a player sold by the club years ago is starting to resemble the £68m man.

The former Arsenal star playing like Eze

It would be fair to say that Arsenal do not have the best track record when it comes to selling, often due to them selling a player for way less than their worth.

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That isn’t actually the case in this instance, as former Hale Ender Alex Iwobi was sold to Everton in 2019 for a hefty fee of around £35m.

The Nigerian wasn’t a bad player for the Gunners, far from it, but he wasn’t ever spectacular, and so when the Toffees made an offer like that for someone who’d amassed a tally of 39 goal involvements in 149 games, it was probably the right decision to let him go.

While he played a big role on Merseyside, the versatile international was eventually sold to Fulham for around £22m in the summer of 2023, and it would be accurate to say he’s been at his best with the Cottagers.

In fact, since moving to Craven Cottage, the former Gunners ace has scored 16 goals and provided ten assists in 83 appearances, totalling 6118 minutes.

Appearances

149

140

83

Goals

15

9

16

Assists

24

16

10

Goal Involvements per Match

0.26

0.17

0.31

Yet, despite putting in consistently good performances for the West Londoners and already racking up three goal involvements in five league games this season, some consider him to be overlooked, with journalist Daniel Storey going as far as calling him “one of the most underrated midfielders in the country.”

With that said, what makes him like Eze?

Well, the first similarity the Nigerian shares with the Gunners ace is his positional versatility, as he’s just as comfortable playing on the wing as he is in midfield.

Second, he is also becoming a greater goal threat for his side, racking up 15 goal involvements in the league last season and just seven the year before.

Finally, like the North Londoners’ new star, he is also capable of making things happen, both through his brilliant close control and ability to deliver a pinpoint-accurate cross into the penalty area.

Ultimately, Arsenal did the right thing in selling Iwobi when they did, but it’s also true that the Fulham star is playing incredibly well at the moment, and looking a bit like Eze in the process.

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ByJack Salveson Holmes Sep 25, 2025

Manchester City enter the 2025/26 season in transition.

After a challenging 2024/25 campaign that saw Pep Guardiola’s side finish third – 13 points behind champions Liverpool – the Etihad dressing room has experienced significant change.

Key figures including Ederson, Kevin De Bruyne, Kyle Walker and İlkay Gündoğan departed, leaving gaps both on and off the pitch.

To counter this, City acted quickly and decisively in the transfer market.

James Trafford and Gianluigi Donnarumma arrived in goal, while reinforcements Tijjani Reijnders, Rayan Ait-Nouri and Rayan Cherki all added depth outfield.

However, much of this summer’s wider transfer news has undoubtedly revolved around Alexander Isak’s move to Liverpool.

Now, all eyes will be on Erling Haaland to see if he can match his Scandinavian counterpart.

After the international break, City prepare to host Manchester United before a trip to Arsenal. Two matches that will test Guardiola’s revamped squad.

Comparing Isak & Haaland

Isak, now at Liverpool following his British-record £125m transfer, leaves behind a remarkable – yet somewhat controversial – Newcastle legacy.

In 86 Premier League appearances, the 25-year-old scored 54 goals and registered ten assists.

Standing 1.92m, Isak is a modern striker who blends physical presence with pace, skill, and composure.

He scores with both feet, links up effectively with teammates, and moves intelligently in the attacking third to create space for others.

His versatility allows him to operate as a lone striker, part of a two-man setup, or even on the wing, while his work rate and defensive awareness make him a complete attacking contributor.

Haaland, Manchester City’s record-breaking forward since his 2022 arrival from Dortmund, shares some of these traits.

At 25 and 1.95m, the Norwegian has scored 88 Premier League goals with 17 assists in 100 appearances.

His record includes the most goals in a Premier League season (36 in 2022/23) and 42 goals in 43 games for Norway.

Haaland is a complete centre forward, using his strength, pace, and clever movement to score with either foot or his head. While he is effective at holding up the ball, concerns remain about his technical ability to link play.

Nonetheless, both strikers deliver elite statistical output.

Premier League – 2024/25

Isak

Haaland

Matches Played

34

31

Goals

23

22

Assists

6

3

Shots

95

104

Shots on Target

41

55

Source: FBref

In 2024/25, Isak recorded 29 goal involvements, 17.2 non-penalty expected goals, 19 non-penalty goals, 2.71 progressive carries per 90, and 2.88 progressive passes per 90.

Haaland produced 25 goal involvements, 18.8 non-penalty expected goals, 19 non-penalty goals, 0.79 progressive carries per 90, and 0.66 progressive passes per 90.

Their differences reflect style: Isak’s mobility and link-up play contrasts with Haaland’s dominant presence and finishing efficiency.

Both have been pivotal in modern Premier League systems, but the question remains whether other forwards elsewhere can offer more versatility than the pair, particularly in linking play and contributing across the front line.

How Julian Alvarez compares to Isak & Haaland

One forward who has demonstrated that versatility is just as important as raw scoring is Julian Alvarez.

The Argentine left Manchester City in search of regular first-team football, joining Atlético Madrid, and has thrived since.

Last season, he scored 29 goals and registered seven assists in all competitions, drawing praise from Argentine journalist Roy Nemer, who called him “the best forward in the world.”

Alvarez, 25, combines pace, strength, and composure, like Isak and Haaland, but offers additional dimensions. He can drop deep to link play, manoeuvre in tight spaces, and use his vision to create opportunities for teammates.

His dribbling and one-touch passing make him effective across the front line, while his tenacity off the ball enhances pressing and counter-pressing phases.

Statistically, Alvarez compares impressively with Isak and Haaland, as per FBref. Last season, he recorded 21 goal involvements, 13 non-penalty goals, 2.83 progressive carries per 90, and 3.30 progressive passes per 90.

His shot-creating actions per 90 (3.87) exceeded both Isak (3.01) and Haaland (2.34), while his progressive passing distance (95.1) highlighted his ability to link midfield and attack.

He also completed 25.7 passes per 90 at 74.2% accuracy, combining creative contribution with finishing. Unlike Isak and Haaland, Alvarez thrives in multiple attacking roles.

He can operate in a two-striker system, drop into the midfield to orchestrate play, or act as a wide forward capable of cutting inside.

This adaptability has helped him shine at Atlético Madrid and with Argentina, where he has scored 13 goals in 47 appearances.

In many ways, Alvarez illustrates the evolving profile of elite forwards: one who is not only a finisher but also a team player, capable of creating, linking, and defending.

While Isak’s and Haaland’s output in the Premier League has been exceptional, Alvarez offers a reminder that versatility and movement can sometimes be as valuable as raw goalscoring.

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The Premier League is finally back, but things are not looking so great for West Ham United.

Graham Potter’s side were tasked with a visit to the newly promoted Sunderland yesterday afternoon but, instead of picking up some early points, were comfortably beaten 3-0.

The result is a real wake-up call that unless the club do something dramatic in the closing weeks of the transfer window, they’ll be in real danger of going down come the end of the campaign.

Fortunately, it looks like West Ham are keen on bringing in an incredibly exciting talent, someone who could be their new Declan Rice.

West Ham target their new Rice

It would be fair to say that, so far this summer, West Ham’s dealings in the transfer market have been nothing more than fine.

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While the additions of Kyle Walker-Peters, Mads Hermansen and El Hadji Malick Diouf improve the squad, they aren’t really enough for a side that ended last season five points off the drop zone.

Luckily, it looks like the club are keen to make at least one more significant addition to the team as they circle someone who could be their new Rice.

At least that is according to a recent report from Eduardo Burgos, who has claimed that West Ham are interested in Andrey Santos.

In fact, the Spanish journalist has revealed that the Hammers sent Chelsea a €53m offer, which is about £42m, but it was rejected.

As things stand, it appears that the Blues do not want to sell the Brazilian, but if the last few windows have shown us anything, it’s that they will move on most players if the fee is right.

So, while it would be a costly and complicated transfer to get over the line, West Ham should be doing all they can to sign Santos, especially as he could be their new Rice.

How Santos compares to Rice

It should probably go without saying that we are not suggesting Santos is quite on the same level as Rice at the moment, but it might be closer than you’d think, and there are some undeniable similarities between the pair.

The first is, unsurprisingly, where they play on the pitch, as, like the Arsenal star, the Brazilian is someone who thrives as either a central or defensive midfielder and is a monster when it comes to breaking up play and helping out his defence.

For example, while respected analyst Ben Mattinson described him as a “duel monster” who is “brilliant at screening the backline,” talent scout Jacek Kulig arguably went even further and called him a “one-man war machine in midfield.”

However, just like the former Irons captain, the Blues gem is able to match up his tireless running and defensive attributes with an eye for goal and an ability to make things happen at the sharp end of the pitch.

In 34 appearances for Strasbourg last season, the 21-year-old phenom scored 11 goals and provided five assists and was praised by Mattinson for the way he “crashes the box” and his seriously impressive ability to “progress the ball.”

Finally, on top of being so similar to such an incredible international, the Rio de Janeiro-born ace has some sensational underlying numbers to his name.

According to FBref, he ranked in the top 3% of midfielders in Ligue 1 for tackles won, the top 5% for non-penalty goals and goals per shot, and the top 8% for dribblers tackled, among other metrics, all per 90.

Santos’ FBref scout report
Statistics	Per 90	Percentile
Tackles Won	2.33	Top 3%
Non-Penalty Goals	0.32	Top 5%
Goals/Shot	0.22	Top 5%
Tackles	3.47	Top 6%
Touches (Def 3rd)	19.99	Top 6%
Goals	0.32	Top 7%
Dribblers Tackled	1.61	Top 8%
Pass Completion % (Long)	80.2%	Top 9%
SCA (Defensive Action)	0.16	Top 9%
GCA (Defensive Action)	0.03	Top 10%
Tackles (Def 3rd)	1.48	Top 11%
Tackles (Mid 3rd)	1.61	Top 12%
Tkl+Int	4.48	Top 12%
Touches (Def Pen)	3.40	Top 12%
% of Aerials Won	60.7%	Top 12%
Penalty Kicks Won	0.03	Top 14%
Clearances	2.11	Top 15%
Aerials Won	1.17	Top 15%
All Stats via FBref for Ligue 1

These numbers help to justify the image of the Brazilian star as someone who can help snuff out opposition attacks in his half before kick-starting a counter and bringing the ball all the way up the other end.

Ultimately, West Ham need to add some real quality to the side this summer, and while it will be difficult, they should be doing all they can to get Santos, especially as he could be their new Rice.

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